Projection device

Abstract

To provide a projection device in which a pattern (image) hardly deteriorates even when light is radiated thereto, which avoids such a situation that a foreign matter is mixed in a manufacturing process, can project a pattern (image) with high definition and can prevent and suppress occurrence of a failure.SOLUTION: A projection device X that can project an image 33 of a design sheet 3 onto a projection surface 63 comprises: a substrate 2 which is mounted with a plurality of light sources 1; a design sheet 3 in which an image 33 is drawn at a position corresponding to the light source 1; a condenser lens part 4 which is arranged between the substrate 2 and the design sheet 3; a light shielding member 7 which is arranged between the substrate 2 and the condenser lens part 4 and restricts a passage route of emission light from each light source 1 to a corresponding opening 71; and an imaging lens part 5 which is arranged at a position closer to the projection surface 63 with respect to the design sheet 3. As the design sheet 3, a photo mask film in which the image 33 is drawn with laser light in an image drawing area 32 at the position corresponding to the light source 1 is applied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a projection device for changing an image projected onto a transmission screen with a simple configuration, for example as an effect device for a gaming machine, a device has been known in which a projection LED board, a film sheet with a pattern, and a diffusion lens plate are arranged in this order, and the pattern on the film sheet is projected onto the projection surface of a transmission screen member (see Patent Document 1 below). Despite its simple configuration, this projection device can project a pattern (image) onto the projection surface of the transmission screen, and if a film sheet is configured to form a plurality of different patterns and a plurality of light-emitting elements are provided corresponding to each of a plurality of identification information, it is possible to selectively emit light from the patterns by selecting the light-emitting element to emit light, and a variety of patterns can be displayed on the screen member, and the projected pattern can be easily changed.

[0003] The patent document discloses that a reversal film (also called a color reversal film) is used as a film sheet on which a plurality of (for example, nine) designs are provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-209369 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when reversal film is used, there is a problem that the images printed on the reversal film fade when exposed to light for a long time, and the clarity of the images projected onto a projection surface such as a screen is easily reduced due to the low light resistance of the reversal film. When the clarity of the images decreases, it reduces the interest of the player and directly leads to a decrease in the functionality of the presentation device. Furthermore, replacing deteriorated reversal film or the entire projection device increases the effort and cost.

[0006] Another method is to use silk screen printing instead of reversal film. Silk screen printing has the advantage of being more resistant to light than reversal film, making it less susceptible to deterioration when exposed to light and lasting longer.

[0007] However, when constructing a projection device with silk-screened parts, it is generally difficult to achieve uniform quality because silk-screen printing is done manually, and the quality depends on the fineness of the mesh used for printing, which lacks fineness.In addition, foreign matter can sometimes be mixed in during the silk-screen printing process, causing problems such as the foreign matter itself being reflected on the projection surface, and it is also difficult to remove the foreign matter.

[0008] Such a problem is not limited to projection devices applied to performance devices for gaming machines, but is also a common problem for projection devices used for other purposes.

[0009] The present invention has been made with attention to these points in mind, and its main object is to provide a projection device that is resistant to deterioration of patterns (images) even when exposed to light, that avoids the introduction of foreign matter during the manufacturing process, that can project high-definition patterns (images), and that can prevent and suppress the occurrence of defects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] That is, the present invention is a projection device capable of projecting an image drawn on a design sheet onto a projection surface, comprising a substrate on which a plurality of LED light sources are mounted, and LEDA design sheet on which an image is drawn at a position corresponding to the light source, and a LED a condenser lens unit having a plurality of condenser lenses provided corresponding to the light source and each image; and a lens element disposed between the substrate and the condenser lens unit. LED A light source and a plurality of openings are provided corresponding to each image, and each LED a light-blocking member that limits the passage of light emitted from the light source to the corresponding opening; and a light-blocking member that is disposed at a position closer to the projection surface than the design sheet and that limits the passage of light emitted from the light source to the corresponding opening. LED an imaging lens unit having a light source and a plurality of imaging lenses provided corresponding to each of the images, and a design sheet LED Each image is displayed in a plurality of image drawing areas, which correspond to the light source. formation Here, the "projection surface" in the present invention may be a projection surface configured with dedicated parts such as a screen, or may be a non-dedicated wall surface or board surface (such as a whiteboard). LED Supplying electricity to the light source and turning it on LED The on / off, selective switching, and changing of the switching speed of the light source can be controlled by providing a power supply and a controller within the projection device of the present invention, or by the power supply and controller of the gaming machine in which the projection device is installed.

[0011] The inventors have focused on the unique advantages of photomask films that can realize precise drawing using laser light, and based on the previously unconceived technical idea of ​​applying photomask films, which are generally used for screen printing (for exposure), patterns on substrates, etc. (for etching photoresist exposure), solder resists on substrates (for photoresist exposure), various electrodes, etc. (for photoresist exposure), to the design sheet of a projection device, have realized a projection device that exhibits various effects that could not be achieved with conventional reversal films or silk printing. In other words, the projection device of the present invention uses photomask films, which are more light-resistant than reversal films, as the design sheet, so that deterioration of the pattern can be effectively prevented or suppressed even when exposed to light, and further, photomask films have fewer defects than silk printing, so that the problem of foreign matter being mixed in during the printing process, which occurs when silk printing is used, can be avoided. LED When the light source is turned on, LED The light emitted from the light source is focused by a focusing lens and directed towards the photomask film, which is a design sheet, and the light passes through the photomask film and is projected onto the projection surface by an imaging lens to form an image. This allows a high-definition image drawn on the photomask film to be clearly projected, realizing a display device with clear and high visibility. Images that can be drawn on the photomask film are limited to monochrome, but LED By changing the color of the light source, it is possible to project a single image with different atmospheres.

[0012] Furthermore, in the projection device of the present invention, a design sheet can be used to display images in a plurality of image drawing areas. formation Since the same material is applied, each LED By setting the light source mounting position to multiple positions according to the image drawing area, the image projected on the projection surface can be easily switched by appropriately selecting the on / off of the LED light source. For example, two images can be projected simultaneously. LEDBy turning on the light source, it becomes possible to project multiple images onto the projection surface in superimposed fashion, and by appropriately selecting the image to be projected, it is possible to increase the variety of images displayed.

[0013] Furthermore, a light-shielding member is disposed between the substrate and the condenser lens, and this light-shielding member has openings at positions corresponding to each light source and each image. LED The passage of light emitted from the light source can be limited to the opening, LED The light emitted from the light source is irradiated only on the corresponding image, and can be efficiently collected by the condenser lens. LED This makes it possible to avoid the problem of the light emitted from the light source irradiating images other than the corresponding image (for example, an adjacent image), resulting in unintentional overlapping of projected images.

[0014] The light source in the present invention may be a light emitting diode (LED), particularly a chip-type LED.

[0015] If the projection device of the present invention is equipped with a case having a light-blocking cylindrical case body capable of accommodating an optical system unit having at least a substrate, a light-blocking member, a focusing lens section, a design sheet, and an imaging lens section arranged in this order within its internal space, it is possible to efficiently prevent external light and dust from entering the inside of the projection device (inside the case body), and it is also possible to mass-produce projection devices with each part fixed to the case body in advance, and prepare them for installation in gaming machines, etc. to which they are applied.

[0016] Furthermore, if the case has a rear cover attached to the side of the case body opposite the light source of the board, the effect of preventing disturbance light and dust from entering the inside of the projection device (inside the case body) can be further improved.

[0017] Furthermore, if the case is equipped with a projection screen that focuses an image further away from the imaging lens section when viewed from the substrate of the case body, the projection device of the present invention alone can complete the image projection without the need for a separate screen to project onto, thereby increasing the flexibility of installation in machines such as gaming machines to which the projection device is applied.

[0018] When a white LED is used as the light source, the projected image is limited to black and white (monochrome), but when a full-color LED is used, a variety of full-color projection expressions can be realized. Whether the image is monochrome or full-color, the present invention, which applies a photomask film to the design sheet, can continue to project a clear image with higher durability than projection devices that use conventional reversal film or screen-printed design sheets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, based on the novel and useful technical idea of ​​using a photomask film as a design sheet, it is possible to realize a projection device that is clearer and more light-resistant than previous projection devices, and to provide a projection device that prevents unintended overlapping of projected images and allows for high-definition projection display. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a projection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical system unit in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical system unit in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of line a-a in Figure 4. [Figure 6] An example of a design sheet and an example of a pattern on a projection surface in the same embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the projection device X of this embodiment is a device that can project an image 33 drawn on a design sheet 3 onto a projection surface (projection screen 63), and is equipped with a substrate 2 on which a light source 1 is mounted, a design sheet 3 on which an image 33 is drawn at a position corresponding to the light source 1, a focusing lens unit 4 arranged between the substrate 2 and the design sheet 3, and an imaging lens unit 5 arranged at a position closer to the projection surface than the design sheet 3.

[0023] The substrate 2 is, for example, disk-shaped, with the light source 1 mounted in the center, and multiple light sources 1 (a total of eight light sources 1 in the illustrated example) mounted at a predetermined pitch on an imaginary circle centered around the light source 1, for a total of nine light sources 1. White or full-color light sources 1 (chip-type LEDs) are appropriately selected and mounted on the substrate 2. The light emission color can be appropriately selected depending on the mounting location of the light source 1 and the content of the image 33 illuminated by the light source 1. The power supply and controller connected to the substrate 2 may be dedicated to the projection device X, or may be shared with other equipment in which the projection device X is incorporated.

[0024] The design sheet 3 is a sheet body 31 having a shape corresponding to the substrate 2, on which a plurality of image drawing areas 32 are set, and an image 33 is drawn in each image drawing area 32. A different image 33 is drawn in each image drawing area 32 set in correspondence with the mounting position of the light source 1. In this embodiment, a photomask film is used as the design sheet 3, and the image 33 is drawn by laser light. Formed byPhotomask film is an optical mask used when exposing photoresist, and is a black-and-white silver halide film made of a PET base. Photomask film can be used to draw images 33 using laser light in an environment maintained at a constant temperature and humidity, and can achieve extremely high-definition specifications with a maximum resolution of 254,000 to 240,000 dpi (laser spot diameter approximately 0.004 mm), allowing images 33 to be expressed with approximately 20 times more detail (density) than the standard resolution of general monochrome printing (approximately 1,200 dpi). In this way, graphics drawn on photomask film can be expressed beautifully and with high precision.

[0025] The condenser lens unit 4 has small lenses 41 (used as condenser lenses 41) provided on a common plate body 42 at positions corresponding to the light sources 1. The condenser lens unit 4 of this embodiment has nine condenser lenses 41 and is entirely transparent.

[0026] The imaging lens unit 5 has a plurality of imaging lenses 52 (used as imaging lenses 52) provided on a common plate body 51. Specifically, the imaging lenses 52 are provided at positions on the plate body 51 that correspond to the image drawing area 32. The imaging lens unit 5 of this embodiment has nine imaging lenses 52 and is entirely transparent.

[0027] In the projection device X of this embodiment, a substrate 2, a design sheet 3, a condenser lens unit 4, and an imaging lens unit 5 are fixed in a shared case 6.

[0028] The case 6 includes a cylindrical (cylindrical in this embodiment) case body 61 and a rear cover 62 attached to the bottom of the case body 61 with fasteners such as screws, and a projection screen 63 is provided at the lid of the case body 61. Both the case body 61 and the rear cover 62 are painted black after molding to provide a light-blocking function and prevent dust from entering the case 6 from the outside and ambient light from entering the case 6. In the following description, the direction toward the rear cover 62 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction A) of the case 6 is defined as the downward direction, and the direction toward the projection screen 63 is defined as the upward direction. As will be described later, the projection device X according to this embodiment is configured so that an optical system unit U (an optical system unit based on the rear cover 62) shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be attached to the case body 61.

[0029] In the projection device X of this embodiment, a recess 621 capable of accommodating a substrate 2 is provided in the rear cover 62 in the internal space of the case body 61, and the substrate 2 is placed in this recess 621 with the irradiation direction L of the light source 1 facing the projection screen 63, and a light-shielding cover 7 is placed in a position that covers the substrate 2 from above.

[0030] The light-shielding cover 7 is a light-shielding member that is painted black after molding and has openings (incident holes 71) at positions corresponding to the light sources 1. The incident holes 71 are holes of a predetermined size that face each LED light source 1, and light emitted from each LED light source 1 passes through the corresponding incident hole 71. The portions of the light-shielding cover 7 excluding the incident holes 71 block the light incident from the LED light sources 1. The light-shielding cover 7 integrally comprises a disk-shaped light-shielding cover main body 72 having multiple incident holes 71 and a cylindrical light-shielding cover side wall 73 that hangs down from the outer edge of the light-shielding cover main body 72. When the light-shielding cover 7 is positioned with the lower end of the light-shielding cover side wall 73 in contact with the rear cover 62, the light-shielding cover main body 72 and the substrate 2 face each other at a predetermined distance, and the incident hole 71 is positioned directly above the light source 1 (see FIG. 5 ). When the condenser lens unit 4 is placed in a position that covers the light-shielding cover 7 from above, the condenser lenses 41 of the condenser lens unit 4 are fitted into the entrance holes 71 of the light-shielding cover 7, respectively.

[0031] The condenser lens unit 4 of this embodiment integrally comprises a disk-shaped plate body 42 having a condenser lens 41 and a cylindrical condenser lens side wall 43 that hangs down from the outer edge of the plate body 42. The inner diameter of the condenser lens side wall 43 is set to a value slightly larger than the outer diameter of the light-shielding cover side wall 73, and when the condenser lens unit 4 is positioned with the lower end of the condenser lens side wall 43 in contact with the rear cover 62, the condenser lenses 41 of the condenser lens unit 4 are fitted into the entrance holes 71 of the light-shielding cover 7 as described above, and the light-shielding cover side wall 73 is positioned on the inner circumferential side of the condenser lens side wall 43 (see FIG. 5 ).

[0032] In the projection device X of this embodiment, a light-blocking case 8 is disposed in a position that covers the design sheet 3 from above. The light-blocking case 8 is a light-blocking member that is painted black after molding and has openings (incident holes 81) at positions corresponding to the light sources 1. The incident holes 81 are the same size as the incident holes 71 in the light-blocking cover 7, and light that has passed through the image drawing area 32 of the design sheet 3 passes through the corresponding incident holes 81. In this embodiment, the incident holes 81 are recessed holes whose opening diameter gradually increases upward. The portions of the light-blocking case 8 excluding the incident holes 81 block light that has passed through the image drawing area 32 of the design sheet 3. The light-blocking case 8 is integrally composed of a disk-shaped light-blocking case main body 82 having the incident holes 81 and cylindrical light-blocking case side walls 83 that extend downward and upward from the outer edge of the light-blocking case main body 82. The light-shielding case side wall 83 has a large-diameter portion 831 whose inner diameter is set to a value slightly larger than the outer diameter of the condenser lens side wall 43, and a small-diameter portion 832 whose inner diameter is set to a value approximately equal to the outer diameter of the light-shielding cover side wall 73, and a step portion 833 is formed at the boundary between the large-diameter portion 831 and the small-diameter portion 832. When the light-shielding cover 7 is placed with the lower end of the light-shielding case side wall 83 (the lower end of the large-diameter portion 831) in contact with the back cover 62, the condenser lens 41 of the condenser lens unit 4 and the image drawing area 32 of the design sheet 3 face from below into the entrance hole 81 of the light-shielding case 8, and the condenser lens side wall 43 is positioned on the inner periphery of the large-diameter portion 831 (see FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, the design sheet 3 is sandwiched between the step portion 833 of the light-shielding case side wall 83 and the outer edge of the upward-facing surface of the condenser lens main body 42, allowing the design sheet 3 to be held in a stable state. The design sheet 3 is positioned facing the light-shielding case main body 82 at a predetermined distance. The rear cover 62 is provided with a ring-shaped protrusion 623 that covers the lower end of the light-shielding case side wall 83 (the lower end of the large diameter portion 831) from the outer periphery, and by positioning the lower end of the light-shielding case side wall 83 (the lower end of the large diameter portion 831) on the inner periphery of this protrusion 623, it is possible to ensure an appropriate setting position of the light-shielding case 8 relative to the rear cover 62 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0033] In the projection device X of this embodiment, the imaging lens unit 5 is placed in the light-shielding case 8 in a position where the outer edge of the imaging lens unit 5 is supported on the upper end of the light-shielding case side wall 83, and the lens cover 9 is disposed in a position where it covers the imaging lens unit 5 from above. The imaging lens unit 5 faces the light-shielding case main body 82 at a predetermined distance, and is disposed in a position where the imaging lens 52 faces the entrance hole 81 of the light-shielding case 8 (see FIG. 5).

[0034] The lens cover 9 is painted black after molding or the like, and has an entrance hole 91 through which irradiated light passes according to the position of the light source 1. In this embodiment, the entrance hole 91 is a countersunk hole whose opening diameter gradually increases toward the top. The lens cover 9 is integrally provided with a disk-shaped lens cover main body 92 having the entrance hole 91 and a cylindrical lens cover side wall 93 that hangs down from the outer edge of the lens cover main body 92. When the lens cover 9 is positioned so that the lower end of the lens cover side wall 93 is in contact with the step 833 of the light-shielding case 8, the lens cover main body 92 and the imaging lens unit 5 come into contact with or are close to each other, and the entrance hole 91 is positioned directly above the imaging lens 52 of the imaging lens unit 5 (see FIG. 5 ). In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the lens cover 9 is provided with a protrusion 94 that protrudes laterally from a predetermined position on the lens cover side wall 93 and has a screw hole 95, and the back cover 62 is provided with a columnar screw receiving portion 622 at a position corresponding to the protrusion 94.With the protrusion 94 in contact with the upper end of the screw receiving portion 622, a tapping screw N1 inserted from above into the screw hole 95 of the protrusion 94 is screwed into the screw receiving portion 622, so that the substrate 2, light-shielding cover 7, condensing lens portion 4, design sheet 3, light-shielding case 8, and imaging lens portion 5 are arranged in this order between the back cover 62 and the lens cover 9, and the optical system unit U can be treated as being fixed in an arrangement state that maintains their normal positions (positions in which the light source 1, incident hole 71, condensing lens 41, image drawing area 32, incident hole 81, imaging lens 52, and incident hole 91 are aligned).

[0035] In the projection device X according to this embodiment, the optical system unit U is fixed to the case body 61 with fasteners such as tapping screws N2. This allows the projection device X to be treated as a projection unit that houses the substrate 2, the light-shielding cover 7, the condenser lens unit 4, the design sheet 3, the light-shielding case 8, the imaging lens unit 5, and the lens cover 9 in the internal space of the case 6. In this embodiment, the internal space of the case body 61 has a lower end region that houses the optical system unit U and has a rectangular cross section, and the region above the lower end region has a funnel-shaped opening whose cross-sectional area gradually increases upward. Therefore, the thickness of the lower end of the case body 61 is thicker than the upper end. In this embodiment, the lower end of the case body 61 is provided with a screw receiving portion (not shown). By threading a tapping screw N2 inserted into a screw insertion hole 626 formed in a tongue piece 625 of the rear cover 62 into the screw receiving portion, the rear cover 62 and, ultimately, the optical system unit U can be integrally assembled to the case body 61.

[0036] The projection device X of this embodiment, which has the above-mentioned configuration, is a device that has an optical system unit U built into the inside of the case 6, and each image 33 drawn in each image drawing area 32 of the design sheet 3 and each LED light source 1 are arranged opposite each other in a one-to-one relationship, so that by illuminating the LED light source 1 of the image 33 that you want to project, you can project and display that image 33 on the projection screen 63.

[0037] That is, the light emitted from the LED light source 1 is efficiently collected by one of the small lenses 41 in the condenser lens unit 4, passes through the corresponding image drawing area 32 on the design sheet 3, and is then focused onto the projection screen 63 by the imaging lens unit 5, displaying a projected image of the image 33 drawn in the image drawing area 32. The optical design is such that the projected image of each image 33 is projected onto the center of the projection screen 63.

[0038] Therefore, in the projection device X (projection unit) according to this embodiment, when the LED light source 1 is turned on by supplying power to the terminals (not shown) of the substrate 2, the light emitted from this LED light source 1 is made incident on the condenser lens section 4 (condenser lens 41), which then condenses the light from the LED light source 1. The condensed light enters the image drawing area 32 of the photomask film that is the design sheet 3, passes through the image drawing area 32, and reaches the imaging lens 52, which then transmits the light from the photomask film, allowing the image 33, such as a picture, figure, or character drawn in the image drawing area 32, to be formed on the projection screen 63. As a result, the image 33 drawn on the photomask film with laser light is displayed on the projection screen 63 as a greatly enlarged projected image. 6(a) is drawn on nine image drawing areas 32 of the photomask film, and to project and display the characters "ASIC" which is one selected image 33, the LED light source 1 corresponding to the image drawing area 32 where the characters "ASIC" are drawn is turned on. The light from the LED light source 1 is then incident on the condenser lens unit 4 and condensed, and the bundled light exits one condenser lens 41 and enters the image drawing area 32 where the characters "ASIC" are drawn. The light passes through the image drawing area 32 and enters the imaging lens unit 5, and one imaging lens 52 transmits the light from the image drawing area 32, and the black characters "ASIC" are enlarged and displayed as a projected image on the projection screen 63.

[0039] The projection device X (projection unit) according to this embodiment is capable of performing fine drawing using laser light. Image formation byFocusing on the unique merits of photomask film, which can realize the above, photomask film used for screen printing (for exposure), patterns on boards etc. (for etching photoresist exposure), solder resist on boards (for photoresist exposure), various electrodes etc. (for photoresist exposure) is used as design sheet 3, so it has higher light resistance than reversal film and can prevent and suppress deterioration of the pattern over a long period of time even when exposed to light. Furthermore, photomask film has fewer defects compared to silk printing, so it can avoid the problem of foreign matter getting mixed in during the printing process that occurs when using the silk printing method, and photomask film formation It can project high-definition images clearly and functions as a display device with high clarity and visibility.

[0040] In this way, the projection device X according to this embodiment can project a laser beam. By drawing Image 33 formation Based on the hitherto unconceived technical idea of ​​using a photomask film as the design sheet 3, it exhibits the above-mentioned effects that could not be achieved with conventional reversal films or silk printing, and furthermore, since photomask films are used in the semiconductor industry, it has the advantage of being easily available, and can be used as a projection device that is highly productive, practical, and versatile.

[0041] In particular, according to the projection device X of this embodiment, a plurality of image drawing areas 32 are set on the photomask film, which is the design sheet 3, and an image 33 is drawn in each image drawing area 32 with laser light. Furthermore, since the mounting positions of the LED light sources 1 on the substrate 2 are set to a plurality of positions corresponding to the image drawing areas 32, it is possible to easily switch between images 33 to be projected and displayed on the projection surface (projection screen 63) by appropriately selecting whether to turn on or off the LED light sources 1. Furthermore, according to the projection device X of this embodiment, it is also possible to simultaneously project a plurality of images 33 (two images 33 in the illustrated example) superimposed on the projection surface (projection screen 63), as shown in FIG. 6(b), for example. By appropriately selecting the image 33 to be irradiated by the LED light source 1, it is possible to increase the display variation, and it is possible to switch between and display at least one image 33 without using a large-scale device such as a liquid crystal display device or a projector.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the projection device X of this embodiment, a light-shielding cover 7, which is a light-shielding member, is disposed between the substrate 2 and the condenser lens unit 4, and the light-shielding cover 7 has an opening (incident hole 71) at a position corresponding to the light source 1, and restricts the passage path of the light emitted from the light source 1 to the opening (incident hole 71). Therefore, the light irradiated from the light source 1 mounted on the substrate 2 can be efficiently condensed by the small lenses 41 of the condenser lens unit 4.

[0043] In addition, the projection device X of this embodiment is provided with a case 6 capable of accommodating in its internal space an optical system unit U having at least a substrate 2, a light-shielding cover 7, a condenser lens section 4, a design sheet 3, and an imaging lens section 5 arranged in this order, and the case 6 is provided with a cylindrical, light-shielding case body 61 and a projection screen 63 provided at a predetermined location of the case body 61 (a location that seals the opening of the case body 61). Therefore, by accommodating the optical system unit U in the case body 61, adverse effects on the optical system unit U caused by external light entering the inside of the case 6 can be avoided, and the case can be treated as a projection unit that can project and display an image 33 on the projection screen 63.

[0044] In this way, the projection device X of this embodiment is equipped with a chip-type LED light source 1 that emits a large amount of light, yet it is possible to reduce the unit size and increase the resolution of the projected image. Even when it is placed in a narrow space within a gaming machine as a performance device for the gaming machine, it is possible to project and form a high-resolution, clear image 33 onto the projection screen 63, which is the projection surface, thereby enabling a variety of light-emitting display forms that are rich in gameplay.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the number and positions of images drawn on the photomask film used as a design sheet (number of image drawing areas) can be changed as needed, as long as at least two images are drawn. Depending on the number of images drawn on the photomask film (number of image drawing areas), the number and positions of the light sources mounted on the substrate, and the shapes of the condenser lens and imaging lens (number and positions of small lenses) can also be set and changed as needed.

[0046] The image drawing area can be set to any suitable shape other than a circle (such as a rectangle), and similarly, the overall shape of the design sheet or board can be set to any suitable shape other than a circle (such as a rectangle).

[0047] The present invention also includes projection devices that do not have a light-shielding member (light-shielding cover, light-shielding case), projection devices that do not have an optical system unit built into the case, and projection devices that do not have a case.

[0048] Alternatively, the projection device may have a built-in controller. In this case, a button cell or a small battery can be used as the power source, making it possible to make the projection device have a built-in power source. The present invention also includes projection devices that cannot be handled as a unit, and projection devices that do not have a dedicated projection screen but instead use an existing wall or board surface as a projection surface and project an image onto that projection surface.

[0049] The projection device based on the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to a projection device applied to an effect device for a game machine, but can also be used for other purposes.

[0050] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...Light source 2...Substrate 3...Design sheet 32...Image drawing area 4...Condenser lens section 41...Condenser lens (small lens) 5...Imaging lens section 52...Imaging lens (small lens) 6. Case 61...Case body 62...Back cover 63...Projection surface (projection screen) 7...Light-shielding member (light-shielding cover) 71...Opening (irradiation hole) U...Optical unit X…Projection device

Claims

1. A projection device capable of projecting an image drawn on a design sheet onto a projection surface, a substrate on which a plurality of LED light sources are mounted; a design sheet on which an image is drawn at a position corresponding to each of the LED light sources; a condenser lens unit disposed between the substrate and the design sheet and having a plurality of condenser lenses provided corresponding to each of the LED light sources and each of the images; a light-blocking member disposed between the substrate and the condenser lens unit, the light-blocking member having a plurality of openings corresponding to the LED light sources and the images, the light-blocking member limiting the passage of light emitted from the LED light sources to the corresponding openings; an imaging lens unit that is disposed at a position closer to the projection surface than the design sheet and has a plurality of imaging lenses that are provided corresponding to each of the LED light sources and each of the images; A projection device characterized in that the design sheet is a photomask film on which the images are formed in a plurality of image drawing areas that are positions corresponding to the LED light sources.

2. The projection device according to claim 1, further comprising a case having a light-shielding cylindrical case body capable of accommodating an optical system unit having at least the substrate, the light-shielding member, the focusing lens section, the design sheet, and the imaging lens section arranged in this order within its internal space.

3. 3. The projection device according to claim 2, wherein the case has a rear cover attached to the case body on the side of the board opposite to the LED light source.

4. 4. The projection device according to claim 2, wherein the case is fitted with a projection screen for forming the image on a side of the case body farther from the imaging lens unit as viewed from the substrate.

5. 5. The projection device according to claim 1, wherein the LED light source is a white LED or a full-color LED.

Images