JP2004226700A

JP2004226700A - Optical modulator unit, projection type display device, and assembling method of optical modulator unit

Info

Publication number: JP2004226700A
Application number: JP2003014530A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Sadahisa Aiko; 禎久愛甲
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 2003-01-23
Filing date: 2003-01-23
Publication date: 2004-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-23
Also published as: JP4487483B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical modulator unit wherein deformation of a transmission type optical modulator by receiving stress due to the difference between thermal expansion of the transmission type optical modulator and a frame is prevented and which has the advantage of securing quality of video displayed on the transmission type optical modulator without causing contrast unevenness and to provide a projection type display device and an assembling method of the optical modulator unit. <P>SOLUTION: The optical modulator unit 10 is provided with the transmission type optical modulator 16 and the frame 30. The frame 30 has a bottom wall 32, a window 36, a plurality of protrusions 34, and a rising wall 38. The optical modulator unit 10 is so assembled that the peripheral part of a light emitting surface 1604 of the transmission type optical modulator 16 is placed on the respective protrusions 34, an annular space is secured between the entire region of the periphery of the transmission type optical modulator 16 and the rising wall 38, an adhesive 42 for temporary fixation is applied over the periphery of the transmission type optical modulator 16 and the bottom wall 32, and a sealing material 44 having elasticity and thermal conductivity is packed in the annular space. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は光変調素子ユニット及び投射型表示装置並びに光変調素子ユニットの製造方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
映像信号に基づいて光源からの光を透過型光変調素子を用いて光変調し、該光変調された光をスクリーンなどに投射することで画像を形成する投射型表示装置が提供されている（特許文献１）。
前記透過型光変調素子は、例えば石英ガラスなどからなる透明基板の間に液晶が封入されて構成されており、前記液晶が前記映像信号に基づいて駆動されることによって映像の表示を行ない、前記映像が表示されている液晶に光源からの光を透過させることによって前記光変調を行なって映像の像を形成するものである。
前記透過型光変調素子は接着剤によって、例えばアルミ材料から構成されるフレームに固定され、該フレームを介して前記投射型表示装置の光学部材あるいは筐体側に固定されている。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−１８０９５８号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このように透過型光変調素子がフレームに固定されている場合、投射型表示装置が設置された環境の温度に応じて、前記透過型光変調素子とフレームとの間に熱膨張差が生じると、透過型光変調素子が応力を受けて変形してしまうおそれがある。このような透過型光変調素子の変形が生じると、該透過型光変調素子によって形成される映像に濃淡ムラが生じる不具合が発生する。
本発明は前記事情に鑑み案出されたものであって、その目的とするところは、透過型光変調素子がフレームとの熱膨張差による応力を受けて変形することが防止され、透過型光変調素子に表示される映像に濃淡ムラが生じることがなく映像の品質を確保する上で有利な光変調ユニット及び投射型表示装置並びに光変調ユニットの組立方法を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は前記目的を達成するため、本発明の光変調素子ユニットは、板状の透過型光変調素子と、熱伝導性を有する材料から形成されたフレームとを備え、前記透過型光変調素子は、厚さ方向の一方に位置し光が入射する光入射面と、厚さ方向の他方に位置し前記入射した光が出射する光出射面とを有し、前記フレームは、前記透過型光変調素子が収容される大きさの底壁と、前記底壁に形成された窓と、前記底壁の周囲から起立する起立壁とを有し、前記透過型光変調素子の光出射面を前記窓に臨ませた状態で該光出射面の周囲の箇所が前記底壁に載置され、かつ、前記透過型光変調素子の周囲全域と前記起立壁との間に環状の空間が確保された状態で、該環状の空間に弾性および熱伝導性を有するシーリング材が充填され、前記透過型光変調素子は、前記底壁上において前記シーリング材により支持されていることを特徴とする。
また、本発明の投射型表示装置は、光源からの光を光変調素子ユニットにより映像信号に基づいて光変調することにより映像を形成し、前記光変調素子ユニットにより形成された前記映像を投射するものであって、前記光変調素子ユニットは、板状の透過型光変調素子と、熱伝導性を有する材料から形成されたフレームとを備え、前記透過型光変調素子は、厚さ方向の一方に位置し光が入射する光入射面と、厚さ方向の他方に位置し前記入射した光が出射する光出射面とを有し、前記フレームは、前記透過型光変調素子が収容される大きさの底壁と、前記底壁に形成された窓と、前記底壁の周囲から起立する起立壁とを有し、前記透過型光変調素子の光出射面を前記窓に臨ませた状態で該光出射面の周囲の箇所が前記底壁に載置され、かつ、前記透過型光変調素子の周囲全域と前記起立壁との間に環状の空間が確保された状態で、該環状の空間に弾性および熱伝導性を有するシーリング材が充填され、前記透過型光変調素子は、前記底壁上において前記シーリング材により支持されていることを特徴とする。
また、本発明の光変調素子ユニットの組立方法は、板状の透過型光変調素子をフレームに取着するに際して、前記透過型光変調素子は、厚さ方向の一方に位置し光が入射する光入射面と、厚さ方向の他方に位置し前記入射した光が出射する光出射面とを有し、前記フレームは、前記透過型光変調素子が収容される大きさの底壁と、前記底壁に形成された窓と、前記底壁の周囲から起立する起立壁とを有し、前記透過型光変調素子の周囲全域と前記起立壁との間に環状の空間を確保した状態で、前記透過型光変調素子の光出射面を前記窓に臨ませて該光出射面の周囲の箇所を前記底壁に載置し、前記透過型光変調素子と前記フレームとの熱膨張差により破断される程度の強度で前記透過型光変調素子を前記底壁上に仮固定し、前記環状の空間に弾性および熱伝導性を有するシーリング材を充填し、該シーリング材により前記透過型光変調素子を前記底壁上において支持するようにしたことを特徴とする。
そのため、本発明の光変調素子ユニットおよび投射型表示装置によれば、透過型光変調素子は、透過型光変調素子の周囲と起立壁との間の環状の空間に充填されたシーリング材により底壁上において弾性支持されて取り付けられた状態となることから、透過型光変調素子と底壁とは相対的に変位可能な状態となる。
また、本発明の光変調素子ユニットの組立方法によれば、上記の光変調素子ユニットおよび投射型表示装置を簡単に製造することができる。
【０００６】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
図２は本発明の第１の実施の形態の投射型表示装置の構成を示す構成図である。
投射型表示装置１００は筐体１０２を有し、該筐体１０２内に本発明に係る３つの光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃが配設されている。
前記各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃの光入射側には、それぞれ入射側偏光板１２が配設され、前記各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃの光出射側には、それぞれ出射側偏光板１４が配設されている。
これら３つの光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃは、図外の映像信号供給器、例えば、テレビジョンチューナ装置、ビデオテーププレーヤ装置、ビデオディスクプレーヤ装置などから制御回路を介して映像信号が供給され、この映像信号に基づいて映像を表示するように構成されている。
前記各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃは、透過型の光変調素子を有し、透過率の変化（濃淡）によって映像を表示する。前記３つの光変調素子ユニットのうち、光変調素子ユニット１０Ａは前記映像信号に対応する映像の赤色成分を表示し、光変調素子ユニット１０Ｂは前記映像信号に対応する映像の緑成分を表示し、光変調素子ユニット１０Ｃは前記映像信号に対応する映像の青色成分を表示する。
【０００７】
さらに、前記筐体１０２内には、光源１０４、ＵＶフィルタ１０６、マルチレンズアレイ１０８、１１０、コンデンサレンズ１１２、第１のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａ、第２のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ｂ、第１乃至第３のコンデンサーレンズ１１６Ａ、１１６Ｂ、１１６Ｃ、第１、第２の集光レンズ１１８、１２０、クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２、投射レンズ１２４などが配設されている。
前記光源１０４はハロゲンランプのような高輝度の白色ランプで構成され、該光源１０４から出射された光束は、前記ＵＶフィルタ１０６、マルチレンズアレイ１０８、１１０を順次透過し、該光束に対して４５度傾斜して配設された前記第１のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａに入射する。
前記第１のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａは、前記光束のうち赤色成分光Ｒのみを反射して９０度偏向させ、前記光束のうち緑色成分光Ｇと青色成分光Ｂを透過させる。
前記第１のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａにより反射された赤色成分光Ｒは、第１のミラー１２６Ａによって反射され９０度偏向され、第１のコンデンサーレンズ１１６Ａ、入射側偏光板１２、前記光変調ユニット１０Ａ、出射側偏光板１４を順次透過してクロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の一側面部１２２Ａに入射する。
【０００８】
前記第１のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａを透過した緑色成分光Ｇおよび青色成分光Ｂは、これら緑色成分光Ｇおよび青色成分光Ｂの光束に対して４５度傾斜して配設された前記第２のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ｂに入射する。この第２のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ｂは、前記緑色成分光Ｇおよび青色成分光Ｂのうち、緑色成分光Ｇのみを反射して９０度偏向させ、残りの青色成分光Ｂを透過させる。
前記第２のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ｂによって反射された緑色成分光Ｇは、前記第２のコンデンサーレンズ１１６Ｂ、入射側偏光板１２、前記光変調ユニット１０Ｂ、出射側偏光板１４を順次透過してクロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の後面部１２２Ｂに入射する。
【０００９】
前記第２のダイクロイックミラー１１４Ａを透過した青色成分光Ｂは、第１の集光レンズ１１８を透過し、該青色成分光Ｂの光束に対して４５度傾斜して配設された第２のミラー１２６Ｂに入射されて反射され９０度偏向される。
前記第２のミラー１２６Ｂによって反射された青色成分光Ｂは、第２の集光レンズ１２０を透過し、第３のミラー１２６Ｃにより反射され９０度偏向されコンデンサーレンズ１１６Ｃ、入射側偏光板１２、前記光変調ユニット１０Ｃ、出射側偏光板１４を順次透過してクロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の他側面部１２２Ｃに入射する。
なお、前記第１、第２の集光レンズ１１８、１２０は、前記光源１０から前記各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃに至る赤色成分光Ｒ、緑色成分光Ｇおよび青色成分光Ｂのそれぞれの光路長のうち、前記青色成分光Ｂの光路長が前記赤色成分光Ｒ、緑色成分光Ｇの光路長に比較して長いことにより青色成分光Ｂが拡散しやすいため、青色成分光Ｂを集束させるためのものである。
【００１０】
前記クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２は、前記一側面部１２２Ａから入射された赤色成分光Ｒ、前記後面部１２２Ｂから入射された緑色成分光Ｇ、前記他側面部１２２Ｃから入射された青色成分光Ｂを合成して前面部１２２Ｄから出射するものであり、色合成光学系を構成している。
前記クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の前面部１２２Ｄから出射された光束は、前記投射レンズ１２４に入射される。該投射レンズ１２４は、入射された光束を前記筐体１０２の前方に投射する。
すなわち、前記投射レンズ１２４は、前記各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃにより表示され前記光源１０４によって照明された映像の像を、前記筐体１０２の前方に設置されたスクリーン上に結像させる。
【００１１】
図１は光変調素子ユニットの構成を示す分解斜視図、図３はフレームの要部拡大図、図４は光変調素子ユニットの断面図、図５は光変調素子ユニットの取付状態を示す図である。
図１に示すように、各光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃは、それぞれ透過型光変調素子１６とフレーム３０とを備え、光変調素子ユニット１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃの構成はほぼ同様であるので以後光変調素子ユニット１０として説明する。
図４に示すように、前記透過型光変調素子１６は、ＴＦＴ基板１８、対向基板２０、第１防塵ガラス２２、第２防塵ガラス２４などが重ね合わせて構成され、透過型光変調素子１６にはフレキシブル基板２６が連結されている。
前記ＴＦＴ基板１８は、矩形板状に形成された透明基板から構成され、該透明基板の上面中央には透明電極が矩形状の領域に形成され、前記上面の透明電極の周囲には液晶駆動用回路が形成されている。
【００１２】
前記対向基板２０は、前記ＴＦＴ基板１８よりも縦横の寸法が若干小さい透明基板から構成されている。前記対向基板２０は、該対向基板２０の四辺と前記ＴＦＴ基板１８の四辺をそれぞれ平行させ、かつ、前記ＴＦＴ基板１８の透明電極に対向して配設され、前記対向基板２０と前記ＴＦＴ基板１８との間に液晶が封止されている。
そして、前記液晶によって矩形状の輪郭を有した映像表示領域が形成されるように構成されている。
【００１３】
前記第１防塵ガラス２２は前記対向基板２０よりも縦横の寸法が若干小さい透明基板から構成されている。前記第１防塵ガラス２２は、該第１防塵ガラス２２の四辺と前記対向基板２０の四辺をそれぞれ平行させ、かつ、前記対向基板２０の上面に重ね合わせて配設され、接着剤によって接着されている。
【００１４】
前記第２防塵ガラス２４は前記ＴＦＴ基板１８よりも縦横の寸法が若干小さい透明基板から構成されている。前記第２防塵ガラス２４は、該第２防塵ガラス２４の四辺と前記ＴＦＴ基板１８の四辺をそれぞれ平行させ、かつ、前記ＴＦＴ基板１８の下面に重ね合わせて配設され、接着剤によって接着されている。
【００１５】
したがって、本実施の形態では、前記第１防塵ガラス２２の上面が、前記透過型光変調素子１６の厚さ方向の一方に位置し前記光源１０４からの光を入射する光入射面１６０２を構成している。
また、前記第２防塵ガラス２４の下面が、前記透過型光変調素子１６の厚さ方向の他方に位置し前記光入射面１６０２に入射した光が出射する光出射面１６０４を構成している。
なお、本実施の形態では、前記ＴＦＴ基板１８、対向基板２０、第１、第２防塵ガラス２２、２４は石英ガラスで構成されている。
【００１６】
前記フレキシブル基板２６は、帯状に形成されその長手方向の両端に複数の接続端子が設けられている。フレキシブル基板２６の一端側の接続端子は前記ＴＦＴ基板１８に設けられた前記液晶駆動用回路の接続端子に接続され、フレキシブル基板２６の他端側の接続端子は外部回路に接続されている。そして、前記外部回路から液晶駆動信号が前記フレキシブル基板２６を介して前記液晶駆動用回路に供給される。
そして、前記液晶駆動信号に基づいて前記ＴＦＴ基板１８と対向基板２０の間に封止された液晶が駆動されることにより映像が表示されることになる。
【００１７】
前記フレーム３０は、図１に示すように、前記透過型光変調素子１６が収容される大きさの矩形状に形成された底壁３２と、前記底壁３２に形成され前記光出射面１６０４の中央部を臨ませる矩形状の窓３６と、前記底壁３２の周囲から起立し前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲に臨む起立壁３８とを有し、本実施の形態では前記フレーム３０は熱伝導性に優れたアルミ材料で構成されている。
前記起立壁３８は、前記光出射面の中央部を窓３６に臨ませ、かつ、前記底壁３２に前記光変調素子１６が載置された状態で、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲全域と前記起立壁３８との間に環状の空間３７が形成されるように構成されている。
本実施の形態では、図４に示すように、前記窓３６の周囲の底壁３２箇所に同一の高さを有する複数の突起３４が突設されており、前記光出射面の中央部を窓３６に臨ませ、かつ、前記突起３４に前記光変調素子１６が載置された状態で、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲全域と前記起立壁３８との間に環状の空間３７が形成されるように構成されている。
前記突起３４はそれぞれ半球状に突設されて合計３個設けられ、前記窓３６を囲む底壁３２の４つの辺のうち３つの辺にそれぞれ設けられている。
また、前記起立壁３８の４つの角部と、起立壁３８の一辺の中間部にはねじ挿通孔４０が貫通して設けられている。
【００１８】
次に、前記光変調素子ユニット１０の組立てについて説明する。
まず、前記透過型光変調素子１６の映像表示領域の輪郭と、前記窓３６の輪郭とに基づいて透過型光変調素子１６のフレーム３０への位置決めを行ないつつ、前記透過型光変調素子１６の光出射面１６０４の周囲の箇所を前記フレーム３０の各突起３４に載置するとともに、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲全域と前記起立壁３８との間に環状の空間３７を確保する。
この際、前記透過型光変調素子１６の光出射面１６０４と前記フレーム３０の底壁３２との間には前記３つの突起３４の高さと等しい寸法の空隙が形成されている。
この状態で、前記透過型光変調素子１６と前記フレーム３０との熱膨張差により破断される程度の強度で前記透過型光変調素子１６を前記底壁３２上に仮固定（仮止め）する。この仮固定（仮止め）は、位置決めされたこれら透過型光変調素子１６とフレーム３０の位置がずれることを防止するためになされるものである。本実施の形態では、この仮固定（仮止め）を接着剤４２を用いて行なっている。すなわち、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲の複数箇所（第２防塵ガラス２４の端面の複数箇所）と前記フレーム３０の底壁３２の複数箇所とにわたり仮止め用の接着剤４２を塗布する。より具体的には、前記第２防塵ガラス２４の端面の複数箇所と、前記３つの突起３４の近傍の底壁３２の複数箇所とにわたりＵＶ硬化型の接着剤４２を塗布している。
前記接着剤４２の塗布は、接着剤塗布用のディスペンサ装置のシリンジの先端を前記環状の空間３７に挿入し該シリンジ先端の吐出口から接着剤４２を吐出させることによって行なわれる。
前記接着剤４２は、前記透過型光変調素子１６と前記フレームとの熱膨張差により破断されるように構成されている。
より詳細には、前記透過型光変調素子１６を構成する石英ガラスの線膨張係数は５．４×１０^−７（１／Ｋ）であり、前記フレームを構成するアルミの線膨張係数は２．１×１０^−５（１／Ｋ）であり、したがって熱による膨張時あるいは収縮時にこれら石英ガラスとアルミとの間に熱膨張の差が生じ、この熱膨張差により破断されるように構成されている。
【００１９】
次いで、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲と前記起立壁３８との間に形成された環状の空間３７に弾性および熱伝導を有するシーリング材４４を充填する。
本実施の形態では、シーリング材４４を前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲全域に充填している。
このシーリング材４４により前記透過型光変調素子１６は底壁３２上において弾性支持された状態で取着されることになり、したがってシーリング材４４が接着剤として機能している。
本実施の形態では、前記シーリング材４４としてシリコンゴムが用いられている。
前記シリコンゴムは、充填時には液状あるいはペースト状を呈し、空気に触れて時間経過とともに硬化し、やがて弾性を有する弾性ゴム状となる。このようなシリコンゴムは、例えば充填後１時間程度である程度硬化し、充填後２日乃至３日程度で完全に硬化し、完全に硬化した状態で弾性を有する弾性ゴム状となる。
【００２０】
そして、前記フレーム３０の上部に前記見切り板２８が取り付けられ、前記見切り板２８は光を透過しない例えば金属などの材料で構成されている。
前記見切り板２８は、矩形板状の枠部２８０２と、該枠部２８０２の中央に形成された矩形状の開口２８０４と、枠部２８０２の外縁から起立された４つの係合爪２８０６とを有している。
前記見切り板２８は、前記開口２８０４によって光変調素子ユニット１６の光入射面１６０２を透過する光束の透過領域を制限することで不要な光が光変調素子ユニット１６の光入射面１６０２に入射したり、該光入射面１６０２から反射したりすることを防止するものである。
前記見切り板２８のフレーム３０への取付は、前記透過型光変調素子１６の光入射面１６０２が前記見切り板２８の開口２８０４に臨んだ状態で前記４つの係合爪２８０６をフレーム３０の起立壁３８の係合凹部３９に係合させることによってなされる。
以上のようにして前記光変調素子ユニット１０が簡単に組み立てられる。
【００２１】
次に、前記光変調素子ユニット１０の筐体１０２への取付について説明する。図５に示すように、前記フレーム３０は、まず、薄板状の第１の取付部材５０に取り付けられる。
前記第１の取付部材５０の中央には前記透過型光変調素子１６の光出射面１６０４を臨ませる窓が形成され、また、四隅にはそれぞれ取付孔５００２が設けられている。
前記フレーム３０の第１の取付部材５０への取付は、不図示のねじを前記５つのねじ挿通孔４０を介して第１の取付部材５０のねじ孔に螺合することでなされる。
一方、前記クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２は不図示の固定部材により筐体１０２に取り付けられており、該クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の一側面部１２２Ａ、後面部１２２Ｂ、他側面部１２２Ｃの両側にはそれぞれ第２の取付部材５２が設けられ、これら第２の取付部材５２にはそれぞれ２つの取付突片５２０２が設けられている。前記各取付突片５２０２は、前記一側面部１２２Ａ、後面部１２２Ｂ、他側面部１２２Ｃのそれぞれの四隅近傍箇所に位置している。
前記光変調素子ユニット１０は、前記出射側偏光板１４をクロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２の一側面部１２２Ａ（後面部１２２Ｂ、他側面部１２２Ｃ）に対面させ、前記各取付孔５００２に前記取付突片５２０２を挿入し、光変調素子ユニット１０と一側面部１２２Ａ（後面部１２２Ｂ、他側面部１２２Ｃ）との位置決めを行なった状態で、前記各取付孔５００２と前記取付突片５２０２の間の隙間に接着剤を充填して硬化させることで前記クロスダイクロイックプリズム１２２に取り付けられる。
【００２２】
次に、光変調素子ユニット１０および投射型表示装置１００の作用、効果について説明する。
前記投射型表示装置１００が設置された環境の温度に応じて、前記透過型光変調素子１６とフレーム３０との間に熱膨張差が生じ、この熱膨張差により前記接着剤４２が破断される。
すなわち、前記透過型光変調素子１６は、当初仮止めの接着剤４２により底壁３２上に固定的に取り付けられているが、該接着剤４２が破断されることで、前記透過型光変調素子１６は、前記透過型光変調素子１６の周囲と前記起立壁３８との間の環状の空間３７に充填されたシーリング材４４により前記底壁３２上において弾性支持されて取り付けられた状態となる。
したがって、熱膨張差が生じた場合、前記透過型光変調素子１６と底壁３２とは相対的に変位可能であり、前記熱膨張差がシーリング材４４によって吸収される。
これにより、透過型光変調素子１６が前記熱膨張差によるフレーム３０から応力を受けて変形することが防止され、前記透過型光変調素子１６に表示される映像に濃淡ムラが生じることがなく映像の品質を確保する上で有利となる。
また、前記第１の固定部材５０と前記フレーム３０との間に熱膨張差が生じた場合には該熱膨張差によってフレーム３０が変形することも想定されるが、このような場合でも、前記フレーム３０の変形は前記シーリング材４４によって吸収され透過型光変調素子１６に伝達されないので、透過型光変調素子１６の変形を防止する上で有利となる。
【００２３】
また、前記透過型光変調素子１６の光出射面１６０４は、前記底壁３２の３つの突起３４の上に載置されているので、光出射面１６０４と底壁３２との接触面積は小さく、前記透過型光変調素子１６と底壁３２とは相対的に変位し易くなり、したがって、前記熱膨張差をシーリング材４４により吸収する上で有利となり、透過型光変調素子１６の変形を防止する上で有利となる。
また、前記透過型光変調素子１６は、光源１０４からの光束が入射されることにより温度が上昇するが、前記シーリング材４４は熱伝導性を有していることから、透過型光変調素子１６の熱は前記シーリング材４４を介して前記フレーム３０に速やかに伝導され放熱される。
したがって、透過型光変調素子１６の温度上昇を抑える上で有利となり、映像の品質を確保する上で有利となる。
また、接着剤４２を用いて仮止めするので、前記シーリング材４４が熱膨張差を吸収する機能を確保しつつ該シーリング材４４の充填作業を効率よく行なえ、前記透過型光変調素子１６のコストダウンを図る上で有利となる。
【００２４】
図６はフレーム３０の変形例を示す説明図である。
この変形例では、前記起立壁３８に、前記仮止め用の接着剤４２を塗布するための開口４１を設けたものである。
更に詳しくは、前記３つの突起３４のうち２つの突起３４に臨む前記起立壁３８の２箇所にそれぞれ開口４１を設けている。
このように構成した場合には、接着剤塗布用のディスペンサ装置のシリンジ５０の先端５２を前記開口４１から挿入することによって接着剤４２を塗布することが容易となり、作業性を向上させる上で有利となる。
【００２５】
なお、前記突起３４の個数は３個に限定されるものではなく、４個あるいはそれ以上であってもよい。また、突起３４を省略することもできるが、突起３４を設けると、透過型光変調素子１６と底壁３２とは相対的に変位し易くなり、したがって、透過型光変調素子１６の変形を防止する上で有利となる。
【００２６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、透過型光変調素子が熱膨張差による応力を受けて変形することが防止され、透過型光変調素子に表示される映像に濃淡ムラが生じることがなく映像の品質を確保する上で有利な光変調ユニット、投射型表示装置並びに光変調ユニットの組立方法を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】光変調素子ユニットの構成を示す分解斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態の投射型表示装置の構成を示す構成図である。
【図３】フレームの要部拡大図である。
【図４】光変調素子ユニットの断面図である。
【図５】光変調素子ユニットの取付状態を示す図である。
【図６】フレームの変形例を示す説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１００……投射型表示装置、１０……光変調素子ユニット、１６……透過型光変調素子、１６０２……光入射面、１６０４……光出射面、３０……フレーム、３２……底壁、３４……突起、３６……窓、３７……環状の空間、３８……起立壁、４４……シーリング材。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a light modulation element unit, a projection display device, and a method for manufacturing a light modulation element unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Related Art There has been provided a projection display device that modulates light from a light source based on a video signal using a transmission-type light modulation element and projects the light-modulated light on a screen or the like to form an image ( Patent Document 1).
The transmission type light modulation element is configured by sealing liquid crystal between transparent substrates made of, for example, quartz glass, and performs image display by driving the liquid crystal based on the image signal. The light modulation is performed by transmitting light from a light source to a liquid crystal displaying an image to form an image of the image.
The transmission type light modulation element is fixed to a frame made of, for example, an aluminum material by an adhesive, and is fixed to the optical member or the housing side of the projection display device via the frame.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-180958 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the transmission type light modulation element is fixed to the frame as described above, a difference in thermal expansion between the transmission type light modulation element and the frame depends on the temperature of the environment in which the projection display device is installed. When this occurs, the transmission type light modulation element may be deformed by receiving stress. When such a transmissive light modulating element is deformed, a problem occurs in that an image formed by the transmissive light modulating element has uneven shading.
The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a transmission type light modulation element from being deformed by receiving a stress due to a difference in thermal expansion with a frame, and to realize a transmission type light modulation element. An object of the present invention is to provide a light modulation unit, a projection display device, and a method of assembling a light modulation unit, which are advantageous in ensuring image quality without causing unevenness in image displayed on a modulation element.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light modulation element unit, comprising: a plate-shaped transmission light modulation element; and a frame formed of a material having thermal conductivity. Has a light incident surface on one side in the thickness direction on which light enters, and a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction and from which the incident light exits, and the frame includes the transmission type light. A bottom wall having a size in which the modulation element is accommodated, a window formed in the bottom wall, and an upright wall standing upright from the periphery of the bottom wall; and A portion around the light exit surface was placed on the bottom wall in a state facing the window, and an annular space was secured between the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element and the upright wall. In this state, the annular space is filled with a sealing material having elasticity and heat conductivity, and Adjusting element, characterized in that it is supported by the sealing material on the bottom wall.
Further, the projection display device of the present invention forms an image by light-modulating light from a light source based on a video signal by a light modulation element unit, and projects the image formed by the light modulation element unit. Wherein the light modulation element unit includes a plate-shaped transmission type light modulation element, and a frame formed of a material having thermal conductivity, wherein the transmission type light modulation element is one in a thickness direction. A light incident surface on which light is incident, and a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction, from which the incident light exits, wherein the frame is large enough to accommodate the transmission type light modulation element. A bottom wall, a window formed in the bottom wall, and an upright wall rising from the periphery of the bottom wall, with the light exit surface of the transmission type light modulation element facing the window. A portion around the light exit surface is placed on the bottom wall, and The annular space is filled with a sealing material having elasticity and thermal conductivity in a state where an annular space is secured between the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element and the upright wall, and the transmission type light modulation The element is supported by the sealing material on the bottom wall.
Further, in the method for assembling the light modulation element unit according to the present invention, when the plate-shaped transmission light modulation element is attached to the frame, the transmission light modulation element is located at one side in the thickness direction, and light enters. A light incident surface, having a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction from which the incident light exits, wherein the frame has a bottom wall large enough to accommodate the transmission type light modulation element; A window formed in the bottom wall, and having an upright wall standing upright from the periphery of the bottom wall, with an annular space secured between the entire area around the transmissive light modulation element and the upright wall, The light emitting surface of the transmission type light modulation element faces the window, and a portion around the light emission surface is placed on the bottom wall, and is broken by a difference in thermal expansion between the transmission type light modulation element and the frame. Temporarily fix the transmission type light modulation element on the bottom wall with an intensity of about Filled with a sealing material having sex and thermal conductivity, characterized in that said transmissive optical modulation element by the sealing material was adapted to support on the bottom wall.
Therefore, according to the light modulation element unit and the projection display device of the present invention, the transmission light modulation element is formed by the sealing material filled in the annular space between the periphery of the transmission light modulation element and the upright wall. Since the light transmission device is elastically supported and attached on the wall, the transmission light modulation element and the bottom wall are relatively displaceable.
Further, according to the method of assembling the light modulation element unit of the present invention, the light modulation element unit and the projection display device can be easily manufactured.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the projection display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The projection display apparatus 100 has a housing 102 in which three light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C according to the present invention are disposed.
An incident side polarizing plate 12 is disposed on the light incident side of each of the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C, and an emission side is disposed on the light exit side of each of the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C. A polarizing plate 14 is provided.
These three light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C are supplied with a video signal via a control circuit from a video signal supplier (not shown), such as a television tuner device, a video tape player device, or a video disk player device. It is configured to display an image based on this image signal.
Each of the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C has a transmission-type light modulation element, and displays an image by a change in transmittance (shading). Of the three light modulation element units, the light modulation element unit 10A displays a red component of an image corresponding to the video signal, the light modulation element unit 10B displays a green component of an image corresponding to the video signal, The light modulation element unit 10C displays a blue component of an image corresponding to the image signal.
[0007]
Further, a light source 104, a UV filter 106, multi-lens arrays 108 and 110, a condenser lens 112, a first dichroic mirror 114A, a second dichroic mirror 114B, and first to third condenser lenses are provided in the housing 102. 116A, 116B, 116C, first and second condenser lenses 118, 120, a cross dichroic prism 122, a projection lens 124, and the like are provided.
The light source 104 is formed of a high-luminance white lamp such as a halogen lamp. The light emitted from the light source 104 passes through the UV filter 106 and the multi-lens arrays 108 and 110 in order, and The light enters the first dichroic mirror 114A which is disposed at an angle.
The first dichroic mirror 114A reflects only the red component light R of the light beam and deflects it by 90 degrees, and transmits the green component light G and the blue component light B of the light beam.
The red component light R reflected by the first dichroic mirror 114A is reflected by the first mirror 126A and is deflected by 90 degrees, and the first condenser lens 116A, the incident side polarizing plate 12, the light modulation unit 10A, The light sequentially passes through the side polarizing plate 14 and is incident on one side surface 122A of the cross dichroic prism 122.
[0008]
The green component light G and the blue component light B transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 114A are inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the luminous fluxes of the green component light G and the blue component light B. The light enters the mirror 114B. The second dichroic mirror 114B reflects only the green component light G of the green component light G and the blue component light B, deflects it by 90 degrees, and transmits the remaining blue component light B.
The green component light G reflected by the second dichroic mirror 114B sequentially passes through the second condenser lens 116B, the incident-side polarizing plate 12, the light modulation unit 10B, and the outgoing-side polarizing plate 14, and is cross-dichroic prism. The light is incident on the rear surface portion 122B of the second motor 122.
[0009]
The blue component light B transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 114A is transmitted through the first condenser lens 118, and the second mirror disposed at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the light flux of the blue component light B It is incident on 126B, reflected and deflected by 90 degrees.
The blue component light B reflected by the second mirror 126B passes through the second condenser lens 120, is reflected by the third mirror 126C, is deflected by 90 degrees, and is condensed by 90 degrees. The light sequentially passes through the light modulation unit 10C and the output-side polarizing plate 14 and enters the other side surface portion 122C of the cross dichroic prism 122.
The first and second condenser lenses 118 and 120 respectively transmit the red component light R, the green component light G and the blue component light B from the light source 10 to the light modulation element units 10A, 10B and 10C. Of the optical path lengths of the blue component light B, since the optical path length of the blue component light B is longer than the optical path lengths of the red component light R and the green component light G, the blue component light B is easily diffused. It is for focusing.
[0010]
The cross dichroic prism 122 combines the red component light R incident from the one side surface portion 122A, the green component light G incident from the rear surface portion 122B, and the blue component light B incident from the other side surface portion 122C. The light is emitted from the front part 122D, and forms a color combining optical system.
The light beam emitted from the front part 122D of the cross dichroic prism 122 is incident on the projection lens 124. The projection lens projects the incident light beam forward of the housing.
That is, the projection lens 124 forms an image of an image displayed by the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C and illuminated by the light source 104 on a screen installed in front of the housing 102. .
[0011]
1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the light modulation element unit, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the frame, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the light modulation element unit, and FIG. is there.
As shown in FIG. 1, each of the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C includes a transmission type light modulation element 16 and a frame 30, and the configurations of the light modulation element units 10A, 10B, and 10C are substantially the same. Hereinafter, the light modulation element unit 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the transmission type light modulation element 16 is configured by stacking a TFT substrate 18, a counter substrate 20, a first dustproof glass 22, a second dustproof glass 24 and the like. Is connected to a flexible substrate 26.
The TFT substrate 18 is formed of a transparent substrate formed in a rectangular plate shape. A transparent electrode is formed in a rectangular area at the center of the upper surface of the transparent substrate, and a liquid crystal driving device is provided around the transparent electrode on the upper surface. A circuit is formed.
[0012]
The counter substrate 20 is formed of a transparent substrate having a slightly smaller vertical and horizontal dimension than the TFT substrate 18. The opposing substrate 20 is disposed so that four sides of the opposing substrate 20 and four sides of the TFT substrate 18 are parallel to each other, and is opposed to the transparent electrode of the TFT substrate 18. And a liquid crystal is sealed between them.
The liquid crystal forms a video display area having a rectangular outline.
[0013]
The first dustproof glass 22 is formed of a transparent substrate having a slightly smaller vertical and horizontal dimension than the counter substrate 20. The first dust-proof glass 22 is disposed such that four sides of the first dust-proof glass 22 and four sides of the counter substrate 20 are parallel to each other, and is superposed on the upper surface of the counter substrate 20, and is bonded by an adhesive. I have.
[0014]
The second dustproof glass 24 is formed of a transparent substrate that is slightly smaller in vertical and horizontal dimensions than the TFT substrate 18. The second dustproof glass 24 is disposed such that four sides of the second dustproof glass 24 and four sides of the TFT substrate 18 are parallel to each other, and is superposed on the lower surface of the TFT substrate 18 and is bonded by an adhesive. I have.
[0015]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper surface of the first dustproof glass 22 is located on one side in the thickness direction of the transmissive light modulation element 16 and constitutes a light incident surface 1602 through which light from the light source 104 is incident. ing.
Further, the lower surface of the second dustproof glass 24 is located on the other side in the thickness direction of the transmission type light modulation element 16 and constitutes a light exit surface 1604 from which light incident on the light entrance surface 1602 exits.
In the present embodiment, the TFT substrate 18, the counter substrate 20, the first and second dustproof glasses 22, 24 are made of quartz glass.
[0016]
The flexible substrate 26 is formed in a belt shape and has a plurality of connection terminals at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A connection terminal on one end of the flexible substrate 26 is connected to a connection terminal of the liquid crystal driving circuit provided on the TFT substrate 18, and a connection terminal on the other end of the flexible substrate 26 is connected to an external circuit. Then, a liquid crystal driving signal is supplied from the external circuit to the liquid crystal driving circuit via the flexible substrate 26.
Then, the liquid crystal sealed between the TFT substrate 18 and the opposing substrate 20 is driven based on the liquid crystal driving signal, whereby an image is displayed.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 30 includes a rectangular bottom wall 32 that is large enough to accommodate the transmission type light modulation element 16, and a light exit surface 1604 formed on the bottom wall 32. It has a rectangular window 36 facing the center and an upright wall 38 standing upright from the periphery of the bottom wall 32 and facing the periphery of the transmissive light modulation element 16. In the present embodiment, the frame 30 It is made of aluminum material with excellent conductivity.
The upright wall 38 has the central portion of the light exit surface facing the window 36 and the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element 16 in a state where the light modulation element 16 is placed on the bottom wall 32. It is configured such that an annular space 37 is formed between the space 37 and the upright wall 38.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of protrusions 34 having the same height are protruded at 32 places on the bottom wall around the window 36, and a central portion of the light emitting surface is formed as a window. An annular space 37 is formed between the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the upright wall 38 in a state where the light modulation element 16 is placed on the projection 34 while facing the projection 36. It is configured to:
A total of three protrusions 34 are provided in a hemispherical shape, and are provided on three sides of the four sides of the bottom wall 32 surrounding the window 36.
Further, screw insertion holes 40 are provided through four corners of the upright wall 38 and an intermediate portion of one side of the upright wall 38.
[0018]
Next, the assembly of the light modulation element unit 10 will be described.
First, based on the outline of the image display area of the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the outline of the window 36, the transmission type light modulation element 16 is positioned on the frame 30 while the transmission type light modulation element 16 is positioned. A portion around the light emitting surface 1604 is placed on each projection 34 of the frame 30, and an annular space 37 is secured between the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the upright wall 38.
At this time, a gap having a size equal to the height of the three protrusions 34 is formed between the light emitting surface 1604 of the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the bottom wall 32 of the frame 30.
In this state, the transmission-type light modulation element 16 is temporarily fixed (temporarily fixed) on the bottom wall 32 at such an intensity that the transmission-type light modulation element 16 is broken by the thermal expansion difference between the transmission-type light modulation element 16 and the frame 30. This temporary fixing (temporary fixing) is performed in order to prevent the positions of the positioned transmission type light modulation element 16 and the frame 30 from shifting. In the present embodiment, the temporary fixing (temporary fixing) is performed using the adhesive 42. That is, the adhesive 42 for temporary fixing is applied to a plurality of locations around the transmission type light modulation element 16 (a plurality of locations on the end face of the second dustproof glass 24) and a plurality of locations on the bottom wall 32 of the frame 30. More specifically, a UV-curable adhesive 42 is applied to a plurality of locations on the end face of the second dustproof glass 24 and a plurality of locations on the bottom wall 32 near the three projections 34.
The application of the adhesive 42 is performed by inserting the tip of a syringe of a dispenser device for applying the adhesive into the annular space 37 and discharging the adhesive 42 from a discharge port at the tip of the syringe.
The adhesive 42 is configured to be broken by a difference in thermal expansion between the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the frame.
More specifically, the linear expansion coefficient of quartz glass forming the transmission type light modulation element 16 is 5.4 × 10 ⁻⁷ (1 / K), and the linear expansion coefficient of aluminum forming the frame is 2. 1 × 10 ⁻⁵ (1 / K). Therefore, when expanded or contracted by heat, a difference in thermal expansion occurs between the quartz glass and aluminum, and the structure is designed to be broken by the difference in thermal expansion. I have.
[0019]
Next, an annular space 37 formed between the periphery of the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the upright wall 38 is filled with a sealing material 44 having elasticity and heat conduction.
In the present embodiment, the sealing material 44 is filled all around the transmission type light modulation element 16.
The transmission type light modulation element 16 is attached to the bottom wall 32 while being elastically supported by the sealing material 44, and thus the sealing material 44 functions as an adhesive.
In the present embodiment, silicon rubber is used as the sealing material 44.
The silicone rubber is in a liquid or paste state at the time of filling, cures with time in contact with air, and eventually becomes an elastic rubber having elasticity. Such silicone rubber hardens to some extent, for example, about 1 hour after filling, completely hardens in about 2 to 3 days after filling, and becomes an elastic rubber having elasticity in a completely hardened state.
[0020]
The parting plate 28 is attached to the upper part of the frame 30, and the parting plate 28 is made of a material that does not transmit light, such as a metal.
The parting plate 28 has a rectangular plate-shaped frame portion 2802, a rectangular opening 2804 formed at the center of the frame portion 2802, and four engagement claws 2806 rising from the outer edge of the frame portion 2802. are doing.
The parting plate 28 restricts a transmission area of a light beam transmitted through the light incident surface 1602 of the light modulation element unit 16 by the opening 2804 so that unnecessary light may enter the light incident surface 1602 of the light modulation element unit 16. , From the light incident surface 1602.
The parting plate 28 is attached to the frame 30 by attaching the four engaging claws 2806 to the upright wall of the frame 30 with the light incident surface 1602 of the transmission type light modulation element 16 facing the opening 2804 of the parting plate 28. This is done by engaging the engagement recesses 39 of the engagement 38.
The light modulation element unit 10 is easily assembled as described above.
[0021]
Next, attachment of the light modulation element unit 10 to the housing 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 30 is first mounted on a thin plate-shaped first mounting member 50.
A window is formed at the center of the first mounting member 50 so as to face the light emitting surface 1604 of the transmission type light modulation element 16, and mounting holes 5002 are provided at four corners.
The attachment of the frame 30 to the first attachment member 50 is performed by screwing a screw (not shown) into the screw hole of the first attachment member 50 through the five screw insertion holes 40.
On the other hand, the cross dichroic prism 122 is attached to the housing 102 by a fixing member (not shown), and a second side is provided on one side 122A, a rear side 122B, and both sides of the other side 122C of the cross dichroic prism 122, respectively. A mounting member 52 is provided, and each of the second mounting members 52 is provided with two mounting protrusions 5202. The mounting protrusions 5202 are located near the four corners of the one side surface portion 122A, the rear surface portion 122B, and the other side surface portion 122C.
The light modulation element unit 10 faces the emission-side polarizing plate 14 to one side surface portion 122A (the rear surface portion 122B and the other side surface portion 122C) of the cross dichroic prism 122, and attaches the mounting protrusion 5202 to each of the mounting holes 5002. With the optical modulation element unit 10 and the positioning between the light modulating element unit 10 and the one side surface portion 122A (the rear surface portion 122B and the other side surface portion 122C) being performed, an adhesive is inserted into the gap between each of the mounting holes 5002 and the mounting protrusion 5202. Is attached to the cross dichroic prism 122 by curing.
[0022]
Next, functions and effects of the light modulation element unit 10 and the projection display device 100 will be described.
In accordance with the temperature of the environment in which the projection display device 100 is installed, a difference in thermal expansion occurs between the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the frame 30, and the adhesive 42 is broken by the difference in thermal expansion. .
That is, the transmission type light modulation element 16 is initially fixedly mounted on the bottom wall 32 by the temporarily-fixed adhesive 42. However, the transmission type light modulation element 16 16 is mounted on the bottom wall 32 while being elastically supported on the bottom wall 32 by a sealing material 44 filled in an annular space 37 between the periphery of the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the upright wall 38.
Therefore, when a difference in thermal expansion occurs, the transmissive light modulation element 16 and the bottom wall 32 can be relatively displaced, and the difference in thermal expansion is absorbed by the sealing material 44.
This prevents the transmission type light modulation element 16 from being deformed by receiving a stress from the frame 30 due to the difference in thermal expansion, and prevents the image displayed on the transmission type light modulation element 16 from having shading. This is advantageous in ensuring the quality of the product.
In addition, when a difference in thermal expansion occurs between the first fixing member 50 and the frame 30, the frame 30 may be deformed due to the difference in thermal expansion. Since the deformation of the frame 30 is absorbed by the sealing material 44 and is not transmitted to the transmission type light modulation element 16, it is advantageous in preventing the transmission type light modulation element 16 from being deformed.
[0023]
Further, since the light emitting surface 1604 of the transmission type light modulation element 16 is mounted on the three projections 34 of the bottom wall 32, the contact area between the light emitting surface 1604 and the bottom wall 32 is small, The transmissive light modulating element 16 and the bottom wall 32 are relatively easily displaced, which is advantageous in absorbing the difference in thermal expansion by the sealing material 44, and prevents the transmissive light modulating element 16 from being deformed. The above is advantageous.
The temperature of the transmissive light modulation element 16 rises due to the incidence of a light beam from the light source 104. However, since the sealing material 44 has thermal conductivity, the transmissive light modulation element 16 Is quickly conducted to the frame 30 via the sealing material 44 and is radiated.
Therefore, it is advantageous in suppressing a rise in the temperature of the transmissive light modulation element 16, and is advantageous in ensuring image quality.
Further, since the temporary fixing is performed by using the adhesive 42, the sealing member 44 can efficiently fill the sealing member 44 while ensuring the function of absorbing the difference in thermal expansion, and the cost of the transmission type light modulation element 16 can be reduced. This is advantageous for downing.
[0024]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the frame 30.
In this modification, an opening 41 for applying the adhesive for temporary fixing is provided in the upright wall.
More specifically, openings 41 are provided at two locations on the upright wall 38 facing two of the three projections 34.
In the case of such a configuration, it is easy to apply the adhesive 42 by inserting the distal end 52 of the syringe 50 of the dispenser device for applying the adhesive from the opening 41, which is advantageous in improving workability. It becomes.
[0025]
The number of the protrusions 34 is not limited to three, but may be four or more. Further, the projection 34 can be omitted. However, when the projection 34 is provided, the transmission type light modulation element 16 and the bottom wall 32 are relatively easily displaced, and therefore, the deformation of the transmission type light modulation element 16 is prevented. It is advantageous in doing so.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the transmission type light modulation element from being deformed by receiving a stress due to a difference in thermal expansion, and to cause unevenness in the density of an image displayed on the transmission type light modulation element. Therefore, it is possible to provide a light modulation unit, a projection display device, and a method of assembling the light modulation unit, which are advantageous in securing image quality.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a light modulation element unit.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a projection display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of a frame.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a light modulation element unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an attached state of a light modulation element unit.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of a frame.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Projection display device, 10 Light modulation element unit, 16 Transmission light modulation element, 1602 Light incidence surface, 1604 Light emission surface, 30 Frame, 32 Bottom wall 34 ... projection, 36 ... window, 37 ... annular space, 38 ... standing wall, 44 ... sealing material.

Claims

A plate-shaped transmission type light modulation element, a light modulation element unit including a frame formed of a material having thermal conductivity,
The transmissive light modulation element has a light incident surface on one side in the thickness direction where light is incident, and a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction where the incident light exits,
The frame has a bottom wall having a size in which the transmission type light modulation element is housed, a window formed in the bottom wall, and an upright wall rising from around the bottom wall,
A portion around the light emitting surface is placed on the bottom wall with the light emitting surface of the transmission type light modulation element facing the window, and the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element and the upright portion are set. In a state where an annular space is secured between the wall and the wall, the annular space is filled with a sealing material having elasticity and heat conductivity,
The transmission type light modulation element is supported by the sealing material on the bottom wall,
A light modulation element unit characterized by the above-mentioned.

In a projection display device that forms an image by light-modulating light from a light source based on an image signal by a light modulation element unit and projects the image formed by the light modulation element unit,
The light modulation element unit includes a plate-shaped transmission type light modulation element, and a frame formed of a material having thermal conductivity,
The transmissive light modulation element has a light incident surface on one side in the thickness direction where light is incident, and a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction where the incident light exits,
The frame has a bottom wall having a size in which the transmission type light modulation element is housed, a window formed in the bottom wall, and an upright wall rising from around the bottom wall,
A portion around the light emitting surface is placed on the bottom wall with the light emitting surface of the transmission type light modulation element facing the window, and the entire area around the transmission type light modulation element and the upright portion are set. In a state where an annular space is secured between the wall and the wall, the annular space is filled with a sealing material having elasticity and heat conductivity,
The transmission type light modulation element is supported by the sealing material on the bottom wall,
A projection type display device characterized by the above-mentioned.

A plurality of protrusions are formed at the bottom wall portion around the window, and a portion around the light emission surface is mounted on the protrusion with the light emission surface of the transmission type light modulation element facing the window. 3. The light modulation element unit according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation element unit is disposed.

An adhesive for temporary fixing is applied to a plurality of locations around the transmission type light modulation element and a plurality of locations on the bottom wall of the frame, and the adhesive for temporary fixing is applied to the transmission type light modulation element and the transmission type light modulation element. 3. The projection type display device according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation element unit is configured to be broken by a thermal expansion difference from a frame.

A plurality of protrusions are formed at the bottom wall portion around the window, and a portion around the light emission surface is mounted on the protrusion with the light emission surface of the transmission type light modulation element facing the window. The adhesive for temporary fixing is applied over a plurality of locations around the transmission type light modulation element and the locations near the respective projections, and the adhesive for temporary fixing is applied to the transmission type light modulation element. 3. The projection type display device according to claim 1, wherein the light modulation element unit is configured to be broken by a thermal expansion difference between the frame and the frame.

3. The projection type display device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing material is filled over the entire circumference of the annular space.

The light modulation element unit according to claim 1 or the projection type display device according to claim 2, wherein silicon rubber is used as the elastic and heat conductive sealing material.

An adhesive for temporary fixing is applied to a plurality of locations around the transmission type light modulation element and a plurality of locations on the bottom wall of the frame, and the adhesive for temporary fixing is applied to the transmission type light modulation element and the transmission type light modulation element. The light according to claim 1, wherein the light is configured to be broken by a difference in thermal expansion from a frame, and the upright wall is provided with an opening for applying the adhesive for temporary fixing. 3. The projection display device according to claim 2, wherein the modulation device unit is a modulation element unit.

A method of assembling a light modulation element unit by attaching a plate-shaped transmission type light modulation element to a frame,
The transmissive light modulation element has a light incident surface on one side in the thickness direction where light is incident, and a light exit surface on the other side in the thickness direction where the incident light exits,
The frame has a bottom wall having a size in which the transmission type light modulation element is housed, a window formed in the bottom wall, and an upright wall rising from around the bottom wall,
In a state where an annular space is secured between the entire surrounding area of the transmission type light modulation element and the upright wall, the light emission surface of the transmission type light modulation element faces the window and the periphery of the light emission surface is A portion is placed on the bottom wall, and the transmission type light modulation element is temporarily fixed on the bottom wall with a strength such that the transmission type light modulation element is broken by a thermal expansion difference between the transmission type light modulation element and the frame; The space is filled with a sealing material having elasticity and heat conductivity, so that the transmission type light modulation element is supported on the bottom wall by the sealing material.
A method for assembling a light modulation element unit, comprising:

The temporary fixing is performed by a temporary fixing adhesive applied over the periphery of the transmission type light modulation element and the bottom wall of the frame, and the adhesive forms a heat between the transmission type light modulation element and the frame. The method for assembling a light modulation element unit according to claim 9, wherein the light modulation element unit is configured to be broken by a difference in expansion.