JP2011002611A - Projector and method for assembling the projector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projector capable of improving the positional accuracy between units constituting an optical system, preventing deterioration of the projection image quality, and improving the assembling characteristics, and to provide a method for assembling the projector.SOLUTION: The projector 1 includes an optical element unit 51, configured to house an optical element at a preceding stage of an optical modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) of the optical system 4; an optical modulation element unit 52, configured to house the optical modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) of the optical system 4; and a projection lens unit 53 configured to house the projection lens 461 of the optical system 4, and the projection lens unit 53 has a common reference surface 535 being a reference, when the optical element unit 51 and the optical modulation element unit 52 in the projection lens unit 53 are assembled, to integrate them.

Description

  The present invention relates to a projector and a method for assembling a projector.

  Conventionally, an optical system included in a projector is configured by a plurality of types of optical elements that realize each function. In addition, the optical system is configured as a plurality of units that are roughly divided into a plurality of blocks for each function and accommodated in a housing for each block. Then, after the plurality of units are assembled so as to be integrated, they are incorporated into the projector casing.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view when assembling a unit constituting a conventional optical system, FIG. 9 (a) is a diagram showing a state before assembly, and FIG. 9 (b) is a state after assembly. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, a projector optical system 900 includes a projection lens unit 910 that houses a projection lens (not shown), and a light modulation element unit 920 that houses a cross dichroic prism 922, a light modulation element (not shown), and the like. And an optical element unit 930 that accommodates an optical element upstream of the light modulation element (on the light source side). In the light modulation element unit 920, the cross dichroic prism 922 positioned on the prism substrate 921 and the light modulation element positioned on the cross dichroic prism 922 are fixed.

  The projection lens unit 910 and the light modulation element unit 920 have reference surfaces 911 and 923 that serve as references during assembly. In addition, the projection lens unit 910 and the optical element unit 930 have reference surfaces 912 and 931 that serve as a reference during assembly. The reference surfaces 911, 912, 923, and 931 are formed as surfaces that are perpendicular to the optical axis B of the projection lens. In the projection lens unit 910, the projection lens is positioned with reference to the reference plane 911 (or the reference plane 912). In the light modulation element unit 920, the cross dichroic prism 922 and the light modulation element are positioned with reference to the reference plane 923. In the optical element unit 930, various optical elements are positioned with reference to the reference surface 931.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the light modulation element unit 920 and the optical element unit 930 are attached (assembled) to the projection lens unit 910 as shown in FIG. In order to attach the light modulation element unit 920 to the projection lens unit 910, the reference surface 923 of the light modulation element unit 920 is brought into contact with the reference surface 911 of the projection lens unit 910 and then fixed with a screw 951. Further, in order to attach the optical element unit 930 to the projection lens unit 910, the reference surface 931 of the optical element unit 930 is brought into contact with the reference surface 912 of the projection lens unit 910 and then fixed with the screw 952. The screw 951 is fixed by screwing toward the projection lens side. Further, the screw 952 is fixed by being screwed toward the cross dichroic prism 922 in the opposite direction of the screw 951.

  By such an assembly, the positional accuracy between the projection lens unit 910 and the light modulation element unit 920 can be ensured. In other words, the positional accuracy between the projection lens and the light modulation element can be ensured. Similarly, the positional accuracy between the projection lens unit 910 and the optical element unit 930 can be ensured. In other words, the positional accuracy between the projection lens and the optical element can be ensured.

  However, the reference surface 911 (reference surface 923 corresponding to the reference surface 911) and the reference surface 912 (reference surface 931 corresponding to the reference surface 912) are perpendicular to the optical axis B of the projection lens, but are different. It has a surface. Thereby, although the positional accuracy of the light modulation element unit 920 and the optical element unit 930 with respect to the projection lens unit 910 can be ensured, the positional accuracy of the optical element unit 930 with respect to the light modulation element unit 920 is difficult to ensure. was there.

  In addition, when it is difficult to ensure the positional accuracy, the shape change (expansion) of optical members (projection lenses, etc.) due to changes in the operating environment temperature or internal temperature changes due to heat generated inside the projector when the projector is used Etc.) is difficult to tolerate. As a result, there is a problem that the quality of the projected image is deteriorated, such as a problem such as a partial focus shift in the projected image.

  Further, there is a problem in that the assemblability is deteriorated due to the reverse direction of the screw 951 for fixing the light modulation element unit 920 to the projection lens unit 910 and the screw 952 for fixing the optical element unit 930 to the projection lens unit 910. there were.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a projector and a method for assembling a projector that can improve the positional accuracy between units constituting the optical system, prevent deterioration of the projected image quality, and improve the assemblability.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  (Application Example 1) A projector according to this application example has an optical system and projects an incident light beam by modulating the light beam, and (a) a configuration that houses an optical element in front of the light modulation element of the optical system. An optical element unit, (b) a light modulation element unit configured to accommodate the light modulation element of the optical system, and (c) a projection lens unit configured to accommodate the projection lens of the optical system. The projection lens unit has a common reference plane that serves as a reference when the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are assembled and integrated with the projection lens unit.

  According to such a projector, the projection lens unit has a common reference plane, and the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are assembled to the projection lens unit using the common reference plane as a reference. Thereby, the positional accuracy between the projection lens unit and the light modulation element unit, the projection lens unit and the optical element unit, and the light modulation element unit and the optical element unit can be improved. Since the common reference plane is used as a reference, the position of the optical element accommodated in each unit can be determined, and the positional accuracy of the optical element in each unit can be improved. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the optical element in each unit can be improved, and the positional accuracy between the units can be improved. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the quality of the projected image from deteriorating even under the influence of a change in the use environment temperature when the projector is used or an internal temperature change due to heat generated in the projector.

  Application Example 2 In the projector according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the common reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens.

  According to such a projector, since the common reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens, the common reference plane is formed compared to the case where the reference plane is an inclined plane with respect to the optical axis of the projection lens. It becomes easy.

  Application Example 3 In the projector according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the projection lens unit includes a reflection mirror.

  According to such a projector, when the projection lens unit is provided with a reflection mirror, it is more easily affected by changes in the operating environment temperature of the projector and internal temperature changes due to heat generated inside the projector. Even in such a case, by using a common reference surface formed in the projection lens unit, the positional accuracy of the reflection mirror in the projection lens unit is improved, and the optical element in each unit with respect to the reflection mirror is also provided. Therefore, the quality of the image reflected and reflected by the reflecting mirror will deteriorate even if it is affected by changes in the operating environment temperature or changes in internal temperature when using the projector. Can be prevented.

  Application Example 4 A projector assembling method according to this application example is an assembling method of a projector that has an optical system and modulates and projects an incident light beam, and accommodates the optical element before the light modulation element of the optical system. An optical element unit configured as described above, a light modulation element unit configured to accommodate the optical modulation element of the optical system, and a projection lens unit configured to accommodate the projection lens of the optical system. The optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are connected to the projection lens unit with reference to a common reference plane that is a reference when the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are assembled and integrated with the lens unit. It is characterized by being fixed by screwing from the same direction.

  According to such a method for assembling a projector, when assembling is performed, the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are screwed from the same direction and fixed to the projection lens unit with a common reference plane as a reference. As compared with the conventional case of screwing and fixing from different directions, the operation can be performed easily and efficiently. Therefore, the assemblability of each unit can be improved.

  Application Example 5 In the method for assembling the projector according to the application example, it is preferable that the same direction is an emission direction of a light beam from the light modulation element unit.

  According to such a method of assembling the projector, for example, when the projection lens unit is the heaviest compared with other units among the optical element unit, the light modulation element unit, and the projection lens unit, the projection lens unit However, when fixing the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit, the most stable projection lens unit should be placed on the lower side and the other unit positioned on the upper side. It can be set as the form. In this form, the screw member or the like is screwed and fixed in the direction from the upper side to the lower side, in other words, in the emission direction of the light beam from the light modulation element unit, and the fixing operation is facilitated. Can be done efficiently. Therefore, stable assembly can be performed, and the assemblability (assembly workability) of each unit can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the projector of this embodiment, (a) is a perspective view of the state which turned up the surface, (b) is a perspective view of the state which made the bottom face up, (c) is a wall surface. The side view which shows the state attached to. The top view which shows typically the optical system of a projector. The perspective view which shows the whole optical unit. The perspective view which shows the structure of an optical unit. The enlarged view of the fixing | fixed part of an optical unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a fixing portion of the projection lens unit. The perspective view which shows the fixing | fixed part of a light modulation element unit. The perspective view which shows the fixing | fixed part of an optical element unit. It is a schematic side view at the time of assembling the unit which comprises the conventional optical system, (a) is a figure which shows the state before an assembly, (b) is a figure which shows the state after an assembly.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment)

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a projector according to the present embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view in a state where a surface is directed upward, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view in a state where a bottom surface is directed upward. FIG. 1C is a side view showing a state in which the projector is attached to the wall surface. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the optical system of the projector. First, the external configuration and operation of the projector 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the drawings describing the present embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2 and the drawings described below), the direction of the optical axis A of the projection lens 461 (see FIG. 2) is Y-axis direction, Y 2 is an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system in which the direction orthogonal to the axial direction and parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 2 is the X-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. Also, the direction in which the light beam travels in the projection lens 461 is the + Y direction, the right direction along the + Y direction is the + X direction, and the upward direction along the + Y direction is the + Z direction.

  The projector 1 modulates a light beam (incident light beam) emitted from the light source device 411 (see FIG. 2) with a light modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) (see FIG. 2) based on an image signal to form an optical image. The optical image is projected onto the screen S or the like as an image (for example, a color image) via the projection optical system 46 (see FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the projector 1 is covered with an outer casing 111 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Inside the exterior casing 111, an optical unit 5 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, a circuit configuration unit (not shown) including a control unit (not shown) for operating the projector 1, and the like are provided. ing.

  On the surface 1 a of the projector 1, a switch unit 112 that performs operation input, a dustproof projection window 113 that transmits a projection image, and the like are installed. Note that a projection optical system 46 to be described later is installed on the inner surface side of the projection window 113 (inside the exterior casing 111), and a projection image emitted from the projection optical system 46 passes through the projection window 113 and the surface 1a. Is projected from the side to the back 1c side. Note that the projection optical system 46 of the present embodiment employs a reflective optical system.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (b), there are four fixing legs 114 on the bottom surface 1 b of the projector 1 for fixing the projector 1 to the position adjusting device 3 when the projector 1 is suspended from the ceiling or wall. Protrusively installed. More specifically, a nut (not shown) is inserted into the fixing leg 114, and the fixing screw member is screwed to the nut to be fixed to the position adjusting device 3. Moreover, the hole part 115 is installed in the bottom face 1b. Cables (not shown) for connecting to the projector 1 are inserted into the hole 115 and connected to an interface board (not shown) installed in the exterior casing 111.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the projector 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a so-called short focus projector that enlarges and projects a screen S at a short distance. The projector 1 is configured on the assumption that the projector 1 is suspended from the wall via the position adjusting device 3 and is not assumed to be used by placing the projector 1 on a desk. .

  The projector 1 installed on the wall surface 8 projects onto the screen S installed on the lower wall surface 8 on which the projector 1 is installed. In FIG. 1C, the image light image of the projected image projected from the projector 1 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 1C, the posture of the projector 1 when using the projector 1 is such that the bottom surface 1b side is on the upper side and the front surface 1a side is on the lower side.

  The configuration and operation of the optical system 4 of the projector 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  The optical unit 5 of the projector 1 forms image light based on the image signal under the control of the control unit. The optical system 4 of the optical unit 5 includes an integrator illumination optical system 41, a color separation optical system 42, a relay optical system 43, a light modulation optical system 44, a color synthesis optical system 45, and a projection optical system 46. It is configured.

  The integrator illumination optical system 41 is an optical system for making the luminous flux emitted from the light source device 411 uniform in the plane perpendicular to the illumination optical axis L. The integrator illumination optical system 41 includes a light source device 411, a first lens array 412, a second lens array 413, a polarization conversion element 414, and a superimposing lens 415.

  The light source device 411 contains and fixes a light source lamp 411A as a light source for emitting a light beam, a reflector 411B, an explosion-proof glass 411C that covers the light-emitting surface side of the reflector 411B, and a light source lamp 411A, a reflector 411B, and an explosion-proof glass 411C. A light source casing 411D is provided.

  The radial light beam emitted from the light source lamp 411A is reflected by the reflector 411B to be a substantially parallel light beam, and is emitted to the subsequent stage. In the present embodiment, a high-pressure mercury lamp is used as the light source lamp 411A, and a parabolic mirror is used as the reflector 411B. The light source lamp 411A is not limited to a high-pressure mercury lamp, and for example, a metal halide lamp or a halogen lamp may be used. In addition, although a parabolic mirror is used as the reflector 411B, the configuration is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which a collimating concave lens is arranged on the light beam exit surface side of a reflector made of an ellipsoidal mirror may be used.

  The first lens array 412 has a configuration in which small lenses having a substantially rectangular outline when viewed from the illumination optical axis L direction are arranged in a matrix. Each small lens splits the light beam emitted from the light source lamp 411A into partial light beams and emits them in the direction of the illumination optical axis L. The second lens array 413 has substantially the same configuration as the first lens array 412 and has a configuration in which small lenses are arranged in a matrix. The second lens array 413, together with the superimposing lens 415, has a function of forming an image of each small lens of the first lens array 412 on a light modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) described later of the light modulation optical system 44.

  The polarization conversion element 414 converts the light from the second lens array 413 into substantially one type of polarized light, thereby increasing the light use efficiency in the light modulation optical system 44. Specifically, each partial light beam converted into substantially one type of polarized light by the polarization conversion element 414 is substantially superimposed on a liquid crystal panel 441 (to be described later) of the light modulation optical system 44 by the superimposing lens 415.

  The color separation optical system 42 includes two dichroic mirrors 421 and 422 and a reflection mirror 423. A plurality of partial light beams emitted from the integrator illumination optical system 41 are separated into three color lights of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) by two dichroic mirrors 421 and 422.

  The relay optical system 43 includes an incident side lens 431, a relay lens 433, and reflection mirrors 432 and 435. The relay optical system 43 has a function of guiding red light, which is color light separated by the color separation optical system 42, to a later-described red light liquid crystal panel 441 (441R) of the light modulation optical system 44.

  The dichroic mirror 421 of the color separation optical system 42 transmits the green light component and the red light component and reflects the blue light component of the light beam emitted from the integrator illumination optical system 41. The blue light reflected by the dichroic mirror 421 is reflected by the reflection mirror 423, passes through the field lens 419, and reaches the liquid crystal panel 441 (441B) for blue light. The field lens 419 converts each partial light beam emitted from the second lens array 413 into a light beam parallel to the central axis (principal ray). The same applies to the field lens 419 provided on the light beam incident side of the liquid crystal panel 441 (441R, 441G) for red light and green light.

  Of the red light and green light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 421, the green light is reflected by the dichroic mirror 422, passes through the field lens 419, and reaches the green light liquid crystal panel 441 (441G). On the other hand, the red light passes through the dichroic mirror 422, passes through the relay optical system 43, passes through the field lens 419, and reaches the liquid crystal panel 441 (441R) for red light.

  The reason why the relay optical system 43 is used for red light is that the optical path length of the red light is longer than the optical path lengths of the other color lights, so that the use efficiency of the light due to the divergence of the light is prevented. is there. That is, this is because the partial light beam incident on the incident side lens 431 is transmitted to the field lens 419 as it is. The relay optical system 43 is configured to pass red light of the three color lights, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to pass blue light, for example.

  The light modulation optical system 44 modulates the incident light beam based on the image signal. The light modulation optical system 44 includes three incident-side polarizing plates 442 as optical elements on which the respective color lights separated by the color separation optical system 42 are incident (red light incident-side polarizing plate 442R, green light The light incident side polarizing plate 442G and the blue light incident side polarizing plate 442B). Further, three liquid crystal panels 441 (red light liquid crystal panel 441R for red light, green light liquid crystal panel 441G for green light, and blue light for blue light) as light modulation elements installed at the subsequent stage of each incident side polarizing plate 442 A liquid crystal panel for blue light 441B). Also, there are three emission side polarizing plates 443 (red light emitting side polarizing plate 443R for red light, green light emitting side polarizing plate 443G, and green light emitting side polarizing plate 443G) installed at the rear stage of each liquid crystal panel 441. A blue light exit side polarizing plate 443B).

  The liquid crystal panel 441 (441R, 441G, 441B) uses, for example, a polysilicon TFT (Thin Film Transistor) as a switching element, and the liquid crystal is hermetically sealed in a pair of opposed transparent substrates. The liquid crystal panel 441 modulates and emits a light beam incident through the incident-side polarizing plate 442 based on an image signal.

  The incident-side polarizing plate 442 transmits only polarized light in a certain direction out of each color light separated by the color separation optical system 42 and absorbs other light beams. The exit side polarizing plate 443 is also configured in substantially the same manner as the incident side polarizing plate 442, and transmits only polarized light in a predetermined direction and absorbs other light beams out of the light beams emitted from the liquid crystal panel 441. The polarization axis of the polarized light to be transmitted is set to be orthogonal to the polarization axis of the polarized light to be transmitted by the incident side polarizing plate 442.

  The color synthesizing optical system 45 forms a color image by synthesizing optical images emitted from the emission-side polarizing plate 443 and modulated for each color light. The color synthesis optical system 45 includes a cross dichroic prism 451. In the cross dichroic prism 451, a dielectric multilayer film that reflects red light and a dielectric multilayer film that reflects blue light are provided in a substantially X shape along the interfaces of four right-angle prisms. Three color lights are synthesized by the body multilayer film. The color light synthesized by the cross dichroic prism 451 is emitted toward the projection optical system 46 as an optical image.

The projection optical system 46 employs a reflective optical system, and includes a projection lens 461 and a reflection mirror 462. The optical image (video light) emitted from the cross dichroic prism 451 is enlarged as a color image by a projection lens 461 including a plurality of lenses, reflected by a reflection mirror 462, and projected onto the screen S. The optical axis of the projection lens 461 is indicated by the optical axis A.
In FIG. 2, the reflection mirror 462 constituting the projection optical system 46 is shown with the coordinate system removed for convenience of explanation.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire optical unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical unit. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a fixing portion of the optical unit. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion B shown in FIG. 4 and shows a method for assembling the optical unit 5. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view showing a fixing portion of the projection lens unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a fixing portion of the light modulation element unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the light modulation element unit 52 is viewed from the projection lens unit 53 side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a fixing portion of the optical element unit. FIG. 8 is a perspective view when the optical element unit 51 is viewed from the projection lens unit 53 side. The configuration of the optical unit 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 (refer to FIG. 2 as appropriate).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical unit 5 is divided into three units of an optical element unit 51, a light modulation element unit 52, and a projection lens unit 53. Each unit (the optical element unit 51, the light modulation element unit 52, and the projection lens unit 53) accommodates a corresponding optical element.

  Below, the outline | summary of a structure of each unit (The optical element unit 51, the light modulation element unit 52, the projection lens unit 53) is demonstrated.

An outline of the configuration of the optical element unit 51 will be described.
The optical element unit 51 is a unit configured to accommodate an optical element in the preceding stage of the light modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) of the optical system 4. In the present embodiment, the optical element unit 51 accommodates optical elements from the integrator illumination optical system 41 shown in FIG. 2 to the incident-side polarizing plate 442 (preceding stage of the light modulation element) constituting the light modulation optical system 44. Composed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the optical element unit 51 includes a box-shaped lower guide frame 511 that houses an optical element and a lid-shaped upper guide frame 512. The lower guide frame 511 is formed with a positioning groove (not shown) for accommodating the optical element to be accommodated at a predetermined position. The positioning groove for accommodating the optical element at a predetermined position is formed with reference surfaces 515 (515A to 515D) formed in the fixing portion 51A of the optical element unit 51 described later.

  At one end of the optical element unit 51 (one end of the lower guide frame 511), a fixing portion 51A that is integrated with the projection lens unit 53 is formed. In addition, a light source device 411 constituting the integrator illumination optical system 41 is fixed to the other end of the optical element unit 51 (the other end of the lower guide frame 511). The light source device 411 is configured to be exchangeable by a user, and is fixed and released from the lower guide frame 511.

  The optical element unit 51 is assembled by first inserting and accommodating optical elements corresponding to the positioning grooves of the lower guide frame 511. Then, the upper guide frame 512 is mounted on the lower guide frame 511 from above the optical element and fixed with screws, thereby fixing the optical element in such a manner that the optical element is sandwiched between the lower guide frame 511 and the upper guide frame 512. . By this assembly, the optical element unit 51 is completed.

An outline of the configuration of the light modulation element unit 52 will be described.
The light modulation element unit 52 is a unit configured to accommodate the light modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) of the optical system 4. In this embodiment, the light modulation element unit 52 includes a cross dichroic prism 451 (projection lens 461) constituting the color synthesis optical system 45 from a liquid crystal panel 441 as a light modulation element constituting the light modulation optical system 44 shown in FIG. The optical elements up to the first stage) are accommodated (fixed).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the light modulation element unit 52 includes a prism fixing substrate 521 that fixes the cross dichroic prism 451. The prism fixing substrate 521 includes a plate-like mounting portion 522 that is substantially rectangular and a fixing leg 523 that extends below the mounting portion 522. In addition, a fixed portion 52 </ b> A that is integrated with the projection lens unit 53 is formed at the end of the fixed leg 523.

In the method of assembling the light modulation element unit 52, first, the cross dichroic prism 451 is positioned and fixed on the upper surface of the mounting portion 522. Then, the exit-side polarizing plate 443 and the liquid crystal panel 441 are optically aligned and fixed to the side surfaces of the cross dichroic prism 451 in the three directions. Specifically, the exit-side polarizing plate 443 and the liquid crystal panel 441 are guided by a fixed frame 446, optically aligned, and fixed to the cross dichroic prism 451. By this assembly, the light modulation element unit 52 is completed.
The position of the cross dichroic prism 451 fixed to the mounting portion 522 of the prism fixing substrate 521 is set with reference to a reference surface 525 (525A to 525C) formed on the fixing portion 52A of the light modulation element unit 52 described later. ing.

An outline of the configuration of the projection lens unit 53 will be described.
The projection lens unit 53 is a unit configured to accommodate the projection lens 461 of the optical system 4. In the present embodiment, the projection lens unit 53 is configured to accommodate the optical elements (projection lens 461 and reflection mirror 462) of the projection optical system 46 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the projection lens unit 53 includes a lower guide frame 531 and an upper guide frame 532. In addition, a fixed portion 53A that is integrated with the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 is formed at one end of the projection lens unit 53 (one end of the lower guide frame 531).

As a method for assembling the projection lens unit 53, first, the projection lens 461 and the reflection mirror 462 are accommodated in a predetermined position of the lower guide frame 531. Then, the upper guide frame 532 is mounted on the lower guide frame 531 from above the optical element and fixed with screws, so that the optical element is fixed in such a manner that the optical element is sandwiched between the lower guide frame 531 and the upper guide frame 532. By this assembly, the projection lens unit 53 is completed.
The predetermined position where the projection lens 461 and the reflection mirror 462 are accommodated is formed with reference to a reference surface 535 (535A to 535G) serving as a common reference surface formed in the fixing portion 53A of the projection lens unit 53 described later. ing.

  In the method of assembling the optical unit 5 according to this embodiment, the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 are assembled with respect to the projection lens unit 53. Specifically, the optical unit 5 is assembled by bringing the fixing portion 52A of the light modulation element unit 52 and the fixing portion 51A of the optical element unit 51 into contact with the fixing portion 53A of the projection lens unit 53. . The optical unit 5 according to the present embodiment is assembled in such a manner that after the light modulation element unit 52 is assembled with the projection lens unit 53, the light modulation element unit 52 is surrounded with respect to the projection lens unit 53 from three directions. The optical element unit 51 is assembled.

  For this reason, a reference surface, a guide reference projection or guide reference hole, and a fixing hole subjected to threading are formed as a reference when assembling each unit.

  Below, the structure of the fixing | fixed part 53A, 52A, 51A of each unit (projection lens unit 53, light modulation element unit 52, optical element unit 51) is demonstrated.

The configuration of the fixed portion 53A of the projection lens unit 53 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a reference surface 535 (535 </ b> A to 535 </ b> G) serving as a common reference surface protruding in a circular shape is formed on the fixed portion 53 </ b> A of the projection lens unit 53. The reference surface 535 (535A to 535G) is formed as a surface (one surface) perpendicular to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461.

  The reference surface 535 (535A to 535G) is formed with a fixing hole 536 (536A to 536G) that is threaded to fix the screw member 10 at each center position. Reference projections 537 (537A to 537D) are formed on the fixing portion 53A of the projection lens unit 53.

The configuration of the fixed portion 52A of the light modulation element unit 52 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, a reference surface 525 (525 </ b> A to 525 </ b> C) that protrudes in a circular shape is formed in the fixing portion 52 </ b> A of the light modulation element unit 52. The reference plane 525 (525A to 525C) is formed as a plane perpendicular to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461.

  In the reference surface 525 (525A to 525C), insertion holes 526 (526A to 526C) through which the screw member 10 is inserted are formed at the respective center positions. Reference holes 527 (527A, 527B) are formed in the fixing portion 52A of the light modulation element unit 52.

The configuration of the fixed portion 51A of the optical element unit 51 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, a reference surface 515 (515 </ b> A to 515 </ b> D) that protrudes in a circular shape is formed on the fixing portion 51 </ b> A of the optical element unit 51. The reference plane 515 (515A to 515D) is formed as a plane perpendicular to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461.

  The reference surface 515 (515A to 515D) is formed with an insertion hole 516 (516A to 516D) through which the screw member 10 is inserted at each center position. Reference holes 517 (517A, 517B) are formed in the fixing portion 51A of the optical element unit 51.

  As described above, the reference surface 535 of the projection lens unit 53 of the present embodiment is formed by a surface (one surface) perpendicular to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461. When assembling the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 with respect to the projection lens unit 53, the reference surface 525 of the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical surface with respect to the reference surface 535 of the projection lens unit 53. The reference surface 515 of the element unit 51 is brought into contact. Accordingly, the reference surface 535 of the projection lens unit 53 is formed by one surface and is a common reference surface when the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 are assembled. In addition, the reference protrusion (reference protrusion 537 of the projection lens unit 53) of the present embodiment is formed in a direction parallel to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461.

  Hereinafter, a method of assembling the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 with respect to the projection lens unit 53 will be described.

A method for assembling the light modulation element unit 52 with respect to the projection lens unit 53 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, first, reference holes 527 </ b> A and 527 </ b> B of the light modulation element unit 52 are inserted so as to correspond to the reference protrusions 537 </ b> A and 537 </ b> B of the projection lens unit 53. Thereby, the X direction and the Z direction of the light modulation element unit 52 are positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53.

  Then, the reference surfaces 525A, 525B, and 525C of the light modulation element unit 52 are brought into contact with the reference surfaces 535A, 535B, and 535C of the projection lens unit 53, respectively. Thereby, the Y direction of the light modulation element unit 52 is positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53. Thus, the light modulation element unit 52 is positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53.

  Next, toward the insertion holes 526A, 526B, and 526C of the light modulation element unit 52 in the same direction (in this embodiment, from the −Y direction to the + Y direction (light emission direction of the light beam from the light modulation element unit 52)). The screw member 10 is inserted and screwed into the screw portions of the fixing holes 536A, 536B, 536C of the projection lens unit 53, and tightened. Thereby, the light modulation element unit 52 is fixed to the projection lens unit 53 and integrated.

A method for assembling the optical element unit 51 with respect to the projection lens unit 53 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8, first, the reference holes 517 </ b> A and 517 </ b> B of the optical element unit 51 are inserted so as to correspond to the reference protrusions 537 </ b> C and 537 </ b> D of the projection lens unit 53. Thereby, the X direction and the Z direction of the optical element unit 51 are positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53.

  Then, the reference surfaces 515A, 515B, 515C, and 515D of the optical element unit 51 are brought into contact with the reference surfaces 535D, 535E, 535F, and 535G of the projection lens unit 53, respectively. Thereby, the Y direction of the optical element unit 51 is positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53. Thus, the optical element unit 51 is positioned with respect to the projection lens unit 53.

  Next, in the same direction with respect to the insertion holes 516A, 516B, 516C, and 516D of the optical element unit 51 (in the present embodiment, from the −Y direction to the + Y direction (light emission direction of the light beam from the light modulation element unit 52)). Then, the screw member 10 is inserted and screwed into the screw portions of the fixing holes 536D, 536E, 536F, and 536G of the projection lens unit 53, and tightened. Thereby, the optical element unit 51 is fixed to the projection lens unit 53 and integrated.

  The optical unit 5 of the present embodiment employs a reflective optical system for the projection lens unit 53 to realize the short-focus projector 1. For this reason, the projection lens unit 53 is larger and heavier than the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51. Accordingly, when the optical unit 5 is assembled, in detail, the projection lens unit 53 is in a lower side (corresponding to the + Y direction in the above description) in the direction of gravity (the fixing portion 53A is on the upper side (in the above description, − (It corresponds to the Y direction)) and is installed on the jig. The light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 are assembled from the upper side of the projection lens unit 53 (corresponding to the −Y direction in the above description) and fixed by the screw member 10. This method can assemble the optical unit 5 most stably. Further, the screw members 10 are all screwed and fixed in the same direction and in the light emission direction from the light modulation element unit 52 which is the lower side (corresponding to the + Y direction in the above description).

According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
According to the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the optical unit 5 includes the optical element unit 51, the light modulation element unit 52, and the projection lens unit 53. The projection lens unit 53 has a common reference surface 535 that serves as a reference when the optical element unit 51 and the light modulation element unit 52 are assembled and integrated. Thus, when the optical element unit 51 and the light modulation element unit 52 are assembled and integrated with the projection lens unit 53, the reference surface 515 of the optical element unit 51 and the reference surface 525 of the light modulation element unit 52 are The position accuracy between the units 51, 52, and 53 can be improved by assembling by contacting the corresponding common reference surface 535. Further, the position of the optical element accommodated in the projection lens unit 53 can be determined using the common reference plane 515 as a reference. Similarly, the position of the optical element accommodated in the light modulation element unit 52 can be determined using the reference plane 525 as a reference. Similarly, the position of the optical element accommodated in the optical element unit 51 can be determined using the reference surface 515 as a reference. Thereby, the positional accuracy of the optical element in each unit 51,52,53 can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the quality of the projected image from being deteriorated even if it is affected by a change in the operating environment temperature when the projector 1 is used or an internal temperature change due to heat generated in the projector 1. .

  According to the projector 1 of the present embodiment, since the common reference plane 535 of the projection lens unit 53 is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis A of the projection lens 461, the reference plane is on the optical axis A of the projection lens 461. On the other hand, formation is easier than in the case of an inclined surface.

  According to the projector 1 of the present embodiment, when the projection lens unit 53 includes the reflection mirror 462, the projection lens unit 53 is more easily affected by changes in the operating environment temperature of the projector 1 and internal temperature changes due to heat generated inside the projector 1. . Even in such a case, by using the common reference surface 535 formed in the projection lens unit 53, the positional accuracy of the reflection mirror 462 in the projection lens unit 53 is improved, and each of the reflection mirrors 462 with respect to each other is improved. Since the positional accuracy of the optical elements in the units 51 and 52 can be improved, even if they are affected by changes in the operating environment temperature or internal temperature when the projector 1 is used, the light is reflected by the reflection mirror 462. It is possible to prevent the quality of the projected image from deteriorating.

  According to the method for assembling the projector 1 of the present embodiment, when the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 are fixed to the projection lens unit 53, the screw member 10 is removed from the light modulation element unit 52 in the same direction. Are fixed by screwing in the direction of emission of the luminous flux. In this way, by performing the screw tightening so as to be in the same direction, the screw tightening operation can be performed easily and efficiently as compared with the case where the screws are tightened in different directions. The projector 1 of the present embodiment is a short focus projector, and the projection lens unit 53 is larger and heavier than the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51. Therefore, when assembling the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 with the projection lens unit 53 on the lower side, the screw is directed from the upper side to the lower side, in other words, in the light emission direction from the light modulation element unit 52. By tightening, the screw tightening operation can be facilitated and the screw tightening operation can be performed efficiently. As a result, the units 51, 52, and 53 can be stably assembled, and the assemblability (assembly workability) of the optical unit 5 can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. A modification will be described below.

  In the optical unit 5 of the projector 1 of the embodiment, the incident-side polarizing plate 442 of the light modulation optical system 44 is accommodated in the optical element unit 51, and the light modulation element (liquid crystal panel 441) of the light modulation optical system 44 is light. It is accommodated in the modulation element unit 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the incident-side polarizing plate 442 may be accommodated in the light modulation element unit 52. Further, although the cross dichroic prism 451 is accommodated in the light modulation element unit 52, a light modulation element unit that does not use a cross dichroic prism may be used when a single-plate optical system is used.

  According to the method for assembling the projector 1 of the embodiment, when the light modulation element unit 52 and the optical element unit 51 are fixed to the projection lens unit 53, the screw member 10 emits a light beam from the light modulation element unit 52. Screwed in the direction and fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the screw member 10 may be screwed and fixed toward the liquid crystal panel 441 side, and may be fixed in a direction that improves the assembly of the unit depending on the size and weight of the unit. .

  The projector 1 according to the embodiment uses the lens integrator optical system including the first lens array 412 and the second lens array 413 as an optical system for uniformizing the illuminance of the emitted light beam, but is not limited thereto. A rod integrator optical system including a light guide rod can also be used.

  In the optical system 4 of the projector 1 of the embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 441 as the light modulation element employs a transmission type liquid crystal panel, but a reflection type light modulation element such as a reflection type liquid crystal panel is used. Is also possible.

  In the optical system 4 of the projector 1 according to the embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 441 is employed as the light modulation element. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In general, any device that modulates an incident light beam based on an image signal may be used, and a micromirror light modulator or the like may be employed. For example, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) can be used as the micromirror type light modulation element.

  In the optical system 4 of the projector 1 according to the embodiment, the light modulation element employs a so-called three-plate system configured to use three liquid crystal panels 441R, 441G, and 441B corresponding to red light, green light, and blue light. ing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single plate method may be adopted. Further, a liquid crystal panel for improving the contrast may be additionally employed.

  In the optical system 4 of the projector 1 of the embodiment, the light source lamp 411A is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment, and a laser diode, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, a silicon light emitting element, or the like. You may comprise by these various solid light emitting elements.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 4 ... Optical system, 5 ... Optical unit, 10 ... Screw member, 51 ... Optical element unit, 51A ... Fixed part, 52 ... Light modulation element unit, 52A ... Fixed part, 53 ... Projection lens unit, 53A ... Fixing part, 441 ... liquid crystal panel, 461 ... projection lens, 511 ... lower guide frame, 512 ... upper guide frame, 515 ... reference surface, 516 ... insertion hole, 517 ... reference hole, 521 ... prism fixing substrate, 525 ... reference surface 526 ... insertion hole, 527 ... reference hole, 531 ... lower guide frame, 532 ... upper guide frame, 535 ... common reference surface, 536 ... fixed hole, 537 ... reference projection, A ... optical axis of projection lens, S ... screen.

Claims (5)

A projector that has an optical system and modulates and projects an incident light beam,
An optical element unit configured to accommodate an optical element in the preceding stage of the optical modulation element of the optical system;
A light modulation element unit configured to accommodate the light modulation element of the optical system;
A projection lens unit configured to accommodate the projection lens of the optical system,
The projection lens unit has a common reference plane that serves as a reference when the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are assembled and integrated with the projection lens unit. The projector according to claim 1,
The common reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection lens.   The projection lens unit includes a reflection mirror. A method of assembling a projector that has an optical system and modulates and projects an incident light beam,
An optical element unit configured to accommodate an optical element in the preceding stage of the optical modulation element of the optical system;
A light modulation element unit configured to accommodate the light modulation element of the optical system;
A projection lens unit configured to accommodate the projection lens of the optical system,
With respect to the projection lens unit, the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit with respect to the projection lens unit on the basis of a common reference plane serving as a reference when the optical element unit and the light modulation element unit are assembled and integrated. A method for assembling a projector, wherein the light modulation element unit is screwed and fixed from the same direction. A method for assembling the projector according to claim 4,
The method of assembling a projector, wherein the same direction is an emission direction of a light beam from the light modulation element unit.

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