JP4674860B2 - Fluid prism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid prism in which a fluid capable of transmitting light is disposed between a pair of facing transparent plates, and more particularly to a fluid prism in which the angle formed by both transparent plates is variable.

  As a prism used in an optical apparatus such as a camera, a liquid prism is known in which a transparent liquid is disposed between a pair of facing transparent plates, and an angle formed by both transparent plates is variable (for example, And Patent Document 1).

  In this liquid prism, a pair of transparent plates are sealed with a bellows-like transparent film at the outer periphery, and a sealed space formed by both the transparent plates and the transparent film is filled with a transparent liquid having a high refractive index. The two transparent plates are fixed to the first and second holding frames, respectively. The first holding frame can be rotated around the first support shaft by the first electromagnetic motor, and the second holding frame is the second holding frame. Two electromagnetic motors are rotatable around a second support shaft that is orthogonal to the first support shaft.

Thus, in this liquid prism, the first holding frame rotates around the first support shaft by driving the first electromagnetic motor, so that one of the transparent plates tilts together with the first holding frame, for example, in the vertical direction, or When the second holding frame is rotated around the second support shaft by driving the two electromagnetic motors, the other transparent plate is inclined together with the second holding frame, for example, in the left-right direction. As a result, the angle formed by both transparent plates changes, and the refraction angle of the light beam transmitted through the liquid prism changes.
JP-A-6-337454 (page 2-3)

  By the way, in recent years, in-vehicle cameras or the like are sometimes equipped with in-vehicle cameras for the purpose of grasping road conditions, external environments, other vehicles, and the like. In addition, cameras are often mounted on mobile devices such as mobile phones. In these automobiles and portable devices, since various devices other than cameras are incorporated, it is desirable that the size of the devices to be incorporated including optical devices such as cameras is as small as possible.

  However, in the conventional liquid prism, an electromagnetic motor for generating an electromagnetic driving force for applying a rotational torque to the holding frame that holds the transparent plate is provided as a completely separate body from the transparent plate and the holding frame. For this reason, the whole physique of a liquid prism will become large, and further size reduction is desired. Also, if the electromagnetic motor and the holding frame are completely separate, the efficiency may be reduced or the responsiveness may be reduced when the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnetic motor is converted into rotational torque for rotating the holding frame. There is a problem of doing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is a technical problem to be solved to provide a fluid prism that is small in size and has high efficiency and responsiveness when changing the angle.

A fluid prism according to the present invention that solves the above-described problems is a light-transmitting light disposed between a pair of transparent plates that are arranged to face each other and one of which is swingable, and between the transparent plates. A fluid prism having a fluid capable of being swung and a variable mechanism for swinging the swingable transparent plate to change an angle formed by the two transparent plates, the other of the pair of transparent plates being the transparent The transparent plate comprising a container having a bottom part constituted by a plate and a cylindrical part formed integrally with the bottom part, wherein the fluid is accommodated in the container and swingable on the surface of the fluid The fluid is accommodated in the container, and is disposed on the surface of the swingable transparent plate disposed on the surface of the fluid opposite to the fluid. different refractive index and the light includes a permeable second fluid and, the variable mechanism, A magnetic field application unit integrally provided on the movable transparent plate; and an external magnetic field application unit that applies an external magnetic field to the magnetic field application unit from a predetermined direction. The swingable transparent plate is swung by an interaction caused by applying an external magnetic field to the action portion.

  Here, the transparent plate has a light transmission part capable of transmitting light at least in part.

  The fluid has a refractive index different from that of the external atmosphere of the transparent plates.

  Further, the magnetic field operating part refers to a part that can generate some force by interaction with an external magnetic field applied from an external magnetic field applying means.

  In this fluid prism, the oscillating transparent plate oscillates due to an interaction caused by applying an external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means to the magnetic field application unit, and the angle formed by both transparent plates changes. At this time, the fluid disposed between the transparent plates also follows the swinging of the transparent plates. For this reason, the angle formed by both transparent plates can be arbitrarily changed by controlling the magnitude of the external magnetic field and the like. Therefore, the refraction angle of the light beam passing through the fluid having a refractive index different from that of the external atmosphere can be changed according to the change of the angle formed by both transparent plates, and a prism having an arbitrary angle can be obtained. In addition, by adjusting the direction of interaction caused by applying an external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means to the magnetic field application unit, the direction in which the light beam passing through the fluid prism is refracted can be changed.

  In this fluid prism, a magnetic field operating unit that swings the transparent plate by interaction with an external magnetic field is provided integrally with the swinging transparent plate itself. That is, some of the components of the variable mechanism are integrally provided on the swinging transparent plate. For this reason, the physique of a fluid prism can be made small compared with the case where all the components of a variable mechanism are provided separately from a transparent plate. In addition, since the rotational torque can be applied to the transparent plate itself provided with the magnetic field action unit integrally, the efficiency and responsiveness when changing the angle of the transparent plate are improved.

  In a preferred aspect of the fluid prism according to the present invention, the magnetic field action unit is composed of a conductive path arranged in a predetermined pattern, and the variable mechanism includes a current-carrying means capable of passing a current through the conductive path, Lorentz force generated by the interaction between the external magnetic field from the magnetic field applying means and the current flowing through the conductive path is applied to the transparent plate as rotational torque for swinging the swingable transparent plate.

  In this fluid prism, a Lorentz force is generated by applying a current and an external magnetic field superimposed on a conductive path arranged in a predetermined pattern on a swingable transparent plate, and this Lorentz force can be swung transparently. This is applied to the transparent plate as a rotational torque for swinging the plate. For this reason, the Lorentz force having a predetermined direction and magnitude can be generated by adjusting the direction and magnitude of the electric current and the external magnetic field superimposed and applied to the conductive path. Can be swung in the direction and size.

  In a preferred aspect of the fluid prism according to the present invention, the magnetic field action part is composed of a magnetic part arranged in a predetermined pattern, and is generated by the interaction between the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means and the magnetic part. The magnetic force is applied to the transparent plate as a rotational torque for swinging the swingable transparent plate.

  Here, the magnetic body portion refers to a portion made of a magnetic body that is magnetized in a magnetic field, and this magnetic body includes Fe, Co, Ni, Gd, Tb, and the like. The transparent plate integrally provided with the magnetic body portion has magnetic anisotropy.

  In this fluid prism, an external magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body portion arranged in a predetermined pattern on a swingable transparent plate, thereby generating a magnetic force due to the interaction between the external magnetic field and the magnetic body portion. Magnetic force is applied to the transparent plate as a rotational torque for swinging the transparent plate. For this reason, by adjusting the direction and magnitude of the external magnetic field applied to the magnetic part (when the magnetic part itself generates a magnetic field, the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the external magnetic field and the magnetic part The magnetic force having a predetermined direction and size can be generated, and the swingable transparent plate can be swung in a predetermined direction and size.

  For example, when the magnetic body part is integrally provided on one transparent plate, external magnetic field applying means are disposed at at least two positions at different distances from the other transparent plate, By applying an external magnetic field to the magnetic body portion from at least two positions with different distances, the transparent plate provided with the magnetic body portion can be swung.

The fluid prism of the present invention includes a container having a bottom portion formed by the other transparent plate of the pair of transparent plates, and a cylindrical portion formed integrally with the bottom portion, and the fluid is contained in the container. The transparent plate is disposed on the surface of the fluid.

  In this fluid prism, since the fluid is accommodated in the container, the fluid can be prevented from being scattered. In the fluid prism, a gas that has a refractive index different from that of the external atmosphere and can transmit light can be used as the fluid. In addition, when gas is employ | adopted as a fluid, the sealing property of the gas by which the transparent plate which is accommodated in the container and which can be rock | fluctuated is arrange | positioned is ensured with a film.

Fluid prism of the present invention, while being accommodated before Symbol vessel disposed on a surface opposite to the fluid can oscillate the transparent plate disposed on the surface of the fluid, and the fluid The second fluid has a different refractive index and can transmit light.

  In this fluid prism, the angle formed by the two transparent plates changes when the transparent plate arranged between two kinds of fluids having different refractive indexes and different refractive indexes in the external atmosphere is oscillated. become. For this reason, the freedom degree which changes the refraction angle of the light beam which permeate | transmits this fluid prism increases.

  In a preferred aspect of the fluid prism of the present invention, the container has a transparent lid portion that seals the opening of the cylindrical portion to form a sealed space therein.

  In this fluid prism, since the container in which the fluid is stored is sealed with the transparent lid portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the fluid from scattering. The sealed space of the container may be filled with air in addition to the fluid, but may be filled with the second fluid. In particular, when liquid is used as the fluid and the second fluid and these are filled in the sealed space of the container, the swing of the transparent plate disposed between the fluid and the second fluid is stabilized. Can do.

  The fluid in the fluid prism of the present invention may be liquid or gas. However, when a gas is employed as the fluid, it is desirable to employ a liquid as the fluid in view of the need to provide a sealing means for sealing the gas between the transparent plates.

  In a preferred aspect, the fluid prism according to the present invention includes a holding portion held at a fixed position, and the swingable transparent plate rotates about one axis or two axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the holding portion. It is supported by the holding portion so as to be possible.

  In this fluid prism, a swingable transparent plate is held so that it can be rotated about one axis or about two axes orthogonal to each other with respect to a holding member held by another member or the cylindrical portion of the container. Supported by the department. For this reason, the swing of the transparent plate can be stabilized. In addition, when a swingable transparent plate is supported by the holding portion so as to be rotatable about two axes orthogonal to the holding portion, in addition to the swing angle of the swinging transparent plate, Since the direction in which the light beam oscillates can be arbitrarily set, it is possible to change the angle and direction in which the light beam transmitted through the fluid prism is refracted.

  In the fluid prism according to the present invention, since the magnetic field action part, which is a part of the component of the variable mechanism that changes the angle formed by the two transparent plates, is integrally provided on the transparent plate itself, the size of the fluid prism can be reduced. And the efficiency and responsiveness of the variable mechanism are improved.

  Therefore, when the fluid prism of the present invention is applied to an optical device such as a camera, panning and tilting can be performed with high responsiveness. If panning and tilting can be performed at high speed, application to camera shake correction and the like can be expected.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments and reference embodiments of the fluid prism of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

( Reference form 1 )
In this reference embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the fluid prism of the present invention is applied to an optical apparatus having a zoom mechanism. This optical apparatus has a pan / tilt mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical apparatus includes a multifocal lens 1, a first mirror 2, a second mirror (second mirror reflecting surface) 3, an image sensor 4, and second mirror moving means (not shown). A zoom mechanism and a fluid prism (liquid prism) 70 are included.

  The multifocal lens 1 is formed by concentrically combining lens regions having different focal lengths so that the focal length becomes longer in multiple steps toward the outer peripheral direction. Specifically, the multifocal lens 1 includes two lens regions 15 and 16 having different focal lengths, and the lens region 15 has a shorter focal length than the lens region 16.

  The first and second mirrors 2 and 3 are ordinary opaque mirrors. The first mirror 2 has a first mirror reflection surface portion facing the multifocal lens 1 on the image forming side of the multifocal lens 1. The second mirror 3 has a second mirror reflecting surface portion between the first mirror 2 and the multifocal lens 1 and facing the reflecting surface side of the first mirror 2.

  The imaging element 4 is disposed at a position (imaging plane) where an image is formed by shielding or transmitting one or more of the light beams that have passed through the lens regions 15 and 16 of the multifocal lens 1. Specifically, it is located at the center of the first mirror 2.

  The second mirror 3 is parallel to the optical axis of the multifocal lens 1 and does not block the light beam that has passed through the lens region 15 (FIG. 1A), and is perpendicular to the optical axis of the multifocal lens 1. In addition, the position can be switched between the position (FIG. 1B) inserted so as to shield the light beam that has passed through the lens region 15. The second mirror moving means is means for switching the second mirror 3 between both positions. As a method for switching between them, the second mirror 3 is formed of a ferromagnetic material or a ferroelectric material, and a means for changing the direction of applying a magnetic field or an electric field, an electrostatic force or a Lorentz force is used. Means can be exemplified.

  A method for switching the focal length will be described below. When the focal length is increased, the second mirror 3 is inserted by the second mirror moving means (FIG. 1B) in order to use the light bundle transmitted through the lens region 16 of the multifocal lens 1. Moving. As a result, since the light beam that has passed through the lens region 15 is shielded by the second mirror 3, only the light beam that has passed through the lens region 16 reflects from the first mirror 2 and the second mirror 3 and is on the imaging plane. An image is formed on the image sensor 4. On the other hand, when the focal length is shortened, the second mirror moving means moves to the state in which the second mirror 3 is removed (FIG. 1A) in order to use the light bundle transmitted through the lens region 15. As a result, the light beam that has passed through the lens region 15 is imaged as it is on the image sensor 4 on the imaging surface without being shielded by the second mirror 3, whereas the light beam that has passed through the lens region 16. Since there is no second mirror 3 only, the first mirror 2 is reflected from the lens region 16 and then passes through the lens region 15 as it is toward the object side of the multifocal lens 1.

  Accordingly, the light beam transmitted through the lens region 15 is moved as it is, and the light beam transmitted through the lens region 16 is advanced between the first mirror 2 and the second mirror 3 by a distance (one reciprocal half) considering the difference in focal length. Thus, the image planes from the lens regions 15 and 16 coincide.

  In this optical apparatus, a fluid prism 70 capable of bending a light bundle is disposed in the vicinity of the multifocal lens 1 on the opposite side to the imaging side. The fluid prism 70 can also be disposed near the multifocal lens 1 side of the imaging surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the fluid prism 70 includes a first transparent plate 71 as a bottom portion, a container 73 including a cylindrical portion 72 formed integrally with the first transparent plate 71, and a cylindrical portion 72. And a transparent lid 75 that forms a sealed space 74 therein. In addition, the shape of the cylindrical part 72 is not specifically limited, A cylinder or a prism may be sufficient.

  The first transparent plate 71 has a light transmission part 71a capable of transmitting light in the most central region. Similarly, the transparent lid portion 75 has a light transmission portion 75a capable of transmitting light in most of the central region. These light transmitting portions 71a and 75a are formed by embedding a transparent resin in a portion where silicon is hollowed out by MEMS fabrication.

  A transparent liquid 76 capable of transmitting light is accommodated in a part of the sealed space 74 in the container 73, and a gimbal 77 is disposed on the surface of the transparent liquid 76. The type of the transparent liquid 76 is not particularly limited as long as it has a refractive index different from that of the external atmosphere, but it is desirable to use a material having a higher refractive index, for example, matching oil.

  The gimbal 77 is manufactured by MEMS from a thin plate made of silicon, and as shown in FIG. 3, by forming a pair of C-ring shaped slits 77a and 77a so that both ends face each other, a peripheral holding portion With respect to 77b, the second transparent plate 78 made of a central disk portion is supported by a pair of support beams 77c and 77c so as to be rotatable about one axis. A peripheral edge holding portion 77 b of the gimbal 77 is fixedly held on the cylindrical portion 72 of the container 73. The second transparent plate 78 has a light transmission part 78a capable of transmitting light in most of the central region.

  Of the first transparent plate 71 and the second transparent plate 78, the second transparent plate 78 on the side on which the light beam enters is provided with an electric wire (conductive path) 81 as a magnetic field acting part constituting a part of the variable mechanism 80. It is provided integrally. This electric wire 81 is formed by patterning directly on the surface of the second transparent plate 78 by MEMS fabrication. The electric wire 81 is arranged in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge of the disc-shaped second transparent plate 78, and both end portions thereof pass a direct current to the electric wire 81 through one support beam 77c. It is connected to energizing means 82 for energizing.

  In addition, a pair of external magnetic field applying means 83 for applying an external magnetic field (static magnetic field) to the electric wire 81 is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 72 of the container 73 at a position substantially the same height as the gimbal 77. ing. The pair of external magnetic field applying means 83 are arranged to face in the left-right direction in FIGS. 3 and 5, and the direction of the electric field (the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 5) is the direction of the direct current flowing through the electric wire 81 ( They are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the direction of arrow B in FIG. As a result, the DC current from the energizing means 82 and the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means 83 are applied to the electric wire 81 in a superimposed manner, so that a predetermined direction corresponding to the direction of the DC current and the external magnetic field (C in FIG. The Lorentz force is applied to the second transparent plate 78 in the direction of the arrows and perpendicular to the directions of the direct current and the external magnetic field. The type of the external magnetic field applying unit 83 is not particularly limited, and a permanent magnet or an electromagnet can be employed.

  The variable mechanism 80 is configured by the electric wire 81, the energizing means 82, and the external magnetic field applying means 83. The remaining part of the sealed space 74 in the container 73 is filled with air.

  In the fluid prism 70, a DC current from the energizing means 82 and an external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means 83 are superimposed and applied to the electric wire 81 disposed on the swingable second transparent plate 78 in a predetermined direction. Lorentz force is generated, and this Lorentz force is applied to the second transparent plate 78 as a rotational torque for swinging the second transparent plate 78 that can swing. Therefore, the Lorentz force having a predetermined magnitude can be generated by adjusting the magnitude of the direct current and the external magnetic field that are superimposed and applied to the electric wire 81, and the swingable second transparent plate 78 is predetermined. And can be rotated around the one axis. Note that the second transparent plate 78 can be rotated in the reverse direction about the one axis by setting the direction of the direct current from the energizing unit 82 or the direction of the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying unit 83 to the reverse direction.

  Therefore, in the fluid prism 70, the angle formed by the first and second transparent plates 71 and 78 can be changed by swinging the second transparent plate 78, and the first and second transparent plates 71 and 78 can be changed. The transparent liquid 76 disposed between the two also follows the swing of the second transparent plate 78. For this reason, the incident light of the fluid prism 70 bends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second transparent plate 78 swings (see arrow D in FIG. 4). Then, according to the change in the angle formed by the first and second transparent plates 71 and 78, the refraction angle of the light beam passing through the transparent liquid 76 having a refractive index different from that of the external atmosphere can be changed. It becomes possible to use a prism.

  Further, the direction of the direct current from the energizing means 82 or the direction of the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means 83 is reversed, and the second transparent plate 78 is rotated in the reverse direction, so that the direction of refraction is reversed. can do.

  In the fluid prism 70, the electric wire 81, which is a part of the components of the variable mechanism, is integrally provided on the swinging second transparent plate 78 itself. For this reason, the physique of the fluid prism 70 can be made small, and the efficiency and responsiveness when changing the angle of the second transparent plate 78 are improved.

Further, according to the optical apparatus of this reference embodiment , the pan / tilt mechanism can be realized by the fluid prism 70 as follows. When the second transparent plate 78 is parallel to the surface of the multifocal lens 1 on the incident light side (upper side in FIG. 1), the incident light enters the multifocal lens 1 as it is without bending. When the second transparent plate 78 is swung, the region filled with the transparent liquid 76 becomes a prism and the incident light is bent. Since the refractive index of the transparent liquid 76 is larger than the refractive index of the air that is the external atmosphere of the first and second transparent plates 71 and 78, the incident light is the second light as shown in FIG. It bends in a direction opposite to the direction in which the transparent plate 78 is swung. The degree of bending of the incident light can be controlled by controlling the degree of swing of the second transparent plate 78. That is, the angle of view can be changed in a desired direction by swinging the second transparent plate 78 in the opposite direction to the direction of changing the angle of view.

  The pan / tilt mechanism provided in this optical apparatus is particularly effective on the long focal side of the zoom mechanism. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the long focal point side of the multifocal lens 1 is used, the angle of view becomes small, so the pan / tilt mechanism using the fluid prism 70 is useful.

( Embodiment 1 )
This embodiment shown in FIG. 6 shows a modification of the fluid prism 70. In the fluid prism 70 of the reference embodiment 1 , the remaining portion of the sealed space 74 in the container 73 (disposed on the surface of the transparent liquid 76). The second transparent liquid 79 having a refractive index different from that of the transparent liquid 76 and capable of transmitting light is accommodated and disposed on the surface of the gimbal 77 opposite to the transparent liquid 76.

  The types and combinations of the transparent liquid 76 and the second transparent liquid 79 are not particularly limited, but it is desirable to employ liquids that do not mix with each other so that they do not mix and diffuse with each other. For example, matching oil having a large refractive index can be used as the transparent liquid 76, and water having a refractive index smaller than that of the matching oil can be used as the second transparent liquid 79. The transparent liquid 76 and the second transparent liquid 79 are filled in the sealed space 74 of the container 73.

  For this reason, in this fluid prism 70, the swing of the second transparent plate 78 disposed between the transparent liquid 76 and the second transparent liquid 79 can be stabilized. In addition, the degree of freedom of changing the refraction angle of the light beam transmitted through the fluid prism 70 can be increased.

  Further, by filling the second transparent liquid 79 with a liquid having a specific gravity similar to that of the transparent liquid 76, it is possible to reduce the influence of gravity, inertia force, and the like.

Other configurations and the operational effects thereof are the same as in the first embodiment .

( Reference form 2 )
This reference form shown in FIG. 7 shows a modification of the fluid prism 70. In the fluid prism 70 of the reference form 1 , the first transparent plate 71 is fixedly held on the optical device, and the first transparent plate. A transparent liquid 76 is disposed on the surface 71 by surface tension, and the gimbal 77 is disposed on the surface of the transparent liquid 76. A peripheral edge holding portion 77b of the gimbal 77 is fixedly held by the optical device.

  Since the fluid prism 70 does not require the container 73 and the transparent lid 75, the structure can be simplified.

Other configurations and the operational effects thereof are the same as in the first embodiment .

Here, in Embodiment 1 and Reference Embodiments 1 and 2 , as shown in FIG. 8, the configuration of the gimbal 77 is changed, and another pair of C ring-shaped slits 77a ′ and a pair of opposite ends facing each other. Support beams 77c ′ and 77c ′ are added to support the second transparent plate 78 so as to be rotatable about two axes orthogonal to each other with respect to the peripheral edge holding portion 77b, and another pair of external magnetic field applying means 83 ′ is provided. The second transparent plate 78 can be swung in an arbitrary direction by adding another set and adding another energizing unit 82 'capable of energizing a direct current in the direction opposite to the energizing unit 82. It becomes possible to change the direction of bending of the light beam passing through the prism in an arbitrary direction.

( Reference form 3 )
The reference embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 shows a modification of the fluid prism 70. In the fluid prism 70 of the reference embodiment 1 , a magnetic body portion 84 is employed instead of the electric wire 81 as a magnetic field acting portion. It is a thing.

  That is, in this fluid prism, an annular magnetic body portion 84 is integrally provided at the outer peripheral edge portion of the second transparent plate 78 by MEMS fabrication, and the second transparent plate 78 provided with the magnetic body portion 84 is provided. Has magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic body portion 84 can be preferably a magnetic thin film such as Fe, Co, or Ni.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a position slightly lower than the gimbal 77 on the outer surface of one side of the cylindrical portion 72 of the container 73 (the left side of FIGS. 9 to 11, the same applies hereinafter), and the cylinder Two pairs of first external magnetic field applying means 83a are located at a position slightly higher than the gimbal 77 on the outer surface of the other side (the right side in FIGS. 83a. Further, a pair of the outer surface on the one side of the cylindrical part 72 slightly higher than the gimbal 77 and a position slightly lower than the gimbal 77 on the outer surface on the other side of the cylindrical part 72 Second external magnetic field applying means 83b and 83b are provided.

  These first external magnetic field applying means 83a and 83a and second external magnetic field applying means 83b and 83b are made of electromagnets.

  In this fluid prism, for example, when the first external magnetic field applying units 83a and 83a are energized, a gimbal on the other side of the cylindrical part 72 is positioned slightly lower than the gimbal 77 on the one side of the cylindrical part 72. When an external magnetic field in the direction of arrow E in FIG. It can be tilted in the direction (see FIG. 11). Further, by energizing the second external magnetic field applying means 83b and 83b, a position slightly higher than the gimbal 77 on the other side of the cylindrical portion 72 and a position slightly higher than the gimbal 77 on the one side of the cylindrical portion 72. When the external magnetic field is generated and applied to the magnetic body portion 84, the second transparent plate 78 is swung by the magnetic force and tilted in the same direction as the external magnetic field (on the opposite side to FIG. 11). Can do.

Other configurations and the operational effects thereof are the same as in the first embodiment .

Here, the reference embodiment of the magnetic body portion 84 also in the reference embodiment 3 provided integrally with the second transparent plate 78, the wire 81 as the magnetic field acting portion provided integrally with the second transparent plate 78 as the magnetic field acting section 1 , the configuration of the first embodiment in which the second transparent liquid 79 having a refractive index different from that of the transparent liquid 76 is filled and sealed in the container 73, and the reference embodiment 2 in which the container 73 and the transparent lid 75 are eliminated. It is possible to adopt the following configuration.

Also in Reference Embodiment 3 provided integrally with the magnetic body portion 84 as a magnetic field acting section in the second transparent plate 78, the reference embodiment 1 the wire 81 as the magnetic field acting portion provided integrally with the second transparent plate 78 As shown in FIG. 12, the configuration of the gimbal 77 is changed, and another pair of C-ring slits 77a ′ and a pair of support beams 77c ′ and 77c ′ whose both ends are opposed to each other are added. The second transparent plate 78 is supported by the holding portion 77b so as to be rotatable about two axes orthogonal to each other, and the other pair of first external magnetic field applying means 83a ′ and 83a ′ and the other pair of second external parts. By adding the magnetic field applying means 83b ′ and 83b ′, the second transparent plate 78 can be swung in any direction, and can be changed in any direction in the bending direction of the light beam passing through the prism. It becomes.

Further, in the first embodiment and the first to third embodiments , the example in which the liquid is used as the fluid has been described. However, if the sealing performance is ensured between the first transparent plate 71 and the second transparent plate 78, the external atmosphere A gas having a different refractive index may be used instead of the fluid. At this time, it is necessary to hold the second transparent plate 78 in a swingable manner by some means.

In addition, in the first embodiment and the first to third embodiments , the second transparent plate 78 on the side on which the light beam is incident can be swung among the first transparent plate 71 and the second transparent plate 78. However, the first transparent plate 71 on the side from which the light beam exits can be made swingable, or both the first transparent plate 71 and the second transparent plate 78 can be made swingable.

Further, in the first embodiment and the first to third embodiments , the example in which the second transparent plate 78 is swingably held by the gimbal 77 has been described, but instead of adopting the configuration of the gimbal 77, simply The second transparent plate 78 may be simply floated on the surface of the transparent liquid 76.

1 shows the overall configuration of an optical apparatus according to Reference Embodiment 1 , wherein (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the zoom mechanism is on the short focus side, and (b) is a fluid prism in which the zoom mechanism is on the long focus side. It is the cross-sectional schematic which shows the state in which the light beam is refracting by. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the fluid prism according to Reference Form 1 ; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a fluid prism according to Reference Form 1 and showing a state in which a transparent lid portion in FIG. 2 is omitted. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the second transparent plate is swung and the light beam is refracted by the fluid prism according to the reference mode 1 ; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a fluid prism according to Reference Embodiment 1 in a state where a transparent lid portion in FIG. 2 is omitted, and a state in which an electric current is applied to an electric wire and an external magnetic field is applied. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a fluid prism according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of a fluid prism according to Reference Form 2 ; It is a top view which shows typically the example of a change of the gimbal in the fluid prism of Embodiment 1 and Reference Embodiments 1 and 2 . FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of a fluid prism according to Reference Mode 3 . FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fluid prism according to Reference Form 3 and showing a state in which a transparent lid portion in FIG. 9 is omitted. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid prism showing a state in which an external magnetic field is applied to a magnetic part according to Reference Mode 3 . It is a top view which shows typically the example of a change of the gimbal in the fluid prism of the reference form 3 .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 ... Fluid prism 71 ... 1st transparent plate 72 ... Cylindrical part 73 ... Container 74 ... Sealed space 75 ... Transparent cover part 76 ... Transparent liquid (fluid) 77 ... Gimbal 78 ... 2nd transparent plate 79 ... 2nd transparent liquid ( Second fluid)
80 ... Variable mechanism 81 ... Electric wire (conductive path as magnetic field operating part)
82: Energizing means 83 ... External magnetic field applying means 84 ... Magnetic body part (magnetic field action part)

Claims (5)

A pair of transparent plates arranged facing each other at an interval and swingable on one side;
A fluid disposed between the transparent plates and capable of transmitting light;
A fluid prism having a variable mechanism that swings the swingable transparent plate to change an angle formed by both the transparent plates;
A container having a bottom formed by the other transparent plate of the pair of transparent plates and a cylindrical portion formed integrally with the bottom, the fluid being contained in the container, The transparent plate that can swing on the surface of the fluid is disposed,
In addition, the refractive index of the fluid is different from that of the fluid disposed in the container and disposed on the surface of the swingable transparent plate disposed on the surface of the fluid opposite to the fluid. A second fluid capable of passing through,
The variable mechanism includes a magnetic field application unit integrally provided on the swingable transparent plate, and an external magnetic field application unit that applies an external magnetic field to the magnetic field application unit from a predetermined direction. A fluid prism characterized in that the oscillating transparent plate is oscillated by an interaction caused by applying an external magnetic field from a magnetic field applying means to the magnetic field operating part. The magnetic field action part is composed of a conductive path arranged in a predetermined pattern, and the variable mechanism includes an energizing means capable of energizing the conductive path.
Lorentz force generated by the interaction between the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means and the current flowing through the conductive path is applied to the transparent plate as a rotational torque for swinging the swingable transparent plate. The fluid prism according to claim 1. The magnetic field action part is composed of a magnetic part arranged in a predetermined pattern,
The magnetic force generated by the interaction between the external magnetic field from the external magnetic field applying means and the magnetic body is applied to the transparent plate as a rotational torque for swinging the swingable transparent plate. The fluid prism according to claim 1.   The fluid prism according to claim 1, wherein the container has a transparent lid portion that seals the opening of the cylindrical portion to form a sealed space therein. The swingable transparent plate having a holding portion held at a fixed position is supported by the holding portion so as to be rotatable about one axis or about two axes perpendicular to each other with respect to the holding portion. The fluid prism according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the fluid prism is provided.

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