JP2008065260A - Lens array unit, illuminating optical device, projector and manufacturing method of lens array unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens array unit which can be reduced in size. <P>SOLUTION: The lens array unit 7 is equipped with: a first lens array 71 having a plurality of first lenses 71A for dividing an incident luminous flux into a plurality of partial luminous fluxes and a first plate-like base portion 711; a second lens array 72 having a plurality of second lenses 72A which correspond to the plurality of first lenses 71A and converge the plurality of partial luminous fluxes and a second plate-like base portion 721; and spacer members 73 which are interposed and arranged on the circumferential end portion sides between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. The first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are integrated to each other in such a state that they have a gap portion 7A between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 by the spacer members 73. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens array unit, an illumination optical device, a projector, and a method for manufacturing the lens array unit.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is provided a projector including an illumination optical device, a light modulation device that modulates a light beam emitted from the illumination optical device according to image information, and a projection optical device that enlarges and projects the light beam modulated by the light modulation device. Are known.
As the illumination optical device, a light source device, a first lens array and a second lens array, and a superimposing lens are generally used. A light beam emitted from the light source device is divided into a plurality of partial light beams by a plurality of first lenses provided in the first lens array. The plurality of partial light beams are superimposed on the illuminated area (image forming area of the light modulation device) by the second lens array including a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of first lenses of the first lens array and the superimposing lens. The By using such an illumination optical device, the intensity distribution of the light that irradiates the image forming area of the light modulation device is made substantially uniform.
Conventionally, for the purpose of easily aligning each optical component constituting the illumination optical device, the first lens array and the second lens array have the same refractive index as each of these lens arrays. There has been proposed a configuration in which a light transmitting part for guiding light from one lens array to a second lens array is interposed, and the first lens array and the second lens array are connected by the light transmitting part (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2002-55208 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the following problem arises due to the adoption of a structure in which a light transmitting portion is interposed between the first lens array and the second lens array.
That is, it is difficult to reduce the size of a unit (lens array unit) in which the first lens array and the second lens array are integrated by the light transmitting portion. Specifically, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, the first lens array and the second lens array are configured as an air layer, that is, compared to a configuration that does not use a translucent part. In order to match the optical distance between the second lens arrays, it is necessary to increase the distance between the first lens array and the second lens array by the ratio of the refractive index of the light transmitting portion. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the size of the lens array unit.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a lens array unit, an illumination optical device, a projector, and a method for manufacturing the lens array unit that can be miniaturized.

The lens array unit of the present invention includes a first lens array having a plurality of first lenses for dividing an incident light beam into a plurality of partial light beams, and a plate-like first base portion on which the plurality of first lenses are formed, A second lens array having a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of first lenses and condensing the plurality of partial light beams, and a plate-like second base portion on which the plurality of second lenses are formed; A spacer member disposed on an outer peripheral end portion side between the first base portion and the second base portion, and the first lens array and the second lens array are arranged on the first base by the spacer member. It is characterized by being integrated with each other in a state having a gap portion between the first base portion and the second base portion.
Here, as the spacer member, the first lens array and the first lens array in a state of being disposed on the outer peripheral end side between the first base portion and the second base portion and having a gap portion between the first base portion and the second base portion. Any structure may be used as long as the second lens array is integrated, and the material, shape, arrangement position and number on the outer peripheral end side are not particularly limited.

According to the present invention, since the lens array unit has the spacer member in addition to the first lens array and the second lens array, the light transmitting region between the first base portion and the second base portion is formed by the spacer member. The first lens array and the second lens array can be integrated with each other with a gap portion in between. As a result, the translucent part is not interposed between the first lens array and the second lens array as in the prior art, that is, the light transmission region between the first base part and the second base part is formed in the air layer. It is not necessary to increase the distance between the first base portion and the second base portion. That is, the lens array unit can be reduced in size.
In addition, since the lens array unit can be reduced in size, for example, in a projector that is an optical device on which the lens array unit is mounted, the member for housing and holding the lens array unit can be reduced in size, and the projector as a product can be reduced in weight. Can be planned.
Furthermore, in the case of a configuration using a translucent part as in the prior art, it is necessary to manufacture the translucent part with high accuracy, so that the manufacturing cost (material cost, processing cost, etc.) of the translucent part is increased. Since the spacer member does not need to be highly accurate, the manufacturing cost of the spacer member is reduced, the cost of the lens array unit is reduced, and the cost of the projector, which is an optical device on which the lens array unit is mounted, is reduced. Can be planned.

In the lens array unit according to the aspect of the invention, the spacer member may be configured such that a part of the spacer member is between the first base portion and the second base portion than the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion. Is also preferably arranged so as to be located outside in a plane.
In the present invention, as described above, the spacer member is disposed so that a part thereof protrudes from the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion. Accordingly, in a projector or the like that is an optical device on which the lens array unit is mounted, if a concave portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the spacer member is provided in a member (housing for optical component) that stores and holds the lens array unit, By fitting the protruding portion of the spacer member into the recess, the lens array unit can be easily stored and held in the optical component casing. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate member for housing the lens array unit in the optical component housing, and the lens array unit can be directly housed in the optical component housing, thereby simplifying the structure of the product projector. Can be planned.

In the lens array unit according to the aspect of the invention, the spacer member may be positioned inwardly between the first base portion and the second base portion with respect to the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion. It is preferable to arrange so as to.
In the present invention, since the spacer member is disposed inside the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion as described above, the first base portion and the outer peripheral end portion of the lens array unit are provided. A U-shaped concave portion is formed by the outer peripheral end portion of the second base portion and the outer surface of the spacer member. As a result, in a projector or the like that is an optical device in which the lens array unit is mounted, if the protrusion (corresponding to the recess) is provided on the member (housing for optical component) that stores and holds the lens array unit, the recess The lens array unit can be easily housed and held in the optical component housing by fitting the protruding portion into the housing. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate member for housing the lens array unit in the optical component housing, and the lens array unit can be directly housed in the optical component housing, thereby simplifying the structure of the product projector. Can be planned.

In the lens array unit of the present invention, it is preferable that the first lens array, the second lens array, and the spacer member are formed of the same material.
According to the present invention, since the first lens array, the second lens array, and the spacer member are formed of the same material, heat is generated in the first lens array and the second lens array due to the irradiation of the light beam. Even so, the thermal stress between the members of the first lens array and the second lens array and the spacer member can be alleviated, and the fixed state of the first lens array and the second lens array by the spacer member can be maintained well.

In the lens array unit according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the spacer member is configured as a pair and is disposed so as to face each other between the first base portion and the second base portion.
In the present invention, since the spacer members are configured as a pair and are disposed as described above, the spacer members are disposed on the outer peripheral end portions facing each other between the first base portion and the second base portion. Will be. As a result, the fixed state of the first lens array and the second lens array by the spacer member can be maintained satisfactorily. For example, even when an external force is applied, the lens array unit can be prevented from being damaged.

In the lens array unit of the present invention, the pair of spacer members has a column shape extending along the optical axis direction of the light beam incident on the lens array unit, and the first axis on each facing surface facing each other. It is preferable that the dimensional separation distance is different along the second axial direction orthogonal to the first axial direction.
In the present invention, since the pair of spacer members are arranged as described above, when the lens array unit (the pair of spacer members) is viewed in a plan view from the optical axis direction, each facing surface is the first surface. The separation dimension in the axial direction (for example, the horizontal direction) increases or decreases along the second axial direction (for example, the vertical direction). That is, the gap portion of the lens array unit has a tapered shape when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction.

Accordingly, when the lens array unit is manufactured by integrating the first lens array, the second lens array, and the pair of spacer members, for example, as shown below.
That is, each optical glass material in a blank state corresponding to the first lens array, the second lens array, and the pair of spacer members is prepared.
The lens array unit to be manufactured has a through-hole through which the inner peripheral surface can be inserted, and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole is the outer peripheral end of the lens array unit (the outer peripheral end of the first base portion, the second base portion A barrel mold serving as a mold finish surface corresponding to the outer peripheral end portion and an end surface opposite to each facing surface of the pair of spacer members, and a surface on the light emission side of the lens array unit (a plurality of second surfaces in the second lens array) An upper mold having a die finishing surface corresponding to the lens surface side on which two lenses are formed, and a light beam incident side surface of the lens array unit (a lens on which a plurality of first lenses in the first lens array are formed) A lower die having a die finishing surface corresponding to the surface side surface) is prepared.
Further, the outer peripheral surface of the lens array unit has a shape corresponding to the gap portion, and the inner circumference surface of the gap portion (the anti-lens surfaces of the first lens array and the second lens array, and the opposing surfaces of the pair of spacer members) Prepare a pillow member to form.
Then, each optical glass material is placed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pillow member and placed in each mold (body mold, upper mold, lower mold), and the respective molds are combined.
Thereafter, while heating the optical glass materials, the molds are clamped and press molding is performed. And after optical glass material hardens | cures, it demolds from each metal mold | die and a pillow member. Then, a lens array unit in which the first lens array, the second lens array, and the pair of spacer members are integrated is manufactured.
In the above description, the pillow member is used as the member that forms the inner peripheral surface of the gap portion. However, the pillow member is not limited to this, and has a shape corresponding to the gap portion and is slid and installed in the gap portion. A configuration using a slide core that is slidable from the part and can be removed is also possible.

  As described above, since the gap portion of the lens array unit has a tapered shape when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction, the pillow member (or slide core) is slid into the gap portion as described above. And the pillow member (or slide core) can be slid from the gap and removed from the mold. For this reason, each optical glass material in a blank state corresponding to each of the first lens array, the second lens array, and the pair of spacer members is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pillow member (or the slide core), whereby the first The lens array, the second lens array, and the pair of spacer members can be positioned at a design position, and the first lens array disposed at the design position by performing press molding as described above. The lens array unit can be easily manufactured by integrating the second lens array and the pair of spacer members. That is, with such a configuration, the lens array unit can be easily and quickly manufactured without adjusting the positions of the first lens array and the second lens array using the manufacturing method described above.

In the lens array unit of the present invention, a heat conductive member connected to the gap portion so as to be capable of transferring heat to at least a part of the inner peripheral surfaces of the first lens array and the second lens array constituting the gap portion. Is preferably disposed.
According to the present invention, since the heat conductive member is disposed in the gap portion, the heat conductive member generates heat generated in at least one of the first lens array and the second lens array by irradiation of the light beam. Can dissipate heat. For this reason, the temperature rise of a 1st lens array and a 2nd lens array can be suppressed.
Moreover, by suppressing the temperature rise of the first lens array and the second lens array, the first lens array and the second lens array can be favorably maintained by the spacer member, and the first lens array and the second lens can be maintained. It is possible to avoid cracking of the array due to heat.

In the lens array unit of the present invention, the thermally conductive member is formed in a frame shape having an opening for transmitting effective light emitted through the lens array unit and irradiated on the illuminated area. It is preferable.
In the present invention, the heat conductive member has an opening for transmitting effective light and is formed in a frame shape. That is, the heat conductive member shields unnecessary light that is emitted through the lens array unit and is not irradiated on the illuminated area at the peripheral portion of the opening. This prevents unnecessary light from being applied to the first lens array and the second lens array, and can further suppress the temperature rise of the first lens array and the second lens array. Further, it is possible to avoid unnecessary light from being irradiated to the member that stores and holds the lens array unit, and it is possible to prevent thermal deterioration of the member.

In the lens array unit of the present invention, it is preferable that the spacer member and the heat conductive member are integrally formed of the same material.
According to the present invention, since the spacer member and the heat conductive member are integrally formed of the same material, for example, the spacer member and the heat conductive member are compared with the configuration in which the spacer member and the heat conductive member are separate members. There is no need to manufacture the conductive members separately, and the conductive members can be manufactured together. Further, since the spacer member and the heat conductive member are integrally formed, the first lens array, the second lens array, the spacer member, and the heat conductive member can be quickly integrated, and the lens array unit Manufacturing can be performed easily and quickly.

An illumination optical apparatus according to the present invention is an illumination optical apparatus that divides a light beam emitted from a light source into a plurality of partial light beams, and superimposes the plurality of partial light beams on a predetermined illuminated area to illuminate the illuminated area. The light source device and the lens array unit described above are provided.
Here, as the illumination optical device, a configuration provided with a superimposing lens that superimposes a plurality of partial light beams on a predetermined illuminated area together with the second lens array in addition to the light source device and the lens array unit described above. Good. In addition to the configuration including the superimposing lens, the illumination optical device may include a light source device and the lens array unit described above, and a configuration in which the function of the superimposing lens is added to the second lens array.
According to the present invention, since the illumination optical device includes the lens array unit described above, it can enjoy the same operations and effects as the lens array unit described above.

The projector of the present invention includes the above-described illumination optical device, a light modulation device that modulates the light beam from the illumination optical device according to image information, and a projection optical device that enlarges and projects the light beam modulated by the light modulation device. It is characterized by having.
According to the present invention, since the projector includes the illumination optical device described above, the projector can enjoy the same operations and effects as the illumination optical device described above.

In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the illumination optical device and the optical modulation device may be housed in an optical component housing, and the gap portion of the lens array unit is configured to allow air to flow in the vertical direction. In the optical component casing, openings that allow air to flow in and out of the optical component casing are formed on the respective end surfaces intersecting in the vertical direction so as to correspond to the arrangement positions of the lens array units. Preferably it is.
In the present invention, the air gap portion is configured to be able to circulate air in the vertical direction, and air can be circulated in and out corresponding to the arrangement position of the lens array unit on each end surface intersecting the vertical direction of the optical component casing. An opening is formed. Thus, for example, if air is introduced into the optical component casing through the opening by a cooling fan or the like, the air is circulated in the vertical direction through the gap and the optical component is passed through the opening. Air can be discharged outside the housing. For this reason, the heat generated in the first lens array and the second lens array by irradiation of the light flux can be radiated to the air flowing through the gap portion, and the temperature rise of the first lens array and the second lens array can be suppressed.
In particular, by using the above-described heat conductive member in combination, it is possible to effectively suppress the temperature rise of the first lens array and the second lens array and to favorably maintain the above-described light illuminance. In addition, by effectively suppressing the temperature rises of the first lens array and the second lens array, the fixed state of the first lens array and the second lens array by the spacer member can be maintained well, and the first lens array and Cracks due to heat of the second lens array can be avoided.

In the projector according to the aspect of the invention, the spacer member is configured as a pair, and is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion so as to face each other in a horizontal direction orthogonal to a vertical direction. The spacer member has a columnar shape extending along the optical axis direction of the incident light beam to the lens array unit, and the horizontal separation dimension on the opposing surfaces facing each other is along the air flow direction. It is preferable that they are arranged so as to be gradually reduced.
In the present invention, since the spacer member is configured as a pair and arranged as described above, the gap portion of the lens array unit is an opening portion into which air is introduced when viewed in a plan view from the optical axis direction. The area of the opening portion through which air is discharged is smaller than the area of the taper shape. Thus, the air introduced into the gap portion can be circulated over the entire inner peripheral surface (the first base portion, the second base portion, and the opposing surfaces of the spacer members) constituting the gap portion. . Therefore, the heat generated in the first lens array and the second lens array by irradiation of the light flux can be effectively radiated to the air flowing through the gap portion, and the temperature rise of the first lens array and the second lens array can be effectively suppressed. .

  The lens array unit manufacturing method of the present invention includes a light modulation device that modulates a light beam emitted from a light source according to image information, and a lens used in a projector that enlarges and projects the light beam modulated by the light modulation device. An array unit manufacturing method, wherein the lens array unit includes a plurality of first lenses that divide an incident light beam into a plurality of partial light beams, and a plate-like first base portion on which the plurality of first lenses are formed. A first lens array having a plurality of second lenses for condensing the plurality of partial light beams corresponding to the plurality of first lenses, and a plate-like second base portion on which the plurality of second lenses are formed. A second lens array, and a spacer member disposed on an outer peripheral end side between the first base portion and the second base portion, and the first lens array and the second lens. The arrays are integrated with each other by the spacer member with a gap portion between the first base portion and the second base portion, and the manufacturing method includes the first lens array, the second lens array, And an installation step of installing the spacer member at a predetermined position, and the spot luminous flux in a state where it is made to coincide with the lens optical axis of the lens of either one of the first lens array and the second lens array A light beam introducing step for introducing the first lens array and the second lens array, and a spot through the second lens corresponding to the first lens in the first lens and the second lens array of the first lens array. The distance between the light beam and the second lens array installed in the installation step is the second lens mounted on the projector. A center-corresponding position that corresponds to the center position of the image forming area of the light modulation device and is arranged to have the same optical distance as the designed optical distance from the optical array to the light modulation device The projecting step of projecting onto the projection plate having the center position defining information and the spot beam image projected on the projection plate while confirming the image of the spot beam so as to match the center corresponding position. A position adjusting step of moving one of the lens array and the second lens array to adjust the mutual position of the first lens array and the second lens array, and via the spacer member A fixing step of fixing the first lens array and the second lens array.

Since the manufacturing method of the lens array unit of the present invention is a method of manufacturing the above-described lens array unit, it can enjoy the same operations and effects as the above-described lens array unit.
The lens array unit manufacturing method includes an installation process, a light beam introduction process, a projection process, a position adjustment process, and a fixing process, and can be executed as follows, for example.
First, a first lens array, a second lens array, and a spacer member that constitute a lens array unit to be manufactured are installed at predetermined positions (installation process). In addition, as an installation process, it is good also as a process of installing a 1st lens array, a 2nd lens array, and a spacer member separately, respectively, or any one of a 1st lens array and a 2nd lens array beforehand as a spacer member It may be a step of fixing the design position of one of the lens arrays (for example, the second lens array) and installing the first lens array and the second lens array to which the spacer member is fixed.

Next, a spot light beam is introduced into the first lens array and the second lens array in a state where it matches the lens optical axis of any one of the plurality of second lenses in the second lens array (light beam introduction step). ).
Next, the spot light flux that has passed through the first lens array and the second lens array is designed from the second lens array mounted on the projector to the light modulation device so that the distance from the second lens array installed in the installation process is mounted on the projector. On a projection plate that is arranged to have the same optical distance as the upper optical distance and has center position defining information that defines a center corresponding position corresponding to the center position of the image forming area of the light modulation device Project (projection step).

  Here, the state in which the first lens array is positioned at an appropriate position with respect to the second lens array, that is, the lens optical axis of the second lens and the lens optical axis of the first lens corresponding to the second lens are In the matched state, the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate coincides with the position corresponding to the center of the projection plate. On the other hand, the state where the first lens array is positioned at an inappropriate position with respect to the second lens array, that is, the lens optical axis of the second lens and the lens optical axis of the first lens corresponding to the second lens. In a state where they do not match, the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate is located at a position shifted from the position corresponding to the center of the projection plate.

Then, while confirming the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate, the first lens array is moved so that the image of the spot light beam matches the center corresponding position, and the position of the first lens array with respect to the second lens array Is adjusted (position adjustment step).
Thereafter, the first lens array and the second lens array are fixed via a spacer member (fixing step).
In the above description, the first lens array is moved with respect to the second lens array to adjust the mutual positions of the first lens array and the second lens array. Alternatively, the second lens array may be moved to adjust the mutual position of the first lens array and the second lens array.

  If the lens array unit is manufactured by the above-described steps and the lens array unit is mounted on the projector, the partial light beams divided by the first lens array are substantially omitted on the image forming area of the light modulation device. The image forming area of the light modulation device can be illuminated uniformly and brightly. In addition, since the spot light beam is used as the adjustment light beam used when adjusting the mutual positions of the first lens array and the second lens array, the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate can be visually confirmed. The mutual positions of the first lens array and the second lens array can be easily adjusted so that the image matches the position corresponding to the center of the projection plate.

In the lens array unit manufacturing method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the installation step, the first lens array and the second lens array are respectively installed at predetermined design positions on the basis of an external shape.
According to the present invention, by performing the installation process, the first lens array and the second lens array can be installed at predetermined design positions based on the outer shape reference. That is, before the position adjustment step, the first lens array and the second lens array can be installed at design positions, respectively, and therefore, in the position adjustment step, the mutual positions of the first lens array and the second lens array are determined. The lens array unit can be manufactured quickly only by fine adjustment.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Schematic configuration of projector]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the projector 1.
The projector 1 modulates a light beam emitted from a light source according to image information to form a color image (optical image), and enlarges and projects this color image on a screen (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer casing 2, a projection lens 3 as a projection optical device, an optical unit 4, and the like.
Although not specifically shown in FIG. 1, a power supply unit that supplies power to each component in the projector 1 in a space other than the projection lens 3 and the optical unit 4 in the exterior housing 2, a projector It is assumed that a cooling device configured to include a cooling fan or the like that cools each constituent member inside 1 and a control device that controls each constituent member inside the projector 1 are arranged.
The projection lens 3 is configured as a combined lens in which a plurality of lenses are housed in a cylindrical lens barrel, and enlarges and projects a color image formed by the optical unit 4 on a screen.

[Detailed description of optical unit]
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical unit 4 extends along the back surface of the exterior housing 2 and has a substantially L-shape in plan view extending along the side surface of the exterior housing 2. This unit is a unit that optically processes a light beam emitted from a light source under control to form a color image corresponding to image information. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical unit 4 includes an illumination optical device 5, a color separation optical device 41, a relay optical device 42, an optical device 43, and an optical component housing 44.

The illumination optical device 5 divides the light beam emitted from the light source into a plurality of partial light beams, and emits the plurality of partial light beams so as to be aligned with substantially one type of polarized light beam, which constitutes the optical device 43, which will be described later. The image forming area (illuminated area) of the liquid crystal panel is illuminated almost uniformly.
The detailed configuration of the illumination optical device 5 will be described later.

The color separation optical device 41 includes two dichroic mirrors 411 and 412 and a reflection mirror 413. A plurality of partial light beams emitted from the illumination optical device 5 by the dichroic mirrors 411 and 412 are converted into red, green, and blue. It has a function of separating into three color lights.
As shown in FIG. 1, the relay optical device 42 includes an incident side lens 421, a relay lens 423, and reflection mirrors 422 and 424, and red light, which is separated by the color separation optical device 41, will be described later in the optical device 43. It has the function of leading to the liquid crystal panel for light.

At this time, the dichroic mirror 411 of the color separation optical device 41 reflects the blue light component of the light beam emitted from the illumination optical device 5 and transmits the red light component and the green light component. The blue light reflected by the dichroic mirror 411 is reflected by the reflection mirror 413, passes through the field lens 50, and reaches a later-described liquid crystal panel for blue light of the optical device 43.
The field lens 50 converts each partial light beam emitted from the illumination optical device 5 into a light beam parallel to the central axis (principal ray). The same applies to the field lens 50 provided on the light beam incident side of the other liquid crystal panel for green light and red light.

Of the red light and green light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 411, the green light is reflected by the dichroic mirror 412, passes through the field lens 50, and reaches a later-described green light liquid crystal panel of the optical device 43. On the other hand, the red light passes through the dichroic mirror 412, passes through the relay optical device 42, further passes through the field lens 50, and reaches a later-described red light liquid crystal panel of the optical device 43.
Note that the relay optical device 42 is used for red light because the optical path length of the red light is longer than the optical path lengths of the other color lights, thereby preventing a decrease in light use efficiency due to light divergence or the like. It is to do. That is, this is to transmit the partial light beam incident on the incident side lens 421 to the field lens 50 as it is.

  The optical device 43 includes three liquid crystal panels 431 as light modulators (the liquid crystal panel for red light is 431R, the liquid crystal panel for green light is 431G, and the liquid crystal panel for blue light is 431B), and these liquid crystals An incident-side polarizing plate 432 and an emitting-side polarizing plate 433 disposed on the light beam incident side and the light beam emitting side of the panel 431, respectively, and a cross dichroic prism 434 are provided.

The incident-side polarizing plate 432 transmits only polarized light having a polarization direction substantially the same as the polarization direction aligned by the illumination optical device 5 among the color lights separated by the color separation optical device 41, and transmits other light beams. Although it absorbs and a specific illustration is omitted, a polarizing film is pasted on a translucent substrate.
The liquid crystal panel 431 has a configuration in which a liquid crystal as an electro-optical material is hermetically sealed between a pair of transparent glass substrates. Under the control of the control device, the alignment of the liquid crystal in the image forming area according to image information. The state is controlled, and the polarization direction of the polarized light beam emitted from the incident side polarizing plate 432 is modulated.
The exit-side polarizing plate 433 has substantially the same configuration as the incident-side polarizing plate 432, transmits only the light beam emitted from the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431, and absorbs other light beams.

  The cross dichroic prism 434 synthesizes each color light modulated for each color light emitted from the emission side polarizing plate 433 to form a color image. The cross dichroic prism 434 has a substantially square shape in plan view in which four right-angle prisms are bonded together, and two dielectric multilayer films are formed on the interface where the right-angle prisms are bonded together. These dielectric multilayer films transmit color light emitted from the liquid crystal panel 431G and transmitted through the emission side polarizing plate 433, and reflect each color light emitted from the liquid crystal panels 431R and 451B and transmitted through the emission side polarizing plate 433. In this way, the color lights are combined to form a color image. The color image formed by the cross dichroic prism 434 is enlarged and projected onto a screen or the like by the projection lens 3 described above.

A predetermined illumination optical axis A (FIG. 1) is set inside the optical component housing 44, and the optical components 5, 41 to 43 described above are accommodated and disposed at predetermined positions with respect to the illumination optical axis A. The optical component housing 44 includes a container-shaped component storage portion 441 (see FIGS. 1, 5, and 6) for storing and arranging the optical components 5, 41 to 43 therein, and an opening portion of the component storage portion 441. And a lid-like member 442 (see FIG. 6).
In the optical component housing 44, the structure (positioning structure) of the portion (component housing portion 441 and lid-like member 442) that houses and arranges the illumination optical device 5 (lens array unit, which will be described later) is arranged. This will be described at the same time as a lens array unit described later.

[Configuration of illumination optical device]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the configuration of the illumination optical device 5 as viewed from above.
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the illumination optical device 5 includes a light source device 6, a lens array unit 7, a polarization conversion device 8, and a superimposing lens 9.

The light source device 6 is turned on and emits a light beam under the control of the control device. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the light source device 6 includes a light source device main body 61 having a light source lamp 611 and a reflector 612, a collimating lens 613, and a lamp housing 614 that houses these members 611-613. (FIG. 1). The radial light beam emitted from the light source lamp 611 is reflected by the reflector 612 and converted into parallel light through the parallelizing lens 613.
In FIG. 1, the reflector 612 is configured as an ellipsoidal reflector. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reflector 612 may be configured as a parabolic reflector that reflects a light beam emitted from the light source lamp 611 as substantially parallel light. In this case, the collimating lens 613 is omitted.

The lens array unit 7 has a structure in which the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are integrated by a spacer member 73 as shown in FIG.
The first lens array 71 has a configuration in which a plurality of first lenses 71A having a substantially rectangular outline when viewed from the incident optical axis are arranged in a plane substantially orthogonal to the incident optical axis. The first lens array 71 divides the light beam emitted from the light source device 6 into a plurality of partial light beams.
The second lens array 72 has substantially the same configuration as the first lens array 71, and has a configuration in which a plurality of second lenses 72A are arranged in a plane substantially orthogonal to the incident optical axis. Yes. The second lens array 72 forms an image of each first lens 71 </ b> A of the first lens array 71 together with the superimposing lens 9 on each liquid crystal panel 431 of the optical device 43.

The polarization conversion device 8 is disposed between the lens array unit 7 and the superimposing lens 9 and converts light from the second lens array 72 into substantially one type of polarized light. Thereby, the utilization efficiency of the light in the optical apparatus 43 is improved. Specifically, the polarization conversion device 8 includes a light shielding mask 81 and a polarization conversion device main body 82, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the light shielding mask 81 is disposed on the light beam incident side of the polarization conversion device main body 82, and a plurality of openings 811 are formed in a strip shape corresponding to the plurality of second lenses 72 </ b> A of the second lens array 72. It is the formed plate-shaped member. The light shielding mask 81 blocks a light beam that generates invalid polarized light out of the light beam emitted from the second lens array 72, that is, a light beam that enters a reflection film (described later) of the polarization conversion device main body 82.

  The polarization conversion device main body 82 converts a light beam having various types of incident random polarized light into substantially one type of linearly polarized light and emits it. As shown in FIG. 2, the polarization conversion device main body 82 includes a plurality of polarization separation films 821A that are inclined with respect to an incident light beam, reflection films 821B that are alternately arranged in parallel between the polarization separation films 821A, and The polarization conversion element array 821 having a plate glass 821C interposed between the polarization separation film 821A and the reflection film 821B, and the polarization conversion element array 821 are disposed on the light beam exit side of the polarization conversion element array 821, and the phase of the incident light beam is π And a phase difference plate 822 to be shifted.

  When a plurality of partial light beams emitted from the second lens array 72 are incident on the polarization conversion device 8, light beams that generate invalid polarized light are blocked by the light shielding mask 81, and the polarization of the polarization conversion element array 821 is blocked. The light is separated into P-polarized light and S-polarized light by the separation film 821A. That is, the P-polarized light is transmitted through the polarization separation film 821A, and the S-polarized light is reflected by the polarization separation film 821A and the optical path is deflected by approximately 90 °. The S-polarized light reflected by the polarization separation film 821A is reflected by the reflection film 821B, and the optical path is again deflected by approximately 90 °, and travels in substantially the same direction as the incident direction to the polarization converter 8. Further, the P-polarized light transmitted through the polarization separation film 821A enters the phase difference plate 822, and is emitted as S-polarized light with a phase shifted by π. Therefore, the light beam emitted from the polarization conversion device 8 is substantially one type of S-polarized light.

  The superimposing lens 9 is an optical element that condenses a plurality of partial light beams that have passed through the lens array unit 7 and the polarization conversion device 8 and superimposes them on the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431. The light beam emitted from the superimposing lens 9 is emitted to the color separation optical device 41.

[Configuration of lens array unit]
3 and 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of the lens array unit 7. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lens array unit 7 as viewed from the light beam incident side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. In FIGS. 3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, the optical axis of the light beam incident on the lens array unit 7 is the Z axis, two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are the X axis (horizontal axis), and the Y axis (vertical). Axis).
The first lens array 71 is a molded product manufactured by press-molding an optical glass material (for example, white plate glass, BK7, etc.) with a mold. As shown in FIG. 3 or 4, the first lens array 71 includes a first base portion 711 and a first lens portion 712.
As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the first base portion 711 is configured by a plate having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and one surface (end surface on the light incident side) is a lens on which the first lens portion 712 is formed. The other surface (light emission side end surface) is a substantially flat anti-lens surface 7112.

The first lens portion 712 is formed so as to bulge out at a substantially central portion of the lens surface 7111 in the first base portion 711, and a plurality of first lenses that divide the light beam emitted from the light source device 6 into a plurality of partial light beams. 71A.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the plurality of first lenses 71A are located in a substantially central portion and are arranged in a matrix (rows are arranged in a row and columns are arranged in a row). 24 first lenses 71A arranged in an array of 4 rows × 6 columns, and connected to the rectangular edges of the first lenses 71A located on the outer peripheral side of the 24 first lenses 71A. It is composed of 20 first lenses 71A, and has a substantially circular shape in plan view as a whole. Each of the first lenses 71A is formed in a substantially arc shape in cross section, and is connected so as not to cause a step at the connecting portion.

  Similar to the first lens array 71 described above, the second lens array 72 is a molded product manufactured by press-molding an optical glass material (for example, white plate glass, BK7, etc.) with a mold. In the present embodiment, the second lens array 72 is made of the same material as the first lens array 71. The second lens array 72 has substantially the same structure as the first lens array 71 described above, and includes a first base portion 711 (lens surface 7111 and anti-lens surface 7112) in the first lens array 71, and the first lens array 71. A second base portion 721 (lens surface 7211 and anti-lens surface 7212) corresponding to the lens portion 712 and a second lens portion 722 are included.

Although not specifically shown, the second lens portion 722 is formed corresponding to the first lens portion 712 (a plurality of first lenses 71A) of the first lens array 71 described above. Similar to the first lens unit 712, in the present embodiment, 24 second lenses 72A located in a substantially central portion and arranged in a matrix (4 rows × 6 columns) and the 24 second lenses. 72A is composed of 20 second lenses 72A each connected to the rectangular edge of each second lens 72A located on the outer peripheral side.
The arrangement of the second lenses 72A of the second lens unit 722 corresponds to the arrangement of the first lenses 71A in the first lens array 71, but the size thereof must be the same as that of the first lens 71A. There is no.

The first lens array 71 described above is preferably manufactured by, for example, the following manufacturing method (precision mold manufacturing method). The same applies to the second lens array 72.
That is, an optical glass material whose surfaces corresponding to the lens surface 7111 and the anti-lens surface 7112 are polished, and a through-hole through which the first lens array 71 can be inserted, and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole is the first lens. A barrel mold that is a mold finish surface corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the array 71 (first base portion 711), an upper mold that has a mold finish surface corresponding to the surface on the lens surface 7111 side, and an anti-lens surface 7112 side A lower mold having a mold finish surface corresponding to the surface is prepared. And the said optical glass material is installed in each metal mold | die (cylinder mold, upper mold | type, lower mold | type), and each metal mold | die is combined.

Thereafter, the surface side corresponding to the lens surface 7111 of the optical glass material, the surface side corresponding to the anti-lens surface 7112, etc. are directly or directly at a predetermined temperature (for example, the above-mentioned Each mold is clamped while being heated to a temperature at which the optical glass material is softened), and press molding is performed.
Then, for example, it is gradually cooled in a slow cooling furnace or the like, and after the optical glass material is cured, it is removed from each mold.
Finally, an antireflection treatment, for example, an antireflection film is formed on the outer surface of the removed optical glass material (first lens array 71). In the present embodiment, since the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be subjected to general antireflection processing in a single product state, it is not necessary to employ special antireflection processing.

  In the present embodiment, when the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method, the minimum thickness dimension (thickness dimension in the optical axis direction) is required to reduce the heat capacity. ) Is manufactured.

  As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the spacer member 73 is disposed between the first base portion 711 in the first lens array 71 and the second base portion 721 in the second lens array 72, and the first lens array 71. The second lens array 72 and the second lens array 72 are integrated with each other. As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the spacer member 73 includes a pair of a first spacer member 731 and a second spacer member 732.

As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the spacer members 731 and 732 have the same shape, and the vertical length is the vertical length of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. It is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is substantially the same as the dimensions. As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the spacer members 731 and 732 are arranged on both side portions in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721, respectively. The vertical ends of 732 are opposed to each other in a state where they are substantially flush with the vertical ends of either the first base portion 711 or the second base portion 721 (for example, the second base portion 721). Arranged. More specifically, the spacer members 731 and 732 are arranged such that the facing surfaces 731A and 732A facing each other are parallel to the YZ plane in FIG. 3 or FIG. In addition, the spacer members 731 and 732 are disposed at positions that do not interfere with the effective light emitted to the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 among the light beams emitted through the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72. Has been. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, each of the spacer members 731 and 732 is partially viewed from the optical axis direction, and a part thereof is the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. Are arranged so as to protrude from the both ends in the left-right direction.
The spacer members 731 and 732 described above are formed by press-molding an optical glass material (for example, white plate glass, BK7, etc.) with a mold in the same manner as the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 described above. It is a manufactured molded product. In the present embodiment, the spacer members 731 and 732 are made of the same material as the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 described above.

In the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 described above, the spacer members 731 and 732 are in contact with and fixed to the anti-lens surface 7112 of the first base portion 711 and the anti-lens surface 7212 of the second base portion 721. Then, the lens array unit 7 is configured by integrating them.
In the state in which the lens array unit 7 is configured, as shown in FIG. 3, the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 are the lengths of the spacer members 731 and 732 in the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). It is in a state of being separated by the dimension, and penetrates in the vertical direction (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) with the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the opposing surfaces 731A and 732A of the spacer members 731 and 732. A gap portion 7A that allows air to flow is formed.

[Lens array unit positioning structure]
Next, the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 will be described.
5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a positioning structure of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a view of the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 as viewed from the upper side (+ Y-axis direction side). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 as viewed from the side (+ X-axis direction side).

In the state where the lens array unit 7 is configured as described above, the following parts function as positioning surfaces for the optical component housing 44.
That is, in the spacer member 73, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, when viewed from the optical axis direction, a U-shaped outer surface in a plan view protruding from both left and right ends of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. The optical axis direction of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 (Z-axis direction in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5) and the left-right direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction (in FIG. 3 or FIG. It functions as the first positioning surface 7P1 that defines the position in the axial direction).
Further, in the second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73, as shown in FIG. 3 or 6, both ends in the vertical direction (both ends in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6) are relative to the optical component housing 44. Function as second positioning surfaces 7P21 (FIG. 6) and 7P22 that define the position of the lens array unit 7 in the vertical direction.

Here, the optical component housing 44 is formed with a positioning structure for positioning the lens array unit 7 described above at a predetermined position, as described below.
That is, in the optical component housing 44, a pair of sides that support the lens array unit 7 is disposed on the inner side surface of the component storage portion 441 corresponding to the position of the lens array unit 7 as shown in FIG. A side support portion 4411 is formed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the pair of side support portions 4411 protrudes from the inner side surface of the component storage portion 441 toward each other, and the protruding portions of the spacer members 73 of the lens array unit 7 are formed. Each has a U-shape in plan view that can be fitted. In the pair of side support portions 4411, the U-shaped inner peripheral surface 4411A with which the first positioning surface 7P1 of each spacer member 73 abuts has a U-shaped base end portion extending in parallel to the YZ plane. It is formed in a flat shape, and the U-shaped tip portion extends in parallel to the XY plane and is formed in a flat shape, and is orthogonal to the optical axis direction of the lens array unit 7 and the optical axis direction with respect to the optical component housing 44. It functions as a first external position reference plane that defines the position in the left-right direction.

  Here, the pair of side support portions 4411 are separated from each other in the protruding direction from the inner side surface of the component storage portion 441 (see FIG. 5). ) Is larger than the outer dimensions of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in the state where the lens array unit 7 is supported by the side support portions 4411, both the left and right ends of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 and the side support portions 4411. A predetermined gap is formed between each of the front end portions in the protruding direction.

Further, in the optical component housing 44, the bottom surface of the component storage portion 441 has a first vertical supporting the lens array unit 7 corresponding to the arrangement position of the lens array unit 7 as shown in FIG. 6. Direction support portions 4412 are formed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first vertical support portion 4412 is formed in a concave shape that is recessed in the thickness direction, and the light beam emission side (second lens array 72 and spacer member 73 of the lens array unit 7). ) In which the lower end is supported from the lower side.
In the first vertical support portion 4412, a portion 4412A contacting the second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73 is formed in a flat shape extending parallel to the XZ plane as shown in FIG. The second positioning surface 7P21 on the lower side of the unit 7 abuts and functions as a second external position reference surface that defines the vertical position of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44.

  Further, on the bottom surface of the component storage portion 441, as shown in FIG. 6, the lens array unit 7 is supported by the first vertical support portion 4412, and the position corresponding to the lower side of the first lens array 71. A recess 4413 that is recessed in the thickness direction is formed. As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 4413 is formed so that the bottom surface thereof is located below the bottom surface of the first vertical support portion 4412. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the lens array unit 7 is supported by the first vertical support portion 4412, the lower end portion of the first lens array 71 and the bottom surface portion of the recess 4413 in the lens array unit 7. A predetermined gap is formed between the two.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an opening 4414 penetrating inside and outside is formed between the first vertical support portion 4412 and the recess 4413 on the bottom surface of the component storage portion 441. That is, when the lens array unit 7 is supported by the first vertical support portion 4412, the opening 4414 faces the lower opening of the gap portion 7A of the lens array unit 7 as shown in FIG. Then, air outside the optical component housing 44 can be introduced into the gap portion 7A through the opening 4414.

Further, in the optical component housing 44, the back surface of the lid-like member 442 (the end surface facing the component storage portion 441) corresponds to the arrangement position of the lens array unit 7 as shown in FIG. 6. A second vertical support portion 4421 for supporting the lens array unit 7 is formed.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second vertical direction support portion 4421 is formed in a concave shape that is recessed in the thickness direction, and is on the light emission side of the lens array unit 7 (second lens array 72 and spacer member 73. The lens array unit 7 is held in the vertical direction together with the first vertical support portion 4412 in contact with the upper side end portion in FIG.
In the second vertical support portion 4421, the portion 4421A that contacts the second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73 is parallel to the XZ plane, as shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the first vertical support portion 4412. The second positioning surface 7P22 on the upper side of the lens array unit 7 is in contact with the lens array unit 7 and defines the position of the lens array unit 7 in the vertical direction with respect to the optical component housing 44. 2 functions as an outer position reference plane.
That is, by attaching the lid-like member 442 to the component storage portion 441, the first vertical support portion 4412 (second external position reference surface 4412A) and the second vertical support portion 4421 (second external shape). The second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73 (second positioning surfaces 7P21 and 7P22) are sandwiched and fixed in the vertical direction by the position reference surface 4421A), and the vertical direction of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 is fixed. The position will be defined.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the lens array unit 7 is held on the back surface of the lid-like member 442 by the first vertical support portion 4412 and the second vertical support portion 4421 in the first state. A recess 4422 that is recessed in the thickness direction is formed at a position corresponding to the upper side of the lens array 71. As shown in FIG. 6, the recess 4422 is formed so that the bottom surface thereof is located above the bottom surface of the second vertical support portion 4421. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the state where the lens array unit 7 is sandwiched between the first vertical direction support portion 4412 and the second vertical direction support portion 4421, the lens array unit 7 is located above the first lens array 71. A predetermined gap is formed between the side end portion and the bottom surface portion of the recess 4422.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid-like member 442 has an opening 4423 penetrating the front and back between the second vertical support portion 4421 and the concave portion 4422. That is, the opening 4423 is a gap between the lens array unit 7 and the lens array unit 7 in the state where the lens array unit 7 is held between the first vertical support 4412 and the second vertical support 4421 as shown in FIG. The air that faces the upper opening portion of the portion 7A and flows through the gap portion 7A through the opening 4423 can be discharged to the outside of the optical component housing 44.

As described above, when the lens array unit 7 is installed in the optical component housing 44, the pair of side support portions 4411 of the component storage portion 441 is directed from the upper side to the inside of the component storage portion 441. The protrusions of the spacer members 731 and 732 of the lens array unit 7 are slid while being inserted inside the U-shape. In this state, the first positioning surface 7P1 of the lens array unit 7 (spacer member 73) and the first outer position reference surface 4411A of the component storage portion 441 come into contact with each other, so On the other hand, the positions of the lens array unit 7 in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction are defined.
Further, by attaching a lid-like member 442 to the component storage unit 441, the second positioning surfaces 7P21 and 7P22 of the lens array unit 7 (second lens array 72 and spacer member 73) and the second of the component storage unit 441 are arranged. Of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 is defined.

[Lens Array Unit Manufacturing Method]
Next, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 7 described above, that is, the mutual positions of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are adjusted, and the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are fixed by the spacer member 73. A method for manufacturing the lens array unit 7 will now be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a manufacturing apparatus 100 that manufactures the lens array unit 7. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, an axis along the illumination optical axis A ′ set inside the manufacturing apparatus 100 is a Z axis, two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are an X axis (horizontal axis), and a Y axis ( Vertical axis).
When manufacturing the lens array unit 7, the manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7 is used.
First, before describing the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 7, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an adjustment light source device 110, a position adjustment device 120, a support fixing unit 130, a reference polarization conversion device 140, a reference superimposing lens 150, a projection plate 160, and a light beam. The detection apparatus 170 is generally configured.

The adjustment light source device 110 introduces a light beam for position adjustment to the lens array unit 7 to be manufactured. More specifically, the adjustment light source device 110 is a spot light source that emits a spot light beam parallel to the illumination optical axis A ′ (corresponding to the illumination optical axis A in the projector 1) set inside the manufacturing apparatus 100. For example, a laser light source).
Further, the adjustment light source device 110 is configured so that the emission position of the spot light beam can be moved by a moving mechanism, although a specific illustration is omitted. The adjustment light source device 110 is parallel to the illumination optical axis A ′ and coincides with the lens optical axis of one of the second lenses 72A of the second lens array 72 supported by the support fixing unit 130. A spot light beam is emitted in the state.

  The position adjusting device 120 holds the first lens array 71 constituting the lens array unit 7 to be manufactured, and moves the held first lens array 71 to move the second lens held by the support fixing unit 130. The position adjustment of the first lens array 71 with respect to the lens array 72 is performed. Although not specifically shown, the position adjusting device 120 is arranged such that the first lens array 71 has the lens surface 7111 of the first lens array 71 facing the adjustment light source device 110 and substantially orthogonal to the XY plane. A first lens array holding unit that holds the X lens direction, an X axis direction moving unit that moves the first lens array holding unit in the X axis direction, and a Y axis direction that moves the first lens array holding unit in the Y axis direction. A moving part and the like are provided. That is, the position adjusting device 120 enables the held first lens array 71 to move within the XY plane. As the position adjusting device 120, in addition to the first lens array holding unit, the X-axis direction moving unit, and the Y-axis direction moving unit, the Z-axis direction movement that moves the first lens array holding unit in the Z-axis direction. It does not matter as a structure provided with a part.

  The support fixing unit 130 includes a second lens array 72 and a spacer member 73 constituting the lens array unit 7 to be manufactured, that is, the second lens array 72 in which the spacer member 73 is fixed to the anti-lens surface 7212 in advance. The lens surface 7211 of the second lens array 72 is held so as to face the reference polarization conversion device 140 side and substantially orthogonal to the XY plane. More specifically, the support fixing portion 130 contacts the outer peripheral corner portion of the second base portion 721 constituting the second lens array 72 and holds the second lens array 72 at the outer peripheral corner portion of the second base portion 721. And a holding part 131 having a rectangular frame shape in plan view. Then, the support fixing portion 130 abuts the outer peripheral corner portion of the second base portion 721 on the holding portion 131 so that the central axis Or of the second lens portion 722 constituting the second lens array 72 is set as the illumination optical axis A ′. The second lens array 72 to which the spacer member 73 is fixed is supported and fixed in a state in which the second lens array 72 and the second lens array 72 are matched.

The reference polarization conversion device 140 is a polarization conversion device that has the same structure as the polarization conversion device 8 described above and has external dimensions and optical characteristics with design values without manufacturing errors. The reference polarization conversion device 140 is disposed at a predetermined position on the illumination optical axis A ′.
The reference superimposing lens 150 is a superimposing lens having the same structure as that of the superimposing lens 9 described above and having external dimensions and optical characteristics of design values without manufacturing errors. The reference superimposing lens 150 is disposed at a predetermined position on the illumination optical axis A ′.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the projection plate 160.
The projection plate 160 is made of frosted glass or the like, is projected from the adjustment light source device 110, and projects a spot light beam through the lens array unit 7, the reference polarization conversion device 140, and the reference superimposing lens 150 to be manufactured. The projection plate 160 represents the above-described liquid crystal panel 431 in a pseudo manner, the size thereof is substantially the same as that of the liquid crystal panel 431, and the separation distance from the reference superimposing lens 150 is the above-described distance. The projector 1 is arranged so as to have the same optical distance as the designed optical distance from the illumination optical device 5 (superimposing lens 9) to the liquid crystal panel 431.
Further, the projection plate 160 has center position defining information that defines a center corresponding position corresponding to the center position of the image forming area in the liquid crystal panel 431. As the center position defining information, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a cross-shaped marking or the like can be exemplified. That is, the cross-shaped intersection represents the center corresponding position Ot.

  The light beam detection device 170 detects an optical image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160. As the luminous flux detection device 170, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera composed of an area sensor using a charge coupled device as an imaging device can be adopted. The light flux detection device 170 captures the entire projection plate 160, outputs an image signal corresponding to the captured image to, for example, a monitor (not shown), and displays the captured image on the monitor.

Then, using the manufacturing apparatus 100 described above, the lens array unit 7 is manufactured as described below.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a manufacturing method of the lens array unit 7.
In the following description, the position adjustment device 120 operates the X-axis direction moving unit and the Y-axis direction moving unit in advance to position the first lens array 71 to be held at a design position. It is assumed that one lens array holding unit has been moved.
In the following description, it is assumed that the spacer members 731 and 732 are fixed in advance at design positions with respect to the second lens array 72. More specifically, each of the spacer members 731 and 732 has opposed surfaces 731A and 732A facing each other, and both vertical ends are flush with both vertical ends of the second base portion 721, so that the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are fixed in contact with both ends in the left-right direction of the anti-lens surface 7212 of the second base portion 721 so that they do not interfere with effective light among the light beams emitted through the second lens array 72. . At this time, the spacer members 731 and 732 are in a state in which a part thereof protrudes from both left and right end portions of the second base portion 721 when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction. In addition, various methods can be adopted as a fixing method between the spacer members 731 and 732 and the second lens array 72. For example, a method of bonding and fixing with an adhesive such as an ultraviolet curable adhesive, heat or pressure can be used. In addition, the method of joining, the method of joining by welding, etc. can be illustrated.

First, the second lens array 72 to which the spacer member 73 is fixed is supported and fixed to the support fixing unit 130 (processing S1: installation step). In this state, the second lens array 72 is in a state where the central axis Or coincides with the illumination optical axis A ′ on the basis of the outer shape.
After the process S1, the first lens array 71 is installed on the position adjustment device 120 (process S2: installation process). In this state, the first lens array 71 is positioned at a design position with respect to the second lens array 72 supported and fixed to the support fixing portion 130 on the basis of the outer shape. In addition, the spacer members 731 and 732 fixed to the second lens array 72 and the anti-lens surface 7112 of the first lens array 71 are in contact with each other.

  After the process S2, by operating the moving mechanism, the spot light beam from the adjustment light source device 110 is parallel to the illumination optical axis A ′ and is supported and fixed to the support fixing unit 130. The adjustment light source device 110 is positioned at a position that matches the lens optical axis Ox2 of any of the second lenses 72A (second lens 72A1 in FIG. 7). Then, a spot light beam is emitted from the adjustment light source device 110, and the spot light beam is applied to the first lens 71A of the first lens array 71 held by the position adjustment device 120 (in FIG. 7, the second lens 72A1). It introduce | transduces into corresponding 1st lens 71 A1) (process S3: light beam introduction process).

  After the process S3, the spot light beam introduced into the first lens 71A1 is projected onto the projection plate 160 via the corresponding second lens 72A1, the reference polarization conversion device 140, and the reference superimposing lens 150 (process S4: Projection process).

After the process S4, the light beam detector 170 is driven to detect an optical image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160 (process S5).
For example, the state where the first lens array 71 is positioned at an appropriate position with respect to the second lens array 72, that is, the lens optical axis Ox2 of the second lens 72A1 and the second lens 72A1 corresponding to the second lens 72A1 in FIG. In a state where the lens optical axis Ox1 of the one lens 71A1 coincides, the optical image F1 of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160 coincides with the center corresponding position Ot of the projection plate 160, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the state in which the first lens array 71 is positioned at an inappropriate position with respect to the second lens array 72, that is, the lens optical axis Ox2 of the second lens 72A1 and the lens optical axis of the first lens 71A1 in FIG. In a state where Ox1 does not match, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical image F2 of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160 is located at a position shifted from the center corresponding position Ot of the projection plate 160.

Then, after the process S5, the position adjusting device 120 is operated so that the optical image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160 matches the center corresponding position Ot of the projection plate 160, that is, the second lens 72A1. The first lens array 71 is moved along the XY plane so that the lens optical axis Ox1 of the first lens 71A1 coincides with the lens optical axis Ox2, and the position of the first lens array 71 with respect to the second lens array 72 is adjusted. (Process S6: Position adjustment process).
After the process S6, the anti-lens surface 7112 of the first lens array 71 and the spacer members 731 and 732 are fixed (process S7: fixing step). Various methods can be adopted as a method of fixing the first lens array 71 and the spacer members 731 and 732, for example, a method of bonding and fixing with an adhesive such as an ultraviolet curable adhesive, heat and pressure. In addition, the method of joining, the method of joining by welding, etc. can be illustrated.
The lens array unit 7 is manufactured by the process as described above.

The first embodiment described above has the following effects.
In the present embodiment, the lens array unit 7 includes a spacer member 73 in addition to the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72, and therefore the first base portion 711 and the second base portion are formed by the spacer member 73. The first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be integrated with each other in a state where the light transmission region between the 721 has the gap portion 7A. As a result, a light transmission region is not interposed between the first lens array and the second lens array as in the prior art, that is, the light transmission region between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 is reduced. It can be an air layer, and there is no need to increase the distance between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. That is, the lens array unit 7 can be reduced in size, and consequently the illumination optical device 5 and the projector 1 can be reduced in size.

Further, since the lens array unit 7 can be reduced in size, in the projector 1, the optical component housing 44 that houses and holds the lens array unit 7 can be reduced in size, and the projector 1 that is a product can be reduced in weight.
Furthermore, in the case of a configuration using a translucent part as in the prior art, it is necessary to manufacture the translucent part with high accuracy, so that the manufacturing cost (material cost, processing cost, etc.) of the translucent part becomes large Since the spacer member 73 does not need to be highly accurate, the manufacturing cost of the spacer member 73 can be reduced, the cost of the lens array unit 7 can be reduced, and the cost of the illumination optical device 5 and the projector 1 can be reduced. .

Here, the spacer member 73 is disposed so that a part thereof protrudes from the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 by a predetermined dimension. The optical component housing 44 is formed with a pair of side support portions 4411 corresponding to the protruding portions of the spacer member 73. Thus, by fitting the protruding portion of the spacer member 73 to the pair of side support portions 4411, the lens array unit 7 can be easily stored and held in a state where the lens array unit 7 is positioned with respect to the optical component casing 44. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for housing the lens array unit 7 in the optical component housing 44, and the lens array unit 7 can be directly housed in the optical component housing 44. Simplification of the structure can be achieved.
More specifically, since the lens array unit 7 in which the positions of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are previously adjusted and integrated is positioned on the optical component housing 44 based on the external shape reference. It is not necessary to adjust the positions of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 after being housed in the optical component housing 44. That is, it is not necessary to provide a separate structure for the adjustment, and furthermore, a structure for adjusting the position of the superimposing lens 9 with respect to the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be deleted.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the outer position (first positioning surface 7P1) of the spacer member 73 fixed in advance to the design position of the second lens array 72, and the outer shapes of the second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73. A structure is employed in which the optical component housing 44 is positioned by the position (second positioning surfaces 7P21, 7P22). That is, in the present embodiment, the position of the lens array unit 7 is defined with respect to the optical component housing 44 with reference to the second lens array 72 disposed at the conjugate position of the liquid crystal panel 431. As a result, the manufacturing tolerance factor that determines the positioning accuracy of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 44 can be minimized, and the illumination margin between the illumination area irradiated on the liquid crystal panel 431 and the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 can be reduced. Can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to increase the brightness of the projected image enlarged and projected from the projector 1 by reducing the illumination margin.

  The first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer member 73 are formed of the same material. Thus, even when heat is generated in the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 due to the irradiation of the light beam, the space between the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 and the spacer member 73 is reduced. Therefore, the fixed state of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 by the spacer member 73 can be maintained satisfactorily.

  Further, the spacer member 73 is configured by a pair of a first spacer member 731 and a second spacer member 732, and is disposed on the outer peripheral end portions facing each other between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. Yes. As a result, the fixed state of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 by the spacer member 73 can be satisfactorily maintained. For example, even when an external force is applied, the lens array unit 7 can be prevented from being damaged. .

In addition, the air gap portion 7A is configured to allow air to flow in the vertical direction, and the lens array unit is provided on each end surface (the bottom surface of the component storage portion 441 and the lid-like member 442) intersecting the vertical direction of the optical component housing 44. Openings 4414 and 4423 that allow air to flow in and out are formed corresponding to the arrangement positions of 7. Thus, for example, if air is introduced into the optical component housing 44 through the opening 4414 by a cooling fan or the like, the air flows through the gap portion 7A from the lower side to the upper side. The air can be discharged to the outside of the optical component housing 44 through the opening 4423. For this reason, the heat generated in the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 by the irradiation of the light flux can be radiated to the air flowing through the gap portion 7A, and the temperature rise of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be suppressed. .
Further, by suppressing the temperature rise of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be favorably maintained by the spacer member 73 and the first lens can be maintained. Cracks due to heat of the array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be avoided.

In addition, by manufacturing the lens array unit 7 by the above-described steps S1 to S7, if the lens array unit 7 is mounted on the projector 1, each partial light beam divided by the first lens array 71 is liquid crystal panel. The image forming area 431 can be substantially matched, and the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 can be illuminated uniformly and brightly. Further, since the spot light source is adopted as the adjustment light source device 110 used when adjusting the mutual positions of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72, the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate 160 is used. Can be confirmed visually, and the mutual positions of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be easily adjusted so that the image matches the center corresponding position Ot of the projection plate 160.
Furthermore, by performing the installation steps S1 and S2, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be installed at predetermined design positions based on the outer shape reference. That is, since the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be installed at designed positions before the position adjustment step S6, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array are arranged in the position adjustment step S6. It is only necessary to finely adjust the mutual position of the 72, and the lens array unit 7 can be manufactured quickly.

  In addition, since each of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 is manufactured by a precision mold manufacturing method, the molding accuracy of the plurality of first lenses 71A and the plurality of second lenses 72A can be increased. That is, even when the lens array unit 7 has the above-described structure and the distance between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 is smaller than the conventional one, the plurality of first lenses 71A and the plurality of second lenses are provided. Since the molding accuracy of the lens 72A is high, the plurality of partial light beams divided by the first lens array 71 are favorably superimposed on the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 by the second lens array 72 and the superimposing lens 9. be able to.

  Furthermore, when each of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 is manufactured by a precision mold manufacturing method, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are manufactured to have a minimum thickness dimension. In addition, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be manufactured quickly by shortening the cooling time. In addition, since the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are thin as described above, the temperature difference between the temperature inside the optical glass material and the surface temperature is suppressed during the cooling by the precision mold manufacturing method. And the occurrence of molding distortion can be minimized. For this reason, the factor which impairs the uniformity of the light beam from the illumination optical device 5 can be eliminated. In addition, the radiant heat reduction accompanying the temperature drop of the second lens array 72 also contributes to the reduction of heat generation of the polarization conversion device 8 facing the second lens array 72.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
In the following description, the same structure and the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the lens array unit 70 in the second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lens array unit 70 viewed from the light beam incident side. 10, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, the optical axis of the light beam incident on the lens array unit 70 is the Z axis, and two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are the X axis (horizontal axis). , Y axis (vertical axis).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, in the lens array unit 70, a heat conductive member 74 is added to the lens array unit main body 70A corresponding to the lens array unit 7 described in the first embodiment. Only the point is different. The configuration of the lens array unit 70 other than the heat conductive member 74 and the configuration of the projector 1 other than the lens array unit 70 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The heat conductive member 74 is comprised from metal materials, such as aluminum, and as shown in FIG. 10, it has a cylindrical shape of the planar view rectangular shape penetrated in the Y-axis direction. Further, the heat conductive member 74 has an outer shape substantially the same as the inner peripheral shape of the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the spacer members 731 and 732 constituting the gap portion 7A in the lens array unit main body 70A. They have the same shape and are fitted and arranged in the gap portion 7A. The heat conductive member 74 is connected to the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the opposing surfaces 731A and 732A of the spacer members 731 and 732 so as to be able to transfer heat, and the lens array unit is irradiated by light flux irradiation. Heat generated in the main body 70A (the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72) is transmitted.
In this heat conductive member 74, the end surface that abuts on the first base portion 711 and the end surface that abuts on the second base portion 721, as shown in FIG. Among them, openings 741 and 742 for transmitting effective light irradiated to the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 are formed. That is, the peripheral portions of the openings 741 and 742 block unnecessary light that is not emitted to the image forming area of the liquid crystal panel 431 among the light beams emitted from the light source device 6 and emitted through the lens array unit 70.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a positioning structure of the lens array unit 70 with respect to the optical component housing 44. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the positioning structure of the lens array unit 70 with respect to the optical component housing 44 as viewed from the side (+ X-axis direction side).
In the lens array unit 70 described above, the lens array unit main body 70A is positioned with respect to the optical component casing 44, as in the first embodiment.
Here, the heat conductive member 74 fitted and arranged in the gap portion 7A has the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction in FIG. 11) of the lens array unit main body 70A with respect to the optical component housing 44, and the optical axis. By defining the position in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 11) orthogonal to the direction, the position of the heat conductive member 74 in the optical axis direction and the horizontal direction is also defined. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the heat conductive member 74 has a lid-like member 442 attached to the component storage portion 441, so that the optical component casing 44 of the optical component casing 44 is similar to the lens array unit main body 70A. The two vertical position reference planes 4412A and 4421A hold both ends in the vertical direction, and the vertical position with respect to the optical component housing 44 is defined.
In addition, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 70 in 2nd Embodiment is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, and abbreviate | omits description.

The second embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, since the heat conductive member 74 is disposed in the gap portion 7 </ b> A, heat generated in the lens array unit main body 70 </ b> A due to light beam irradiation can be radiated to the heat conductive member 74. For this reason, the temperature rise of the lens array unit main body 70A can be suppressed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the heat conductive member 74 is formed of a cylindrical member having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the facing surfaces 731A of the spacer members 731 and 732, respectively. , 732A so as to be able to transfer heat, the heat dissipation characteristics from the lens array unit main body 70A to the heat conductive member 74 are good, and the temperature rise of the lens array unit main body 70A can be effectively suppressed.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the air gap portion 7A is configured to allow air to flow in the vertical direction, and the lens array unit 70 is disposed at each end surface intersecting the vertical direction of the optical component casing 44. Correspondingly, since the openings 4414 and 4423 that allow the inside and outside air to flow are formed, the air that is transmitted to the heat conductive member 74 through the openings 4414 and 4423 flows through the gap portion 7A. It is possible to suitably radiate heat, further effectively suppress the temperature rise of the lens array unit main body 70A, and favorably maintain the illuminance of light transmitted through the lens array unit 70. In addition, by further effectively suppressing the temperature rise of the lens array unit main body 70A, the fixed state of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 by the spacer member 73 can be maintained better, and the first lens array It is possible to more reliably avoid cracks and the like of the 71 and the second lens array 72 due to heat.

  The heat conductive member 74 has openings 741 and 742 for transmitting effective light. That is, the heat conductive member 74 shields unnecessary light that is emitted through the lens array unit 70 and is not irradiated to the image forming area at the peripheral portions of the openings 741 and 742. This prevents unnecessary light from being applied to the lens array unit main body 70A, and can further suppress the temperature rise of the lens array unit main body 70A. Further, it is possible to avoid unnecessary light from being irradiated to the optical component housing 44 that houses and holds the lens array unit 70, and the optical component housing 44 is thermally deteriorated or the optical component housing 44 is overheated. Generation of an unnecessary gas due to the formation of an opaque film due to the unnecessary gas on the lens array unit main body 70A can be prevented.

[Third embodiment]
Next, 3rd Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
In the following description, the same structure and the same member as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the lens array unit 70 ′ in the third embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lens array unit 70 ′ viewed from the light beam incident side. In FIG. 12, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, the optical axis of the light beam incident on the lens array unit 70 ′ is the Z axis, and the two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are the X axis (horizontal axis). ), Y axis (vertical axis).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the lens array unit 70 ′ has a spacer member 73 (first spacer member 731 and second spacer member 732) with respect to the lens array unit 70 described in the second embodiment. ) Corresponding to the spacer member 73 ′ (first spacer member 731 ′ and second spacer member 732 ′) and the thermally conductive members 74 ′ (741 ′, 742) corresponding to the thermally conductive members 74 (openings 741, 742). The only difference is that the spacer unit 75 is integrally formed of the same material (metal material such as aluminum). The configuration of the lens array unit 70 ′ other than the spacer unit 75 and the configuration of the projector 1 other than the lens array unit 70 ′ are the same as those in the second embodiment.
Note that the positioning structure of the lens array unit 70 ′ with respect to the optical component housing 44 and the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 70 ′ in the third embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The third embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment.
In the present embodiment, since the spacer member 73 ′ and the heat conductive member 74 ′ are integrally formed of the same material, the spacer member 73 and the heat conductive member 74 are separated from the separate members as in the second embodiment. Compared with the structure to perform, it is not necessary to manufacture spacer member 73 'and heat conductive member 74' separately, and it can manufacture collectively and the spacer unit 75 can be comprised. Further, since the spacer member 73 ′ and the heat conductive member 74 ′ are integrally formed, the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, the spacer member 73 ′, and the heat conductive member 74 ′ are integrated. The lens array unit 70 'can be manufactured easily and quickly.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, 4th Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
In the following description, the same structure and the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the lens array unit 700 in the fourth embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the lens array unit 700 viewed from the light beam incident side. In FIG. 13, as in FIGS. 3 and 4, for convenience of explanation, the optical axis of the light beam incident on the lens array unit 700 is the Z axis, and the two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are the X axis (horizontal axis). , Y axis (vertical axis).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the lens array unit 700 is different in the shape of the spacer member 730 from the lens array unit 7 described in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 700 is different from the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 7 described in the first embodiment. The configuration other than the spacer member 730 in the lens array unit 700 and the configuration of the projector 1 other than the lens array unit 700 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Like the spacer member 73 described in the first embodiment, the spacer member 730 is interposed between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 as shown in FIG. This is a member for integrating the second lens array 72 with each other. As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the spacer member 730 includes a pair of a first spacer member 7310 and a second spacer member 7320.

As shown in FIG. 13, each of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 has the same shape, and has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view in which two adjacent corners form a right angle when viewed from the optical axis direction (Z-axis direction). And has a columnar shape extending in the optical axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, each spacer member 7310, 7320 has a trapezoidal length between the parallel edges of each of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 in the vertical direction. It is formed to be substantially the same. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 has trapezoidal ends parallel to each other at both ends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. The edges are arranged so as to coincide with the two vertical ends of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 in a plane, and the trapezoid-shaped oblique sides face each other. More specifically, each of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 has, as shown in FIG. 13, of the trapezoidal edges that are parallel to each other, the edge having a short length (length in the X-axis direction) is downward. It is arranged so that the end edge located on the side and having a long length (length in the X-axis direction) is located on the upper side. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the spacer members 7310 and 7320 have different separation dimensions in the X-axis direction (first axial direction) on the facing surfaces 7310A and 7320A facing each other along the Y-axis direction. (So as to be gradually reduced along the + Y-axis direction). Further, the spacer members 7310 and 7320 do not interfere with the effective light among the light beams emitted through the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72, similarly to the spacer member 73 described in the first embodiment. Arranged in position. In this embodiment, each of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 is a part of the first base portion 711 and the spacer member 73 described in the first embodiment when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction. The second base portion 721 is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined dimension from both left and right end portions (see FIG. 14).
In this embodiment, the spacer members 7310 and 7320 are made of the same material as the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 described above.

In the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 described above, the spacer members 7310 and 7320 are in contact with and fixed to the anti-lens surface 7112 of the first base portion 711 and the anti-lens surface 7212 of the second base portion 721. Then, the lens array unit 700 is configured by integration.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lens array unit 700 is cut along the XY plane at the position where the spacer member 730 is disposed.
In the state in which the lens array unit 700 is configured, the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 are arranged in the optical axis direction of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 in substantially the same manner as the lens array unit 7 described in the first embodiment. The distance between the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the opposing surfaces 7310A, 7320A of the spacer members 7310, 7320 penetrates in the vertical direction by the length dimension (Z-axis direction). A gap portion 700A (FIG. 14) is formed so that the air can flow.
Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the gap portion 700 </ b> A has an area of the opening portion on the lower side depending on the shape and arrangement position of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 described above when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction. On the other hand, the upper opening portion has a tapered shape with a small area.
In addition, since the positioning structure of the lens array unit 700 with respect to the optical component housing 44 in this embodiment is the same as the positioning structure described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, a manufacturing method of the lens array unit 700 in this embodiment, that is, a method of manufacturing the lens array unit 700 by integrating the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer member 730 will be described.
In this embodiment, without using the manufacturing apparatus 100 described in the first embodiment, the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer member 730 are formed by the precision mold manufacturing method described in the first embodiment. The lens array unit 700 is manufactured by integrally molding.

Specifically, FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a manufacturing method of the lens array unit 700 in the fourth embodiment.
Specifically, first, each optical glass material in a blank state corresponding to the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer members 7310 and 7320 is prepared. The optical glass materials corresponding to the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 have surfaces corresponding to the lens surfaces 7111 and 7211 and the anti-lens surfaces 7112 and 7212 polished.
The lens array unit 700 has a through-hole through which the inner peripheral surface can be inserted, and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole is the outer peripheral end of the lens array unit 700 (the outer peripheral end of the first base portion 711, the An outer peripheral end portion, a body mold that is a mold finish surface corresponding to each of the opposing surfaces 7310A and 7320A of each spacer member 7310 and 7320), and a surface on the light emission side of the lens array unit 700 (second surface). Corresponding to the upper die having a mold finish surface corresponding to the lens surface 7211 side of the lens array 72 and the surface on the light beam incident side of the lens array unit 700 (surface on the lens surface 7111 side of the first lens array 71). A lower mold having a finished mold surface is prepared.

Furthermore, the lens array unit 700 has a shape corresponding to the gap portion 700A (a columnar shape extending in the optical axis direction in an isosceles trapezoidal shape in plan view) and an inner peripheral surface (first lens) of the gap portion 700A on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Pillow members 180 (FIG. 15) for forming the opposite lens surfaces 7112 and 7212 of the array 71 and the second lens array 72 and the opposing surfaces 7310A and 7320A of the spacer members 7310 and 7320) are prepared.
Then, the optical glass material is placed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pillow member 180 and installed in each mold (body mold, upper mold, lower mold), and the respective molds are combined.
Thereafter, the surface side corresponding to the lens surface 7111 of each optical glass, the surface side corresponding to the lens surface 7211, or the like is directly or directly at a predetermined temperature (for example, each of the optical surfaces described above) using a heater or the like through each mold. Each mold is clamped while being heated to a temperature at which the glass material is softened), and press molding is performed.

Then, for example, it is gradually cooled in a slow cooling furnace or the like, and after the optical glass material is cured, the mold and the pillow member 180 are removed.
Finally, an antireflection treatment, for example, an antireflection film is formed on the lens surfaces 7111 and 7211 and the anti-lens surfaces 7112 and 7212 of the removed optical glass material (lens array unit 700).
Further, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are the minimum necessary to reduce the heat capacity when manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method. It is manufactured to have a thickness dimension (thickness dimension of the optical axis dimension).

The fourth embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, each of the spacer members 7310 and 7320 has a trapezoidal shape that is unequal in plan view, is formed in a column shape extending in the optical axis direction, and is disposed as described above. When viewed in a plan view from the optical axis direction, the gap portion 700A can have a tapered shape in which the area of the upper opening portion is smaller than the area of the lower opening portion. Accordingly, the pillow member 180 can be slid and installed in the gap portion 700A, and the pillow member 180 can be slid from the gap portion 700A and removed. For this reason, each optical glass material in a blank state corresponding to each of the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer members 7310 and 7320 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pillow member 180. The lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer members 7310 and 7320 can be positioned at the designed positions, and are arranged at the designed positions by performing the press molding as described above. The lens array unit 700 can be easily manufactured by integrating the first lens array 71, the second lens array 72, and the spacer members 7310 and 7320. That is, with such a configuration, the positional adjustment of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 as described in the first embodiment is not performed using the precision mold manufacturing method described above. The lens array unit 700 can be manufactured easily and quickly.

Further, for example, air is introduced into the optical component housing 44 through the opening 4414 by a cooling fan or the like, and air is circulated from the lower side to the upper side in the gap portion 700A. If the air is exhausted to the outside of the optical component housing 44, the following effects are obtained.
That is, in the present embodiment, the gap portion 700A has a tapered shape in which the area of the upper opening portion is smaller than the area of the lower opening portion when viewed in plan from the optical axis direction. Therefore, the air introduced into the gap portion 700A is used as a whole for the inner peripheral surface (the first base portion 711, the second base portion 721, and the facing surfaces 7310A and 7320A of the spacer members 7310 and 7320) constituting the gap portion 700A. Can be distributed. Therefore, the heat generated in the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 by the irradiation of the light flux can be effectively radiated to the air flowing through the gap portion 700A, and the temperature rise of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 can be increased. It can be effectively suppressed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, the same structure and the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.
FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a positioning structure of the lens array unit 7000 with respect to the optical component casing 440 in the fifth embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a view of the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7000 relative to the optical component housing 440 as viewed from the upper side (+ Y-axis direction side).
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the lens array unit 7000 differs from the lens array unit 7 described in the first embodiment in the arrangement position of the spacer member 73. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7 with respect to the optical component housing 440 is different from the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the optical component housing 440 is a pair of the pair of side support portions 4411 of the optical component housing 44 described in the first embodiment. The shape of the side support portion 4415 is different. Except the arrangement position of the spacer member 73 and the shape of the pair of side support portions 4415, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, in the first embodiment, a part of each of the spacer members 731 and 732 protrudes by a predetermined dimension from both left and right ends of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. In contrast, the spacer members 731 and 732 are disposed on the inner side by a predetermined dimension from both left and right end portions of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721.
As shown in FIG. 16, the left and right ends of the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 and the spacer members 731 and 732 are provided at both ends in the left and right direction (X-axis direction) of the lens array unit 7000. A U-shaped concave portion is formed by the end surface opposite to each of the opposing surfaces 731A and 732A in the optical axis direction of the lens array unit 7000 with respect to the optical component housing 440 (Z-axis direction). ), And a first positioning surface 7P1 ′ that defines the position in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the optical axis direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the pair of side support portions 4415 of the optical component housing 440 protrude from the inner side surface of the component storage portion 441 toward each other, and both left and right end portions of the lens array unit 7000. It is possible to fit in the recess. In the pair of side support portions 4415, the outer surface 4415A is formed in a flat shape with the front end surface in the protruding direction extending in parallel to the YZ plane, and each side surface extending in the protruding direction extends in parallel to the XY plane. Are formed in a flat shape and function as a first outer position reference plane that defines the optical axis direction of the lens array unit 7000 and the position in the left-right direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction with respect to the optical component casing 440.

When the lens array unit 7000 is installed in the optical component housing 440, the component storage portion is disposed in the concave portions at the left and right end portions of the lens array unit 7000 from the upper side to the inside of the component storage portion 441. It slides so that a pair of side side support part 4415 of 441 may be penetrated. In this state, the first positioning surface 7P1 ′ of the lens array unit 7000 and the first outer position reference surface 4415A of the optical component housing 440 come into contact with each other, so that the optical component housing 440 is contacted. The positions of the lens array unit 7000 in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction are defined.
The positioning structure in the Y-axis direction of the lens array unit 7000 relative to the optical component housing 440 is the same as the positioning structure described in the first embodiment.
Further, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 7000 in the present embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Even when the positioning structure of the lens array unit 7000 with respect to the optical component housing 440 as in the fifth embodiment described above is employed, substantially the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
In each of the above embodiments, the spacer members 73, 73 ′, and 730 are disposed on the outer peripheral end side between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721 and between the first base portion 711 and the second base portion 721. The first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 may be integrated with the gap portions 7A and 700A in the state, and the material, shape, arrangement position and number on the outer peripheral end side are particularly It is not limited. For example, in the fourth embodiment, the spacer member 730 is not limited to a trapezoidal shape with an unequal leg in plan view, as long as the gap portion 700A is configured to have a tapered shape when viewed from the optical axis direction. Other shapes may be used, and each of the facing surfaces 7310A and 7320A is not limited to a flat shape, and may be configured to have a curved surface shape. Further, when the spacer members 73, 73 ′ and 730 are made of a material different from that of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72, the thermal expansion coefficients of the materials of the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72 are used. It is preferable to use a material having a thermal expansion coefficient close to.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration including the superimposing lens 9 has been described as the illumination optical device 5. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which the superimposing lens 9 is omitted may be employed. At this time, the second lens array has a configuration in which the function of the superimposing lens 9 is added. That is, the second lens array has a function of superimposing a plurality of partial light beams divided by the first lens array 71 on the illuminated area.

  In the first embodiment to the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the first lens array 71 is moved with respect to the second lens array 72 when the lens array units 7, 70, 70 ', and 7000 are manufactured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the second lens array 72 is moved relative to the first lens array 71 to move the first lens array 71 and the second lens array 72. A configuration in which the mutual positions of the array 71 and the second lens array 72 are adjusted may be employed. At this time, the spacer members 73 and 73 ′ (spacer unit 75) are fixed in advance to the design positions with respect to the second lens array 72 before the lens array units 7, 70, 70 ′, and 7000 are manufactured. Instead, the spacer members 73 and 73 ′ are fixed in advance at design positions with respect to the first lens array 71.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first lens array 71 has the first lens portion 712 formed on the light beam incident side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first lens array 71 may have a configuration in which the first lens portion is formed on the light beam emission side. . Similarly, in the second lens array 72, the second lens portion 722 is formed on the light beam exit side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second lens portion 722 may be formed on the light beam incident side.

In each of the above embodiments, the manufacturing method of the lens array units 7, 70, 70 ′, 700, 7000 is not limited to the manufacturing method described in each of the above embodiments.
That is, in the first embodiment to the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the flow for manufacturing the lens array units 7, 70, 70 ', 7000 is not limited to the flow shown in FIG.
For example, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate.
Further, the position of the first lens 71A1 corresponding to the second lens 72A1 is adjusted with respect to the predetermined second lens 72A1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, among the plurality of second lenses 72A, A configuration may be employed in which the positions of the first lenses 71A corresponding to the two or more second lenses 72A are sequentially adjusted with respect to the two or more second lenses 72A.
Further, for example, the structure in which the spacer members 73 and 73 ′ (spacer unit 75) are fixed in advance to the design position with respect to the second lens array 72 before the lens array units 7, 70, 70 ′, and 7000 are manufactured. Instead, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to support the spacer members 73 and 73 ′ independently.
Further, for example, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fifth embodiment, the manufacturing method (precision mold manufacturing method) described in the fourth embodiment is adopted, and the lens array units 7, 70, 7000 may be manufactured.

In the fourth embodiment, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit 700 is not limited to the manufacturing method described in the fourth embodiment.
For example, the pillow member 180 is used as a member that forms the inner peripheral surface of the gap portion 700A. A configuration using a slide core (part of a mold) that can be slid from the gap portion 700A and removed from the mold may be used.
Further, for example, in the fourth embodiment, the lens array unit 700 is manufactured by employing the manufacturing method (flow of FIG. 9) described in the first to third embodiments and the fifth embodiment. It does not matter as a structure to do.

In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the shape of the heat conductive members 74, 74 ′ is not limited to the shape described in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, and the first base portion 711 and Any shape may be used as long as it is connected to at least a part of the second base portion 721 so that heat can be transferred.
In the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the lens array unit positioning structure with respect to the optical component housing described in the fifth embodiment may be employed.

In each said embodiment, although the light source device 6 was comprised with the discharge light emission type light source device, it is not restricted to this. For example, as the light source device, various solid light emitting elements such as a laser diode, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, and a silicon light emitting element may be adopted.
In each of the above embodiments, only one light source device 6 is used and the color separation optical device 41 separates it into three color lights. However, the color separation optical device 41 is omitted, and three color lights are respectively emitted. One of the solid light emitting elements may be configured as a light source device. That is, three illumination optical devices that respectively emit three colored lights may be provided.
In each of the above embodiments, the cross dichroic prism 434 is used as the color combining optical device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a plurality of color lights are combined by using a plurality of dichroic mirrors may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the projector 1 is configured as a three-plate projector including three liquid crystal panels 431. However, the projector 1 is not limited to this, and may be configured as a single-plate projector including one liquid crystal panel. . Moreover, you may comprise as a projector provided with two liquid crystal panels, or a projector provided with four or more liquid crystal panels.
In each of the above embodiments, a transmissive liquid crystal panel having a different light incident surface and light emitting surface is used. However, a reflective liquid crystal panel having the same light incident surface and light emitting surface may be used.
In each of the above embodiments, a liquid crystal panel is used as the light modulation device, but a light modulation device other than liquid crystal, such as a device using a micromirror, may be used. In this case, the polarizing plates 432 and 433 on the light incident side and the light emitting side can be omitted.
In each of the above embodiments, only an example of a front type projector that projects from the direction of observing the screen has been described. However, the present invention also applies to a rear type projector that projects from the side opposite to the direction of observing the screen. Applicable.

Although the best configuration for carrying out the present invention has been disclosed in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the invention has been illustrated and described primarily with respect to particular embodiments, but it is not intended to depart from the technical concept and scope of the invention. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art in terms of materials, quantity, and other detailed configurations.
Therefore, the description limited to the shape, material, etc. disclosed above is an example for easy understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The description by the name of the member which remove | excluded the limitation of one part or all of such restrictions is included in this invention.

  Since the lens array unit of the present invention can be reduced in size, it can be used as a lens array unit for a projector used in presentations and home theaters.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a projector according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram which looked at the structure of the illumination optical apparatus in the said embodiment from the upper side. The figure which shows the structure of the lens array unit in the said embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the lens array unit in the said embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the positioning structure of the lens array unit with respect to the housing | casing for optical components in the said embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the positioning structure of the lens array unit with respect to the housing | casing for optical components in the said embodiment. The figure which shows schematic structure of the manufacturing apparatus which manufactures the lens array unit in the said embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the projection plate in the said embodiment. The flowchart explaining the manufacturing method of the lens array unit in the said embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the lens array unit in 2nd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the positioning structure of the lens array unit with respect to the housing | casing for optical components in the said embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the lens array unit in 3rd Embodiment. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the lens array unit in 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the state which cut | disconnected the lens array unit in the said embodiment along XY plane in the arrangement | positioning position of a spacer member. The figure for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the lens array unit in the said embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the positioning structure of the lens array unit with respect to the housing | casing for optical components in 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Projector, 3 ... Projection lens (projection optical apparatus), 5 ... Illumination optical apparatus, 6 ... Light source device, 7, 70, 70 ', 700, 7000 ... Lens array unit, 7A, 700A ... Gap portion, 44 ... Optical component housing, 71 ... First lens array, 71A ... First lens, 72 ... Second lens array, 72A ... First Two lenses, 73, 73 ', 730 ... spacer member, 74 ... heat conductive member, 160 ... projection plate, 431 ... liquid crystal panel (light modulation device), 711 ... first base Portion, 721... Second base portion, 731A, 732A, 7310A, 7320A... Opposing surface, 741, 742... Opening portion, 4414, 4423... Opening portion, F1, F2. Image of Ot ... center corresponding position, S1, S2 ... installation step, S3 ... luminous flux introduction step, S4 ... projection step, S6 ... position adjustment step, S7 ... fixing step.

Claims (15)

A first lens array having a plurality of first lenses for dividing an incident light beam into a plurality of partial light beams, and a plate-like first base portion on which the plurality of first lenses are formed;
A second lens array having a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of first lenses and condensing the plurality of partial light beams, and a plate-like second base portion on which the plurality of second lenses are formed;
A spacer member disposed on the outer peripheral end side between the first base portion and the second base portion;
The lens array, wherein the first lens array and the second lens array are integrated with each other with a gap portion between the first base portion and the second base portion by the spacer member. unit. The lens array unit according to claim 1,
In the spacer member, between the first base portion and the second base portion, a part of the spacer member is positioned on the outer side in a planer manner than the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion. The lens array unit is arranged as described above. The lens array unit according to claim 1,
The spacer member is disposed between the first base portion and the second base so as to be located on the inner side in a plane from the outer peripheral end portions of the first base portion and the second base portion. A lens array unit. In the lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The lens array unit, wherein the first lens array, the second lens array, and the spacer member are formed of the same material. In the lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The said spacer member is comprised by a pair, and is arrange | positioned so that it may mutually oppose between the said 1st base part and the said 2nd base part, The lens array unit characterized by the above-mentioned. In the lens array unit according to claim 5,
The pair of spacer members have a column shape extending along the optical axis direction of the light beam incident on the lens array unit, and a first axial separation dimension on each facing surface facing each other is the first. The lens array unit is disposed differently along a second axial direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the lens array unit. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The gap portion is provided with a heat conductive member connected to at least a part of the inner peripheral surfaces of the first lens array and the second lens array constituting the gap portion so as to be able to transfer heat. Characteristic lens array unit. The lens array unit according to claim 7,
The lens array unit is characterized in that the heat conductive member has an opening for transmitting effective light emitted through the lens array unit and irradiated to an illuminated area, and is formed in a frame shape. . The lens array unit according to claim 7 or 8,
The said spacer member and the said heat conductive member are integrally formed with the same material, The lens array unit characterized by the above-mentioned. An illumination optical device that divides a light beam emitted from a light source into a plurality of partial light beams, superimposes the plurality of partial light beams on a predetermined illuminated area, and illuminates the illuminated area,
A light source device;
An illumination optical apparatus comprising: the lens array unit according to claim 1. The illumination optical apparatus according to claim 10;
A light modulation device that modulates a light beam from the illumination optical device according to image information;
A projector comprising: a projection optical device that enlarges and projects a light beam modulated by the light modulation device. The projector according to claim 11, wherein
An optical component housing that houses and arranges the illumination optical device and the light modulation device;
The gap portion of the lens array unit is configured to allow air to flow in the vertical direction,
In the optical component casing, openings that allow air to flow in and out of the optical component casing are formed at respective end surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, corresponding to the arrangement positions of the lens array units. A projector characterized by that. The projector according to claim 12, wherein
The spacer member is configured as a pair, and is disposed between the first base portion and the second base portion so as to face each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction,
The pair of spacer members has a column shape extending along the optical axis direction of the incident light beam to the lens array unit, and the horizontal separation dimension on each facing surface facing each other is the air flow direction. The projector is arranged so as to be gradually reduced along the line. A method of manufacturing a lens array unit for use in a projector that has a light modulation device that modulates a light beam emitted from a light source according to image information and projects the light beam modulated by the light modulation device in an enlarged manner,
The lens array unit includes a plurality of first lenses that divide an incident light beam into a plurality of partial light beams, a first lens array having a plate-like first base portion on which the plurality of first lenses are formed, and the plurality of lens lenses. A second lens array corresponding to the first lens and having a plate-like second base portion on which the plurality of second lenses are formed; A spacer member disposed on the outer peripheral end side between the one base portion and the second base portion,
The first lens array and the second lens array are integrated with each other with a gap portion between the first base portion and the second base portion by the spacer member,
The manufacturing method is
An installation step of installing the first lens array, the second lens array, and the spacer member at a predetermined position;
A light beam that introduces a spot light beam into the first lens array and the second lens array in a state in which the light beam coincides with a lens optical axis of a lens included in one of the first lens array and the second lens array. Introduction process;
The distance between the first lens array and the second lens array in which the spot light flux through the second lens corresponding to the first lens in the second lens array is installed in the installation process. Is arranged so as to have the same optical distance as the designed optical distance from the second lens array mounted on the projector to the light modulation device, and in the image forming area of the light modulation device. A projection step of projecting onto a projection plate having center position defining information for defining a center corresponding position corresponding to the center position;
While checking the image of the spot light beam projected on the projection plate, either one of the first lens array and the second lens array so that the image of the spot light beam matches the center corresponding position. A position adjustment step of moving the array and adjusting the mutual position of the first lens array and the second lens array;
A method for manufacturing a lens array unit, comprising: a fixing step of fixing the first lens array and the second lens array via the spacer member. In the manufacturing method of the lens array unit according to claim 14,
The method of manufacturing a lens array unit, wherein in the installation step, the first lens array and the second lens array are respectively installed at predetermined design positions with reference to an external shape.

Images