JP3301951B2 - Lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an illuminating device for use in a projection device for projecting an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel or the like onto a screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for displaying a large screen image, a device such as a liquid crystal projector that illuminates an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel with strong light and projects the image on a screen is known. Projection devices are known. As a light source of this type of projection device, a 250 to 400 W lamp, which is relatively inexpensive to increase the input of the light source, is widely used. However, a lamp with a large input generally has a short service life, and the arc length cannot be shortened in relation to the service life. Therefore, the light collection efficiency is low, and the heat generation is large. There is a big problem. Regarding the light use efficiency, the use efficiency of a liquid crystal projector using a current mainstream 250 W lamp is only about 2.5% lumen / W (2.0 ANSI Lumens / W).

Therefore, the applicant has previously proposed an illuminating device using first and second two light sources (1) and (1a) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 (Japanese Patent Application No. 9-159070). ). The illuminating device is configured such that light of the first light source (1) passing through the first cylindrical lens plate (32) and light of the second light source (1a) passing through the second cylindrical lens plate (32a) intersect. The two cylindrical lens plates (32) and (32a) are arranged at a predetermined angle, and
A partial reflecting mirror (4) is arranged near the intersection of the light transmitted through the two cylindrical lens plates (32) and (32a) at an angle to both lens plates (32) and (32a). Further, the synthetic lens array plate (52) is connected to the first cylindrical lens plate (32) so that the partial reflecting mirror (4) is sandwiched between the first cylindrical lens plate and the first cylindrical lens plate (32).
Deploy in parallel with (32). An integrator illumination unit (8) is provided on the emission side of the synthetic lens array (52).

In the above-mentioned lighting device, the partial reflecting mirror (4)
Are a light-transmitting portion (41) that allows light from the first cylindrical lens plate (32) to pass through, and a second cylindrical lens plate (32).
The light of (a) has reflecting portions (42) that reflect alternately in parallel, and the light transmitted through each of the cylindrical lens plates (32) and (32a) irradiates the common synthetic lens array plate (52). Is configured.

The integrator lighting unit (8)
As is well known, the first and second lens array plates (81) and (82) are configured by first and second lens array plates (81) and (82) and the convex lenses (83). 82a) are formed in a plurality of rows and columns. Both lens array board (81)
(82) is such that light incident on the convex lens (81a) of the first lens array body (81) from the synthetic lens array plate (52) converges on the convex lens (82a) of the second lens array body (82). Is set to Outgoing light from each convex lens (81a) of the first lens array body (81) is incident only on the facing convex lens (82a) of the convex lens group of the second lens array body (82), and the second lens array body The liquid crystal panel in front of each convex lens (82a) of (82)
(6) Irradiate the upper common area.

In the above case, since two light sources (1) and (1a) are used, a lamp with a small input can be used. In general, a lamp with a small input has a longer life than a lamp with a large input, so that a lamp for one lamp can be used. The frequency of replacement is reduced.
Further, the difference in brightness between the central portion and the peripheral portion of the liquid crystal plate (6) can be reduced due to the specific effects of the first and second lens array plates (81) and (82), which are an aggregate of rectangular convex lenses. However, in the case of the lighting device of FIG. 6, the first and second cylindrical lens plates (32)
(32a), a synthetic lens array plate (52), first and second lens array plates (81) and (82), and a condenser lens (83). Incurs high labor costs. The present invention clarifies a lighting device that can solve the above problem.

[0007]

The irradiation apparatus of the present invention comprises a first light source (1) passing through a first lens array plate (3) and a second light source (1) passing through a second lens array plate (3a). The two lens array plates (3) and (3a) are arranged at a predetermined angle so that the light of 1a) intersects. A partial reflecting mirror (4) is provided at an angle to both lens array plates (3) and (3a), and the partial reflecting mirror (4) is provided.
Has a light transmitting portion (41) for passing light from the first lens array plate (3) and a reflecting portion (42) for reflecting light from the second lens array plate (3a). The light transmitted through the array plates (3) and (3a) is transmitted or reflected by the partial reflecting mirror (4) to irradiate a common synthetic lens array plate (5). ), The two-lens array plate (3a) and the synthetic lens array plate (5) are vertically and horizontally formed by convex lenses (31), (31), (31a), (31a), (51), and (51) each having a rectangular contour. A first lens array plate and a second lens array plate each formed in a plurality of rows;
Light transmitted through (3a) is irradiated so as not to overlap the same convex lens (51) of the synthetic lens array plate (5).

More specifically, the partial reflecting mirror (4) is provided with a light transmitting part (4).
1) and reflecting portions (42) are alternately arranged in parallel, and the number of columns of the first lens array plate (3), the number of columns of the second lens array plate (3a), and the number of columns of the composite lens array plate (5) The number of columns is the same,
The number of rows of the synthetic lens array plate (5) matches the number of rows obtained by adding the number of rows of the first lens array plate (3) and the number of rows of the second lens array plate (3a). Specifically, it is an illumination device for a rectangular light transmission type liquid crystal plate (6), wherein
The longitudinal direction of each convex lens (31) (31a) (51) of the lens array plate (3) (3a) and the synthetic lens array plate (5) coincides with the longitudinal direction of the light transmission type liquid crystal plate (6). .

Specifically, the partial reflecting mirror (4) forms a reflecting portion (42) by forming a reflecting film on a glass plate. Specifically, a polarization conversion element plate (7) is provided on the exit side or the entrance side of the synthetic lens array plate (5).

More specifically, each of the light sources (1) and (1a) is connected to a control unit (300) having a switching function of turning on all light sources and turning on only one arbitrary light source. To 4
The lighting device according to any one of the above.

More specifically, the control unit (300) controls each light source (1).
Has a lighting time integration function, and at the time of lighting, a lamp having a short lighting integration time can be automatically selected and turned on.

[0012]

[Operation and Effect] The light of the first light source (1) and the second light source (1a)
First lens array plate (3) and second lens array plate (3a), respectively
The light transmitted through the first lens array plate (3) passes through the light transmitting portion (41) of the partial reflecting mirror (4) to reach the synthetic lens array plate (5), and the light is transmitted through the second lens array plate. The light transmitted through (3a) is reflected by the reflecting portion (42) of the partial reflecting mirror (4) and reaches the synthetic lens array plate (5). In order to use a plurality of light sources (1), a lamp having a small input can be used as the light source. Generally, a lamp with a small input has a longer life than a lamp with a large input, so that the frequency of replacement for one lamp is reduced. Further, by using a plurality of lamps, even if one lamp is cut off, the projection can be continued although the image is slightly darkened, and the inconvenience of interruption of the projection is eliminated.

Further, a lamp with a small input can shorten the arc length, so that the light collection efficiency can be increased.

Further, since the lamp having a small input generates a small amount of heat, the cooling fan needs to be small and the operating noise can be reduced.

The light transmitted through the first lens array plate (3) and the light transmitted through the second lens array plate (3a) overlap the same convex lens (51) of the composite lens array plate (5). Since irradiation is not performed, the entire synthetic lens array plate (5) can be irradiated without unevenness.

Further, the light from the first light source (1) is combined with the first lens array plate (3), which is an aggregate of rectangular convex lenses, and the combined lens array plate (5) or the two lens array plate (3a). Since the light passes through the lens array plate (5), it is possible to eliminate the phenomenon that the peripheral portion becomes darker than the center of the irradiation surface due to the unique effect of the combination of such lenses. That is, as compared with the irradiation apparatus previously proposed by the applicant shown in FIG. 6, the same illumination effect can be obtained even if the number of lens array plates is reduced by two, and the cost of the lens array plate and the cost of assembly are reduced. Can be reduced.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG.
The first and second two light sources (1) and (1a) provided with a) are located such that their optical axes are orthogonal to each other. The light source of the embodiment is a metal halide lamp. A first lens array plate orthogonal to each optical axis on each irradiation side of the first light source (1) and the second light source (1a).
(3) The second lens array plate (3a) is located. The first lens array plate (3) and the second lens array plate (3a) are each formed by arranging five convex lenses (31), (31), and (31a) (31a) each having a rectangular contour in a row in the vertical direction. It is a set of 25 convex lenses.

A synthetic lens array plate (5) is provided in parallel with the first lens array plate (3) so as to face the first lens array plate (3). The synthetic lens array plate (5) is formed by forming five rows of convex lenses (51) in the horizontal direction and ten rows in the vertical direction to form 50 lens condensers. That is, the total number of convex lenses of the synthetic lens array plate (5) is equal to the sum of the number of convex lenses of the first lens array plate (3) and the two lens array plate (3a). First lens array plate (3) and two lens array plate
The focal lengths of the convex lenses (31) and (31a) of (3a) are the same, and the first lens array plate (3) and the synthetic lens array plate (5)
Match the distance.

Each of the first lens array plate (3), the second lens array plate (3a) and the composite lens array plate (5) has a convex lens (3
1) (31a) and (51) are arranged such that the longitudinal directions thereof are parallel to each other, and the relationship between the synthetic lens array plate (5) and the first lens array plate (3) is that of the first lens array plate (3). In the convex lens group, the light from the horizontal rows irradiates every other row to the horizontal rows of the convex lens groups of the synthetic lens array plate (5).

First and second lens array plates (3) and (3a) are provided between the first lens array plate (3) and the synthetic lens array plate (5).
A partial reflecting mirror (4) is provided at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the synthetic lens array plate (5). The partial reflector (4)
A band-shaped light transmitting portion (41) for passing the light of the first light source (1) transmitted through the first lens array plate (3), and a second lens array plate (3);
Reflecting portions (42) for reflecting the light from a) toward the synthetic lens array plate (5) are alternately provided in parallel. The width of each reflecting portion (42) of the partial reflecting mirror (4) differs depending on the distance from the corresponding convex lens (31a), that is, the convergence and diffusion of light transmitted through the convex lens (31a). It is determined that all the light from (31a) is converged on the convex lens of the synthetic lens array plate (5) to which the light of the first light source (1) was not irradiated. The partially reflecting mirror (4) forms a reflecting portion (42) by forming a reflecting film on a parallel strip on a glass plate.

As shown in FIG. 2, the convex lens group of the first lens array plate (3) is denoted by V, W, X, Y, Z in the direction orthogonal to the reflecting portion (42) of the partial reflecting mirror (4). Numbers 1 to 5 are added in the direction along the reflecting portion (42), and a two-lens array plate (3
In the same manner, a, e, d, c, b, and a are attached in the direction orthogonal to the reflecting portion (42) of the partial reflecting mirror (4), and the reflecting portion (4
When numbers 1 to 5 are added in the direction along 2), as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second lens array plates (3) and (3a) corresponding to each convex lens of the synthetic lens array plate (5). Convex lens (31)
The light from (31a) is irradiated.

A polarization conversion element plate (7) and a condenser lens (83) are provided in front of the synthetic lens array plate (5), and a rectangular light transmitting liquid crystal plate is disposed in front of the condenser lens (83). (6) is provided. The distance between the condenser lens (83) and the light transmissive liquid crystal plate (6) is equal to the focal length f2 of the condenser lens (83). The light transmissive liquid crystal plate (6) has a first lens array plate in the longitudinal direction.
(3) Two-lens array plate (3a), synthetic lens array plate (5)
Along the longitudinal direction of each convex lens.

The polarization conversion element plate (7) is a known type that converts all of the light from the synthetic lens array plate (5) into S-waves or P-waves. By using the property that the irradiation surface of 6) transmits only polarized light that is opposed to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, if the polarized light passing through the light transmitting liquid crystal plate (6) is a P wave, the polarization conversion element plate ( According to 7), all the light from the synthetic lens array plate (5) is converted into a P-wave, so that the light-collecting efficiency can be greatly increased.

The light of the first light source (1) and the light of the second light source (1a) are respectively transmitted to the first lens array plate (3) and the second lens array plate.
The light transmitted through (3a) and transmitted through the first lens array plate (3) passes through the light transmitting portion (41) of the partial reflecting mirror (4) and reaches the synthetic lens array plate (5). The light transmitted through the second lens array plate (3a) is reflected by the reflecting portion (42) of the partial reflecting mirror (4) and reaches the combined lens array plate (5). In order to use a plurality of light sources (1), a lamp having a small input can be used as the light source. Generally, a lamp with a small input has a longer life than a lamp with a large input, so that the frequency of replacement for one lamp is reduced. Further, by using a plurality of lamps, even if one lamp is cut off, the projection can be continued although the image is slightly darkened, and the inconvenience of interruption of the projection is eliminated.

Furthermore, a lamp with a small input can shorten the arc length, thereby improving the light collection efficiency. A lamp with a small input also generates a small amount of heat, so that a small cooling fan is required. , Driving noise can be reduced.
The light transmitted through the first lens array plate (3) and the light transmitted through the second lens array plate (3a) are combined into a combined lens array plate.
Because the same convex lens (51) of (5) is not overlapped and irradiated,
The entire synthetic lens array plate (5) can be irradiated without unevenness.

Further, the light from the first light source (1) is transmitted to the first lens array plate (3) and the synthetic lens array plate (5) or the two-lens array plate (3a), each of which is a set of rectangular convex lenses. Since the light passes through the synthetic lens array plate (5), it is possible to eliminate the phenomenon that the peripheral portion becomes darker than the center of the irradiation surface due to the unique effect of the combination of such lenses. That is, even if the number of lens array plates is reduced by two compared with the irradiation device shown in FIG. 6, the same illumination effect can be obtained,
The cost of the lens array plate and the cost of assembly can be reduced.

FIG. 3 shows two light sources (1) and (1a)
(1) This is an embodiment in which (1a) is connected to a lamp control unit (300) capable of switching one or the other simultaneously or arbitrarily and lighting only one lamp. AC power outlet (301), main power circuit (302)
When N, the lamp control circuit (303) and the timer (304) are energized. The lamp selection switch (305) includes a normal switch and an economy switch. When the normal switch is turned on, the lamp control circuit is driven and the relay (306) (30
7) operates and energizes the lamp ballasts (308) and (309)
The two light sources (1) and (1) are turned on. Lamp selection switch (30
When the economy switch of 5) is turned ON, the lamp control circuit
(303) is driven, the relay (306) or (307) on the light source side with a small lighting time, the lighting time of which has been integrated for each light source by the timer (304) of each light source, operates, and the lamp ballast (308) or
(309) is energized to light the light source (1) with the shorter lighting integration time.

FIG. 5 shows four total reflection mirrors (63), (64) and (65).
This is an example in which illumination is applied to a liquid crystal projector incorporating (66) and two dichroic mirrors (903) and (904). A screen (not shown) is provided in front of the apparatus main body (900), and a projection lens (902) including a lens group is provided at a front end of the apparatus main body (900) so as to face the screen. . A lighting device similar to that of FIG. 1 is provided at the rear end of the device main body (900). From the light source (1) (1a) to the projection lens (90
On the optical path leading to 2), two dichroic mirrors (903) and (904) inclined at 45 ° to the optical path, and three liquid crystal panels (60) corresponding to the three primary colors of red, green and blue light. ) (61) (62)
And four total reflection mirrors (63), (64), (65), and (66) are provided in a known manner.

Only red light passes through the dichroic mirror (903), and the passed light is reflected by the total reflection mirror (64).
The liquid crystal panel for red light (60) is irradiated. On the other hand, the light beam reflected by the dichroic mirror (903) reflects green light by the dichroic mirror (904), and the reflected light illuminates the liquid crystal panel (61) for green light. The light beam that has passed through the dichroic mirror (904) is
5) After being reflected by (66), the liquid crystal panel for blue light (6
Irradiate 2). The luminous flux that has passed through the liquid crystal panels (60), (61), and (62) for red light, green light, and blue light
01), an image corresponding to each of red, blue and green lights is synthesized by the color synthesizing prism (901), and is projected on a screen (not shown) by the projection lens (902). The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a basic configuration of a lighting device implemented in a liquid crystal projector.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a first lens array plate, a second lens array plate, a partial reflecting mirror, and a synthetic lens array plate.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a light source switching control circuit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the convex lenses of the first and second lens array plates.
It is a figure which shows the positional relationship irradiated to each convex lens on a synthetic lens array plate.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of a liquid crystal projector.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal projector previously proposed by the applicant.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a lens plate according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) First light source (1a) Second light source (3) First lens array plate (3a) Second lens array plate (4) Partial reflector (5) Synthetic lens array plate

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A first lens having passed through a first lens array plate (3).
The two lens array plates (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)
a) is deployed at a predetermined angle, and two lens array plates
(3) A partial reflecting mirror (4) is disposed near the intersection of the light transmitted through (3a) at an angle to both lens array plates (3) and (3a), and the partial reflecting mirror (4) is provided. A light-transmitting portion (41) for passing light from the first lens array plate (3), and a second lens array plate
It has a reflection part (42) for reflecting the light of (3a), and the light transmitted through both lens array plates (3) and (3a) is transmitted or reflected by the partial reflecting mirror (4) to form a common composite The first lens array plate (3), the second lens array plate (3a), and the composite lens array plate (5) are configured to irradiate a lens array plate (5). ) (31), (31a) (31a), (51) (5
1) are formed in a plurality of rows and columns, and the light transmitted through the first and second lens array plates (3) and (3a) overlaps the same convex lens (51) of the synthetic lens array plate (5). A lighting device that irradiates light so that it does not become light. 2. The partial reflecting mirror (4) comprises a light transmitting part (41) and a reflecting part.
(42) alternately in parallel, the first lens array plate
The number of columns of (3), the number of columns of the second lens array plate (3a) and the number of columns of the composite lens array plate (5) are the same, and the number of rows of the composite lens array plate (5) is the first lens array. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the number of rows equals the number of rows of the plate (3) and the number of rows of the second lens array plate (3 a). 3. 3. An illuminating device for a rectangular light transmission type liquid crystal plate (6), wherein each convex lens (31) of a first lens array plate (3), a second lens array plate (3a) and a synthetic lens array plate (5). (31a) (51)
The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal direction of the lighting device coincides with a longitudinal direction of the light-transmitting liquid crystal plate. 4. The illuminating device according to claim 1, wherein the partial reflecting mirror (4) forms a reflecting portion (42) by forming a reflecting film on a parallel strip on a glass plate. 5. The illuminating device according to claim 1, wherein a polarization conversion element plate is provided on an outgoing side or an incoming side of the synthetic lens array plate. 6. The light source according to claim 1, wherein each of the light sources is connected to a control unit having a switching function of turning on all light sources and turning on only one arbitrary light source. The lighting device according to any one of the above. 7. The control section (300) has a lighting time integration function for each light source (1), and can automatically select and turn on a lamp having a short lighting integration time at the time of lighting. The lighting device according to claim 1.