JPH11119343A - Liquid crystal projector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid crystal projector having a compact structure and of which assembly and adjustment are facilitated. SOLUTION: This liquid crystal projector is at least equipped with a light source device 6, a liquid crystal display element 7, a projection mirror 2 projecting display light modulated by a picture formed on the display element 7 to an external screen and a housing 1 in which the device 6, the display element 7 and an illumination optical system are housed. An aperture 3 for emitting the display light from the display element 7 to the mirror 2 is formed between the display element 7 in the housing 1 and the mirror 2, and one end of the mirror 2 is attached so that the mirror 2 can be tilted to/raised from the outside wall of the housing 1, and the mirror 2 constitutes a projection optical system in a state where it is raised and has the function of a cover which covers over the aperture 3 in a state where it is tilted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal projector, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal projector that is reduced in size by efficiently utilizing the space of a housing in which a light source device, a liquid crystal display element, an imaging optical system and a projection optical system are mounted. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Liquid crystal display elements are widely used as monitors for information devices such as television receivers and personal computers, and as display devices for various other display devices. Among them, in recent years, a device using a liquid crystal display element as an image forming means of a projector has been used as a display device which is small and capable of displaying a large screen.

In this type of liquid crystal display device, a drive electrode serving as a feed electrode for pixel selection or a feed electrode of a switching element is formed on one substrate, a common electrode is formed on the other substrate, and both electrode sides are formed. It is common to bond them so that they face each other and sandwich a liquid crystal layer in the bonding gap.

On the other hand, as an image forming means, a common electrode is formed on a transparent substrate, a driving electrode is formed on an opaque substrate such as a silicon substrate, and the two are adhered to each other. A reflection type liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel sandwiching a liquid crystal panel is embedded in a package is known as a liquid crystal display device capable of obtaining a small and high-definition image.

A liquid crystal projector generally generates an image or the like on a liquid crystal panel, modulates (controls) transmitted light or reflected light with the generated image or the like, and projects the modulated light on a screen to obtain an enlarged image. It is.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a conventional liquid crystal projector. FIG. 22A is an external view and FIG. 22B is a schematic diagram of an optical system.

As shown in FIG. 1, this liquid crystal projector accommodates a light source device (illumination light source) 6, a liquid crystal panel 7, and other imaging optical systems inside a housing 1, and a projection optical system on one side of the housing. 10 is attached.

The illumination light emitted from the light source device 6 enters the liquid crystal display element 7, modulates the illumination light with an image generated on the liquid crystal display element 7, and modulates the illumination light with the imaging optical system and the projection optical system 1.
At 0, a large screen is reproduced on the screen 16. Note that the liquid crystal display element 7 used here is a so-called transmission type.

[0009]

In such a conventional liquid crystal projector, a light source device 6, a liquid crystal display element 7, and a projection optical system 10 are arranged so that an image generated on the liquid crystal display element 7 is formed on a screen 16. The positions of the components such as are fixed and fixed in the housing 1.

The exit of light (projection light) from the housing 1 is a projection optical system 10 which is fixed to the housing 1 and allows air to flow between the inside and the outside of the housing 1. This structure prevents dust from entering the interior.

In the conventional liquid crystal projector, since all components such as a light source device, an image forming means, an image forming optical system, and a projection optical system are housed in a housing, the size of the housing itself can be reduced. However, there is a limit, and it is difficult to reduce the size.

Further, since at least three liquid crystal display elements are used for full color display, it is difficult to reduce the size of the liquid crystal display, and it is necessary to adjust the installation of components and to separate / synthesize illumination light and modulated light. It is necessary to provide the optical axis adjustment (convergence adjustment) means, and there is a problem that assembly and adjustment are extremely difficult.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal projector which is small in size and has a structure which is easy to assemble and adjust.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned silent table, the present invention has the following features.

(1) A light source device, a liquid crystal display element, an illumination optical system for irradiating illumination light from the light source device to the liquid crystal display element, and an external screen for displaying light modulated by an image generated on the liquid crystal display element. At least a housing that houses a light source device, a liquid crystal display element, and an illumination optical system, and a display light from the liquid crystal display element between the liquid crystal display element and the projection mirror of the housing. Has an opening for emitting the light to the projection mirror, and one end of the projection mirror is attached to the outer wall of the housing so as to be capable of falling / raising, and constitutes a projection optical system in the raising state. In the fall state, the cover has a function of closing the opening.

With this configuration, it is not necessary to house a relatively large-sized projection mirror inside the housing, and it is easy to reduce the size of the entire liquid crystal projector.

(2) In the opening in (1), a transparent cover for shielding the inside and outside of the housing from dust is provided.

According to this configuration, dust is prevented from entering from the installation portion of the projection mirror.

(3) With this configuration including a stop at a position close to the transparent cover in (2) for blocking scattered light coming from the liquid crystal panel, unnecessary scattered light included in display light is screened. Is blocked from reaching
A reproduced image with optical contrast is obtained.

(4) The liquid crystal display element in (1), (2) or (3) is a reflective liquid crystal panel.

By employing a reflection type liquid crystal panel for the liquid crystal display element, the arrangement of the optical system and its adjustment become easy.

(5) A light source device, a liquid crystal display element, an illumination optical system for irradiating illumination light from the light source device to the liquid crystal display element, and display light modulated by an image generated on the liquid crystal display element. An image forming optical system including a first image forming mirror to be formed, a second image forming mirror provided to face the first image forming mirror, and a display reflected by the second image forming mirror. At least a projection optical system including a projection mirror that reflects light and projects the light onto an external screen; and a housing that houses an illumination optical system and an image forming optical system, wherein the illumination is provided between the light source device and the liquid crystal display element. At least two reflection mirrors including a first reflection mirror and a second reflection mirror constituting an optical system are provided, and an optical axis between the light source device and the first reflection mirror, the first reflection mirror, and the second reflection mirror are disposed. The optical axis between the reflecting mirrors and the second The optical axis between the morphism mirrors the liquid crystal display device is assumed to form an illumination light path of the substantially U-shaped.

With such a configuration, the illumination optical system and the imaging optical system can be efficiently arranged in the internal space of the housing, and the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

(6) In (5), the first reflecting mirror has an inclination angle and the second reflecting mirror has an elevation angle, so that the optical axis of the illumination light emitted from the light source device and The optical axis of the display light between the first reflection mirror and the second reflection mirror is substantially on the same plane.

With such a configuration, the liquid crystal display element and the image forming optical system as the image forming means can be arranged above the light source device and the illumination optical system, and the internal space of the housing can be efficiently used. As a result, the entire device can be downsized.

(7) The illumination optical system including the light source device, the first reflection mirror and the second reflection mirror according to (5) or (6), and an image forming optical system including the liquid crystal display element. The projection optical system is mounted on the housing in a structure divided into units.

According to this configuration, each unit can be independently adjusted in advance, the assembly is easy, and the adjustment and parts replacement after the assembly are easy.

(8) The liquid crystal display device according to (5), (6) or (7), wherein the plurality of reflective liquid crystal panels and the optical axis of each reflective liquid crystal panel are independently adjusted to form the first image. A convergence correction device for taking convergence on a mirror was configured.

With this configuration, convergence adjustment in full-color image reproduction is facilitated.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described means, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the appended claims. Needless to say, this is also included in the present invention.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to examples.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of a liquid crystal projector according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration viewed from above, and FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining a schematic structure.

In FIG. 1, a light source device 6, a liquid crystal display element 7, reflection mirrors 11 and 12, and a diaphragm 9 are housed in a housing 1. An opening 3 is formed above the housing 1. The opening 3 is closed, and an upper lid 2 provided with a projection mirror 2 is attached to the pivot 13 so as to be able to fall / raise as shown by an arrow S in FIG. I have.

That is, the upper lid 2 closes the opening 3 of the housing 1 when it is folded down, and the projection mirror 2 has a function of a projection optical system to a screen (not shown) when it is raised. In addition, 5 is a transparent cover.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the optical system of the liquid crystal projector shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 correspond to the same parts, 14 denotes a focal point, and 15 denotes a light beam.

The light source device 6 emits light emitted from a light source such as a halogen lamp, a metal halide lamp, or a xenon lamp as illumination light in a desired direction using a reflector or the like. The illumination light emitted from the light source device 6 has a light flux 15
As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal display element 7 is irradiated, modulated by an image generated on the reflective liquid crystal panel constituting the liquid crystal display element 7, and reflected as display light.

Although a reflective liquid crystal panel is used in this embodiment, a transmissive liquid crystal panel may be used instead. In that case, the reflection mirror may be grounded on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel.

The display light reflected from the liquid crystal display element 7 is reflected by a reflecting mirror 11 having an aspherical reflecting surface (concave surface in this case) and converges at the position of the diaphragm 9, and then is reflected on the aspherical reflecting surface (here, a convex surface). After being reflected by a reflection mirror 12 having a surface (surface), the light reaches the projection mirror 2 standing above the housing 1 through the opening 3. The display light reflected by the projection mirror 2 is enlarged and projected on a screen (not shown).

In use, the projection mirror 2 is turned up by the pivot 13 from above the housing 1 and raised to be in a position facing the screen. Then, when not in use, it becomes an upper lid that is folded down to close the opening 3.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of the opening of the liquid crystal projector shown in FIG. 1, wherein 4 is an internal cover and 5 is a transparent cover.

As described above, the opening 3 is exposed when the projection mirror 2 is raised. The inner cover 4 has this opening 3
In order to prevent dust from entering the inside of the apparatus, that is, the inside of the housing containing the liquid crystal display element, the illumination optical system, the image forming optical system, and the like, it is grounded. The inner cover 4 is provided with a transparent cover 5 for transmitting display light.

The transparent cover 5 is located at a position where the light beam reflected by the reflecting mirror 11 converges at substantially one point, that is, FIG.
Are provided in the vicinity of the focal point 14 shown in FIG. In addition, the stop 9 is provided near the focusing point 14 for the purpose of blocking unnecessary light as described above.

The transparent cover 5 is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the light beam, and has a size that does not block the light beam, and preferably has a small area.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory views of a configuration example of a liquid crystal panel constituting a liquid crystal display element used in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is a plan view, and FIG.
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, this type of liquid crystal display device has one substrate (a transparent substrate, a common substrate or a common substrate) 701 and another substrate (a driving substrate, a silicon substrate) 7.
02 during the liquid crystal composition or polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer 70
3 is sandwiched, and the two substrates are adhered to each other with a sealing material 704.
07, and a flexible printed circuit board (FP) for supplying a signal and power to one edge thereof.
C) One end of 709 is connected and the front glass 713
To seal the cavity.

A metal radiator plate 711 is provided on the back surface of the package body 707, and the periphery thereof is surrounded by the package body 707.
The liquid crystal panel is disposed in a state of being buried in the lower four sides of the radiating plate, and the radiating sheet 71 having relatively elasticity is provided between the liquid crystal panel and the radiating plate 711.
0 is stored. Therefore, the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel is in close contact with the heat radiating plate 711 by the heat radiating sheet 710, so that a sufficient heat radiating effect can be obtained.

The liquid crystal panel housed in the cavity of the package body 707 is fixed to the step 716 (see FIG. 5) formed on the inner periphery of the bottom of the package body 707 by the adhesive 706 on the back side of one of the substrates. The front glass 713 is attached to the package body 707 and the FPC 709.
Is fixed with an adhesive or the like to a spacer 712 for fixing. The spacer 712 is fixed to the FPC 709 with an adhesive (not shown).

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, a liquid crystal panel 714 includes a package body 707 made of resin and
7 is a heat radiating plate 71 made of a metal plate having a periphery buried on the back surface
1 and the entire glass 713. A light-shielding frame (indicated by a dotted line in the figure) is formed on the inner surface of the front glass 713.

That is, the liquid crystal panel 714 has at least one side (here, three sides) of the side edge 70 of the first substrate 701.
8 protrudes from the second substrate 702, and the second substrate 702 is fixed to the first substrate 701 with a sealant 704. Further, at least one side edge 715 of the second substrate 702 protrudes from the first substrate 701, and FP
It is a fixed side of C709.

Then, the side edge 708 of the first substrate 701 on the side of the second substrate 702 is adhered to the package body 7 with an adhesive 706.
07 is fixed to the step 716. Second substrate 7
02 is fixed only to the first substrate 701 without being fixed to the package body. The heat radiation sheet 710 is in close contact with the liquid crystal panel 714 and the heat radiation plate 711, but the heat radiation sheet 710 and the liquid crystal panel 714 are not fixed,
Since the heat radiating sheet 710 is softer than the liquid crystal panel 714 and the heat radiating plate 711, the gap between the first substrate 701 and the second substrate 702 does not change even when the force of the package body 707 is applied.

Also, the lower surface of the peripheral edge of one of the substrates 701 is formed on the inner periphery of the cavity of the package body 707 as described above so that the bottom surface thereof is in contact with the heat radiating plate 711 via the heat radiating sheet 710 having elasticity. The heat radiation sheet 710 is fixed to the heat radiation plate 716 even when the liquid crystal package is exposed to strong light and becomes high temperature.
1 can efficiently transmit heat to prevent display defects due to temperature rise.

After connecting the FPC 709, the spacer 712 is attached, and the front glass 713 is bonded with a sealing material to keep the inside of the cavity airtight.

The heat radiation sheet 710 is made of a high thermal conductive elastomer having a thermal conductivity of 8 W / mK, and the package body 707 has a thermal expansion coefficient of 10 × 10
^-6 (1 / ° C) 42 alloy is used.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating a display operation of a liquid crystal display device using a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. FIG. 6A shows a non-display state, and FIG. 6B shows a display state.

In the figure, reference numeral 703 denotes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) in which liquid crystal molecules 739 are dispersed in a polymer matrix.
The state changes from a state of scattering light to a state of transmitting light in accordance with the applied voltage.

On the other substrate 702, a TFT 740 as a switching element and a reflective pixel electrode 738 are formed, and on one substrate 701, a transparent electrode 730 as a common electrode is formed. As shown in FIG. When no voltage is applied between the transparent electrode 730 of the substrate 701 and the reflective pixel electrode 738 of the other substrate 3, the liquid crystal molecules 739 are arranged in irregular directions. In this state, a difference in refractive index occurs between the polymer matrix and the liquid crystal molecules 739, and the incident light 741 is scattered by the liquid crystal layer 703. 742 indicates scattered light.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when a voltage is applied between the transparent electrode 730 of one substrate 701 and the reflective pixel electrode 738 of the other substrate 702 by selecting the TFT 740, the liquid crystal molecules 739 Are oriented in a certain direction. If the refractive index when the liquid crystal molecules 739 are aligned in a certain direction and the refractive index of the polymer matrix are matched, the incident light 7
The light 41 passes through the liquid crystal layer 703 without being scattered, reaches the reflective pixel electrode 738, is regularly reflected by the reflective pixel electrode 738, and the reflected light is emitted from one substrate 701. 743 shows this reflected light.

Using this operation principle, the reflection pixel electrode 738
Is selected by the TFT 740 which is a switching element to display an image.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the second substrate (drive substrate) of the liquid crystal panel used in the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawing, the left side shows the formation region of the transistor element formed in the display region, and the right side shows the formation region of the transistor element outside the display region.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are process diagrams illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing a second substrate of a liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

Step (a in FIG. 7): Like the semiconductor element,
Pretreatment such as cleaning is performed on the silicon wafer substrate 500.

Step (FIG. 7B): An N-well layer 501 and a P-well layer 502 are provided on the silicon wafer substrate 500 by doping impurities using, for example, ion implantation. Step (c in FIG. 7): N-well layer 501, P-well layer 50
An NMOS channel stopper 503 and a PMOS channel stopper 504 are formed at both ends of the substrate 2 by, for example, an ion implantation method, and the upper portions thereof are oxidized to L
An OCOS 505 is provided.

Step (d in FIG. 7): oxidizing the surface of the substrate,
A polysilicon layer 506 is formed thereon by using, for example, a deposition method, and the polysilicon surface is subjected to a phosphorus treatment. Then, for example, a photoresist film is applied, exposed, removed, and dry-etched to form a gate electrode 507 on each of the N-well layer and the P-well layer.

Step (FIG. 8A): High breakdown voltage NMOS, PM
A diffusion layer offset 508 is provided for each OS by using, for example, an ion implantation method, and the N + diffusion layer 5 is provided for the low breakdown voltage NMOS.
09, a P + diffusion layer 510 is provided in the PMOS.

Step (FIG. 8B): A silicon oxide layer is formed on the surface of the substrate by using, for example, a deposition method,
A first contact hole 512 is formed by applying, exposing, exposing, removing, and etching a photoresist film, for example, on the insulating film 511.

Step (c in FIG. 8): Using the first insulating film 511 provided with the first contact hole 512 as a mask, the contact portion 51 is formed by, for example, ion implantation.
Form 3

Step (d in FIG. 8): A metal film is formed over the entire area of the insulating film including the portion where the first contact hole 512 is formed, for example, by a sputtering method, and a photoresist film, for example, is coated thereon and exposed to light. Then, dry etching is performed to form a first-layer wiring 514 and a first-layer electrode 515.

Step (FIG. 9A): A silicon oxide layer is formed on the surface of the substrate by using, for example, a deposition method.
A second contact hole 517 is formed by applying, for example, a photoresist film thereon, exposing, removing, and etching the insulating film 516. Further, over the entire area of the insulating film including the portion where the second contact hole 517 is formed,
For example, a metal film is formed by a sputtering method, and a photoresist film is coated, exposed to light, removed, and dry-etched on the metal film, for example, to form a second-layer wiring 518 and a light-shielding film 519.

Step (FIG. 9B): An organic SOG layer is formed on the surface of the
(FIG. 9C): A photoresist film is applied, for example, by applying a photoresist film on the planarized third insulating film 520 of organic SOG.
The third contact hole 5 is removed and etched.
Then, an aluminum film is formed thereon by, for example, a sputtering method, and a photoresist film is applied thereon, exposed to light, removed, and dry-etched to form a reflective pixel electrode 522.

Step (FIG. 9D): After forming the reflective pixel electrode 522, the protective film 523 is formed by, for example, a deposition method.
To form

Next, a method of mounting the liquid crystal display device used in the liquid crystal projector of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic process diagrams illustrating an example of a method of mounting a liquid crystal panel used in the present invention, wherein A-1 to A-8 show each process, and FIG. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

First, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 703 is applied to one entire surface of one substrate 701 constituting a liquid crystal panel incorporated in a liquid crystal display device (A-1 in FIG. 10).

The other substrate is superimposed on and adhered to the surface on which the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 703 has been applied, and the periphery of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 703 is etched using the other substrate as a mask. A sealing material injection space is formed around the periphery.

As shown in FIG. 10A-2, after the etching process of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer 703 is completed to secure a sealing material injection space on the outer periphery of the effective display area, it is formed on the other substrate 702. The operation is confirmed by applying a probe to the displayed display electrode or the like (A-3 in FIG. 10).

After confirming the operation, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 709 for applying a signal and an operating voltage to the display electrodes and the like is connected (A-4 in FIG. 10).

A liquid crystal panel 714 is assembled by infiltrating a sealing material 704 into a gap between the opposing peripheral edges of the one substrate 701 and the other substrate 702, and then hardening and bonding (A-A in FIG. 11).
5). A heat dissipation sheet 710 is tightly housed in a heat dissipation plate 711 provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion of the package body 707, and a liquid crystal panel is mounted thereon. The periphery of one substrate 701 and the package body 707 are fixed with an adhesive (FIG. 10 A
-6). Note that the heat sink 711 applies an adhesive to the inner periphery of the cavity in which the package body 707 is embedded,
The airtightness may be further improved.

The FPC 709 is adhesively fixed to the package body 707 by the spacer 712 (A-7 in FIG. 11).

A front glass 713 having a light-shielding frame is mounted above the outer peripheral edge of the first substrate 701 and fixed with a sealing material (A-8 in FIG. 11). At this time, the adhesion of the front glass 713 is performed by a step of temporarily curing this after leaving an opening in a part of the sealing material when applying the sealing material and then closing the opening with a similar sealing material. By the heating of the air in the cavity expands, a so-called leak path is formed in the sealing material,
This prevents moisture from entering the cavity, which may cause dew condensation on the liquid crystal panel, or prevent the display quality from deteriorating by entering the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer from the sealing portion of the liquid crystal panel. You may. Then, it is completely cured in a baking oven.

Thus, the liquid crystal display device is assembled.

Incidentally, in the infiltration of the sealing material in the above step (A-8), the viscosity of the sealing material is reduced by heating the sealing material on a hot plate or the like, and the entire glass 713 and the package body 70 are removed.
7 is penetrated by a capillary phenomenon.

The liquid crystal panel mounted as described above is installed in the housing 1 together with a light source device, an illumination optical system, an imaging optical system, and a projection optical system as a liquid crystal display element.

With the configuration of this embodiment, when the liquid crystal projector is used, the projection mirror, which is a part of the housing, is raised to set the projection optical system on the screen, and when not in use, the housing is tilted down so as to fall. Since it can be integrated with the device, miniaturization can be achieved as a whole.

Next, a second embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the components of the liquid crystal projector according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the configuration of the optical system, wherein 21 is a light source device, 21a is a lamp, 21b is a lens, 22 is an integrator, and 22a is A first integrator element, 22b is a second integrator element, 23 is a first reflection mirror, 24 is a second reflection mirror, and 25a is a first reflection mirror.
, 25b is a second dichroic mirror, 26a is a first liquid crystal panel, 26b is a second liquid crystal panel, 26c is a third liquid crystal panel, 27 is a first imaging mirror, and 28 is a second image forming mirror. An imaging mirror, 29 is a projection mirror, 30a is a first convergence adjustment device, 30b is a second convergence adjustment device, and 30c is a third convergence adjustment device.

The light source device 21 includes a lamp 21 a and a lens 21.
The integrator 22 is composed of a first integrator element 22a and a second integrator element 22b, and has a function of converting illumination light into uniform parallel light.

FIG. 13 is an optical axis pattern diagram viewed from a position slightly upward from the left side in FIG. 12, and FIG.
2 is an optical axis pattern diagram viewed from a position slightly shifted leftward from the upper horizontal side.

[0089] When the FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the optical axis of the illumination light point O ₁ → the second reflecting mirror 24 in terms of the point O ₀ → first reflecting mirror 23 of the light source apparatus O ₃ →
The point O _{4 of} the first liquid crystal panel 26a through the second dichroic mirror 25b and the first dichroic mirror 25a → the first imaging mirror 2 through the first dichroic mirror 25a and the second dichroic mirror 25b.
7 point O ₅ → point O _{6 of} the second imaging system mirror 28 → optical axis A ₁ → A ₂ → A ₃ → A ₄ → through the point O ₇ of the projection mirror 29
Taking a route indicated by _{A 5 → A 6 → A 7} , the optical axis A ₇ is directed to a screen (not shown).

Although only the optical axis of the first liquid crystal panel 26a is shown here, the second liquid crystal panel 26b,
The third liquid crystal panel 26c is the same as the one related to the first liquid crystal panel except for the reflection paths at the dichroic mirrors 26b and 26a, and the description is omitted.

The first reflecting mirror 23 constituting the illumination optical system is installed at an inclination of θ ₁ , the second reflecting mirror 24 is installed at an elevation of θ ₂ , and the optical axis A ₁ and the optical axis and a ₅ is a substantially parallel in the same plane, the light source apparatus 2
The optical axis A ₁ emitted from the _first , the first reflecting mirror 23 and the second
The optical axis A ₂ between the reflection mirrors 24 and the optical axis A ₃ reflected from the second reflection mirror 24 form a U-shaped illumination light path.

With such an optical axis configuration, the space inside the housing of the liquid crystal projector can be efficiently used, which is extremely advantageous for miniaturization.

Each of the liquid crystal panels 26a, 26b, 26
c, the first, second and third convergence adjusting devices 30a, 30b and 30c adjust the respective liquid crystal panels in three dimensions of X, Y and Z and modulate with the images generated on the respective liquid crystal panels. The displayed light is transmitted to the first imaging mirror 2.
Match with 7.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a base on which the components of the liquid crystal projector according to the second embodiment of the present invention are mounted. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. It is formed by die casting or hard plastic molding.

The base 40 has a portion for accommodating the light source device 21 on the right side of the figure, an image forming optical system including a liquid crystal display element on the lower side on the left side, and a projection mirror including a projection mirror (not shown) on the upper side. An optical system is incorporated.

In this figure, of the optical axes described in FIG. 1, the optical axes A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ of the illumination optical system of the liquid crystal display element are shown.
(A _3R , A _3G , A _3B ) are shown.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the imaging optical system and the projection optical system are mounted on the base shown in FIG. 15 on which the components of the second embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention are mounted. The same reference numerals correspond to the same parts.

In the figure, a first imaging mirror 27 is installed above a second reflection mirror 24 of the illumination optical system,
Is arranged above the first liquid crystal display element 26a. A projection mirror 29 is provided above the imaging optical system. The reflected light from each liquid crystal panel, that is, the modulated display light, is synthesized by the first imaging mirror 27 along the optical axes A _4R , A _4G , and A _4B , and then the optical axis A ₅
Along the second imaging mirror 28, is reflected by the second imaging mirror 28 toward the projection mirror 29, and is directed from the projection mirror 29 to a screen (not shown).

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which an imaging optical system including a liquid crystal display element and a cover for sealing the first imaging mirror are installed, and the second imaging mirror and the projection mirror are mounted. FIG.

In the figure, 28a is a second imaging mirror holding member, 28b is a gear, 28c is a cam, 28d is a focus adjustment knob, 29a is a projection mirror holding member, 29b is a pivot, 29c is a guide, and 29d is a lock. Part, 60 is a cover,
61 is a transparent cover, 70 is a cooling fan.

The cover 60 is formed on the base 40 with a plurality of screws.
Is fixed from above. A transparent cover 61 is attached to an opening formed in the center of the cover 60, and the second image attached to the second image mirror holding member 28a from the first image forming mirror described with reference to FIG. It is installed at a position not obstructing the optical path to the mirror 28 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

By attaching the cover 60, the image forming optical system including the liquid crystal display element and the first image forming mirror are shielded from the outside, thereby preventing dust from entering.

The second imaging mirror is mounted on the cover 60 via the second imaging mirror holding member 28a.
The focus of the reflecting surface is adjusted by a second imaging mirror focus adjustment mechanism including a gear 28b, a cam 28c, and a focus adjustment knob 28d.

Similarly, the projection mirror 29 is attached to the cover 60 via the projection mirror holding member 29a.
The projection mirror holding member 29a is rotatable about a pivot 29b as shown by an arrow R. Then, the reflection surface is fixed at a predetermined angle by the guide 29c and the locking portion 29d.

The light source device 21 is provided with a cooling fan 70 so as to forcibly cool a high-temperature lamp.

The base 40 with the cover 60 attached thereto
Is housed in a housing (not shown), and an opening is provided above the housing to use the projection mirror 29 as a lid.
The opening is closed in a state where 0 is turned down.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are explanatory views of the detailed structure of the cover shown in FIG. 17, and FIG.
9 shows a back perspective view.

In each of the figures, reference numeral 32 denotes a first imaging mirror installation section, in which the first imaging mirror 27 is housed.
Reference numeral 33 denotes a second imaging mirror installation section, on which the second imaging mirror 28 is attached. Reference numeral 34 denotes a projection mirror installation position, at which the projection mirror 29 rotates, closes the opening of the housing including the transparent cover 61 when it is folded down, and opens the opening when it is raised to display light. To take out.

Next, the configuration of the convergence adjusting device for adjusting the image generation surface of the liquid crystal panel for generating an image will be described.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of the convergence adjusting device, wherein FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing the overall configuration, and FIG.

In FIG. 11A, reference numeral 26 denotes a liquid crystal panel,
30 is a convergence adjusting device, 40a and 40b are brackets for attachment to a base, 41 is a base plate, 41a, 41b and 41c are adjustment / mounting screws,
49 is a field lens frame.

The convergence adjusting device 30 is attached to the base by brackets 40a and 40b.
The base plate 41 moves in two directions of X and Y,
The image generation surface of the liquid crystal panel 26 which is formed so as to be rotatable in the direction and is attached to the base plate 41 is shown in FIG.
2 can be adjusted independently of the parallel movement in the two directions X and Y and the rotation in the γ direction.

FIG. 21 is a developed perspective view for further understanding the configuration of the convergence adjusting device shown in FIG.

The position of the base plate 41 can be adjusted with respect to the base via the brackets 40a and 40b by adjusting / mounting screws. The base plate 41 includes pins 42a and 42b and three projecting screw holes 44a and 44.
b, 44c and the liquid crystal panel 2 on the pins 42a, 42b.
6, O-rings 45a, 43b are inserted into projecting screw holes 44a, 44b, 44c.
The liquid crystal panel 26 is attached to the liquid crystal panel 26 through the openings 46a, 46b, 46c by 5b, 45c and screws 47a, 47b, 47c.

Since there are O-rings 45a, 45b, 45c between the three screws 47a, 47b, 47c and the projecting screw holes 44a, 44b, 44c of the base plate 41,
The amount of deformation of the O-rings 45a, 45b, 45c changes according to the tightening state of the three screws 47a, 47b, 47c, and thus the attitude of the liquid crystal panel 26 with respect to the base plate 41 changes. Therefore, these three screws 47a, 4
FIG. 20 shows the balance of the tightened state of FIGS.
The posture angle of the liquid crystal panel 26 with respect to the base plate 41 can be adjusted with respect to the two rotation components of the Z direction and α and β shown in FIG.

A field lens 48 is mounted on the front surface of the liquid crystal panel 26 by a field lens frame 49. The field lens frame 49 includes step portions 50a and 50
b to the upper side of the liquid crystal panel 26 and
a, 49b are formed in the liquid crystal panel 26 with openings 43a, 4b.
3b, the pins 42a, 42b of the base plate 41
And fixed.

The convergence adjusting device 30 can adjust the image generation surface of the liquid crystal panel 26 independently of the parallel movement in the two directions X and Y and the rotation in the γ direction shown in FIG. The liquid crystal panel 26 adjusts the direction of the image generation surface with respect to the base plate 41 by the amount of advance and retreat of the three screws 47a, 47b, 47c with respect to the Z direction shown in FIG.
O-rings 45a, 45b, 45
The state adjusted by the elastic holding function of c is maintained.

Thus, the three-dimensional convergence adjustment shown in FIG. 20B can be performed.

According to this embodiment, the illumination optical system including the light source device constituting the liquid crystal projector, the image forming optical system including the liquid crystal display element, and the projection optical system can be incorporated as a unit, and the space inside the housing can be reduced. Effective use is facilitated.

FIG. 22 is a non-use perspective view showing the overall shape of the liquid crystal projector according to this embodiment.

This liquid crystal projector is shown in FIGS.
As described in 7, the base 40 incorporating the light source device, the illumination system unit, the imaging system unit, and the like is housed in the housing 80, and the focus adjustment knob 28d faces the front surface, and the light source device of the housing 80 A ventilation grill 82 is provided at a position corresponding to a cooling fan of the storage portion of
3 are formed.

A lid 81 for holding the projection mirror is provided on the upper surface so as to be openable and closable, and is closed so as to be a part of the upper surface of the housing 80 as shown in the drawing when not in use.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view at the time of use showing the overall shape of the liquid crystal projector according to this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, when the liquid crystal projector is used, the lid 81 is raised from the housing 80 and raised to expose the projection mirror 29.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an image display state using the liquid crystal projector according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23, the lid 81 also serving as the projection mirror 29 is erected, and the projection mirror 29 is used for the screen 9.
Project the image on 0.

According to this embodiment, when the liquid crystal projector is used, the projection mirror, which was a part of the housing, is raised to set the projection optical system on the screen, and when not in use, the projection mirror is tilted and integrated with the housing. As a result, miniaturization can be achieved as a whole, and handling becomes extremely easy.

[0128]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The illumination optical system including the light source device, the imaging optical system including the liquid crystal display element, and the projection optical system can be incorporated as a unit, and the space inside the housing can be effectively used. The projection optical system for the screen is set by raising the projection mirror, which is a part, and can be tilted down when not in use to be integrated with the housing, so that the overall size can be reduced.

Further, by closing the opening of the housing when the projection mirror is raised, entry of dust and the like is prevented. In particular, by installing a transparent cover at a portion where the luminous flux of the display light is focused, the transparent cover is provided. The area of the liquid crystal projector can be reduced, and a liquid crystal projector that is made compact as a whole can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a liquid crystal projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system of the liquid crystal projector shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an opening portion of the liquid crystal projector shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a liquid crystal panel forming a liquid crystal display element used in the first embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention.

5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display operation of a liquid crystal display device using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

FIG. 7 is a process chart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a second substrate of a liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

8 is a process drawing following FIG. 7 for explaining an example of the method for manufacturing the second substrate of the liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a process drawing following FIG. 8 for explaining an example of the method for manufacturing the second substrate of the liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic process diagram illustrating an example of a method of mounting a liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic process drawing following FIG. 10 for explaining an example of a method of mounting a liquid crystal panel used in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of components and an optical system of a liquid crystal projector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an optical axis pattern diagram viewed from a position slightly upward from the left lateral side in FIG.

14 is an optical axis pattern diagram viewed from a position slightly shifted leftward from the upper horizontal side in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a base on which components of a liquid crystal projector according to a second embodiment of the present invention are mounted.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a state where an image forming optical system and a projection optical system are mounted on the base shown in FIG. 15 on which components of the liquid crystal projector according to the second embodiment of the present invention are mounted.

FIG. 17 is an essential part perspective view showing a state in which an imaging optical system including a liquid crystal display element and a cover for sealing the first imaging mirror are installed, and the second imaging mirror and the projection mirror are mounted. is there.

18 is an explanatory diagram of a front surface side of a detailed structure of the cover illustrated in FIG. 17;

19 is an explanatory diagram of the back surface side of the detailed structure of the cover shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a convergence adjusting device.

21 is an exploded perspective view for further understanding the configuration of the convergence adjusting device shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a non-use perspective view showing the overall shape of a liquid crystal projector according to a second embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view at the time of use showing the overall shape of a liquid crystal projector according to a second embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of an image display state using the liquid crystal projector according to the second embodiment of the liquid crystal projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a conventional liquid crystal projector.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Projection mirror 3 Opening 4 Inner cover 5 Transparent cover 6 Light source device 7 Liquid crystal panel 9 Aperture 10 Projection lens 11, 12 Reflection mirror 13 Axis 14 Focusing point 15 Light beam 16 Screen 21 Light source device 21a Lamp 21b Lens 22 Integrator 22a First Integrator element 22b Second integrator element 23 First reflection mirror 24 Second reflection mirror 25a First dichroic mirror 25b Second dichroic mirror 26a First liquid crystal panel 26b Second liquid crystal panel 26c Third liquid crystal panel 27 First imaging mirror 28 Second imaging mirror 28a Second imaging mirror holding member 28b Gear 28c Cam 28d Focus adjustment knob 29 Projection mirror 29a Projection mirror holding member 29b Axis 29c Guide 29d Locking part 30 a First convergence adjusting device 30b Second convergence adjusting device 30c Third convergence adjusting device 40 Base 60 Cover 61 Transparent cover 70 Cooling fan 80 Housing.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 9/31 H04N 9/31 Z (72) Inventor Toshio Miyazawa 3300 Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref. 72) Inventor Junji Asano 3300 Hayano, Mobara-shi, Chiba Pref.Electronic Device Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Mikio Shiraishi 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Pref., Hitachi, Ltd. Multimedia System Development Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuo Otsuka 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Multimedia System Development Division of Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Fumio Niizawa 2294-1, Otaniguchi, Urawa-shi, Saitama Nissan Giken Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Jun Ogawa 2294-1, Otaniguchi, Urawa City, Saitama Prefecture (72) Inventor Eiki Matsuo 2294-1, Otaniguchi, Urawa-shi, Saitama

Claims (8)

[Claims] A light source device, a liquid crystal display element, an illumination optical system for irradiating illumination light from the light source device to the liquid crystal display element,
At least a projection mirror for projecting display light modulated by an image generated on the liquid crystal display element onto an external screen, and a light source device, a housing for housing the liquid crystal display element and an illumination optical system, and the liquid crystal display of the housing. Between the element and the projection mirror,
An opening for emitting display light from the liquid crystal display element to the projection mirror, and one end of the projection mirror is attached to the outer wall of the housing so as to be capable of falling / raising; The liquid crystal projector comprises a projection optical system, and has a function of a lid that closes the opening when the projector is in a tilted state. 2. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 1, wherein a transparent cover is provided at the opening to protect the inside and outside of the housing from dust. 3. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 2, further comprising an aperture at a position close to said transparent cover for blocking scattered light coming from said liquid crystal panel. 4. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal display element is a reflection type liquid crystal panel. 5. A light source device, a liquid crystal display device, an illumination optical system for irradiating illumination light from the light source device to the liquid crystal display device, and an image of display light modulated by an image generated on the liquid crystal display device. An image forming optical system including a first image forming mirror, a second image forming mirror provided to face the first image forming mirror, and display light reflected by the second image forming mirror At least a projection optical system including a projection mirror that reflects the light onto an external screen, and a housing that houses an illumination optical system and an image forming optical system. The light source device includes at least two reflection mirrors including a first reflection mirror and a second reflection mirror, and an optical axis between the light source device and the first reflection mirror, the first reflection mirror, and the second reflection mirror. Optical axis between reflection mirrors and said second reflection A liquid crystal projector, wherein an optical axis between a mirror and the liquid crystal display element forms a substantially U-shaped illumination light path. 6. An optical axis of illumination light emitted from said light source device and said first reflection mirror, wherein said first reflection mirror has an inclination angle and said second reflection mirror has an elevation angle. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 5, wherein the optical axis of the display light between the mirror and the second reflection mirror is substantially on the same plane. 7. An illumination optical system including the light source device, the first reflection mirror and the second reflection mirror, an image forming optical system including the liquid crystal display element, and the projection optical system are each a unit. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal projector is mounted on the housing in a divided structure. 8. A convergence correcting device for adjusting the optical axis of each reflective liquid crystal panel independently by the liquid crystal display element and taking convergence on the first image forming mirror. 8. The liquid crystal projector according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal projector comprises: