Abstract:
A thin projector is disclosed. The thin projector includes a housing having an upright panel shape, an illumination unit arranged in the interior of the housing, the illumination unit generating light and emitting the generated light, a micro device arranged in the interior of the housing, the micro device receiving the light from the illumination unit and producing an image using the received light, and a projection lens unit arranged in the interior of the housing, the projection lens unit including an emission unit adapted to externally emit the image produced by the micro device and arranged to be externally exposed through a front side of the housing.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2004-0109323 filed on Dec. 21, 2004, No. 10-2004-0110193 filed on Dec. 22, 2004 and No. 10-2005-045000 field on May 27, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a projector, and more particularly, to a thin projector having a small thickness. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   The present invention relates to a projector, and more particularly, to a thin projector having a small thickness. 
   The recent tendency of display devices is to provide a large screen size as well as lightness and thinness. 
   Of such display devices, projectors have been greatly highlighted because they can realize a large screen of 100 inches or more. 
   Such a projector is a display device which projects an image generated from a micro device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel, or a digital micromirror device (DMD) panel, onto a screen, thereby displaying the image. 
   Generally, such a projector is classified into a single panel type, a double panel type, or a triple panel type in accordance with the number of micro devices used in the projector. 
   In a single panel type projector, white light is separated into color light components in a time-division manner, and the separated color light components are illuminated to a single micro device. In a two-panel type projector, white light is separated into color light components in a space-division and time-division manner, and the color light components are illuminated to two micro devices. In a three-panel type projector, white light is separated into color light components in a space-division manner, and the color light components are illuminated to three micro devices. 
     FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating an arrangement of a general single panel type projector.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the projector shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the single panel type projector includes a light source  2 , a color wheel  3 , a light tunnel  4 , illumination lenses  5  and  6 , a micro device  7 , a prism  8 , and a projection lens unit  1 . 
   In the illustrated single panel type projector, light emitted from the light source  2  is separated into red, green, and blue light beams. The separated light beams are modulated to have uniform brightness while passing through the light tunnel  4 . The light beams are then incident on the micro device  7  after passing through the illumination lenses  5  and  6  and the prism  8 . 
   The incident light carries an image signal while passing through the micro device  7 , and is then projected onto a screen via the prism  8  and projection lens unit  1 . 
   In the conventional projector having the above-mentioned arrangement, the projection lens unit  1  and micro device  7 , which serve to externally emit light in an enlarged state, are arranged in parallel, whereas the lenses  4 ,  5 , and  6  and color drum  3 , which transfer light from the light source  2 , are arranged perpendicularly to the projection lens unit  1 . 
   Due to such arrangements, the optical elements of the conventional projector are arranged in a U shape. As a result, the conventional projector has an increased thickness. 
   That is, the conventional projector generally has a rectangular hexahedral appearance such that the top/bottom side thereof has an area larger than that of the front side thereof where the projection lens unit is arranged, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   As a result, the conventional projector has a problem in that there is a limitation to the installation space of the projector because an increased space must be provided in rear of the front side of the projector where the projection lens unit is arranged. 
   In order to solve this problem, conventional projectors use an optical system configured to bend the path of light using mirrors. In such projectors, however, there is still a limitation in reducing the projector thickness. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a thin projector that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
   An object of the present invention devised to solve the above-mentioned problems lies in providing a thin projector which includes an optical system having an arrangement capable of minimizing the space of the optical system, thereby reducing the thickness of the projector. 
   Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
   To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a thin projector comprises: a housing having a panel shape including a front side, a rear side, a top side, and opposite lateral sides; an illumination unit arranged in the interior of the housing, the illumination unit generating light and emitting the generated light; a micro device arranged in the interior of the housing, the micro device receiving the light from the illumination unit and producing an image using the received light; a projection lens unit arranged in the interior of the housing, the projection lens unit including an emission unit adapted to externally emit the image produced by the micro device and arranged to be externally exposed through the front side of the housing; and fixing means adapted to fix the housing such that the housing is arranged in an upright state. 
   The housing may be attached to a wall or a ceiling by the fixing means. 
   Each lateral side of the housing may have an area smaller than an area of the front or rear side of the housing. 
   The top or bottom side of the housing may have an area smaller than an area of the front or rear side of the housing. 
   The front side of the housing may have horizontal and vertical lengths which are equal to or different from each other. 
   The projection lens unit may comprise a first lens set adapted to emit light carrying the image produced from the micro device, a second lens set arranged perpendicularly to a central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set, and adapted to project the light emitted from the first lens set onto a screen, and a reflector arranged between the first lens set and the second lens set, and adapted to change the light emitted from the first lens set such that the light emitted from the first lens set is incident on the second lens set. 
   The first lens set may comprise at least one focusing lens which is shiftable perpendicularly to a central axis of light emitted from the second lens set, to adjust a focus of the image. 
   The second lens set may comprise at least one zoom lens which is shiftable perpendicularly to the central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set, to adjust a focus of the image. 
   The reflector may comprise a fully-reflective mirror or a prism. 
   The central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set may be perpendicular to a central axis of light emitted from the second lens set. The first and second lens sets may be arranged perpendicularly to an image display face of the micro device. 
   The projection lens unit may be shiftable in a vertical direction of the front side of the housing, to adjust a position of the image projected onto a screen. 
   The illumination unit may comprise a light source adapted to generate light, a first illumination lens set adapted to provide a uniform brightness of the light generated from the light source, a second illumination lens set adapted to converge light emitted from the first illumination lens set, and a prism adapted to cause light emitted from the second illumination lens set to be incident on the micro device, and to cause light emitted from the micro device to be incident on the projection lens unit. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating an arrangement of a general single panel type projector; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the projector shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a front view illustrating a front side of a thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3B and 3C  are perspective views illustrating opposite lateral sides of the thin projector according to the present invention, respectively; 
       FIGS. 3D and 3E  are perspective views illustrating top and bottom sides of the thin projectors according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the interior of the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view illustrating an “I”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is a side view illustrating the “I”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6A  is a front view illustrating an “L”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6B  is a side view illustrating the “L”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating the shift direction of a projection lens unit in the thin projector according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8A  is a rear view illustrating a wall-mounted thin projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8B  is a side view corresponding to  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIG. 8C  is a plan view corresponding to  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side views illustrating a ceiling-mounted thin projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are rear views illustrating a ceiling-mounted thin projector according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11A  is a front view illustrating a stand type projector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is a rear view corresponding to  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIGS. 12A to 12D  are views illustrating diverse appearances of a thin projector according to the present invention, respectively; 
       FIGS. 13A to 13D  are views illustrating various embodiments of the projection lens unit included in the thin projector according to the present invention, respectively; and 
       FIG. 14  is a view illustrating another embodiment of the projection lens unit included in the thin projector according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
   The concept of the present invention is to reduce the installation space of a projector by configuring an optical system of the projector such that the thickness of the projector is reduced. 
     FIG. 3A  is a front view illustrating a front side of a thin projector according to the present invention.  FIGS. 3B and 3C  are perspective views illustrating opposite lateral sides of the thin projector according to the present invention, respectively.  FIGS. 3D and 3E  are perspective views illustrating top and bottom sides of the thin projectors according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3E , the thin projector of the present invention mainly includes a projection lens unit, a micro device, and an illumination unit. The projector also includes a housing which protects the constituent elements of the projector. The housing has a panel shape, and is fixed in an upright state by a fixing means. 
   The housing may be configured such that each lateral side of the housing has an area smaller than the area of the front or rear side of the housing, or the top or bottom side of the housing has an area smaller than the area of the front or rear side of the housing. 
   The front and rear sides of the housing may have the same area or different areas. The front side of the housing may have horizontal and vertical lengths which are identical to or different from each other. 
   It is preferred that the housing has a thickness corresponding to 50% or less of the horizontal length of the housing. 
   The projection lens unit is arranged in the housing, and includes a lens arranged at a predetermined region of the front side of the housing such that the lens is outwardly exposed from the housing, to project an image onto a screen arranged in front of the projector. 
   The micro device reproduces an image, and transmits the reproduced image to the projection lens unit. The illumination unit generates light, and emits the generated light to the micro device. 
   Detailed description of the projection lens unit, micro device, and illumination unit will be described hereinafter. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the interior of the thin projector according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , it is preferred that, in the thin projector of the present invention, the projection lens unit be arranged at one lateral side of the housing, the illumination unit be arranged at the top side of the housing, and a driving circuit, which drives the projection lens unit, illumination unit, and micro device, be arranged at the bottom side of the housing. 
   A lens shift adjusting screw is outwardly exposed from one lateral side of the housing where the projection lens unit is arranged. The lens shift adjusting screw serves to shift the projection lens unit. 
   It is also preferred that air inlets be formed at the lateral side of the housing where the projection lens unit is arranged and at the bottom side of the housing in a region where the driving circuit is arranged, respectively. Also, it is preferred that an air outlet be arranged at the top side of the housing in a region where the illumination unit is arranged. 
   A light source, which is included in the illumination unit, may be arranged beneath the air outlet. The reason why the light source is arranged beneath the air outlet is that rapid and efficient cooling can be achieved where the light source is arranged near the air outlet because the light source generates a large amount of heat, as compared to other elements. 
   If the projector is installed such that the housing is arranged in an inverted state or is unstably arranged, there may be a danger of fire due to the light source which generates a large amount of heat. 
   Therefore, it is preferred that a sensor be installed in a housing to sense the inclination of the housing, and thus, to cut off electric power supplied to the illumination unit when the inclination of the housing is higher than a reference inclination. 
   The sensor may be a gravity sensor such as a gyro sensor. 
   In order to achieve an enhancement in the cooling efficiency of the projector, fans are installed over and beneath the projection lens unit and beneath the illumination unit, respectively. 
   In the illustrated case, there are a plurality of fans, namely, a first fan arranged over the projection lens unit, a second fan arranged beneath the projection lens unit, a third fan arranged beneath an illumination lens set of the illumination unit, and a fourth fan arranged beneath the light source of the illumination unit. 
   Accordingly, air is introduced into the interior of the projector through the air inlets arranged at one lateral side and bottom side of the projector by the first and second fans, respectively, and is then discharged through the air outlet arranged at the top side of the projector by the third and fourth fans. In a particular air flow path design, the number of the fans may be adjusted to efficiently cool the projector. 
   Hereinafter, the optical system of the thin projector according to the present invention will be described. 
   Although a variety of optical systems may be applied to the thin projector of the present invention in order to realize a desired thickness reduction of the thin projector, an “I”-shaped optical system or “L”-shaped optical system may be applied to the thin projector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5A  is a front view illustrating an “I”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention.  FIG. 5B  is a side view illustrating the “I”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention.  FIG. 6A  is a front view illustrating an “L”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention.  FIG. 6B  is a side view illustrating the “L”-shaped optical system which is included in the thin projector according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B,  6 A, and  6 B, the optical system of the thin projector according to the present invention mainly includes a projection lens unit, a micro device, and an illumination unit in either case of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  or  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
   The projection lens unit includes a first lens set  11 , a second lens set  12 , and a reflector  13 . 
   The first lens set  11  functions to emit light carrying an image generated from the micro device. The second lens set  12  is arranged perpendicularly to the central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set  11 , to project the light emitted from the first lens set  11  onto an external screen. 
   The reflector  13  is arranged between the first lens set  11  and the second lens set  12 , to change the direction of the light emitted from the first lens set  11  such that the light is incident on the second lens set  12 . 
   The first lens set  11  is shiftable perpendicularly to the central axis of the light emitted from the second lens set  12 . The first lens set  11  may include at least one focusing lens which adjusts the focus of the image incident thereon. 
   The second lens set  12  is shiftable perpendicularly to the central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set  11 . The second lens set  12  may include at least one zoom lens which adjusts the focus of the image incident thereon. 
   The entire portion of the projection lens unit, which includes the first and second lens sets  11  and  12 , is shiftable in a vertical direction of the front side of the housing, to adjust the position of the image projected onto the screen. 
     FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating the shift direction of the projection lens unit in the thin projector according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first lens set  11  is shiftable perpendicularly to the optical axis of the second lens set  12 , and the second lens set  12  is shiftable perpendicularly to the optical axis of the first lens set  11 . 
   The entire portion of the projection lens unit including the first and second lens sets  11  and  12  is shiftable perpendicularly to the optical axis of the second lens set  12 , to adjust the position of the image projected onto the screen. 
   The reflector  13  may include a fully-reflective mirror or prism. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the first and second lens sets  11  and  12  are arranged such that the central axis of the light emitted from the first lens set  11  is perpendicular to the central axis of the light emitted from the second lens set  12 . 
   It is preferred that the first and second lens sets  11  and  12  be arranged perpendicular to an image display face of the micro device. 
   The micro device may be an LCD panel, an LCOS panel, or a DMD panel. 
   Meanwhile, the illumination unit may include a light source  14 , a first illumination lens set  16 , a second illumination lens set  18 , and a first prism  19 . 
   The first illumination lens set  16  functions to provide a uniform brightness of light emitted from the light source  14 . The second illumination lens set  18  functions to converge the light emitted from the first illumination lens set  16 . 
   The first illumination lens set  16  may include a light tunnel which functions to provide a uniform brightness of light, and at least one condensing lens. The second illumination lens set  18  may include at least one condensing lens which functions to converge light. 
   The first prism  19  functions to cause the light emitted from the second illumination lens set  18  to be incident on the micro device, and to cause the light emitted from the micro device to be incident on the first lens set of the projection lens unit. 
   The first prism  19  may be a total internal reflection (TIR) prism. It is preferred that the first prism  19  be arranged over the image display face of the micro device. 
   The illumination unit may further include a color wheel  15  which is arranged between the light source  14  and the first illumination lens set  16 , to separate the light emitted from the light source  14  into color light components, and a mirror  17  or a second prism  20  which is arranged between the first illumination lens set  16  and the second illumination lens set  18 , to reflect the light emitted from the first illumination lens set  16  to the second illumination lens set  18 . 
   In the “I”-shaped optical system shown in  FIG. 5A , the mirror  17  is used. The second prism  20  is used in the “L”-shaped optical system shown in  FIG. 6   a.    
   The reason why the mirror  17  or second prism  20  is used is to arrange the first and second illumination lens sets  16  and  18  on different optical axes, respectively, in order to reduce the total length of the projector. 
   That is, the light source  14  and the first illumination lens set  16  are arranged on the same optical axis, and the first and second illumination lens sets  16  and  18  are arranged on different optical axes, respectively. 
   The optical axis of light emitted from the first illumination lens set  16  is bent through a predetermined angle from the optical axis of light emitted from the second illumination lens set  18 . 
   The second illumination lens set  16  and the first prism  19  are arranged on the same optical axis, in order to enable uniform incidence of light on the first prism  19 . 
   The first illumination lens set  16  and the first lens set  11  of the projection lens unit may be arranged on different optical axes parallel to each other or meeting each other. 
   The second illumination lens set  16  and the first lens set  11  of the projection lens unit may also be arranged perpendicularly to each other. 
   The projector according to the present invention may be configured such that the projector is attachable to a wall or a ceiling. 
     FIG. 8A  is a rear view illustrating a wall-mounted thin projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8B  is a side view corresponding to  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is a plan view corresponding to  FIG. 8A . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C, a fixing means such as a bracket must be used to mount the projector of the present invention to a wall. 
   In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, fixing members are mounted to a rear side of the thin projector, and the bracket is fixed to the fixing members. 
   The bracket has slotted holes at four comers, respectively, so that the bracket can be fixed to the fixing members. 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side views illustrating a ceiling-mounted thin projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  shows a folded state of the projector in which the projector does not drive, whereas  FIG. 9B  shows an unfolded state of the projector in which the projector can drive. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the projector of the present invention may be attached to a ceiling through a fixing means mounted to the top side of the projector. 
   In this case, the fixing means may include a support and a hinge, so as to allow the projector to be hingable. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B  are rear views illustrating a ceiling-mounted thin projector according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a support means is mounted to the rear side of the projector in order to mount the projector to a ceiling. 
   The support means includes a bracket fixed to the rear side of the projector, a low flange connected to the bracket, a support connected to the lower flange, and an upper flange connected to the support, and fixed to a ceiling. 
   The projector of the present invention may be configured to be installed on a floor in an upright state. 
     FIG. 11A  is a front view illustrating a stand type projector according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11B  is a rear view corresponding to  FIG. 11A . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the projector of the present invention can be stood on a floor in an upright state by a support means. 
   In this case, the support means may include a support and a neck. The neck is fixedly mounted to the rear side of the projector. 
   Meanwhile, the thin projector according to the present invention may be manufactured to have diverse shapes. 
   For example, as shown in  FIGS. 12A to 12D , the thin projector of the present invention may have an oval, circular, triangular, or polygonal shape having a small thickness. 
   Meanwhile, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the projection lens unit may include four lens sets. 
     FIGS. 13A to 13D  are views illustrating various embodiments of the projection lens unit included in the thin projector according to the present invention, respectively. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 13A to 13D , the projection lens unit includes first, second, third, and fourth lens sets in each case of  FIGS. 13A to 13D . 
   A reflector  13  such as a prism or mirror is arranged between adjacent ones of the first through fourth lens sets, to change the direction of light incident on the projection lens unit. 
   The first lens set includes at least one focus adjusting lens, and the second lens set includes at least one zoom lens. The third lens set includes at least compensation lens, and the fourth lens set includes at least one master lens. 
   The reflector  13  may be arranged between the focus adjusting lens and the zoom lens, as shown in  FIG. 13A , may be between the zoom lens and the compensation lens, as shown in  FIG. 13B , may be arranged between the compensation lens and the master lens, as shown in  FIG. 13C , or may be arranged between zoom lenses which are included in the second lens set, as shown in  FIG. 13D . 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the reflector may be arranged at an upstream end of the projection lens set. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates another embodiment of the projection lens unit included in the thin projector according to the present invention. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14 , the reflector  13  is arranged at the upstream end of the projection lens set, to change the direction of the light emitted from the projection lens unit such that the light is externally emitted from the housing. 
   The present invention provides a thin projector which includes an optical system configured to reduce the thickness of the projector, so that the projector can be conveniently installed in a minimal installation space. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the thin projector includes a shiftable projection lens. Accordingly, it is possible to conveniently adjust the emission direction of light. 
   In accordance with the present invention, a sensor is used to prevent the projector from operating when the projector is incorrectly or unstably installed. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate a danger such as fire. 
   Since thinness of a projector can be achieved in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to conveniently install the projector in diverse places. 
   It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications, and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.