Adjusting mechanism

An adjusting mechanism includes a movable plate having a substantially rectangular shape and including a long side and a short side, a position adjusting actuator configured to come into contact with and press the movable plate, a reference plate on which the movable plate is placed, and an elastic member coupling the movable plate and the reference plate, the elastic member being elastically deformable in a direction along an X axis. The position adjusting actuator adjusts a position of the movable plate with respect to the reference plate when the position adjusting actuator presses the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and moves the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and a θz direction.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-031331, filed Feb. 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an adjusting mechanism.

2. Related Art

There has been known a method of adjusting the position of a liquid crystal panel in an optical system of a projector. For example, JP-A-2003-98599 (Patent Literature 1) proposes a focus adjusting method for a liquid crystal projector.

However, in the focus adjusting method described in Patent Literature 1, although an algorithm of focus adjustment is disclosed, a specific adjusting mechanism is not disclosed. That is, there has been a demand for an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of a liquid crystal panel or the like.

SUMMARY

An adjusting mechanism according to an aspect of this application includes: a movable plate having a substantially rectangular shape and including a long side and a short side; a position adjusting actuator configured to come into contact with and press the movable plate; a reference plate on which the movable plate is placed; and an elastic member coupling the movable plate and the reference plate, the elastic member being elastically deformable. In a plane of the movable plate, a coordinate axis parallel to the long side of the movable plate is a Y axis, a coordinate axis orthogonal to the Y axis is an X axis, a coordinate axis orthogonal to the plane of the movable plate is a Z axis, and a rotating direction around the Z axis is a θz direction, the elastic member is elastically deformable in a direction along the X axis, and the position adjusting actuator adjusts a position of the movable plate with respect to the reference plate when the position adjusting actuator presses the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and moves the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and the θz direction.

In the adjusting mechanism, the position adjusting actuator may include a first actuator and a second actuator, the first actuator may include a first linearly mover configured to linearly move in the direction along the X axis, the second actuator may include a second linearly mover configured to linearly move in the direction along the X axis, and the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover may come into contact with the movable plate.

In the adjusting mechanism, the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover may project in the direction along the X axis to press the movable plate.

In the adjusting mechanism, the movable plate may move in the direction along the X axis when a projection amount of the first linearly mover in the direction along the X axis and a projection amount of the second linearly mover along the X axis are substantially equal.

In the adjusting mechanism, the movable plate may move in the θz direction when a projection amount of the first linearly mover in the direction along the X axis and a projection amount of the second linearly mover along the X axis are different.

In the adjusting mechanism, the elastic member may be a leaf spring, and be applied with a preload in the direction along the X axis.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present disclosure is explained below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment explained below is explanation of an example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment explained below. Various modifications implemented in a range in which the gist of the present disclosure is not changed are also included in the present disclosure. In the drawings referred to below, scales of members are differentiated from actual scales in order to show the members in recognizable sizes. In the drawings referred to below, X, Y, and Z axes, which are coordinate axes orthogonal to one another, are added according to necessity.

In this embodiment, an adjusting mechanism included in a projector including three liquid crystal panels functioning as display panels is explained as an example. In the adjusting mechanism in this embodiment explained below, a component that adjusts two axes of X and θz is an example of an adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure. An adjusting mechanism in this embodiment includes, in addition to the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure, a component that adjusts three axes of θx, θy, and Z and one axis of Y.

The configuration of a projector according to this embodiment is explained with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the projector according to the embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, a projector1according to this embodiment includes a light source device10, which is an illumination optical system, a color separation optical system20, a relay optical system30, a display panel for green40G, a display panel for red40R, and a display panel for blue40B functioning as three display panels, which are light modulating devices, an adjusting mechanism for blue70and an adjusting mechanism for red80, a cross dichroic prism50functioning as a prism, which is a color combination optical system, and a projection lens60. These are housed in a main body section2. In the following explanation, the display panel for green40G, the display panel for red40R, and the display panel for blue40B are sometimes collectively simply referred to as a display panel40as well. Further, the adjusting mechanism for blue70on which the display panel for blue40B is placed and the adjusting mechanism for red80on which the display panel for red40R is placed are sometimes collectively simply referred to as an adjusting mechanism7as well.

The display panel40modulates light emitted from alight source11included in the light source device10. Among a plurality of the display panels40, the display panel for red40R is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for red80and the position of the display panel for red40R is adjusted and the display panel for blue40B is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for blue70and the position of the display panel for blue40B is adjusted. The display panel for green40G is not mounted on the adjusting mechanism in this embodiment and is mounted on a mounting member90. The display panel for green40G modulates green light G, the display panel for red40R modulates red light R, and the display panel for blue40B modulates blue light B. The lights modulated by the display panels40are combined by the cross dichroic prism50and projected onto a projection target such as a not-shown screen from the projection lens60.

The light source device10includes the light source11, a first lens array12, a second lens array13, a polarization converter14, and a superimposing lens15. In the first lens array12and the second lens array13, small lenses are arrayed in a matrix shape.

In the projector1, a light source of a discharge type is adopted as the light source11. However, the type of the light source11is not limited to this. A solid-state light source such as a light emitting diode or a laser may be adopted as the light source11.

Light emitted from the light source11is divided into a plurality of very small partial light beams by the first lens array12. The polarization converter14aligns nonpolarized light emitted from the light source11into polarized light usable in the display panel40. The partial light beams are superimposed on incident surfaces of three display panels40, which are illumination targets, by the second lens array13and the superimposing lens15. That is, an integrator illumination optical system, in which light emitted from the light source11illuminates the display panels40, is formed by the first lens array12, the second lens array13, and the superimposing lens15.

The color separation optical system20includes a first dichroic mirror21, a second dichroic mirror22, a reflection mirror23, and field lenses24and25. The color separation optical system20separates light emitted from the light source device10into color lights of three colors in wavelength regions different from one another. The color lights of the three colors are the green light G, the red light R, and the blue light B. The green light G is substantially green light, the red light R is substantially red light, and the blue light B is substantially blue light.

The field lens24is disposed on an incident surface side of the display panel for red40R. The field lens25is disposed on an incident surface side of the display panel for green40G.

The first dichroic mirror21transmits the red light R and reflects the green light G and the blue light B. The red light R transmitted through the first dichroic mirror21is reflected by the reflection mirror23and transmitted through the field lens24to illuminate the display panel for red40R.

The field lens24condenses the red light R reflected by the reflection mirror23and illuminates the display panel for red40R. Like the field lens24, the field lens25condenses the green light G reflected by the second dichroic mirror22and illuminates the display panel for green40G. At this time, the lights illuminating the display panel for green40G and the display panel for red40R are respectively set to be substantially parallel light beams.

The second dichroic mirror22transmits the blue light B and reflects the green light G. The green light G reflected by the first dichroic mirror21is reflected by the second dichroic mirror22and thereafter transmitted through the field lens25to illuminate the display panel for green40G.

The first dichroic mirror21and the second dichroic mirror22are manufactured by forming dielectric multilayer films corresponding to the functions on transparent glass plates.

The relay optical system30includes an incident-side lens31, a first reflection mirror32, a relay lens33, a second reflection mirror34, and an emission-side lens35functioning as a field lens. A light beam of the blue light B tends to be larger because the blue light B has a longer optical path compared with the green light G and the red light R. Accordingly, expansion of the light beam is suppressed using the relay lens33. The blue light B emitted from the color separation optical system20is reflected by the first reflection mirror32and converged by the incident-side lens31near the relay lens33. The blue light B diverges toward the second reflection mirror34and the emission-side lens35.

The emission-side lens35has the same function as the function of the field lenses24and25explained above and illuminates the display panel for blue40B. The light illuminating the display panel for blue40B is set to be a substantially parallel light beam.

The display panel40functions as a light modulating device in the projector1. A liquid crystal panel of a transmission type is adopted as the display panel40. In this case, an incident-side polarizing plate and an emission-side polarizing plate are usually provided in addition to the liquid crystal panel functioning as the display panel40. Although not illustrated, the incident-side polarizing plate only has to be fixed on a light incident side of the liquid crystal panel. A polarizing plate405shown inFIG. 8corresponds to the emission-side polarizing plate.

The display panel40functioning as the light modulating device is not limited to the liquid crystal panel of the transmission type. A light modulating device of a reflection type such as a reflection-type liquid crystal panel may be adopted as the light modulating device. A digital micromirror device (DMD) or the like that modulates light emitted from the light source11by controlling an emitting direction of incident light for each of micromirrors functioning as pixels may be adopted. In the digital micromirror device, a surface on which the micromirrors are arranged in a matrix shape is equivalent to a display surface. Further, the projector1is not limited to a configuration including a light modulating device for each of a plurality of color lights and may have a configuration for modulating the plurality of color lights in a time-division manner with one light modulating device. The adjusting mechanism7in this embodiment exerts more effects in position adjustment of the plurality of display panels40.

As explained above, among the plurality of display panels40, the display panel for blue40B is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for blue70and the display panel for red40R is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for red80. The adjusting mechanism7, that is, the adjusting mechanism for blue70and the adjusting mechanism for red80are explained below.

The cross dichroic prism50combines converted lights of the colors emitted from the plurality of display panels40. Specifically, the cross dichroic prism50combines lights respectively emitted from the display panel for red40R, the display panel for green40G, and the display panel for blue40B. The cross dichroic prism50includes a red-light reflecting dichroic surface51R that reflects the red light R and a blue-light reflecting dichroic surface51B that reflects the blue light B. A dielectric multilayer film that reflects the red light R is disposed on the red-light reflecting dichroic surface51R. A dielectric multilayer film that reflects the blue light B is disposed on the blue-light reflecting dichroic surface51B. The red-light reflecting dichroic surface51R and the blue-light reflecting dichroic surface51B are hereinafter simply referred to as reflecting dichroic surfaces51R and51B as well.

In plan view of the disposition of the color separation optical system20, the relay optical system30, and the cross dichroic prism50, the dielectric multilayer film that reflects the red light R and the dielectric multilayer film that reflects the blue light B are arranged in a substantially X shape. The converted lights of the three colors of the red light R, the green light G, and the blue light B are combined by the reflecting dichroic surfaces51R and51B and combined light for displaying a color image is generated. The combined light generated by the cross dichroic prism50in this way is emitted toward the projection lens60.

The projection lens60is attached to the main body section2. The combined light passed through the projection lens60and emitted from the main body section2is projected onto a projection target such as a not-shown screen as image light.

The configuration of the adjusting mechanism according to this embodiment is explained with reference toFIGS. 2, 3, and 4.FIG. 2is a perspective view showing disposition of the cross dichroic prism, the display panel, and the like.FIG. 3is a perspective view showing the exterior of the adjusting mechanism.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the adjusting mechanism. InFIG. 2, to facilitate understanding of the disposition of the components, the distance between the cross dichroic prism50and the three display panels40is shown larger than an actual distance. InFIG. 2, the disposition of the display panel for blue40B and the display panel for red40R is reversed left and right fromFIG. 1with respect to the cross dichroic prism50. Further, inFIGS. 3 and 4, among the adjusting mechanisms7, the adjusting mechanism for blue70mounted with the display panel for blue40B is shown.

As shown inFIG. 2, the display panel for green40G, the display panel for blue40B, and the display panel for red40R are disposed in three directions with respect to the cross dichroic prism50. The display panel for blue40B is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for blue70. The display panel for red40R is mounted on the adjusting mechanism for red80. The display panel for green40G is mounted on the mounting member90. The adjusting mechanism for blue70is located between the display panel for blue40B and the cross dichroic prism50. The adjusting mechanism for red80is located between the display panel for red40R and the cross dichroic prism50. The mounting member90is located between the display panel for green40G and the cross dichroic prism50.

In the adjusting mechanism7and the mounting member90, light blocking members are not interposed between the mounted display panels40and the cross dichroic prism50. Accordingly, lights modulated by the display panels40are made incident on the cross dichroic prism50without being blocked by the adjusting mechanism7and the mounting member90. This form is seen, inFIG. 2, in the adjusting mechanism for red80in which the rear surface of the surface on which the display panel for red40R is placed is illustrated.

When, among the plurality of display panels40, the display panel for green40G is represented as a first display panel and the display panel for blue40B or the display panel for red40R is represented as a second display panel, the second display panel is mounted on the adjusting mechanism7in this embodiment corresponding thereto. The position of the second display panel with respect to the first display panel is adjusted by the adjusting mechanism7.

The adjusting mechanism for red80mounted with the display panel for red40R has the same configuration as the configuration of the adjusting mechanism for blue70. Accordingly, about the adjusting mechanism7in this embodiment, in the following explanation, the adjusting mechanism for blue70is explained as a representative example. Explanation of the adjusting mechanism for red80is omitted.

In this embodiment, the display panel for green40G is not mounted on the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure. However, the display panel for green40G is not limited to this. The display panel for green40G may be mounted on the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure instead of the mounting member90. The mounting member90mounted with the display panel for green40G may include a focus adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the display panel for green40G and the projection lens60shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 3, the adjusting mechanism for blue70includes a first stage100, a second stage200functioning as a movable stage, a third stage300functioning as a reference stage, and a base400. In a state in which the display panel for blue40B is placed on a placing portion explained below, when a surface parallel to a display surface of the display panel for blue40B is set as a reference plane, a coordinate axis orthogonal to the reference plane is represented as a Z axis and coordinate axes orthogonal to each other in the reference plane are represented as an X axis and a Y axis and a rotating direction around the X axis is represented as a θx direction, a rotating direction around the Y axis is represented as a θy direction, and a rotating direction around the Z axis is represented as a θz direction. Further, + or − signs shown in the figures are added to respective directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the respective + directions are represented as positive directions and the respective − directions are represented as negative directions. In the following explanation, the respective directions along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are simply referred to as X direction, Y direction, and Z direction as well.

The adjusting mechanism for blue70has an elongated rectangular shape along the Y axis in a plan view from the positive Z direction. The base400side, in other words, the negative Z-direction side of the adjusting mechanism for blue70is fixed to the cross dichroic prism50shown inFIG. 2.

The display panel for blue40B is mounted closer to the positive Y direction from the center in the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction in the adjusting mechanism for blue70, in the plan view. The display panel for blue40B is rectangular. Among four sides forming the rectangle, two sides are disposed along the Y axis and the other two sides are disposed along the X axis.

As shown inFIG. 4, the adjusting mechanism for blue70includes the first stage100including a placing portion explained below on which the display panel for blue40B is placed, the second stage200that supports the first stage100, the third stage300that supports the second stage200, and the base400that supports the third stage300. The first stage100, the second stage200, the third stage300, and the base400are superimposed in the negative Z direction in this order. Therefore, among the first stage100, the second stage200, and the third stage300, the third stage300is located on the nearest side to the cross dichroic prism50explained above and the first stage100is located on the farthest side from the cross dichroic prism50.

The first stage100includes a first plate101on which the display panel for blue40B is placed and a first actuator (a first position adjusting actuator)110. The first actuator110includes three actuators111,112, and113. The first actuator110comes into contact with the first plate101and moves the first plate101in the positive and negative Z directions, the θx direction, and the θy direction.

The second stage200includes a second plate (a movable plate)201, which is a substantial rectangle including a long side and a short side and is flat, on which the first plate101is placed and a second actuator (a second position adjusting actuator)210. The second actuator210includes a pair of actuators211and212. The second actuator210moves the second plate201in the positive and negative X directions and the θz direction. The actuators211and212are examples of an actuator according to the present disclosure. In this specification, it is assumed that changes in postures such as rotations in the θx direction, the θy direction, and the θz direction are also included in the movement.

Among the X, Y, and Z axes, the Y axis is a coordinate axis parallel to the long side of the second plate201. A coordinate axis orthogonal to the Y axis is the X axis. A coordinate axis orthogonal to a plane of the second plate201is the Z axis.

The third stage300includes a substantially flat third plate (a reference plate)301on which the second plate201of the second stage is placed and a third actuator (a third position adjusting actuator)310. The second plate201is an example of a plate according to the present disclosure. The third actuator310moves the third plate301in the positive and negative Y directions.

The third plate301is placed on the base400. The negative Z-direction side of the base400is fixed to the cross dichroic prism50shown inFIG. 2.

The actuators111,112, and113functioning as the first actuator110are mounted on the second plate201and is in contact with the first plate101. The actuators211and212functioning as the second actuator210are mounted on the surface on the negative Z-direction side of the third plate301. The third actuator310is mounted on the base400. Details of the first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310are explained below.

Detailed configurations of the first stage100, the second stage200, the third stage300, and the base400are explained with reference toFIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8.FIG. 5is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first plate.FIG. 6is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second plate.FIG. 7is a perspective view showing the configuration of the third plate.FIG. 8is a perspective view showing the configuration of the base. Among components explained below, components included in the second stage200functioning as the movable stage and the third stage300functioning as the reference stage are examples of components of the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure.

For convenience of illustration,FIG. 6shows a state in which the actuators111,112, and113are mounted on the second plate201.FIG. 7shows a state in which the actuators211and212are mounted on the third plate301.FIG. 8shows a state in which the third actuator310is mounted on the base400.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first plate101is substantially oblong. The long side of the first plate101is disposed along the Y axis and the short side of the first plate101is disposed along the X axis. The first plate101includes a placing portion71, a spring member76, and a pair of spring members77. The display panel for blue40B is placed on the placing portion71.

The spring member76and the pair of spring members77are coil springs made of metal. One end of the spring member76is fixed to the negative Z-direction side at a positive Y-direction end portion of the first plate101. The pair of spring members77is disposed side by side along the positive and negative X directions. The pair of spring members77is present in the negative Y-direction side across the placing portion71with respect to the spring member76. Respective one ends of the pair of spring members77are fixed to the negative Z-direction side in the first plate101.

The other ends of the spring member76and the pair of spring members77are respectively fixed to the surface on the negative Z-direction side in the base400via opening sections explained below of the second plate201, the third plate301, and the base400. Accordingly, the first plate101and the base400are coupled by the spring member76and the pair of spring members77. The second plate201and the third plate301are held between the first plate101and the base400. At this time, tensile loads of the spring member76and the pair of spring members77are set such that the first plate101, the second plate201, and the third plate301are movable with respect to the base400.

As shown inFIG. 6, the second plate201is a substantial rectangle including a long side and a short side and is flat. The long side of the second plate201is disposed along the Y axis and the short side of the second plate201is disposed along the X axis. The second plate201includes a first elastic member231, a coupling section241, opening sections276and281, and a pair of opening sections277. The first elastic member231couples the second plate201and the third plate301. The display surface of the display panel for blue40B explained above and the plane on the positive Z-direction side of the flat second plate201are parallel. That is, the long side is parallel to the Y axis. The first elastic member231is an example of an elastic member according to the present disclosure. Further, the actuators111,112, and113functioning as the first actuator110are disposed to pierce through the second plate201in the positive and negative Z directions.

The first elastic member231is a single-plate leaf spring, the longitudinal direction of which extends along the Y axis. The width direction of the first elastic member231is disposed along the Z axis and the thickness direction of the first elastic member231is disposed along the X axis. The length in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic member231is shorter than the long side and is longer than the short side of the second plate201. With the disposition explained above, the first elastic member231is elastically deformable in the positive and negative X directions. The substantial center in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic member231is coupled and fixed to the second plate201via the coupling section241. Both the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic member231are coupled to the third plate301of the third stage300via a contact section explained below of the third plate301. Consequently, the first elastic member231couples the second plate201and the third plate301of the third stage300.

At this time, the first elastic member231is disposed near the long side on the positive X-direction side of the second plate201. The first plate101is laid on the second plate201avoiding the first elastic member231. In this way, the first elastic member231is disposed in a minimum setting space.

In this embodiment, the single-plate leaf spring, a so-called thin leaf spring is used as the first elastic member231. However, the first elastic member231is not limited to this. Other elastic members such as other leaf springs such as a laminated leaf spring, springs such as a coil spring and a disc spring, and a rubber material may be used as the first elastic member231if the first elastic member231couples the second plate201and the third plate301and is elastically deformable with respect to the positive and negative X directions. Among these elastic members, it is desirable to use the leaf spring from the viewpoint that a space required for setting is relatively small.

The opening section281is a substantially rectangular window piercing through the second plate201. The opening section281is provided in a position overlapping, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, the display panel for blue40B placed on the placing portion71of the first plate101. Accordingly, light modulated by the display panel for blue40B is emitted without being blocked by the second plate201.

In the first actuator110, the actuator111functioning as the first actuator is disposed on the positive Y-direction side, which is one side, with respect to the opening section281, in other words, the placing portion71in the plan view from the positive Z direction. In the first actuator110, the actuator112functioning as the second actuator and the actuator113functioning as the third actuator are disposed on the negative Y-direction side, which is the other side, with respect to the placing portion71in the plan view from the positive Z direction. In other words, the actuators112and113are located on the opposite side of the actuator111with respect to the placing portion71. The actuators112and113are disposed side by side along the positive and negative X directions. That is, the actuator111and the actuators112and113are disposed to be opposed in the positive and negative Y directions across the placing portion71in the plan view from the positive Z direction.

The opening section276and the pair of opening sections277are openings piercing through the second plate201and are formed larger than a coil outer shape of the spring member76and the pair of spring members77. The opening section276is provided in a position corresponding to the spring member76in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The pair of opening sections277is provided in positions corresponding to the pair of spring members77. Consequently, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the spring member76and the pair of spring members77are disposed through the opening section276and the pair of opening sections277.

As shown inFIG. 7, the third plate301of the third stage300is substantially oblong. The long side of the third plate301is disposed along the Y axis and the short side of the third plate301is disposed along the X axis. The third plate301includes a second elastic member332and a third elastic member333, a pair of contact sections351and352, opening sections381and391, and pairs of opening sections377and392. The actuators211and212functioning as the second actuator210are disposed on the negative Z-direction side of the third plate301.

The contact sections351and352are rib-like protrusions projecting in the positive Z direction from the substantially flat third plate301. The contact sections351and352are provided at both the ends in the longitudinal direction, which is the positive and negative Y directions, of the third plate301. Specifically, the contact section351is provided on the positive Y-direction side and the contact section352is provided on the negative Y-direction side.

The contact sections351and352are paired. Both the end portions of the first elastic member231are respectively coupled to the contact sections351and352. Consequently, the first elastic member231is coupled to the third plate301via the pair of contact sections351and352. The first elastic member231is coupled to the second plate201via the coupling section241present in a position sandwiched by the pair of contact sections351and352in the positive and negative Y directions.

The second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are single-plate leaf springs, the longitudinal direction of which extends along the X axis. The width direction of the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333is disposed along the Z axis and the thickness direction of the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333is disposed along the Y axis. The second elastic member332and the third elastic member333have substantially the same shape. The length in the longitudinal direction of the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333is shorter than the short side of the third plate301. With the disposition explained above, the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are elastically deformed with respect to the positive and negative Y directions.

The second elastic member332is disposed near the short side in the positive Y-direction side in the third plate301. One end of the second elastic member332is coupled to the contact section351and the other end of the second elastic member332is coupled to coupling sections explained below of the base400. The third elastic member333is disposed near the short side on the negative Y-direction side in the third plate301. One end of the third elastic member333is coupled to the contact section352and the other end of the third elastic member333is coupled to the coupling sections explained below of the base400. The second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are provided substantially in parallel to be opposed in the positive and negative Y directions. The second elastic member332and the third elastic member333couple the third plate301and the base400and restrict movement of the third plate301with respect to the base400in the positive and negative Y directions.

When the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the second plate201is laid on the third plate301avoiding the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333. Accordingly, the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are disposed in a minimum setting space.

In this embodiment, the single-plate leaf spring, a so-called thin leaf spring is used as the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333. However, the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are not limited to this. The same elastic member as the first elastic member231explained above may be used as the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333. It is desirable to use the leaf spring from the viewpoint that a space required for setting is relatively small.

The opening section381is a substantially rectangular window piercing through the third plate301. The opening section381is provided in a position overlapping, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, the display panel for blue40B placed on the placing portion71of the first plate101. Accordingly, light modulated by the display panel for blue40B is emitted without being blocked by the third plate301.

The opening section391and the pairs of opening sections377and392are openings piercing through the third plate301. The opening section391is provided in a position corresponding to the actuator111and the spring member76in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The opening section391is formed larger than a shape obtained by combining the shape of a cross section parallel to an XY plane in the actuator111and the coil outer shape of the spring member76. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the opening section391functions as a clearance for the actuator111and is capable of allowing the spring member76to pass.

The pair of opening sections377is provided in positions corresponding to the pair of spring members77in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The pair of opening sections377is formed larger than the coil outer shape of the pair of spring members77. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the pair of opening sections377is capable of respectively allowing the spring members77to pass.

The pair of opening sections392is provided in positions corresponding to the actuators112and113in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The pair of opening sections392is respectively formed larger than the shapes of cross sections parallel to the XY plane in the actuators112and113. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the pair of opening sections392functions as clearances for the actuators112and113.

The actuators211and212are provided on the negative Z-direction side of the third plate301and are paired. The pair of actuators211and212is disposed to be opposed to the pair of contact sections351and352and the first elastic member231in the positive and negative X directions in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The actuator211includes a first linearly mover a1. The actuator212includes a second linearly mover a2. In other words, the second actuator210includes the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2. The first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2come into contact with the second plate201.

As shown inFIG. 8, the base400is substantially oblong. The long side of the base400is disposed along the Y axis. The base400includes coupling sections451and452, the polarizing plate405, opening sections491and494, and pairs of opening sections477and492. The third actuator310is disposed to pierce through the base400in the positive and negative Z directions.

The coupling sections451and452are columnar protrusions projecting in the positive Z direction from the substantially flat base400and are paired. The coupling sections451and452are present on the long side on the negative X-direction side in the base400and provided at both the end portions of the long side. Specifically, the coupling section451is provided on the positive Y-direction side and the coupling section452is provided on the negative Y-direction side. An end portion of the second elastic member332is coupled to the coupling section451. An end portion of the third elastic member333is coupled to the coupling section452.

The polarizing plate405is provided in a position overlapping the display panel for blue40B in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The polarizing plate405is an emission-side polarizing element of the display panel for blue40B. Light modulated by the display panel for blue40B is emitted via the polarizing plate405.

The opening sections491and494and the pairs of opening sections477and492are openings piercing through the base400. The opening section491is provided in a position corresponding to the actuators111and211and the spring member76in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The opening section491is formed larger than a shape obtained by combining the shape of cross sections parallel to the XY plane in the actuators111and211and the coil outer shape of the spring member76. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue is assembled, the opening section491functions as a clearance for the actuators111and211and is capable of allowing the spring member76to pass.

The pair of opening sections477is provided in positions corresponding to the pair of spring members77in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The pair of opening sections477is formed larger than the coil outer shape of the pair of the spring members77. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the pair of opening sections477is respectively capable of allowing the spring members77to pass.

The pair of opening sections492is provided in positions corresponding to the actuators112and113in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The pair of opening sections492is respectively formed larger than the shape of cross sections parallel to the XY plane in the actuators112and113. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the pair of opening sections492respectively functions as clearances for the actuators112and113.

The opening section494is provided in a position corresponding to the actuator212in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The opening section494is formed larger than the shape of a cross section parallel to the XY plane in the actuator212. Accordingly, when the adjusting mechanism for blue70is assembled, the opening section494functions as a clearance for the actuator212.

The configuration of the first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310is explained with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of the actuator. The first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310have the same configuration, although parts and directions in which the first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310are disposed in the adjusting mechanism for blue70are different. Accordingly, inFIG. 9, the actuator111in the first actuator110is shown as a representative example. InFIG. 9, a cross section parallel to a YZ plane and passing the center of a linearly mover explained below in the actuator111is shown.

As shown inFIG. 9, the actuator111includes a driving section171, a disk member173, a lead screw175, a nut section177, and a linearly mover “a”. The actuator111is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped and is a driving source for moving the position of the display panel for blue40B.

The nut section177is disposed substantially in the center of the actuator111in the plan view from the positive Z direction. A part of the nut section177projects from the surface on the positive Z-direction side of the actuator111. On the other hand, the negative Z-direction side of the nut section177is sunk into the inside of the actuator111. A columnar through-hole drilled in the positive and negative Z directions is provided in the nut section177. A female screw is provided on the inner surface on the negative Z-direction side in the through-hole.

The linearly mover “a” is fit in the positive Z-direction side of the through-hole in the nut section177. The positive Z-direction side of the linearly mover “a” projects from the nut section177. That is, the distal end on the positive Z-direction side of the linearly mover “a” projects to the positive Z-direction side of the actuator111. A portion of the distal end projecting from the nut section177in the linearly mover “a” is larger than a portion of the linearly mover “a” fit in the through-hole. Accordingly, the linearly mover “a” does not further sink in the negative Z direction with respect to the nut section177from a state illustrated inFIG. 9. The distal end of the linearly mover “a” is formed as a curved surface and is in contact with the surface on the negative Z-direction side in the first plate101shown inFIG. 4.

The lead screw175is disposed on the negative Z-direction side of the linearly mover “a”. The lead screw175has a shape rotationally symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the Z axis and includes a shaft disposed along the Z axis. In the shaft, a brim section is provided substantially in the center in the positive and negative Z directions. A male screw is provided on the positive Z-direction side from the brim section. Consequently, the male screw of the lead screw175and the female screw of the nut section177are screwed. A part of the shaft of the lead screw175is fit in the nut section177.

The disk member173is fit and fixed in the positive Z-direction side of the brim section of the lead screw175. The disk member173is a disk having a circular opening in the center in the plan view from the positive Z direction. The shaft of the lead screw175pierces through the opening. The disk member173is disposed along the XY plane. The center axis in the through-hole of the nut section177and a rotationally symmetrical axis of the lead screw175and the disk member173coincide. Accordingly, when the disk member173rotates around the axis, the lead screw175also rotates. The male screw of the lead screw175is screwed with the female screw of the nut section177. Rotation of the nut section177synchronizing with the rotation of the lead screw175is restricted. Therefore, the nut section177moves in the positive and negative Z directions according to the rotation of the lead screw175.

In the plan view from the positive Z direction, the driving section171is in contact with the vicinity of the outer circumference in the disk member173. The driving section171is a piezoelectric element. A voltage is applied to the driving section171, whereby an inverse piezoelectric effect is exerted. With the inverse piezoelectric effect, the disk member173receives a rotating force in the circumferential direction from the driving section171. When the voltage is applied, the driving section171is capable of rotating the disk member173. When the applied voltage is set to reverse potential, the driving section171is also capable of reversely rotating the disk member173. A signal wire and a power supply wire are coupled to the driving section171. The signal wire is coupled to a not-shown control section of the projector1. The control section is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The power supply wire is coupled to a not-shown power supply section of the projector1.

With the configuration explained above, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, when the driving section171rotates the disk member173clockwise, the lead screw175also rotates in the same direction. Accordingly, the nut section177moves in the positive Z direction while the through-hole screws with the shaft of the lead screw175. Consequently, the nut section177projects together with the linearly mover “a”. That is, the operation of the driving section171is controlled, whereby a projection amount, in other words, a movement amount of the distal end of the linearly mover “a” in the positive Z direction changes.

On the other hand, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, when the driving section171rotates the disk member173counterclockwise, the lead screw175rotates in the same direction. Accordingly, the nut section177moves in the negative Z direction while the through-hole screws with the shaft of the lead screw175. Consequently, the nut section177moves to sink into the actuator111together with the linearly mover “a”. That is, the operation of the driving section171is controlled, whereby the projection amount of the distal end of the linearly mover “a” in the negative Z direction changes. Consequently, the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111is capable of linearly moving in the positive and negative Z directions.

In the first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310other than the actuator111, the action explained above is the same and explanation of the action is omitted.

In this embodiment, the actuator111including the piezoelectric element as the driving source is illustrated. However, the actuator111is not limited to this. As the first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310, a combination of an electromagnetic motor and a ball screw, a voice coil motor, a solenoid actuator, and the like may be adopted.

As explained above, the adjusting mechanism for blue70has the configuration explained above. As explained above, the adjusting mechanism for red80mounted with the display panel for red40R has the same configuration as the configuration of the adjusting mechanism for blue70. Therefore, explanation of the adjusting mechanism for red80is omitted.

A position adjusting method for the display panel40in the adjusting mechanism7is explained using the adjusting mechanism for blue70and the display panel for blue40B as an example. A position adjusting method for the display panel for red40R in the adjusting mechanism for red80is the same as a position adjusting method for the display panel for blue40B in the adjusting mechanism for blue70. Therefore, explanation of the position adjusting method for the display panel for red40R is omitted.

1.3.1. Adjusting Method for Three Axes of θx, θy, and Z

An adjusting method for three axes of θx, θy, and Z in the first stage100is explained with reference toFIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C.FIG. 10Ais a schematic diagram showing a Z one-axis adjusting method.FIG. 10Bis a schematic diagram showing a θx one-axis adjusting method.FIG. 10Cis a schematic diagram showing a θy one-axis adjusting method. InFIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, only the second plate201and the first actuator110mounted on the second plate201are illustrated. Illustration of the other components is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 10A, the three actuators111,112, and113functioning as the first actuator110are disposed at vertexes of a triangle across the opening section281in the plan view from the positive Z direction. In the actuators111,112, and113, the distal ends of linearly movers “a” are disposed to face the positive Z direction. The distal ends of the three linearly movers “a” come into contact with, from the negative Z direction in the direction along the Z axis, the not-shown first plate101located on the positive Z-direction side of the second plate201. The linearly movers “a” of the three actuators111,112, and113linearly move in the positive and negative Z directions as explained above.

When the respective linearly movers “a” of the three actuators111,112, and113are linearly moved by an equal projection amount in the positive and negative Z directions, the first plate101, with which the linearly movers “a” are in contact, moves in the positive and negative Z directions with respect to the second plate201. Consequently, it is possible to perform position adjustment for Z one axis.

The three actuators111,112, and113are individually operable. Accordingly, it is also possible to individually change a projection amount in the positive and negative Z directions in the three linearly movers “a”.

As shown inFIG. 10B, the linearly mover “a” of the actuator112functioning as the second actuator and the linearly mover “a” of the actuator113functioning as the third actuator are moved by an equal projection amount in the positive and negative Z directions relatively to the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111functioning as the first actuator. Consequently, the first plate101moves in the θx direction with respect to the second plate201.

“Relatively to the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111” indicates any one of the following three cases: the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111is fixed and the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113are linearly moved; the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113are linearly moved in the opposite direction of a direction in which the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111is linearly moved; and the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113are linearly moved by more than a projection amount of the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111in the same direction as the direction in which the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111is linearly moved.

It is more desirable to determine the projection amount according to distances and directions from the geometric center of the display panel for blue40B in the linearly movers “a” of the three actuators111,112, and113, in other words, coordinate points of the linearly movers “a”.

Specifically, a triangle indicated by a broken line formed by contacts of the distal ends of the linearly movers “a” of the actuators111,112, and113and the first plate101is disposed along the XY plane. In the plan view from the positive Z direction, the geometrical center of the display panel for blue40B is located on the inner side of the triangle in the plan view from the positive Z direction. Movement in the θx direction is rotation in the θx direction of the triangle. Therefore, when the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113are linearly moved by an equal projection amount in the positive Z direction, the movement in the θx direction is counterclockwise rotation when viewed from the negative X direction.

On the other hand, when the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113are linearly moved by an equal projection amount in the negative Z direction, the movement in the θx direction is clockwise rotation when viewed from the negative X direction. Consequently, it is possible to perform position adjustment for θx one axis.

As shown inFIG. 10C, the linearly mover “a” of the actuator112and the linearly mover “a” of the actuator113are linearly moved in directions opposite to each other in the positive and negative Z directions relatively to the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111, whereby the first plate101moves in the θy direction with respect to the second plate201. As explained above, “relatively to the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111” indicates a projection amount of the linearly movers “a” of the actuators112and113with respect to a projection amount of the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111and is not limited to when the linearly mover “a” of the actuator111is fixed.

Specifically, the movement in the θy direction is rotation in the θy direction of the triangle indicated by the broken line. That is, when the linearly mover “a” of the actuator112is linearly moved in the negative Z direction and the linearly mover “a” of the actuator113is linearly moved in the positive Z direction, the movement in the θy direction is counterclockwise rotation when viewed from the positive Y direction. This state is shown inFIG. 10C.

On the other hand, when the linearly mover “a” of the actuator112is linearly moved in the positive Z direction and the linearly mover “a” of the actuator113is linearly moved in the negative Z direction, the movement in the θy direction is clockwise rotation when viewed from the positive Y direction. Consequently, it is possible to perform position adjustment for θy one axis.

The position adjustment for the three axes of θx, θy, and Z in the first plate101is achieved by performing the Z one-axis adjustment, the θx one-axis adjustment, and the θy one-axis adjustment in combination. The second plate201is coupled to the base400via the third plate301shown inFIG. 4. The base400is fixed to the cross dichroic prism50. Further, the cross dichroic prism50is fixed to the projection lens60.

Therefore, the movement with respect to the second plate201in the first plate101explained above is movement with respect to the cross dichroic prism50and the projection lens60. Consequently, the position of the display panel for blue40B mounted on the first plate101is moved with respect to the cross dichroic prism50and the projection lens60and the position adjustment for the three axes of θx, θy, and Z is achieved. In other words, the first plate101moves in the positive and negative Z directions, the θx direction, and the θy direction, whereby the position of the display panel for blue40B with respect to the projection lens60changes. A focus of the projection lens60on the display panel for blue40B is adjusted.

1.3.2. Adjusting Method for Three Axes of Y, X, and θz

Adjustment of three axes of Y, X, and θz in the adjusting mechanism7in this embodiment includes adjustment of two axes of X and θz between the second stage200and the third stage300and adjustment of one axis of Y between the third stage300and the base400. As explained above, the adjusting mechanism for the two axes of X and θz between the second stage200and the third stage300is an example of the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure.

First, an adjustment method for the two axes of X and θz in the second stage200and the third stage300is explained with reference toFIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B.FIGS. 11A and 11Bare perspective views showing the third plate and the second plate placed on the third plate.FIG. 12Ais a schematic plan view showing an X one-axis adjusting method.FIG. 12Bis a schematic plan view showing a θz one-axis adjusting method.FIG. 11Bshows a state in which the second plate201and the third plate301are viewed from the negative Z-direction side, which is the rear surface side ofFIG. 11A. InFIGS. 12A and 12B, components are schematically shown in the plan view from the positive Z direction.

As shown inFIG. 11A, when the third plate301and the second plate201are assembled, the coupling section241of the second plate201and the pair of contact sections351and352of the third plate301are coupled via the first elastic member231.

In an initial state in which the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2of the second actuator210are not linearly moving, a preload is applied to the first elastic member231in the positive X direction, which is one direction along the X axis. Specifically, the substantial center in the longitudinal direction, which is the positive and negative Y directions, of the first elastic member231is coupled to the coupling section241. Both the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic member231are respectively coupled to the contact sections351and352. In other words, the first elastic member231is coupled to the second plate201via the coupling section241in a position sandwiched by the pair of contact sections351and352in the longitudinal direction of the second plate201. In the first elastic member231, a position coupled to the coupling section241is closer to the positive X direction than positions coupled to the contact sections351and352when viewed from the positive Y direction. Accordingly, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, the first elastic member231is disposed to be bent in a convex shape in the positive X direction with a vertex set in a position coupled to the coupling section241.

As shown inFIG. 11B, a projecting section261of the second plate201is disposed to project in the negative Z direction from the opening section391of the third plate301. A projecting section262of the second plate201is disposed to project in the negative Z direction from an opening section393of the third plate301.

The first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2are disposed to face the positive X direction and come into contact with the second plate201. Specifically, the first linearly mover a1of the actuator211comes into contact with the projecting section261of the second plate201from the negative X direction, which is the other direction along the X axis. The second linearly mover a2of the actuator212comes into contact with the projecting section262of the second plate201from the negative X direction.

The first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2project in the positive X direction to thereby press the second plate201in the positive X direction via the projecting sections261and262. In the plan view from the positive Z direction, the opening sections391and393are formed in sizes for enabling the projecting sections261and262to move in the positive and negative X directions by being pressed by the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2.

As shown inFIG. 12A, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, the first elastic member231and the pair of actuators211and212are disposed to be opposed in the positive and negative X directions. When the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2linearly move in the positive X direction by an equal projection amount and press the projecting sections261and262, projection amounts of the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2are equal. Accordingly, the second plate201moves in the positive X direction resisting elastic repulsion of the first elastic member231.

On the other hand, when the projection amounts of the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2are attenuated from the state in which the second plate201moves in the positive X direction, the second plate201moves in the negative X direction with the elastic repulsion of the first elastic member231. Consequently, the second plate201moves in the positive and negative X directions with respect to the third plate301. Consequently, it is possible to perform the position adjustment for the X one axis in the second plate201with respect to the third plate301of the third stage300.

Since the preload is applied to the first elastic member231in the positive X direction, a backlash in the first elastic member231decreases compared with when the preload is not applied. Consequently, it is possible to improve responsiveness of the movement of the second plate201with respect to the linear movement, that is, the projection of the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2.

The pair of actuators211and212is individually operable. Accordingly, it is also possible to individually set the projection amounts in the positive and negative X directions in the first linearly mover a1and the second linearly mover a2.

When the projection amount in the positive and negative X directions of the first linearly mover a1and the projection amount in the positive and negative X directions of the second linearly mover a2are differentiated, the second plate201moves in the clockwise or counterclockwise θz direction with respect to the third plate301.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12B, when the actuator211is fixed and is not operated and the second linearly mover a2of the actuator212is linearly moved in the positive X direction, the second linearly mover a2of the actuator212presses the second plate201in the positive X direction via the projecting section262. Consequently, the second plate201moves in the counterclockwise θz direction with respect to the third plate301in the plan view from the positive Z direction.

On the other hand, when the actuator212is fixed and is not operated and the first linearly mover a1of the actuator211is linearly moved in the positive X direction, the first linearly mover a1of the actuator211presses the second plate201in the positive X direction via the projecting section261. Consequently, the second plate201moves in the clockwise θz direction with respect to the third plate301in the plan view from the positive Z direction. Consequently, it is possible to perform the position adjustment for the θz one axis in the second plate201with respect to the third plate301of the third stage300.

A method of differentiating the projection amount in the positive and negative X directions of the first linearly mover a1and the projection amount in the positive and negative X directions of the second linearly mover a2is not limited to not operating one of the actuators211and212. To differentiate the two projection amounts, both of the actuators211and212may be operated to differentiate the projection amounts.

An adjusting method for Y one axis in the third stage300and the base400is explained with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.FIG. 13is a perspective view showing the base and the third plate placed on the base.FIG. 14is a schematic plan view showing the Y one-axis adjusting method. InFIG. 14, components are schematically shown in the plan view from the positive Z direction.

As shown inFIG. 13, when the base400and the third plate301are assembled, the contact section351and the coupling section451are coupled and the contact section352and the coupling section452are coupled via the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333. Consequently, the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333couple the base400and the third plate301and restrict the movement of the third plate301with respect to the base400in the positive and negative Y directions.

A preload is applied to the second elastic member332in the positive Y direction in an initial state in which the third plate301is not pressed by the third actuator310. Specifically, when viewed from the negative X direction, a position to which one end of the second elastic member332is coupled in the contact section351is closer to the positive Y direction than a position to which the other end of the second elastic member332is coupled in the coupling section451.

A preload is applied to the third elastic member333in the positive Y direction in an initial state in which the third plate301is not pressed by the third actuator310. Specifically, when viewed from the negative X direction, a position to which one end of the third elastic member333is coupled in the contact section352is closer to the positive Y direction than a position to which the other end of the third elastic member333is coupled in the coupling section452.

The second elastic member332and the third elastic member333are disposed to be bent in a substantial S shape in the plan view from the positive Z direction in the initial state by the preload.

As shown inFIG. 14, in the plan view from the positive Z direction, the linearly mover “a” of the third actuator310is disposed to be linearly movable in the positive and negative Y directions. When the linearly mover “a” comes into contact with and presses the third plate301from the negative Y direction, the third plate301moves in the positive Y direction resisting elastic repulsion of the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333.

On the other hand, when the projection of the linearly mover “a” in the third actuator310is attenuated from the state in which the third plate301moves in the positive Y direction, the third plate301moves in the negative Y direction with the elastic repulsion of the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333. Consequently, the third plate301moves in the positive and negative Y directions with respect to the base400. Consequently, it is possible to perform the position adjustment for Y one axis.

Since the preload is applied to the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333in the positive Y direction, a backlash in the second elastic member332and the third elastic member333decreases compared with when the preload is not applied. Consequently, it is possible to improve responsiveness of the movement of the third plate301with respect to the linear movement of the linearly movers “a”.

The position adjustment for the three axes of Y, X, and θz in the second plate201is achieved by performing the Y one-axis adjustment, the X one-axis adjustment, and the θz one-axis adjustment in combination. The display panel for blue40B is mounted on the second plate201via the first plate101. Accordingly, the position adjustment for the three axes of Y, X, and θz of the display panel for blue40B is achieved with respect to the base400. That is, the position of the display panel for blue40B is moved with respect to the cross dichroic prism50and the projection lens60and the position adjustment for the three axes of Y, X, and θz is achieved. Consequently, pixel deviation adjustment between the display panel for blue40B and the other display panels40is achieved.

With the configuration of the adjusting mechanism for blue70explained above, the position of the display panel for blue40B can be adjusted in the six axes of θx, θy and Z and Y, X, and θz. As explained above, the adjusting mechanism for red80mounted with the display panel for red40R has the same configuration as the configuration of the adjusting mechanism for blue70. Accordingly, the position of the display panel for blue40B can also be adjusted in the six axes of θx, θy and Z and Y, X, and θz by the adjusting mechanism for red80.

Therefore, the position of the display panel for red40R changes according to the movement of the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate not shown in the figures in the adjusting mechanism for red80. The position of the display panel for blue40B changes according to the movement of the first plate101, the second plate201, and the third plate301in the adjusting mechanism for blue70. Consequently, in the projector1, the display panel for red40R and the display panel for blue40B are positioned with respect to the display panel for green40G. It is possible to perform focus adjustment and pixel deviation adjustment.

In this embodiment, the configuration is illustrated in which the first stage100for performing θxθyZ three-axis adjustment, the second stage200for performing Xθz two-axis adjustment, and the third stage300for performing Y one-axis adjustment are disposed in this order from the display panel for blue40B toward the base400. However, the disposition of the stages is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, the projector1is illustrated as a device including the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure. However, the device including the adjusting mechanism according to the present disclosure is not limited to this and may be, for example, a semiconductor manufacturing device such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) test handler, a robot for industrial use, medical use, or the like, an electronic device such as a printer, a digital camera, or a scanner, an analyzing device such as an optical microscope, and a measuring device such as a three-dimensional measuring machine.

As explained above, with the adjusting mechanism7according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The positions of the display panel for blue40B and the display panel for red40R in the projector1can be adjusted in the six axes of θx, θy and Z and Y, X, and θz.

The three axes of θx, θy and Z are adjusted by the first stage100. A focus of the projection lens60on the display panel for blue40B can be adjusted. The three axes of Y, X, and θz are adjusted by the second stage200and the third stage300. Pixel deviation between the display panel for blue40B and the other display panels40can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to provide the projector1capable of performing focus adjustment and pixel deviation adjustment for the display panel40.

Since the first plate101is disposed closer to the display panel for blue40B than the second plate201and the third plate301, even if the pixel deviation is adjusted in the three axes of Y, X, and θz, a focus for the three axes of θx, θy and Z does not deviate. That is, it is possible to respectively independently perform the focus adjustment and the pixel deviation adjustment.

When not only adjustment in a manufacturing process but also the focus adjustment and the pixel deviation adjustment are necessary because of the influence of aged deterioration, an environment of use, and the like, it is possible to perform the adjustment using the adjusting mechanism7. That is, it is possible to satisfactorily maintain, for a long period, the quality of an image and the like projected from the projector1.

The positions of the display panel for red40R and the display panel for blue40B are adjusted with respect to the display panel for green40G. That is, in the projector1including the three display panels, that is, the display panel for green40G, the display panel for red40R, and the display panel for blue40B, it is possible to adjust positions based on the display panel for green40G.

The leaf springs are adopted as the first elastic member231, the second elastic member332, and the third elastic member333. Therefore, a guide is unnecessary. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the thickness in the positive and negative Z directions in the adjusting mechanism7.

The first actuator110, the second actuator210, and the third actuator310adopt the piezoelectric element as the driving section171. Accordingly, it is easy to reduce the actuators in size and weight. Therefore, the adjusting mechanism7can be reduced in size and weight, although the adjusting mechanism7includes a plurality of actuators. It is also easy to reduce projector1in size and weight.

Contents derived from the embodiment are described below.

An adjusting mechanism according to an aspect includes: a substantially rectangular movable plate including a long side and a short side; a position adjusting actuator configured to come into contact with and press the movable plate; a reference plate on which the movable plate is placed; and an elastic member coupling the movable plate and the reference plate and elastically deformable. In a plane of the movable plate, when a coordinate axis parallel to the long side is represented as a Y axis, a coordinate axis orthogonal to the Y axis is represented as an X axis, a coordinate axis orthogonal to the plane of the movable plate is represented as a Z axis, and a rotating direction around the Z axis is represented as a θz direction, the elastic member is elastically deformable in a direction along the X axis, and the position adjusting actuator presses the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and moves the movable plate in the direction along the X axis and the θz direction to thereby adjust a position of the movable plate with respect to the reference plate.

With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the position of the movable plate with respect to the reference plate in two axes of X and θz. Therefore, it is possible to provide the adjusting mechanism that adjusts the positions of the plates in the two axes.

In the adjusting mechanism, the position adjusting actuator may include a first actuator and a second actuator, the first actuator may include a first linearly mover configured to linearly move in the direction along the X axis, the second actuator may include a second linearly mover configured to linearly move in the direction along the X axis, and the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover may come into contact with the movable plate.

With this configuration, it is possible to respectively bring two linearly movers of the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover into contact with the movable plate.

In the adjusting mechanism, the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover may project in the direction along the X axis to press the movable plate.

With this configuration, it is possible to individually project the first linearly mover and the second linearly mover to press the movable plate in the direction along the X axis.

In the adjusting mechanism, the movable plate may move in the direction along the X axis when a projection amount of the first linearly mover in the direction along the X axis and a projection amount of the second linearly mover along the X axis are equal.

With this configuration, it is possible to move the movable plate in the direction along the X axis with respect to the reference plate. When the movable plate moves according to the operation of the position adjusting actuator, a repulsive force is contained in the elastic member. Accordingly, when the operation of the position adjusting actuator is released or a projection amount of the position adjusting actuator is attenuated, the repulsive force acts to return the movable plate to a position before the operation of the position adjusting actuator. Consequently, it is possible to cause the movable plate to reciprocate in the direction along the X axis with respect to the reference plate.

In the adjusting mechanism, the movable plate may move in the θz direction when a projection amount of the first linearly mover in the direction along the X axis and a projection amount of the second linearly mover along the X axis are different.

With this configuration, it is possible to move the movable plate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions in the θz direction with respect to the reference plate.

In the adjusting mechanism, the elastic member may be a leaf spring, and a preload may be applied to the elastic member in the direction along the X axis.

With this configuration, since the preload is applied to the elastic member, a backlash in the elastic member decreases compared with when the preload is not applied. Consequently, it is possible to improve responsiveness of the movement of the movable plate with respect to the operation of the position adjusting actuator.

A space is easily secured between the position adjusting actuator and the elastic member. Further, since the elastic member is the leaf spring, a setting space is small compared with other elastic members such as a coil spring. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the adjusting mechanism in size.