PROJECTION-USE ZOOM LENS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a zoom lens used in a projection optical system.

2. Description of the Related Arts

Conventionally, as a projection-use zoom lens, optical systems of various types have been proposed. For example, the optical systems described in patent document 1 (JP-A-2004-77950), patent document 2 (JP-A-2004-54021), patent document 3 (JP-A-2003-215453), patent document 4 (JP-A-2003-215455) and patent document 5 (JP-A-2000-292698) have been proposed.

However, with respect to the optical systems described in these patent documents 1 to 5, the number of constituting lenses is nine or more thus giving rise to a drawback that a lens system becomes large-sized in addition to the increase of a lens cost. Here, in this specification, a compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens as a whole. “A compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power” implies a compound lens consisting of lenses with cemented leens surfaces having the same radius of curvature (R). In general, with respect to the lenses which constitute such a compound lens, refractive indexes are made different from each other between the neighboring lenses so as to realize achromatization. However, in this specification, even when the refractive indexes of the neighboring lenses have the same refractive index, provided that the cemented lens surfaces of the neighboring lenses have the same radius of curvature (R), such a compound lens is considered as “a compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power”.

Further, in view of the light emitting characteristic of an image element (that is, in view of a fact that when light incident on liquid crystal or an optical element part such as prism has an angle, the light possesses the polarization property and hence, chromaticity is changed or reflectance is deteriorated), it is preferable to design the projection-use zoom lens by imparting telecentricity (particularly, telecentricity on an image side) to the projection-use zoom lens. On the other hand, in the projection-use zoom lens, focusing is performed using a lens close to the image element in general. Accordingly, in the conventional focusing lens, it is also necessary to take the telecentricity into consideration. For example, recently, for the purpose of projecting a larger quantity of light of the image element as well as for miniaturizing a lens system, a condensing lens is arranged directly in front of an image element in general. In this case, however, when a focusing lens arranged close to the image element is constituted of one positive lens, there arises a drawback that the telecentricity is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide a projection-use zoom lens having the fewer constituting lenses than a conventional projection-use zoom lens. It is another object of the present invention to provide a projection-use zoom lens which can easily keep telecentricity.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a zoom lens including a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group and a fourth lens group arranged sequentially from a projection plane side and capable of varying power between a short focal end and a long focal end thereof. The first lens group is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power. The second lens group is constituted of three lenses in total consisting of one compound lens or one positive lens, one positive lens or one compound lens, and one compound lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power. The third lens group is constituted of one negative lens. The fourth lens group is constituted of one positive lens. In varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group and the second lens group are moved, while the third lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed and, further, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group for focusing.

In this zoom lens, a focal length can be varied by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. Further, in this zoom lens, focusing can be performed by moving the third lens group.

Further, the fourth lens group constitutes a condensing lens for projecting a larger quantity of light of an image element and, at the same time, for reducing an outer diameter of a lens system. According to the present invention, the zoom lens is configured to keep telecentricity due to an optical system ranging from the first lens group to the fourth lens group. Here, keeping of telecentricity implies a state where a main light beam and an optical axis are arranged substantially parallel to each other (including inclination of approximately ±10°)

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (1).

0.7≦|f₂/f₁|≦1.5 (1)

f₁: combined focal length of the first lens group

f₂: combined focal length of the second lens group

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (2).

1.5≦|f_b/f_w|≦2.5 (2)

f_b: combined back focusing ranging from the first lens group to the third lens group

f_w: focal length at the short focal end

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (3).

0.08≦|f_T/f₃|≦0.3 (3)

f₃: combined focal length of the third lens group

f_T: focal length at the long focal end

A projector according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned zoom lens according to the present invention.

The above-mentioned conditional expressions (1) to (3) are explained hereinafter.

The conditional expression (1) is a condition for restricting the relationship between focal lengths of the first lens group and the second lens group which are moved for changing the focal lengths. When |f₂/f₂| assumes a value below a lower limit 0.7, the focal length of the first lens group becomes excessively large and hence, moving quantities of the first lens group and the second lens group for changing the focal lengths are increased thus eventually making the lens system large-sized. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f₂/f₁| to the value below the lower limit 0.7.

Further, when |f₂/f₁| assumes a value above an upper limit 1.5, such setting of |f₂/f₁| is advantageous for making the lens small-sized. However, the focal length of the first lens group becomes excessively small and hence, spherical aberration generated in the first lens group becomes excessively large. Accordingly, it is difficult to favorably correct the spherical aberration.

The conditional expression (2) is a condition for ensuring an air gap for inserting an illumination optical system between the third lens group and the fourth lens group for properly ensuring a light quantity of a projected image by setting a combined back focusing ranging from the first lens group to the third lens group to a predetermined size. When |f_b/f_w| assumes a value below a lower limit 1.5, the air gap between the third lens group and the fourth lens group becomes excessively small and hence, the illumination optical system cannot be inserted into the air gap.

Further, when |f_b/f_w| assumes a value above an upper limit 2.5, it is advantageous for ensuring the air gap between the third lens group and the fourth lens group for inserting the illumination optical system into the air gap. However, focal lengths of negative lenses of the first lens group and the third lens group become excessively small thus eventually increasing comatic aberration. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_b/f_w| to the value above the upper limit 2.5.

The conditional expression (3) is a condition for properly keeping telecentricity of the optical system which performs focusing the third lens group and arranges a condensing lens directly in front of an image element. When |f_T/f₃| assumes a value below a lower limit 0.08, the focal length of the third lens group becomes excessively large and hence, a moving quantity of the third lens group in focusing becomes excessively large thus eventually making the lens group large-sized. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_T/f₃| to the value below the lower limit 0.08.

Further, when |f_T/f₃| assumes a value above an upper limit 0.3, the moving quantity of the third lens group for focusing is decreased and hence, such setting of |f_T/f₃| to the value above the upper limit 0.3 is advantageous for making the lens system small-sized. However, in this case, it is difficult for the lens system to keep telecentricity and, at the same time, the spherical aberration is excessively increased. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_T/f₃| to the value above the upper limit 0.3.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a zoom lens including a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group arranged sequentially from a projection plane side and capable of varying power between a short focal end and a long focal end thereof. The first lens group is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power. The second lens group is constituted of three lenses in total consisting of one positive lens, one compound lens constituted of two lenses, and one compound lens constituted of two lenses arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power. The third lens group is constituted of two lenses consisting of one negative lens and one positive lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power. Further, in the zoom lens of the present invention, in varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group and the second lens group are moved, while the third lens group is fixed. Further, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group for focusing.

In this zoom lens, a focal length can be varied by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. Further, in this zoom lens, focusing can be performed by moving the third lens group.

Further, according to the present invention, by designing the zoom lens which satisfies conditional expressions (4) to (6) described later, the zoom Jens can be configured to keep telecentricity due to an optical system ranging from the first lens group to the third Jens group. Here, keeping of telecentricity implies a state where a main light beam and an optical axis are arranged substantially parallel to each other (including inclination of approximately ±10°).

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (4).

0.6≦|f₂/f₁|≦1.3 (4)

f₁: combined focal length of the first lens group

f₂: combined focal length of the second lens group

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (5).

0.8≦|f_b/f_w|≦1.8 (5)

f_b: combined back focusing ranging from the first lens group to the third lens group

f_w: focal length at the short focal end

The zoom lens of the present invention may be configured to satisfy a following conditional expression (6).

0.08≦|f_t/f₃|≦0.3 (6)

f₃: combined focal length of the third lens group

f_t: focal length at the long focal end

A projector according to the present invention includes a zoom lens according to the present invention.

The above-mentioned conditional expressions (4) to (6) are explained hereinafter.

The conditional expression (4) is a condition for restricting the relationship between focal lengths of the first lens group and the second lens group which are moved for changing the focal lengths. When |f₂/f₁| assumes a value below a lower limit 0.6, the focal length of the first lens group becomes excessively large and hence, moving quantities of the first lens group and the second lens group for changing the focal lengths are increased thus eventually making the lens system large-sized. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f₂/f₁| to the value below the lower limit 0.6.

further, when |f₂/f₁| assumes a value above an upper limit 1.3, such setting of |f₂/f₁| is advantageous for making the lens small-sized. However, the focal length of the first lens group becomes excessively small and hence, spherical aberration generated in the first lens group becomes excessively large. Accordingly, it is difficult to favorably correct the spherical aberration.

The conditional expression (5) is a condition for ensuring an air gap for inserting an illumination optical system between the third lens group and the image element for properly ensuring a light quantity of a projected image by setting a combined back focusing ranging from the first lens group to the third lens group to a predetermined size. When |f_b/f_w| assumes a value below a lower limit 0.8, the air gap between the third lens group and the image element becomes excessively small and hence, the illumination optical system cannot be inserted into the air gap.

Further, when |f_b/f_w| assumes a value above an upper limit 1.8, it is advantageous for ensuring the air gap between the third lens group and the image element for inserting the illumination optical system in the air gap. However, focal lengths of negative lenses of the first lens group and the third lens group become excessively small thus eventually increasing comatic aberration. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_b/f_w| to the value above the upper limit 1.8.

The conditional expression (6) is a condition for properly keeping telecentricity of the lens system which performs focusing the third lens group. When |f_t/f₃| assumes a value below a lower limit 0.08, the focal length of the third lens group becomes excessively large and hence, a moving quantity of the third lens group in focusing becomes excessively large thus eventually making the lens group large-sized. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_t/f₃| to the value below the lower limit 0.08.

Further, when |f_t/f_s| assumes a value above an upper limit 0.3, the moving quantity of the third lens group for focusing is decreased and hence, such setting of |f_t/f₃| to the value above the upper limit 0.3 is advantageous for making the lens system small-sized. However, in this case, it is difficult for the lens system to keep telecentricity and, at the same time, the spherical aberration is excessively decreased. Accordingly, it is not favorable to set |f_t/f₃| to the value above the upper limit 0.3.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a projection-use zoom lens in which the number of constituting lenses is eight, that is, the smaller number of conventional constituting lenses. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a projection-use zoom lens which can easily keep telecentricity.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 1 according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 3 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 3 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 1 according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 2 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 2 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 3 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 3 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 1 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 2 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 2 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 2 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing the constitution of a lens of a numerical-value example 3 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a view showing various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a view showing various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 3 according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 36 is a view showing various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 3 according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment

First of all, a zoom lens of a first embodiment is explained. A zoom lens of the first embodiment is constituted of a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group and a fourth lens group arranged sequentially from a projection plane side and capable of varying power between a short focal end and a long focal end, wherein the first lens group is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power, the second lens group is constituted of three lenses in total consisting of one compound lens, one positive lens and one compound lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane aide and has a positive power, the third lens group is constituted of one negative lens, and the fourth lens group is constituted of one positive lens and, in varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group and the second lens group are moved, while the third lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed and, further, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group for focusing.

Next, a specific numerical-value example according to the first embodiment is explained.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 shows the constitution of a zoom lens according to the numerical-value example 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, symbol PL indicates a projection plane, symbol CD indicates an imaging element, symbol GL indicates a protection glass (here, including an optical filter or the like) of the imaging element or the like, symbol G₁indicates a first lens group, symbol G₂indicates a second lens group, symbol G₃indicates a third lens group, and symbol G₄indicates a fourth lens group. Here, symbol R₇indicates a stop surface.

This zoom lens is constituted of a first lens group G₁, a second lens group G_tra third lens group G₃and a fourth lens group G₄arranged sequentially from a projection plane PL side. The zoom lens can vary power between a short focal end and a long focal end.

The first lens group G₁is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power. Here, one lens which constitutes each lens group as a unit may be formed of, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power. Here, the compound lens indicates a lens formed by cementing two or more single lenses.

The second lens group G₂is constituted of one compound lens (R₈to R₁₀), one positive lens (R₁₁to R₁₂) and one compound lens (R₁₃to R₁₅) arranged sequentially from the projection plane PL side and has a positive power. In the first embodiment, all compound lenses are respectively constituted of two lenses. With respect to the above-mentioned respective compound lenses, either or both of the compound lenses may be constituted of three or more lenses instead of two lenses. Further, the above-mentioned one positive lens (R₁₁to R₁₂) may be constituted of one compound lens.

The third lens group G₃is constituted of one negative lens. This negative lens may be also constituted of one compound lens having a negative power.

The fourth lens group G₄is constituted of one positive lens. This positive lens may be also constituted of one compound lens having a positive power.

Accordingly, the zoom lens of the first embodiment is constituted of eight lenses in total. Here, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to the single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens.

In the first embodiment, in varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group G₁and the second lens group G₂are moved, while the third lens group G₃and the fourth lens group G₄are fixed. Further, in the first embodiment, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group G₃for focusing. A mechanism for moving such lens groups per se is substantially equal to a conventional corresponding lens group moving mechanism and hence, the detailed explanation of the lens group moving mechanism is omitted.

(Properties of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to First Embodiment)

FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 show various aberrations of a numerical-value example 1. FIG. 2 shows various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1. FIG. 3 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1. FIG. 4 shows various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1.

In these drawings, symbols G, B, R in chromatic aberration expressed by spherical aberrations are, respectively, spherical chromatic aberrations corresponding to wavelengths of green, blue, red., and symbol SC indicates a sine condition unsatisfactory quantity.

In astigmatism, symbol S indicates sagittal and symbol M indicates meridional.

Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 1 are shown in Table 1,

TABLE 1

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
44.107
2.00
1.80420
46.5

2
27.702
9.90

3
−120.986
4.09
1.80420
46.5

4
−49.048
8.53

5
−31.433
1.50
1.48749
70.4

6
24.430
29.54

7
∞
8.00

8
141.659
1.50
1.83400
37.3

9
25.491
6.22
1.80420
46.5

10
−58.563
.10

11
24.917
5.00
1.83400
37.3

12
32.667
10.90

13
37.268
1.00
1.80518
25.4

14
15.165
7.49
1.48749
70.4

15
−48.389
2.51

16
−20.814
1.62
1.48749
70.4

17
−28.034
25.00

18
49.471
5.48
1.58913
61.2

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.54
2.69

focal length
18.882
23.525
28.199

angle of projected
57.8
47.2
39.5

view (degree)

variable interval
29.550
20.776
14.874

d 6

variable interval
2.515
7.457
12.447

d 15

incident angle to
5.6
5.1
4.7

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.5

fw
18.882

ft
28.199

f1
−25.688

f2
29.614

f3
−178.401

fb
32.309

f2/f1
−1.153

fb/fw
1.711

ft/f3
−0.158

In Table 1, symbol R indicates a radius of curvature, symbol d indicates a lens thickness or an air gap, symbol Nd indicates a refractive index of a d line (588 nm), and symbol Vd indicates Abbe's number of the d line (Abbe's number also indicated by symbol vd). The relationship between a subscript of the symbol R and the lens and the relationship between a subscript of the symbol d and the lens are set as shown in FIG. 1. Further, in Table 1, symbol f₁indicates a focal length of the first lens group G₁, symbol f₂indicates a focal length of the second lens group G₂, and symbol f₃indicates a focal length of the third lens group G₃.

Further, in Table 1, symbol indicates a focal length at the short focal end, symbol f_Tindicates a focal length at the long focal end, and symbol f_bindicates combined back focusing from the first lens group G₁to the third lens group G₃.

Further, a projection distance is set to 1000 mm in the first embodiment.

With the use of the zoom lens of the numerical-value example 1, it is possible to provide a projection-use zoom lens constituted of lenses smaller in number than the conventional zoom lens, that is, 8 lenses. Here, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens. Further, in the zoom lens of this first embodiment, the focusing lens is constituted of the negative lens. Accordingly, the zoom lens has an advantage that, even in an optical system which arranges a condensing lens (that is, the fourth lens group G₄) directly frontward of the image element, the optical system can easily keep telecentricity. The telecentricity obtained, by this embodiment is as described in Table 1.

The zoom lens according to the first embodiment can be used as a projection-use lens for a projector.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 2 According to First Embodiment)

Next, the constitution of a zoom lens of the numerical-value example 2 according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. 5, Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 2, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

Various aberrations of the numerical-value example 2 are shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. FIG. 6 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 7 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 8 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 2 are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
49.812
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
27.023
11.68

3
−63.436
5.55
1.80420
46.50

4
−39.160
11.60

5
−27.450
1.50
1.48749
70.45

6
96.853
25.47

7
∞
8.00

8
−123.785
10.00
1.83400
37.34

9
22.046
10.00
1.80420
46.50

10
−52.132
.10

11
32.230
3.05
1.83400
37.34

12
95.673
15.00

13
39.478
4.80
1.80518
25.46

14
15.316
6.76
1.48749
70.45

15
−99.727
2.25

16
−29.264
1.63
1.48749
70.45

17
−45.890
22.00

18
54.598
9.00
1.58913
61.25

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.52
2.65

focal length
19.562
26.338
34.132

angle of projected
56.1
42.4
32.7

view (degree)

variable interval
25.471
10.916
1.344

d 6

variable interval
2.259
8.623
15.992

d 15

incident angle to
6.0
5.6
5.3

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentricity)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.75

fw
19.562

ft
34.132

f1
−232.147

f2
31.784

f3
−170.660

fb
31.855

f2/f1
−0.989

fb/fw
1.628

ft/f3
−0.200

Other constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 2 are substantially equal to the constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 1 and hence, the more detailed explanation is omitted.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 3 According to First Embodiment)

Next, FIG. 9 shows the constitution of a zoom lens of the numerical-value example 3 according to the first embodiment. Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 3, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 show various aberrations of the numerical-value example 3. FIG. 10 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 11 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 12 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 3 are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
79.191
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
29.385
11.51

3
−51.989
5.66
1.80420
46.50

4
−35.000
10.64

5
−28.191
1.50
1.48749
70.45

6
−243.798
38.35

7
∞
8.00

8
205.418
1.51
1.83400
37.34

9
39.209
4.45
1.80420
46.50

10
−83.634
.15

11
29.225
2.60
1.83400
37.34

12
52.209
15.00

13
39.659
1.00
1.80518
25.46

14
15.610
6.52
1.48749
70.45

15
−123.274
3.29

16
−19.842
2.22
1.48749
70.45

17
−22.580
22.11

18
50.627
8.86
1.58913
61.25

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.71
3.03

focal length
19.672
29.523
39.147

angle of projected
55.9
37.8
28.5

view (degree)

variable interval
38.353
15.740
4.701

d 6

variable interval
3.299
12.874
32.396

d 15

incident angle to
6.0
5.0
4.2

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
2.0

fw
19.672

ft
39.147

f1
−38.165

f2
35.536

f3
−456.590

fb
31.926

f2/f1
−0.931

fb/fw
1.623

ft/f3
−0.086

Other constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 3 are substantially equal to the constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 1 and hence, the more detailed explanation is omitted.

Second Embodiment

Next, a zoom lens of a second embodiment is explained. A zoom lens of the second embodiment is constituted of a first lens group, a second lens group, a third lens group and a fourth lens group arranged sequentially from a projection plane side and capable of varying power between a short focal end and a long focal end, wherein the first lens group is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power, the second lens group is constituted of three lenses in total consisting of one positive lens, one compound lens and one compound lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power, the third lens group is constituted of one negative lens, and the fourth lens group is constituted of one positive lens and, in varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group and, the second lens group are moved, while the third lens group and the fourth lens group are fixed and, further, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group is configured for focusing.

Next, a specific numerical-value example of a zoom lens according to the second embodiment is explained.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to Second Embodiment)

FIG. 13 shows the constitution of a zoom lens according to the numerical-value example 3 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, symbol PL indicates a projection plane, symbol GL indicates a protection glass (here, including an optical filter or the like) of the imaging element or the like, symbol CD indicates an imaging element, symbol G₁₁indicates a first lens group, symbol G₁₂indicates a second lens group, symbol G₁₃indicates a third lens group, and symbol G₁₄indicates a fourth lens group. Here, symbol R₂₇indicates a stop surface.

This zoom lens is constituted of one first lens group G₁₁, a second lens group G₁₂, a third lens group G₁₃and a fourth lens group G₁₄arranged sequentially from a projection plane PL side. The zoom lens can vary power between a short focal end and a long focal end.

The first lens group G₁₁is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane PL side and has a negative power. Here, one lens which constitutes each lens groups as a unit may be formed of, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power. Here, the compound lens indicates a lens formed by cementing two or more single lenses.

The second lens group G₁₂is constituted of one positive lens (R₂₈to R₂₉), one compound lens (R₃₀to R₃₂) and one compound lens (R₃₃to R₃₅) from the projection plane PL side and has a positive power. In the second embodiment, all compound lenses are respectively constituted of two lenses. In the above-mentioned respective compound lenses, either or both of the compound lenses may be constituted of three or more lenses instead of two lenses. Further, the above-mentioned one positive lens (R₂₈to R₂₉) may be constituted of a compound lens.

The third lens group G₁₃is constituted of one negative lens. This negative lens may be also constituted of one compound lens having a negative power.

The fourth lens group G₁₄is constituted of one positive lens. This positive lens may be also constituted of one compound lens having a positive power.

Accordingly, the zoom lens of the second embodiment is constituted of eight lenses in total. Here, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to the single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens.

In the second embodiment, in varying power of the zoom lens, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group G₁₁and the second lens group G₁₂are moved, while the third lens group G₁₃and the fourth lens group G₁₄are fixed. Further, in the second embodiment, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group G₁₃for focusing. A moving mechanism per se of such lens group is substantially equal to a conventional moving mechanism of a lens group and hence, the detailed explanation of the moving mechanism is omitted.

(Properties of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to Second Embodiment)

FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 show various aberrations of a numerical-value example 1. FIG. 14 shows various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1. FIG. 15 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1. FIG. 16 shows various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1.

In these drawings, symbols G, B, R in chromatic aberration expressed by spherical aberrations are, respectively, spherical chromatic aberrations corresponding to wavelengths of green, blue, red, and symbol SC indicates a sine condition unsatisfactory quantity.

In astigmatism, symbol S indicates sagittal and symbol M indicates meridional.

Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 1 are shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
53.422
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
31.362
7.05

3
4655.051
4.72
1.83400
37.34

4
−64.540
12.17

5
−24.417
1.50
1.80420
46.50

6
35.805
11.77

7
∞
6.25

8
−39.319
10.00
1.83400
37.34

9
−27.573
.10

10
30.844
1.52
1.78472
25.70

11
26.891
3.76
1.83400
37.34

12
107.402
7.79

13
65.331
5.00
1.80518
25.46

14
14.524
8.81
1.64250
57.96

15
−60.800
2.16

16
−26.076
7.35
1.59551
39.23

17
−41.012
29.41

18
24.036
9.00
1.58913
61.25

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.52
2.63

focal length
19.649
24.473
29.316

angle of projected
56.3
45.8
38.3

view (degree)

variable interval
11.774
7.042
3.880

d 26

variable interval
2.166
7.990
13.784

d 35

incident angle to
6.7
7.0
7.3

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.5

fw
19.649

ft
29.316

f1
−18.524

f2
24.024

f3
−146.580

fb
40.855

f2/f1
−1.297

fb/fw
2.079

ft/f3
−0.200

In Table 4, symbol R indicates a radius of curvature, symbol d indicates a lens thickness or an air gap, symbol Nd indicates a refractive index of a d line (588 nm), and symbol Vd indicates Abbe's number of the d line (Abbe's number also indicated by symbol vd). The relationship between a subscript of the symbol R and the lens and the relationship between a subscript of the symbol d and the lens are set as shown in FIG. 13. Further, in Table 4, symbol f₁indicates a focal length of the first lens group G₁₁, symbol f₂indicates a focal length of the second lens group G₁₂, and symbol f₃indicates a focal length of the third lens group G₁₃.

Further, in Table 4, symbol f_windicates a focal length at the short focal end, symbol f_Tindicates a focal length at the long focal end, and symbol f_bindicates combined back focusing from the first lens group G₁₁to the third lens group G₁₃.

Further, a projection distance is set to 1000 mm in the second embodiment.

With the use of the zoom lens of the numerical-value example 1, it is possible to provide a projection-use zoom lens constituted of lenses smaller in number than the conventional zoom lens, that is, 8 lenses. Here, as described above, the compound lens equivalent to a single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens. Further, in the zoom lens of this numerical-value example 1, the focusing lens is constituted of the negative lens. Accordingly, the zoom lens has an advantage that, even in an optical system which arranges a condensing lens (that is, the fourth lens group G₁₄) directly frontward of the image element, the optical system can easily keep telecentricity. The telecentricity obtained by this embodiment is as described in Table 1.

The zoom lens according to the second embodiment can be used as a projection-use lens for a projector.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 2 According to Second Embodiment)

Next, FIG. 17 shows the constitution of a zoom lens of the numerical-value example 2 according to the second embodiment. Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 2, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 show various aberrations of the numerical-value example 2. FIG. 18 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 19 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 20 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 2 are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
93.331
2.0000
1.83400
37.34

2
29.640
13.20

3
−36.805
2.88
1.84666
23.83

4
−31.060
18.72

5
−29.859
8.00
1.69350
53.54

6
−61.351
29.21

7
∞
10.00

8
114.321
2.48
1.80420
46.50

9
−114.606
.10

10
31.687
1.50
1.53172
48.83

11
25.212
4.34
1.80420
46.50

12
51.363
12.01

13
41.094
1.00
1.80518
25.46

14
13.966
9.41
1.51823
58.96

15
−195.160
2.47

16
−29.699
2.03
1.84666
23.83

17
−36.155
22.00

18
49.338
9.00
1.58913
61.25

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.63
2.91

focal length
19.547
26.299
34.155

angle of projected
56.3
42.4
32.7

view (degree)

variable interval
29.220
11.716
3.880

d 26

variable interval
2.166
0.100
13.784

d 35

incident angle to
5.7
5.7
4.9

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.75

fw
19.547

ft
34.155

f1
−36.371

f2
35.278

f3
−227.691

fb
32.000

f2/f1
−0.970

fb/fw
1.637

ft/f3
−0.150

Other constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 2 are substantially equal to the constitutions and, advantages of the numerical-value example 1 and hence, the more detailed explanation is omitted.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 3 According to Second Embodiment)

Next, FIG. 21 shows the constitution of a zoom lens of the numerical-value example 3 according to the second embodiment. Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 3, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 show various aberrations of the numerical-value example 3. FIG. 22 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 23 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 24 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 3 are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
84.522
2.0
1.83400
37.34

2
29.492
12.95

3
−38.598
3.03
1.84666
23.83

4
−32.059
13.21

5
−30.942
8.00
1.58913
61.25

6
−66.740
36.97

7
∞
10.00

8
130.736
2.56
1.80420
46.50

9
−92.881
.10

10
28.248
1.50
1.53172
48.83

11
21.278
6.75
1.80420
46.50

12
37.032
8.43

13
47.725
1.00
1.80518
25.46

14
13.505
7.36
1.51823
58.96

15
−315.881
3.66

16
−19.104
1.84
1.84666
23.83

17
−21.160
22.00

18
35.522
9.00
1.58913
61.25

19
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.76
3.12

focal length
19.623
29.483
39.132

angle of projected
56.2
37.8
28.6

view (degree)

variable interval
36.973
12.158
0.100

d 26

variable interval
3.668
12.917
21.926

d 35

incident angle to
2.7
2.2
1.3

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
2.0

fw
19.623

ft
39.132

f1
−42.062

f2
36.633

f3
−391.314

fb
32.505

f2/f1
−0.871

fb/fw
1.656

ft/f3
−0.100

Other constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 3 are substantially equal to the constitutions and advantages of the numerical value example 1 and hence, the more detailed explanation is omitted.

Embodiment 3

First of all, a zoom lens of a third embodiment is explained. A zoom lens of the third embodiment is constituted of a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group arranged sequentially from a projection plane side. The zoom lens can vary power between a short focal end and a long focal end, wherein the first lens group is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a negative power, the second lens group is constituted of three lenses in total consisting of one positive lens, one compound lens constituted of two lenses, and one compound lens constituted of two lenses sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power, and the third lens group is constituted of two lenses consisting of one negative lens and one positive lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane side and has a positive power and, in varying power, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group and the second lens group are moved, while the third lens group is fixed and, further, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group for focusing.

Next, a specific numerical-value example of a zoom lens according to the third embodiment is explained.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to Third Embodiment)

FIG. 25 shows the constitution of a zoom lens according to the numerical-value example 1 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 25, symbol PL indicates a projection plane, symbol GL indicates a protection glass of an imaging element, symbol CD indicates the imaging element, symbol G₂₁indicates a first lens group, symbol G₂₂indicates a second lens group and symbol G₂₃indicates a third lens group. Here, symbol R₄₇indicates a stop surface.

This zoom lens is constituted of a first lens group G₂₁, a second lens group G₂₂and a third lens group G₂₃arranged sequentially from a projection plane PL side. The zoom lens can vary power between a short focal end and a long focal end.

The first lens group G₂₁is constituted of three lenses consisting of one negative lens, one positive lens and one negative lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane PL side and has a negative power. Here, one lens which constitutes each lens group as a unit may be formed of a single lens or a compound lens without particularly mentioned. Here, the compound lens indicates a lens formed by cementing two or more single lenses.

The second lens group G₂₂is constituted of one positive lens and two compound lenses (lens between R₅₀and R₅₅) arranged sequentially from the projection plane PL side and has a positive power. In the third embodiment, all compound lenses are respectively constituted of two single lenses.

The third lens group G₂₃is constituted of one negative lens and one positive lens arranged sequentially from the projection plane FL side and has a positive power. In the third embodiment, these lenses are constituted of single lenses. However, these lenses may be constituted of compound lenses.

As described above, the zoom lens of the third embodiment is constituted of eight lenses in total. Here, the compound lens equivalent to the single lens in terms of power is counted as one lens.

In the third embodiment, in varying power of the zoom lens, the zoom lens is configured such that the first lens group G₂₁and the second lens group G₂₂are moved, while the third lens group G₂₃is fixed. Further, in the third embodiment, the zoom lens is configured to move the third lens group G₂₃for focusing. A moving mechanism per se of such lens group is substantially equal to a conventional moving mechanism of a lens group and hence, a detailed explanation of the moving mechanism is omitted.

(Properties of Numerical-Value Example 1 According to Third Embodiment)

FIG. 26 to FIG. 28 show various aberrations of a numerical-value example 1. FIG. 26 shows various aberrations at a short focal end of the numerical-value example 1, FIG. 27 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position of the numerical-value example 1, and FIG. 28 shows various aberrations at a long focal end of the numerical-value example 1.

In these drawings, symbols G, B, R in chromatic aberration expressed by spherical aberrations are, respectively, spherical chromatic aberrations corresponding to wavelengths of green, blue, red, and symbol SC indicates a sine condition unsatisfactory quantity.

In astigmatism, symbol S indicates sagittal and symbol M indicates meridional.

Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 1 are shown in Table 7.

TABLE 7

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
134.090
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
29.529
12.40

3
−42.882
8.00
1.80518
25.46

4
−33.046
5.85

5
−34.972
5.00
1.48749
70.44

6
−99.671
45.00

7
∞
5.59

8
208.874
3.32
1.80420
46.50

9
−92.178
1.50

10
34.064
1.30
1.80518
25.46

11
19.670
4.35
1.72000
43.90

12
78.337
21.39

13
29.821
1.00
1.84666
23.78

14
16.405
4.69
1.48749
70.44

15
−80.810
1.82

16
−35.233
1.30
1.48749
70.44

17
22.113
7.90

18
46.050
3.80
1.77250
49.62

19
−49.907
4.00

20
∞
22.00
1.58913
61.25

21
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.49
2.58

focal length
19.321
24.182
28.962

angle of projected
57.1
46.0
38.4

view (degree)

variable interval
45.000
25.000
11.895

d 46

variable interval
1.820
5.200
8.537

d 55

incident angle to
6.0
5.7
5.5

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.5

fw
19.321

ft
28.962

f1
−44.659

f2
35.911

f3
158.713

fb
20.317

f2/f1
−0.804

fb/fw
1.052

ft/f3
0.183

In Table 7, symbol R indicates a radius of curvature, symbol d indicates a lens thickness or an air gap, symbol Nd indicates a refractive index of a d line (588 nm), and symbol Vd indicates Abbe's number of the d line. The relationship between a subscript of the symbol R and the lens and the relationship between a subscript of the symbol d and lens are set as shown in FIG. 25. Further, in Table 7, symbol f₁indicates a focal length of the first lens group G₂₁, symbol f₂indicates a focal length of the second lens group G₂₂, and symbol f₃indicates a focal length of the third lens group G₂₃.

Further, in Table 7, symbol f_windicates a focal length at the short focal end, symbol f_tindicates a focal length at the long focal end, and symbol f_b, indicates combined back focusing from the first lens group G₂₁to the third lens group G₂₃.

Further, a projection distance is set to 1000 mm in the third embodiment. Here, in Table 1, all unit of a numerical-value which indicates a length is mm with no designation.

With the use of the zoom lens of the numerical-value example 1, it is possible to provide a projection-use zoom lens constituted of lenses smaller in number than the conventional zoom lens, that is, 8 lenses. Here, in this explanation, with respect to a compound lens which is a constitutional element of a group, a whole compound lens is counted as one lens. Further, the zoom lens of the numerical-value example 1, as described in Table 1, keeps telecentricity.

The zoom lens according to the third embodiment can be used as a projection-use lens for a projector.

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 2 According to Third Embodiment)

Next, FIG. 29 shows the constitution of a zoom lens according to the numerical-value example 2 of the third embodiment. Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 2, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

FIG. 30 to FIG. 32 show various aberrations of the numerical-value example 2. FIG. 30 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 31 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 32 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 2 are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
131.0658
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
30.5760
13.01

3
−182.1067
8.00
1.80518
25.46

4
−41.2759
1.00

5
−45.8909
5.00
1.48749
70.44

6
42.6480
40.68

7
∞
7.82

8
242.4800
3.20
1.80420
46.50

9
−99.5525
1.50

10
37.9283
1.30
1.80518
25.46

11
20.2581
4.52
1.72000
43.90

12
117.9600
19.85

13
32.0721
1.00
1.84666
23.78

14
18.9125
4.55
1.48749
70.44

15
−52.5715
1.24

16
−42.1738
1.30
1.48749
70.44

17
21.4747
10.18

18
47.6799
3.39
1.77250
49.62

19
−67.5253
4.00

20
∞
22.00
1.58913
61.25

21
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.41
2.46
2.53

focal length
19.321
24.182
28.961

angle of projected
57.9
46.9
39.3

view (degree)

variable interval
40.685
25.000
14.674

d 46

variable interval
1.243
5.073
8.874

d 55

incident angle to
6.0
5.7
5.5

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.5

fw
19.321

ft
28.961

f1
−33.885

f2
34.118

f3
284.580

fb
28.148

f2/f1
−1.007

fb/fw
1.482

ft/f3
0.100

(Constitution of Numerical-Value Example 3 According to Third Embodiment)

Next, FIG. 33 shows the constitution of a zoom lens according to the numerical-value example 3 of the third embodiment. Here, in the explanation of the numerical-value example 3, with respect to the constitutional elements and properties substantially equal to the constitutional elements and the properties of the numerical-value example 1, the explanation is simplified by using the same symbols.

FIG. 34 to FIG. 36 show various aberrations of the numerical-value example 3. FIG. 34 shows various aberrations at a short focal end, FIG. 35 shows various aberrations at an intermediate focal position, and FIG. 36 shows various aberrations at a long focal end. Further, various properties of the numerical-value example 3 are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9

R
d
Nd
Vd

1
111.5490
2.00
1.80420
46.50

2
28.5662
19.61

3
−42.9438
8.00
1.80518
25.46

4
−32.8929
1.66

5
−37.8780
5.00
1.48749
70.44

6
−88.6820
45.00

7
∞
8.39

8
214.7366
3.11
1.80420
46.50

9
−117.6225
1.50

10
32.2729
1.30
1.80518
25.46

11
18.4092
4.99
1.72000
43.90

12
110.8199
18.25

13
33.7817
1.00
1.84666
23.78

14
16.3758
4.51
1.48749
70.44

15
−127.7361
1.92

16
−38.6645
1.30
1.48749
70.44

17
19.6610
8.38

18
40.7623
3.95
1.77250
49.62

19
−51.5099
4.00

20
∞
22.00
1.58913
61.25

21
∞

short focal
intermediate
long focal

length end
focal length
length end

aperture ratio 1:
2.40
2.49
2.58

focal length
18.997
23.759
28.458

angle of projected
56.2
45.2
37.8

view (degree)

variable interval
45.000
22.312
7.311

d 46

variable interval
1.924
4.843
7.748

d 55

incident angle to
6.0
5.8
5.7

element of principal ray

(degree) (telecentric property)

projector distance
1000

zooming power
1.5

fw
18.997

ft
28.458

f1
−52.532

f2
35.984

f3
126.269

fb
20.038

f2/f1
−0.685

fb/fw
1.015

ft/f3
0.233

other constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 3 are substantially equal to the constitutions and advantages of the numerical-value example 1 and hence, the more detailed explanation is omitted.

Here, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and, for example, various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2005-277952	Sep 2005	JP	national
2005-277953	Sep 2005	JP	national
2006-082099	Mar 2006	JP	national

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