projector

Abstract

Projector. The projector includes: a light source device; a uniformizing optical element; a polarization conversion element; a liquid crystal panel; an incident-side polarizing plate; an emission-side polarizing plate; a projection optical system; a first housing portion that houses at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate in a sealed state; a second housing portion that houses at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element and at least one of the polarization conversion element in a sealed state; a first heat conducting portion that conducts heat from at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate housed in the first housing portion to the outside of the first housing portion; a second heat conducting portion that conducts heat from at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element and at least one of the polarization conversion element housed in the second housing portion to the outside of the second housing portion; a first fan that supplies an air current to the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion; and a first duct that extends from the first fan and that is disposed in a portion of the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a projector. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the projector described in Patent Document 1, a cooling fan is provided separately for each heat generating body such as a liquid crystal panel or an optical element, so that the heat generating bodies are efficiently cooled.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-23109

[0004] However, in the above projector, the number of cooling fans increases, so that there is a problem in that the device structure is difficult to be downsized. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the above problem, according to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a projector including: a light source device; a uniformizing optical element that uniformizes light emitted from the light source device; a polarization conversion element that makes the polarization of light emitted from the uniformizing optical element uniform; at least one liquid crystal panel into which light emitted from the polarization conversion element is incident; at least one incident-side polarizing plate disposed on the light incident side of the liquid crystal panel; at least one emission-side polarizing plate disposed on the light emission side of the liquid crystal panel; a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the liquid crystal panel; a first housing portion that houses at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate in a sealed state; a second housing portion that houses at least a part of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element in a sealed state; a first heat conducting portion that receives heat from at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate housed in the first housing portion and conducts the heat to the outside of the first housing portion; a second heat conducting portion that receives heat from at least a part of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element housed in the second housing portion and conducts the heat to the outside of the second housing portion; a first fan that supplies an air current to the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion; and a first duct that extends from the first fan and in which a part of the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion is disposed.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a projector including: a light source device; a uniformizing optical element that uniformizes light emitted from the light source device; at least one light modulation panel to which light emitted from the uniformizing optical element is incident; a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the light modulation panel; a first housing portion that houses the light modulation panel in a sealed state; a second housing portion that houses at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element in a sealed state; a first heat conducting portion that conducts heat from the light modulation panel to the outside of the first housing portion; a second heat conducting portion that conducts heat from the uniformizing optical element housed in the second housing portion to the outside of the second housing portion; a first fan that supplies air to the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion; and a first duct that extends from the first fan and in which the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion are disposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a projector according to a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a light source device.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a side view of a cooling mechanism, viewed from the -Y side.

[0010] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cooling mechanism.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main part structure of the cooling mechanism.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a cooling mechanism according to a second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of air in the cooling mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8A FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of a cooling mechanism according to a third embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8B FIG. 9 is a side view showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism according to the third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of air in the cooling mechanism according to the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of a projector according to a fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism of the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0024] 1, 100 projector; 2 light source device; 6 projection optical system; 7, 7A, 7B, 7C, 17, 170 first heat conducting portion; 8, 8A second heat conducting portion; 9 first fan; 10 first duct; 11 second fan; 12 first heat exchanger; 13 second duct; 14 third duct; 15 third fan; 15a, 19a air inlet; 16 second heat exchanger; 16a heat absorbing portion; 16b heat radiating portion; 19 fourth fan; 40 liquid crystal panel; 40B blue liquid crystal panel; 40G green liquid crystal panel; 40R red liquid crystal panel; 41 incident side polarizing plate; 41B blue incident side polarizing plate; 41G green incident side polarizing plate; 41R red incident side polarizing plate; 42 emission side polarizing plate; 42B blue emission side polarizing plate; 42G green emission side polarizing plate; 42R red emission side polarizing plate; 43, 143 light combining element; 44, 144 first housing portion; 51 uniformizing optical element; 51a first lens array (front stage lens array); 51b second lens array (one of lens arrays, rear stage lens array); 52 polarization conversion element; 53 superposition lens; 54, 154 second housing portion; 55 spring member; 56 adhesive; 70B first heat conducting member (panel heat conducting member); 70G second heat conducting member (panel heat conducting member); 70R third heat conducting member (panel heat conducting member); 71B fourth heat conducting member (polarizing plate heat conducting member); 71G fifth heat conducting member (polarizing plate heat conducting member); 71R sixth heat conducting member (polarizing plate heat conducting member); 72 polarizing plate heat conducting member; 81 support member; 140 light modulation panel; 140B blue light modulation panel; 140G green light modulation panel; 140R red light modulation panel; 155a light incident portion; 155b light emission portion; K, K1, K2 air flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, portions that become features are sometimes shown enlarged for ease of understanding the features, and the dimensional ratios of the respective components are not limited to be the same as actual ones.

[0027] (First Embodiment)

[0028] An example of a projector of the first embodiment will be described.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the projector of the present embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 , the projector 1 of the present embodiment is a projection-type image display device that displays a color image on a screen SCR. The projector 1 is provided with a light source device 2, a color separation optical system 3, an image forming unit 4, a uniform illumination unit 5, and a projection optical system 6.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the light source device 2 emits white illumination light WL. The structure of the light source device 2 will be described later. The illumination light WL emitted from the light source device 2 is incident on the color separation optical system 3 via the uniform illumination unit 5. The uniform illumination unit 5 is a unit that makes the intensity distribution of the illumination light WL uniform in an illuminated region.

[0032] The uniform illumination unit 5 includes a uniformizing optical element 51, a polarization conversion element 52, and a superposition lens 53. Details of the structure of the uniform illumination unit 5 will be described later.

[0033] In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is used as necessary.

[0034] In the respective drawings, the X axis is an axis along an illumination optical axis AX1 of the illumination light WL emitted from the light source device 2 toward the uniform illumination unit 5. The Y axis is orthogonal to the X axis and is an axis along a direction in which the projection optical system 6 projects image light, that is, an optical axis AX2 of the projection optical system 6. The Z axis is an axis orthogonal to the illumination optical axis AX1 and the optical axis AX2.

[0035] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the direction along the Z axis, +Z is referred to as the "upper side" and -Z is referred to as the "lower side" for description. In addition, the upper side and the lower side are merely names for describing the arrangement relationship of the respective constituent components of the projector 1 and do not limit the actual setting posture, direction of the projector 1.

[0036] The color separation optical system 3 separates the white illumination light WL from the light source device 2 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 30a and a second dichroic mirror 30b, first, second, and third total reflection mirrors 31a, 31b, and 31c, first and second relay lenses 32a and 32b.

[0037] The first dichroic mirror 30a separates the illumination light WL, which has passed through the uniform illumination unit 5, from the light source device 2 into blue light LB and other light including green light LG and red light LR. The first dichroic mirror 30a reflects the separated blue light LB and transmits the other light. The second dichroic mirror 30b reflects the green light LG and transmits the red light LR.

[0038] The first total reflection mirror 31a reflects the blue light LB toward a blue liquid crystal panel 40B described later. The second and third total reflection mirrors 31b and 31c guide the red light LR to a red liquid crystal panel 40R described later. The green light LG is reflected from the second dichroic mirror 30b toward a green liquid crystal panel 40G described later.

[0039] The first relay lens 32a is disposed between the second dichroic mirror 30b and the second total reflection mirror 31b in the optical path of the red light LR. The second relay lens 32b is disposed between the second total reflection mirror 31b and the third total reflection mirror 31c in the optical path of the red light LR.

[0040] Each color light separated by the color separation optical system 3 is incident on the image forming unit 4.

[0041] The image forming unit 4 includes a plurality of liquid crystal panels 40, a plurality of incident-side polarizing plates 41, a plurality of emission-side polarizing plates 42, and a light synthesizing element 43.

[0042] The plurality of liquid crystal panels 40 includes a blue liquid crystal panel 40B, a green liquid crystal panel 40G, and a red liquid crystal panel 40R. The blue liquid crystal panel 40B modulates the blue light LB according to image information to form blue image light. The green liquid crystal panel 40G modulates the green light LG according to image information to form green image light. The red liquid crystal panel 40R modulates the red light LR according to image information to form red image light. Hereinafter, in the case of collectively referring to the blue liquid crystal panel 40B, the green liquid crystal panel 40G, and the red liquid crystal panel 40R, each liquid crystal panel 40B, 40G, and 40R is referred to.

[0043] The plurality of incident-side polarizing plates 41 includes a blue incident-side polarizing plate 41B, a green incident-side polarizing plate 41G, and a red incident-side polarizing plate 41R. The blue incident-side polarizing plate 41B is provided on the light-incident side of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. The green incident-side polarizing plate 41G is provided on the light-incident side of the green liquid crystal panel 40G. The red incident-side polarizing plate 41R is provided on the light-incident side of the red liquid crystal panel 40R. Hereinafter, when collectively referring to the blue incident-side polarizing plate 41B, the green incident-side polarizing plate 41G, and the red incident-side polarizing plate 41R, they are referred to as the respective incident-side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R.

[0044] The plurality of emission-side polarizing plates 42 includes a blue emission-side polarizing plate 42B, a green emission-side polarizing plate 42G, and a red emission-side polarizing plate 42R. The blue emission-side polarizing plate 42B is provided on the light-emission side of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. The green emission-side polarizing plate 42G is provided on the light-emission side of the green liquid crystal panel 40G. The red emission-side polarizing plate 42R is provided on the light-emission side of the red liquid crystal panel 40R. Hereinafter, when collectively referring to the blue emission-side polarizing plate 42B, the green emission-side polarizing plate 42G, and the red emission-side polarizing plate 42R, they are referred to as the respective emission-side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R.

[0045] Further, field lenses 45B, 45G, 45R are respectively arranged on the incident side of the respective incident-side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R.

[0046] Each of the image lights from the respective liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R is incident on the light-combining element 43. The light-combining element 43 combines the respective image lights and emits the combined image light toward the projection optical system 6. The light-combining element 43 uses, for example, a cross dichroic prism.

[0047] Next, the specific structure of the uniform illumination unit 5 will be described.

[0048] The uniformizing optical element 51 of the uniform illumination unit 5 is constituted by, for example, a pair of lens arrays. Specifically, the uniformizing optical element 51 is constituted by a first lens array 51a and a second lens array 51b. Each of the lens arrays 51a, 51b is constituted by a plurality of lenses arranged in an array.

[0049] The second lens array 51b, together with the overlapping lens 53, images the image of each of the lenses of the first lens array 51a in the vicinity of the image-forming region of each of the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R.

[0050] The illumination light WL that has passed through the uniformizing optical element 51 is incident on the polarization conversion element 52. The polarization conversion element 52, which is constituted of a polarization separation film and a phase difference plate, for example, converts the polarization direction of the illumination light WL emitted from the uniformizing optical element 51 into linearly polarized light. In the case of the present embodiment, the polarization conversion element 52 converts the illumination light WL so that it becomes linearly polarized light that is transmittable through each incident-side polarization plate 41B, 41G, 41R. In this way, the light emitted from the polarization conversion element 52 is incident on each liquid crystal panel 40B, 40G, 40R.

[0051] The illumination light WL that has passed through the polarization conversion element 52 is incident on the superposition lens 53. The superposition lens 53 makes the illumination distribution in each image formation region uniform by converging each partial light beam emitted from the polarization conversion element 52 so as to be superposed on the vicinity of the image formation region of each liquid crystal panel 40B, 40G, 40R, respectively.

[0052] The image light synthesized by the light synthesizing element 43 of the image formation unit 4 is incident on the projection optical system 6. The projection optical system 6, which is constituted of a projection lens group, enlarges and projects the image light synthesized by the light synthesizing element 43 toward the screen SCR. By this, the enlarged color image is displayed on the screen SCR.

[0053] (Light source device)

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic configuration view showing the light source device 2 of the present embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2 , the light source device 2 is provided with a first light source 20, a collimating optical system 21, a dichroic mirror 22, a collimating-converging optical system 23, a wavelength conversion element 28, a second light source 24, a converging optical system 25, a diffusion plate 26, and a collimating optical system 27.

[0056] The first light source 20 is constituted of a semiconductor laser 20a that emits blue excitation light E constituted of laser light. The peak value of the emission intensity of the excitation light E is, for example, 445 nm. Alternatively, the semiconductor laser 20a can use a semiconductor laser that emits blue light of a wavelength other than 445 nm, such as 455 nm or 460 nm. The optical axis ax of the first light source 20 is an axis along the Y axis, and is orthogonal to the illumination optical axis AX1 of the light source device 2 along the X axis. The first light source 20 can also be constituted so as to arrange a plurality of semiconductor lasers 20a in an array in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis ax.

[0057] The collimating optical system 21 has lenses 21a, 21b. The collimating optical system 21 makes the light emitted from the first light source 20 substantially parallel. Each of the lenses 21a, 21b is constituted of a convex lens.

[0058] The dichroic mirror 22 is disposed in the optical path between the collimating optical system 21 and the collimating condensing optical system 23 at an angle of 45° with respect to the optical axis ax of the first light source 20 and the illumination optical axis AX1. The dichroic mirror 22 reflects the blue light component and transmits the red light component and the green light component. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 22 reflects the excitation light E and the blue light B described later and transmits the yellow fluorescent light Y.

[0059] The collimating condensing optical system 23 condenses the excitation light E transmitted through the dichroic mirror 22 to be incident on the wavelength conversion element 28 and substantially parallelizes the fluorescent light Y emitted from the wavelength conversion element 28. The collimating condensing optical system 23 has lenses 23a, 23b. The lenses 23a, 23b are each composed of a convex lens.

[0060] The wavelength conversion element 28 has a substrate 28a, a reflection layer 28b, and a wavelength conversion layer, i.e., a phosphor 28c, provided on the light incident side of the reflection layer 28b. The phosphor 28c generates and emits the fluorescent light Y, for example, having a wavelength band of 500 to 700 nm, by wavelength-converting the excitation light E. The reflection layer 28b reflects the component of the fluorescent light Y generated by the phosphor 28c that advances toward the substrate 28a. In addition, a not-shown heat sink can be disposed on the side of the substrate 28a opposite the side on which the phosphor 28c is supported.

[0061] The second light source 24 is composed of a semiconductor laser having the same wavelength band as the semiconductor laser of the first light source 20. The second light source 24 can be composed of one semiconductor laser or a plurality of semiconductor lasers. In addition, the second light source 24 can be composed of a semiconductor laser having a different wavelength band from the semiconductor laser of the first light source 20.

[0062] The condensing optical system 25 has lenses 25a, 25b. The condensing optical system 25 condenses the blue light B emitted from the second light source 24 on or near the diffusion surface of the diffusion plate 26. The lenses 25a, 25b are each composed of a convex lens.

[0063] The diffusion plate 26 diffuses the blue light B emitted from the second light source 24 to generate the blue light B having a distribution of light that approximates the distribution of light of the fluorescent light Y emitted from the wavelength conversion element 28. The diffusion plate 26 can be, for example, ground glass composed of optical glass.

[0064] The collimating optical system 27 has lenses 27a, 27b. The collimating optical system 27 substantially parallelizes the light emitted from the diffusion plate 46. The lenses 27a, 27b are each composed of a convex lens.

[0065] The blue light B emitted from the second light source 24 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 22, combined with the fluorescent light Y emitted from the wavelength conversion element 28 and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 22, and white illumination light WL is generated.

[0066] In the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming unit 4 and the uniform illumination unit 5 generate heat. The projector 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a cooling mechanism that efficiently cools the heat generated by the image forming unit 4 and the uniform illumination unit 5.

[0067] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 is a diagram showing the outline structure of the cooling mechanism 60 of the projector 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the cooling mechanism 60 as viewed from the -Y side. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cooling mechanism 60. In Figure 3 、 4 , the illustrations of the relay lens 53 and the field lenses 45B, 45G, 45R are omitted for easy viewing of the diagrams. The illustration of the first duct 10 is omitted in Figure 4 .

[0068] As shown in Figure 3 , the cooling mechanism 60 has the first housing 44, the second housing 54, the first heat conducting portion 7, the second heat conducting portion 8, the first fan 9, the second fan 11, the first duct 10, and the first heat exchanger 12. That is, the projector 1 of the present embodiment is further provided with the first housing 44, the second housing 54, the first heat conducting portion 7, the second heat conducting portion 8, the first fan 9, the first duct 10, the second fan 11, and the first heat exchanger 12.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1 , the first housing 44 houses the constituent components of the image forming unit 4, that is, the plurality of liquid crystal panels 40, the plurality of incident-side polarizing plates 41, the plurality of emission-side polarizing plates 42, and the light combining element 43, in a sealed state. In the present embodiment, the field lenses 45B, 45G, 45R are disposed outside the first housing 44, but can be disposed inside the first housing 44 as needed.

[0070] The second housing 54 houses the second lens array 51b and the polarization conversion element 52, which are part of the uniform illumination unit 5, in a sealed state. The second lens array 51b corresponds to one lens array.

[0071] The first heat conducting portion 7 conducts heat from at least one of the respective liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R, the respective incident-side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R, and the respective emission-side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R housed in the first housing 44 to the outside of the first housing 44.

[0072] The second heat transfer portion 8 receives heat from at least one of the second lens array 51 b of the uniformizing optical element 51 and the polarization conversion element 52 housed in the second housing portion 54 , and transfers the heat to the outside of the second housing portion 54 .

[0073] The first fan 9 draws in external air through an air inlet provided in the outer casing of the projector 1 (not shown) and sends an airflow K to the first heat transfer unit 7 and the second heat transfer unit 8. The first fan 9 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan, but the fan type is not limited thereto.

[0074] The first duct 10 extends from the first fan 9 and is provided with the first heat transfer portion 7 and the second heat transfer portion 8. The first duct 10 is a cylindrical member extending from the discharge port 9b serving as the discharge port of the first fan 9.

[0075] The airflow K from the first fan 9 flows through the first duct 10. A portion of the first heat transfer unit 7 protrudes from the first housing portion 44 and a portion of the second heat transfer unit 8 protrudes from the second housing portion 54 are disposed within the first duct 10. Thus, the first heat transfer unit 7 and the second heat transfer unit 8 disposed within the first duct 10 release heat by exchanging heat with the airflow K from the first fan 9.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first heat conduction unit 7 includes a first heat conduction member 70B, a second heat conduction member 70G, a third heat conduction member 70R, a fourth heat conduction member 71B, a fifth heat conduction member 71G, a sixth heat conduction member 71R, and one polarizing plate heat conduction member 72 .

[0077] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, a first heat conducting member 70B, serving as a panel heat conducting member, is disposed on the light-emitting side of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. The first heat conducting member 70B extends from the blue liquid crystal panel 40B into the first duct 10, transferring heat from the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. The first heat conducting member 70B includes a first heat dissipating portion 70B1 disposed within the first duct 10. The first heat dissipating portion 70B1 is comprised of a heat sink including a plurality of heat dissipating fins. The first heat dissipating portion 70B1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the airflow K flowing within the first duct 10.

[0078] The second heat conducting member 70G, serving as a panel heat conducting member, is positioned on the light-emitting side of the green liquid crystal panel 40G. The second heat conducting member 70G extends from the green liquid crystal panel 40G into the first duct 10, conducting heat from the green liquid crystal panel 40G. The second heat conducting member 70G includes a second heat dissipating portion 70G1 positioned within the first duct 10. The second heat dissipating portion 70G1 comprises a heat sink including a plurality of heat dissipating fins. The second heat dissipating portion 70G1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the airflow K flowing within the first duct 10.

[0079] A third heat conducting member 70R as a heat conducting member for a panel is arranged on the light exit side of the red liquid crystal panel 40R. The third heat conducting member 70R extends from the red liquid crystal panel 40R into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the red liquid crystal panel 40R. The third heat conducting member 70R has a third heat radiating portion 70R1 arranged in the first duct 10. The third heat radiating portion 70R1 is composed of a heat sink including a plurality of heat radiating fins. The third heat radiating portion 70R1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the air current K flowing in the first duct 10.

[0080] A fourth heat conducting member 71B as a heat conducting member for a polarizing plate extends from the blue incident side polarizing plate 41B into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the blue incident side polarizing plate 41B. The fourth heat conducting member 71B has a fourth heat radiating portion 71B1 arranged in the first duct 10. The fourth heat radiating portion 71B1 is composed of a heat sink including a plurality of heat radiating fins. The fourth heat radiating portion 71B1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the air current K flowing in the first duct 10.

[0081] The fourth heat conducting member 71B is fixed to the first housing portion 44 by a mounting member not shown, thereby positioning the blue incident side polarizing plate 41B at a prescribed position with respect to the blue liquid crystal panel 40B.

[0082] A fifth heat conducting member 71G as a heat conducting member for a polarizing plate extends from the green incident side polarizing plate 41G into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the green incident side polarizing plate 41G. The fifth heat conducting member 71G has a fifth heat radiating portion 71G1 arranged in the first duct 10. The fifth heat radiating portion 71G1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the air current K flowing in the first duct 10.

[0083] The fifth heat radiating portion 71G1 is composed of a heat sink including a plurality of heat radiating fins. The fifth heat conducting member 71G is fixed to the first housing portion 44 by a mounting member not shown, thereby positioning the green incident side polarizing plate 41G at a prescribed position with respect to the green liquid crystal panel 40G.

[0084] A sixth heat conducting member 71R as a heat conducting member for a polarizing plate extends from the red incident side polarizing plate 41R into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the red incident side polarizing plate 41R. The sixth heat conducting member 71R has a sixth heat radiating portion 71R1 arranged in the first duct 10. The sixth heat radiating portion 71R1 is composed of a heat sink including a plurality of heat radiating fins. The sixth heat radiating portion 71R1 releases heat by exchanging heat with the air current K flowing in the first duct 10.

[0085] The sixth heat conducting member 71R is fixed to the first housing portion 44 by an unillustrated mounting member, thereby positioning the red incident-side polarizing plate 41R with respect to the red liquid crystal panel 40R at a prescribed position.

[0086] The first heat conducting member 70B, the second heat conducting member 70G, and the third heat conducting member 70R are not particularly limited as long as they are members capable of conducting heat received from the respective panels. Further, the fourth heat conducting member 71B, the fifth heat conducting member 71G, and the sixth heat conducting member 71R are not particularly limited as long as they are members capable of conducting heat received from the respective polarizing plates.

[0087] In the present embodiment, as the respective heat conducting members 70B, 70G, 70R, 71B, 71G, and 71R, for example, a heat pipe or a vapor chamber that utilizes heat of evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, or the like, can be used in addition to graphite or copper, or the like.

[0088] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the main part structure of the cooling mechanism 60. In Figure 5 , the blue incident-side polarizing plate 41B and the blue liquid crystal panel 40B are omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5 , the blue emission-side polarizing plate 42B is held by the first panel mounting member 47B. The first panel mounting member 47B is provided with a support plate 48 that supports the blue emission-side polarizing plate 42B, and a pair of clamping portions 49 that can directly or indirectly clamp the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. The first heat conducting member 70B and the blue liquid crystal panel 40B are mounted to the light incident surface 43B of the light synthesizing element 43 via the first panel mounting member 47B.

[0090] More specifically, the blue liquid crystal panel 40B has an incident-side opposing substrate and a TFT element substrate on the emission side that sandwich liquid crystal. Further, the blue liquid crystal panel 40B has an incident-side dustproof substrate disposed on the light incident side of the opposing substrate, and an emission-side dustproof substrate disposed on the light emission side of the TFT element substrate. These respective constituent members of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B are disposed in a housing, and are held by a holding member fixed to the housing in a non-detachable manner.

[0091] The housing of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B is provided with Figure 4 the first heat conducting member 70B on the emission side of the housing. Thereby, heat of the opposing substrate, the TFT element substrate, the incident-side dustproof substrate, and the emission-side dustproof substrate is conducted to the first heat conducting member 70B via the housing. The first heat conducting member 70B is preferably of the same heat conductivity as the housing, or of a material having high heat conductivity.

[0092] Furthermore, the first heat conduction member 70B is disposed on the light emitting side of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B. However, as long as heat is conducted from the storage case, the first heat conduction member 70B is not limited to being disposed on the light emitting side.

[0093] The relationship between the green liquid crystal panel 40G and the second heat transfer member 70G, and the relationship between the red liquid crystal panel 40R and the third heat transfer member 70R are also similar.

[0094] The fourth heat conducting member 71B is not limited to being fixed to the first housing portion 44 via an unillustrated mounting member. The fourth heat conducting member 71B may also be fixed to the support plate 48. The same applies to the fifth heat conducting member 71G and the sixth heat conducting member 71R.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, the support plate 48 is provided with an opening 48a for transmitting light emitted from the blue-emitting-side polarizing plate 42B, and a connection portion 48b that is thermally connected to the polarizing plate heat-conducting member 72 extending toward the -Z side to the first duct 10. Thermal connection to the polarizing plate heat-conducting member 72 means that the polarizing plate heat-conducting member 72 is connected to the polarizing plate heat-conducting member 72 in a manner that allows heat to be transferred.

[0096] The polarizing plate heat conducting member 72 includes a base portion 72a that is thermally connected to the connecting portion 48b of the first panel mounting member 47B serving as the support plate 48, and a heat dissipating portion 72b that extends from the base portion 72a toward the -Z side and is disposed within the first duct 10. Heat from the blue emitting side polarizing plate 42B is conducted from the base portion 72a to the heat dissipating portion 72b and released. The heat dissipating portion 72b includes heat dissipating fins. Figure 3 As shown, the heat dissipating portion 72 b releases heat by exchanging heat with the airflow K flowing in the first duct 10 .

[0097] The heat dissipation portion 72 b of the polarizing plate thermally conductive member 72 is sufficiently larger than the heat dissipation portions of the other thermally conductive members 70B, 70G, 70R, 71B, 71G, and 71R, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the polarizing plate thermally conductive member 72 .

[0098] By positioning the heat dissipation portion 72b of the polarizing plate heat conducting member 72 below the region overlapping the photosynthesizing element 43, the first duct 10 can be prevented from increasing in size. Furthermore, the heat dissipation portion 72b of the polarizing plate heat conducting member 72 only needs to be at a different height from the first heat dissipation portion 70B1 of the first heat conducting member 70B, the second heat dissipation portion 70G1 of the second heat conducting member 70G, and the third heat dissipation portion 70R1 of the third heat conducting member 70R. In other words, by positioning the heat dissipation portion 72b of the polarizing plate heat conducting member 72 below the first heat dissipation portion 70B1 of the first heat conducting member 70B, the second heat dissipation portion 70G1 of the second heat conducting member 70G, and the third heat dissipation portion 70R1 of the third heat conducting member 70R, interference can be prevented even when the size is increased.

[0099] The heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate is not particularly limited as long as it is a member capable of conducting heat received from each polarizing plate. In the present embodiment, as the heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate, for example, a heat pipe or a vapor chamber using evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, or the like, in addition to graphite or copper, or the like, can be used.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, the green emission side polarizing plate 42G is held to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The red emission side polarizing plate 42R is held to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. In addition, the second heat conducting member 70G and the green liquid crystal panel 40G are mounted to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The third heat conducting member 70R and the red liquid crystal panel 40R are mounted to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. Figure 4 Figure 5 The second panel mounting member 47G and the third panel mounting member 47R have the same structure as the first panel mounting member 47B. That is, the second panel mounting member 47G and the third panel mounting member 47R are thermally connected to the heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate.

[0101] Thus, heat of the green emission side polarizing plate 42G is conducted to the heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate through the second panel mounting member 47G, and heat of the red emission side polarizing plate 42R is conducted to the heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate through the third panel mounting member 47R.

[0102] In the case of the present embodiment, heat of each emission side polarizing plate 42B, 42G, 42R is released into the first duct 10 by being conducted to one heat conducting member 72 for the polarizing plate. According to this structure, compared to a case in which heat conducting members are respectively extended from each emission side polarizing plate 42B, 42G, 42R to the first duct 10, it is possible to simplify the structure, and a high cooling effect is obtained.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, the green emission side polarizing plate 42G is held to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The red emission side polarizing plate 42R is held to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. In addition, the second heat conducting member 70G and the green liquid crystal panel 40G are mounted to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The third heat conducting member 70R and the red liquid crystal panel 40R are mounted to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6, the green emission side polarizing plate 42G is held to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The red emission side polarizing plate 42R is held to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. In addition, the second heat conducting member 70G and the green liquid crystal panel 40G are mounted to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The third heat conducting member 70R and the red liquid crystal panel 40R are mounted to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 6, the green emission side polarizing plate 42G is held to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The red emission side polarizing plate 42R is held to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R. In addition, the second heat conducting member 70G and the green liquid crystal panel 40G are mounted to the light incident surface 43G of the light synthesizing element 43 by the second panel mounting member 47G. The third heat conducting member 70R and the red liquid crystal panel 40R are mounted to the light incident surface 43R of the light synthesizing element 43 by the third panel mounting member 47R.

[0105] The second fan 11 cools each member of the image forming unit 4 by generating an air current K in the first housing portion 44 from the -Z side toward the +Z side, that is, from the lower side toward the upper side.

[0106] ​In the cooling mechanism 60 of the present embodiment, a part of the first heat exchanger 12 is disposed inside the first housing portion 44, and the remaining part is disposed outside the first housing portion 44. The first heat exchanger 12 lowers the temperature inside the first housing portion 44 by causing heat exchange between the environment inside the first housing portion 44 and the environment outside the first housing portion 44.

[0107] The first heat exchanger 12 includes a base portion 12a, a heat absorbing portion 12b, and a heat radiating portion 12c. The base portion 12a fixes the first heat exchanger 12 to the upper plate 44a of the first housing portion 44. The heat absorbing portion 12b is constituted by a plurality of protrusions provided on the surface of the -Z side of the base portion 12a opposite the first housing portion 44. The heat absorbing portion 12b is disposed inside the first housing portion 44. The heat absorbing portion 12b absorbs heat from the internal space of the first housing portion 44. The heat radiating portion 12c is constituted by a plurality of heat radiating fins provided on the surface of the +Z side of the base portion 12a opposite the first housing portion 44. The base portion 12a and the heat radiating portion 12c are disposed outside the first housing portion 44.

[0108] The airflow K generated by the second fan 11 flows sideways along the heat absorbing portion 12b of the first heat exchanger 12 that protrudes inward from the upper plate 44a of the first housing portion 44. At this time, the airflow K is cooled by being absorbed by the heat absorbing portion 12b of the first heat exchanger 12.

[0109] The airflow K cooled by the first heat exchanger 12 flows from the +Z side to the -Z side, that is, from the upper side to the lower side, along the inner surface of the side plate 44b of the first housing portion 44, and reaches the lower plate 44c of the first housing portion 44.

[0110] The airflow K that has reached the lower plate 44c of the first housing portion 44 flows from the -Z side to the +Z side, that is, from the lower side to the upper side, by being drawn in by the second fan 11, and cools each component of the image forming unit 4. That is, the airflow K generated by the second fan 11 circulates within the first housing portion 44.

[0111] According to the present embodiment, the airflow K that has been heated by cooling each component of the image forming unit 4 is cooled by the first heat exchanger 12 and is then drawn again to the second fan 11, and thus circulates within the first housing portion 44. Therefore, the second fan 11 can continuously supply the image forming unit 4 with the airflow K that is relatively low in temperature.

[0112] In this way, the projector 1 of the present embodiment circulates the airflow K that is relatively low in temperature to the image forming unit 4 housed in the first housing portion 44 in a sealed state by the cooling mechanism 60, and thus can efficiently cool the first heat conducting portion 7 and each component of the image forming unit 4.

[0113] As Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the second heat transfer unit 8 of this embodiment includes a heat transfer component 80. Figure 4 As shown, the heat-conducting member 80 includes a heat-receiving portion 80a attached to the light-incident side of the polarization conversion element 52, and a heat-dissipating portion 80b extending from the heat-receiving portion 80a into the first pipe 10. The heat-receiving portion 80a has multiple slit-like openings corresponding to the light-incident areas of the polarization conversion element 52. Heat from the polarization conversion element 52 is conducted from the heat-receiving portion 80a to the heat-dissipating portion 80b, where it is dissipated. The heat-dissipating portion 80b comprises a heat sink comprising multiple fins.

[0114] The heat conducting member 80 is not particularly limited as long as it can conduct the heat received from the polarization conversion element 52 to the first pipe 10. In this embodiment, the heat conducting member 80 may be made of, for example, graphite, copper, or the like, or a heat pipe or vapor chamber utilizing evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant.

[0115] In this embodiment, the second heat conducting member 8 as the heat conducting member 80 and the polarization conversion element 52 are mounted on the second housing portion 54 via a support member 81. The second lens array 51b housed in the second housing portion 54 together with the polarization conversion element 52 is fixed to the support member 81 or the second housing portion 54 by a fixing member (not shown).

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, the support member 81 extends from the polarization conversion element 52 toward the light incident side on the -X side of the uniform illumination unit 5 and is disposed outside the second housing portion 54. The support member 81 includes a fixing portion 81a for fixing the first lens array 51a. The fixing portion 81a of the support member 81 fixes the end surface of the first lens array 51a on the +X side, light emitting side, via, for example, a spring member 55.

[0117] Here, the polarization conversion element 52 generates the most heat among the components of the uniform illumination unit 5. This is because the phase difference plate constituting the polarization conversion element 52 absorbs the illumination light WL and generates heat.

[0118] In the projector 1 of this embodiment, the heat of the polarization conversion element 52, which generates the most heat within the second housing portion 54, can be released into the first duct 10 via the second heat transfer portion 8. This effectively cools the polarization conversion element 52, suppressing temperature increases in the enclosed space within the second housing portion 54. This can also prevent thermal damage to the second lens array 51b housed therein together with the polarization conversion element 52.

[0119] As described above, in the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the image forming unit 4 as a cooling target is housed in the first housing portion 44 in a sealed state, and the polarization conversion element 52 and the second lens array 51b as a part of the uniformizing optical element 51 are housed in the second housing portion 54 in a sealed state. The image forming unit 4 includes the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R, the incident-side polarization plates 41B, 41G, 41R, and the emission-side polarization plates 42B, 42G, 42R.

[0120] In the case of the present embodiment, by sending the airflow K from the first fan 9 to the heat conducting portions 7, 8 drawn from each of the housing portions 44, 54 into the first duct 10, the heat conducting portions 7, 8 can be cooled. Thereby, two heat conducting portions 7, 8 can be cooled with one fan, and thus, the device structure can be downsized.

[0121] Further, by actively releasing the heat from the sealed spaces in each of the housing portions 44, 54 to the outside with the heat conducting portions 7, 8, the temperature rise of the sealed spaces can be suppressed, and thus, the sealed spaces do not need to be enlarged. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the internal spaces of the housing portions 44, 54 can be minimized, and as a result, the device structure can be downsized.

[0122] Further, depending on the use environment of the projector 1, there are cases where smoke is present in the surroundings. As an environment where smoke is present in the surroundings, for example, there are smoke generated at a performance during an event or smoke of a cigarette, and the like.

[0123] In this regard, in the case of the projector 1 of the present embodiment, even if dust or smoke intrudes into the frame of the projector 1 when smoke is present in the surrounding environment, since the image forming unit 4, the polarization conversion element 52, and the second lens array 51b are housed in the sealed spaces, the attachment of dust or smoke can be prevented. Therefore, the reduction in display quality caused by the attachment of dust or smoke on the image forming unit 4, the polarization conversion element 52, and the second lens array 51b can be suppressed.

[0124] The first heat conducting portion 7 of the present embodiment includes one polarization plate heat conducting member 72 extending from each of the emission-side polarization plates 42B, 42G, 42R into the first duct 10, and thus, each of the emission-side polarization plates 42B, 42G, 42R can be cooled with one heat conducting member. Thereby, by making a part of the first heat conducting portion 7 common, the complication of the structure can be suppressed, and a higher cooling efficiency can be obtained.

[0125] In the case of the present embodiment, there are also the second fan 11 housed in the first housing portion 44 and the first heat exchanger 12 that cools the airflow K sent into the first housing portion 44 by the second fan 11. Therefore, the second fan 11 can continuously supply the image forming unit 4 housed in the first housing portion 44 with the airflow K that is relatively low in temperature, so the cooling efficiency of the image forming unit 4 can be improved.

[0126] (Second Embodiment)

[0127] Next, the projector of the second embodiment will be described.

[0128] The structure of the cooling mechanism of the projector of the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment. Structures and components common to the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] Hereinafter, the cooling mechanism of the present embodiment will be mainly described. Figure 6 、 Figure 7 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism 160 of the present embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the cooling mechanism 160. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the airflow in the cooling mechanism 160. In the cooling mechanism 160 of the present embodiment, the second heat conduction portion 8 is of the same structure as the cooling mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, and therefore, description and illustration thereof will be omitted. In addition, for the sake of easy observation of the drawings, only a part of the first duct 10 is shown.

[0130] As shown in Figure 6 、 Figure 7 , the cooling mechanism 160 has the first heat conduction portion 17, the first fan 9, the first duct 10, the second duct 13, the third duct 14, the third fan 15, and the second heat exchanger 16.

[0131] The first heat conduction portion 17 of the present embodiment has the heat conduction member for polarizing plate 72. The second duct 13 is connected to the first housing portion 44. Specifically, the second duct 13 is connected to the inflow port 44c1 formed on the side of the lower plate 44c of the first housing portion 44, that is, the +X side.

[0132] The third fan 15 discharges the air sucked from the air inlet 15a from the air outlet, that is, the air outlet 15b. The third fan 15 transports the airflow K1 into the first housing portion 44 via the second duct 13 connected to the air outlet 15b. The third fan 15 can use, for example, a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan, but the type of the fan is not limited thereto.

[0133] The third duct 14 transports the air flow K1 exhausted from the first housing section 44 to the air inlet 15a of the third fan 15. The third duct 14 is connected to the outflow port 44c2 formed on the other side of the lower plate 44c of the first housing section 44, i.e., the -X side. The third duct 14 includes a flow path portion 14a and a fan housing section 14b. The flow path portion 14a is a cylindrical portion extending from the outflow port 44c2 of the first housing section 44 to the third fan 15. The fan housing section 14b is connected to the front end 14a1 of the flow path portion 14a and houses the third fan 15 in a sealed state. The fan housing section 14b and the first housing section 44 are connected via the flow path portion 14a.

[0134] The second heat exchanger 16 includes a heat absorbing portion 16a that absorbs heat from the airflow K1 flowing through the third duct 14, and a heat dissipating portion 16b disposed within the first duct 10. Specifically, in the second heat exchanger 16, the heat absorbing portion 16a is disposed within the third duct 14, and the heat dissipating portion 16b is disposed within the first duct 10. The heat absorbing portion 16a and the heat dissipating portion 16b each comprise, for example, a radiator structure including multiple fins. The second heat exchanger 16 reduces the temperature of the airflow K1 flowing through the third duct 14 by exchanging heat between the airflow K1 flowing through the third duct 14 and the airflow K flowing through the first duct 10.

[0135] In the cooling mechanism 160 of this embodiment, when the third fan 15 rotates, Figure 7 As shown, the airflow K1 from the third fan 15 is supplied into the first housing section 44 via the second duct 13. The airflow K1 supplied into the first housing section 44 from the inlet 44c1 is sequentially conveyed along the inner wall of the first housing section 44 toward the red liquid crystal panel 40R, the green liquid crystal panel 40G, and the blue liquid crystal panel 40B, cooling each of the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, and 40R. The airflow K then flows from the outlet 44c2 into the third duct 14, where it is drawn by the suction force of the third fan 15 and flows into the air inlet 15a of the third fan 15.

[0136] In this embodiment, the airflow K, while returning to the third fan 15 via the third duct 14, passes through the heat absorbing portion 16a of the second heat exchanger 16 disposed within the flow path 14a of the third duct 14. At this time, the airflow K is cooled by the heat absorbing portion 16a of the second heat exchanger 16 absorbing heat.

[0137] After being cooled by the second heat exchanger 16, the airflow K is again drawn into the third fan 15 and flows into the first storage section 44 via the second duct 13, thereby cooling the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, and 40R. In other words, the airflow K1 generated by the third fan 15 is circulated and supplied to the first storage section 44.

[0138] According to the cooling mechanism 160 of the present embodiment, the second heat exchanger 16 cools the airflow K1 heated by cooling each component of the image forming unit 4, and supplies it into the first housing portion 44 via the second duct 13, so that each liquid crystal panel 40B, 40G, 40R, each incident-side polarizing plate 41B, 41G, 41R, and each emission-side polarizing plate 42B, 42G, 42R (see FIG. 1) as constituent components of the image forming unit 4 can be efficiently cooled. Figure 1 ).

[0139] In addition, in the cooling mechanism 160 of the present embodiment, the third fan 15 is disposed outside the first housing portion 44, so that the size of the first housing portion 44 can be downsized.

[0140] Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the first duct 10 is used as a unit for reducing the temperature of the airflow K1 flowing in the third duct 14, so that no other mechanism for cooling the airflow K1 is needed, and the device structure can be prevented from being upsized.

[0141] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the third fan 15 is housed in the fan housing portion 14b of the third duct 14, so that the inside of the first housing portion 44 can be made in a closed state. Therefore, the entry of dust or smoke into the first housing portion 44 can be prevented by the airflow K1 sent out from the third fan 15, so that the display quality can be prevented from being degraded due to the attachment of dust or smoke to the constituent components of the image forming unit 4.

[0142] (Third Embodiment)

[0143] Next, the projector of the third embodiment will be described.

[0144] The structure of the cooling mechanism of the projector of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the second housing portion side. The same reference numerals are given to the structures and components common to the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0145] Hereinafter, the cooling mechanism of the present embodiment will be mainly described. Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B 、 Figure 9 is a view showing the main part structure of the cooling mechanism 260 of the present embodiment. Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the main part structure of the cooling mechanism 260, Figure 8B is a side view showing the main part structure of the cooling mechanism 260, Figure 9 is a view showing the flow of the airflow in the cooling mechanism 260. In addition, in the cooling mechanism 260 of the present embodiment, the structure of the first housing portion 44 side is the same as that of the cooling mechanism 60 of the first embodiment, so that description and illustration will be omitted.

[0146] AsFigure 8A 、 Figure 8B As shown, the cooling mechanism 260 of this embodiment includes a second storage portion 154 and a fourth fan 19. The second storage portion 154 houses the second lens array 51b located on the light-emitting side of the subsequent stage of the pair of lens arrays 51a and 51b that constitute the uniformizing optical element 51, and the polarization conversion element 52 located on the +X side of the subsequent stage of the second lens array 51b. The second lens array 51b corresponds to the subsequent lens array. In this embodiment, the second heat transfer portion 8 conducts heat from the polarization conversion element 52. The second heat transfer portion 8 and the polarization conversion element 52 are mounted to the second storage portion 154 via a fixing member (not shown).

[0147] The second housing portion 154 includes a main body 155, an air inlet connection portion 156 connected to the air inlet 19a of the fourth fan 19, and an air outlet connection portion 157 connected to the air outlet 19b serving as the exhaust port of the fourth fan 19. The main body 155 includes a light incident portion 155a and a light emitting portion 155b, and houses the second lens array 51b and the polarization conversion element 52. The heat dissipation portion 80b of the second heat conducting portion 8 extends to the exterior of the main body 155.

[0148] The first lens array 51a, located on the light incident side of the preceding lens array 51b, is arranged in the light incident portion 155a of the second storage section 154. The second storage section 154 corresponds to the main body 155, and the first lens array 51a corresponds to the preceding lens array. The superimposing lens 53 is arranged in the light emitting portion 155b of the second storage section 154. The first lens array 51a and the superimposing lens 53 are arranged so as to cover the opening or light-transmitting window formed in the second storage section 154.

[0149] like Figure 9 As shown, the fourth fan 19 causes the airflow K2 to flow in the second storage portion 154. The fourth fan 19 will Figure 8B Air drawn in through the air inlet 19a is discharged through the air outlet 19b. The fourth fan 19 delivers an airflow K2 into the second housing portion 154 via the exhaust connection portion 157 of the second housing portion 154, which is connected to the exhaust port 19b. The airflow K2 from the fourth fan 19 flows along at least the surface of the polarization conversion element 52 before being delivered to the air inlet 19a of the fourth fan 19. The fourth fan 19 can be, for example, a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan, but the fan type is not limited thereto.

[0150] like Figure 8A 、 Figure 8BAs shown, in the present embodiment, the air current K2 flowing into the 2nd housing portion 154 via the intake connection portion 156 flows in the main body portion 155, between the pair of lens arrays 51a, 51b, between the 2nd lens array 51b and the polarization conversion element 52, between the polarization conversion element 52 and the superposition lens 53, and cools the lens arrays 51a, 51b, the polarization conversion element 52, and the superposition lens 53. Then, the air current K2 flows toward the intake connection portion 156, is attracted by the suction force of the 4th fan 19, and thus flows into the intake port 19a of the 4th fan 19.

[0151] According to the cooling mechanism 260 of the present embodiment, the 1st lens array 51a and the superposition lens 53 are disposed outside the 2nd housing portion 154, and thus the size of the 2nd housing portion 154 can be made smaller than when the 1st lens array 51a and the superposition lens 53 are housed inside.

[0152] Further, according to the present embodiment, the polarization conversion element 52 is cooled by the 2nd heat conducting portion 8 and the air current K2 is supplied to the 2nd housing portion 154 in a circulating manner, and thus the polarization conversion element 52, which generates a large amount of heat, can be efficiently cooled.

[0153] (4th Embodiment)

[0154] Next, a projector of the 4th embodiment will be described.

[0155] The projector of the present embodiment differs from the 1st embodiment in that it has an image forming unit using a light modulation panel different from a liquid crystal panel. The same reference numerals are given to structures and components common to the 1st embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0156] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the projector 100 of the present embodiment.

[0157] As shown in Figure 10 , the projector 100 of the present embodiment has a light source device 2, an image forming unit 104, a uniform illumination unit 5, and a projection optical system 6.

[0158] The image forming unit 104 of this embodiment has a plurality of light modulation panels 140 and a light synthesizing element 143. The plurality of light modulation panels 140 includes a blue light modulation panel 140B, a green light modulation panel 140G, and a red light modulation panel 140R. The blue light modulation panel 140B forms blue image light by modulating blue light LB in accordance with image information. The green light modulation panel 140G forms green image light by modulating green light LG in accordance with image information. The red light modulation panel 140R forms red image light by modulating red light LR in accordance with image information. Hereinafter, in the case of collectively referring to the blue light modulation panel 140B, the green light modulation panel 140G, and the red light modulation panel 140R, they are referred to as the light modulation panels 140B, 140G, 140R.

[0159] As each of the light modulation panels 140B, 140G, 140R, for example, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) is used. The DMD is a device in which a plurality of micromirrors are arranged in a matrix shape. The DMD is capable of switching the reflection direction of incident light between a direction in which it is incident on the projection optical system 6 and a direction in which it is not incident on the projection optical system 6, together with the light synthesizing element 143, by switching the tilting direction of the plurality of micromirrors.

[0160] The light synthesizing element 143 is configured by combining a plurality of prism members. The light synthesizing element 143 separates the illumination light WL emitted from the light source device 2 and passing through the uniform illumination unit 5 into the red light LR, the green light LG, and the blue light LB, and causes light corresponding to each of the light modulation panels 140B, 140G, 140R to be incident. In addition, the light synthesizing element 143 synthesizes light reflected from each of the light modulation panels 140B, 140G, 140R toward the direction in which it is incident on the projection optical system 6, and generates image light.

[0161] The image light synthesized by the light synthesizing element 143 of the image forming unit 104 is incident on the projection optical system 6. The projection optical system 6 enlarges and projects the image light synthesized by the light synthesizing element 143 toward the screen SCR. Thereby, an enlarged color image is displayed on the screen SCR.

[0162] In the projector 100 of this embodiment, the image forming unit 104 and the uniform illumination unit 5 are heat generating bodies that generate heat. The projector 100 of this embodiment is provided with a cooling mechanism that cools the image forming unit 104 and the uniform illumination unit 5.

[0163] Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the outline structure of the cooling mechanism of this embodiment.

[0164] As Figure 11As shown, the cooling mechanism 360 of the present embodiment has the first housing portion 144, the second housing portion 54, the first heat conducting portion 170, the second heat conducting portion 8, the first fan 9, and the first duct 10. That is, the projector 100 of the present embodiment further has the first housing portion 144, the second housing portion 54, the first heat conducting portion 170, the second heat conducting portion 8, the first fan 9, and the first duct 10.

[0165] The first housing portion 144 of the present embodiment houses the plurality of light modulating panels 140 and the light combining element 143, which are constituent components of the image forming unit 104, in a sealed state.

[0166] The first heat conducting portion 170 receives heat from each of the light modulating panels 140B, 140G, and 140R housed in the first housing portion 144 and conducts the heat to the outside of the first housing portion 144. The first heat conducting portion 170 includes a first heat conducting member 170B, a second heat conducting member 170G, and a third heat conducting member 170R.

[0167] The first heat conducting member 170B is disposed in the blue light modulating panel 140B. The first heat conducting member 170B extends from the blue light modulating panel 140B into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the blue light modulating panel 140B.

[0168] The second heat conducting member 170G is disposed in the green light modulating panel 140G. The second heat conducting member 170G extends from the green light modulating panel 140G into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the green light modulating panel 140G.

[0169] The third heat conducting member 170R is disposed in the red light modulating panel 140R. The third heat conducting member 170R extends from the red light modulating panel 140R into the first duct 10 and conducts heat from the red light modulating panel 140R.

[0170] As each of the heat conducting members 170B, 170G, and 170R, for example, a heat pipe or a vapor chamber that utilizes evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant or the like can be used in addition to graphite or copper or the like.

[0171] The second heat conducting portion 8 is disposed in the polarization conversion element 52 that generates the most heat in the second housing portion 54, extends from the polarization conversion element 52 into the first duct 10, and conducts heat from the polarization conversion element 52.

[0172] According to the projector 100 of the present embodiment, the cooling mechanism 360 is able to cause the heat of each light modulating panel 140B, 140G, 140R housed in the first housing portion 144 to be emitted into the first duct 10 through the first heat conducting portion 170, and cause the heat of the polarization conversion element 52 housed in the second housing portion 54 to be emitted into the first duct 10 through the second heat conducting portion 8. Thereby, the light modulating panels 140B, 140G, 140R and the polarization conversion element 52 can be efficiently cooled.

[0173] Further, in the projector 100 of the present embodiment, the image forming unit 104 including each light modulating panel 140B, 140G, 140R is housed in the sealed space of the first housing portion 144, and the polarization conversion element 52 and the second lens array 51b are housed in the sealed space of the second housing portion 54. Therefore, even in the case where smoke exists in the surrounding environment, even if a filter or the like is not used, it is possible to prevent dust or smoke from adhering to the image forming unit 104, the polarization conversion element 52, and the second lens array 51b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in display quality caused by dust or smoke adhering to the image forming unit 104, the polarization conversion element 52, and the second lens array 51b.

[0174] Further, in the projector 100 of the present embodiment, the second fan 11 and the first heat exchanger 12 can also be arranged in the first housing portion 144. According to this structure, it is possible to supply the image forming unit 104 housed in the first housing portion 144 in a sealed state with a circulating flow of cold air K, and therefore, it is possible to efficiently cool the first heat conducting portion 170 and each component of the image forming unit 104.

[0175] Further, although one embodiment of the present application has been illustrated and described, the present application is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present application without departing from the gist thereof.

[0176] (First Modified Example)

[0177] Next, a first modified example of the projector will be described. The structure of the first heat conducting portion of the projector of the present modified example is different from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, and the other structures are common. Hereinafter, the structure of the first heat conducting portion will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be attached to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0178] Figure 12 is a view schematically showing the heat conducting path of the first heat conducting portion in the present modified example.

[0179] As Figure 12As shown, the first heat conducting portion 7A of the present modification conducts heat from the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R among the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R, the incidence side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R, and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R. The first heat conducting portion 7A of the present modification is composed of the polarizing plate heat conducting members 72.

[0180] Here, the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R among the constituent members of the image forming unit 4 generate the most heat. This is because the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R generate heat by blocking light other than the prescribed polarized light that is not used as image light.

[0181] In this regard, the first heat conducting portion 7A of the present modification cools the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R that generate the most heat, so the device structure can be downsized, and the image forming unit 4 can be cooled efficiently.

[0182] In the present modification, one polarizing plate heat conducting member 72 is extended from the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R into the first duct 10, but a plurality of polarizing plate heat conducting members can be extended from the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R into the first duct 10, respectively.

[0183] (Second Modification)

[0184] Next, the second modification of the projector will be described. The structure of the first heat conducting portion of the projector of the present modification is different from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, and the other structures are common. Hereinafter, the structure of the first heat conducting portion will be described mainly, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0185] The first heat conducting portion of the present modification has a plurality of panel heat conducting members extended from the blue liquid crystal panel 40B and the green liquid crystal panel 40G into the first duct 10, and a plurality of polarizing plate heat conducting members extended from at least one of the blue incidence side polarizing plate 41B and the green incidence side polarizing plate 41G, and the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B and the green emission side polarizing plate 42G into the first duct 10, respectively.

[0186] Figure 13 is a view schematically showing the heat conducting path of the first heat conducting portion in the present modification. As shown, the first heat conducting portion 7B of the present modification is composed of the first heat conducting member 70B, the second heat conducting member 70G, the fourth heat conducting member 71B, the fifth heat conducting member 71G, the seventh heat conducting member 72B, and the eighth heat conducting member 72G. Figure 13

[0187] ​The seventh heat conducting member 72B extends from the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B into the first duct 10 to conduct heat from the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B.

[0188] The eighth heat conducting member 72G extends from the green emission side polarizing plate 42G into the first duct 10 to conduct heat from the green emission side polarizing plate 42G.

[0189] That is, the first heat conducting section 7B of the present modification example has a plurality of panel heat conducting members extending from the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G corresponding to blue and green, respectively, and a plurality of polarizing plate heat conducting members extending from the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G corresponding to blue and green, respectively.

[0190] In the present modification example, the first heat conducting member 70B and the second heat conducting member 70G correspond to "a plurality of panel heat conducting members", and the fourth heat conducting member 71B, the fifth heat conducting member 71G, the seventh heat conducting member 72B and the eighth heat conducting member 72G correspond to "a plurality of polarizing plate heat conducting members".

[0191] Here, the degree of heat generation in each of the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R differs for each panel. For example, the green liquid crystal panel 40G corresponding to green light generates more heat than the other liquid crystal panels 40B, 40R. This is because, when the color balance of the illumination light WL is taken into account, the green liquid crystal panel 40G receives more light than the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40R.

[0192] Further, the blue liquid crystal panel 40B corresponding to blue light receives light of high energy in the short wavelength band from the light source device 2, so it is necessary to improve the light resistance compared to the other liquid crystal panels 40R, 40G.

[0193] It can be said that the difference in the degree of heat generation in the wavelength band of light is also the same in the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R.

[0194] In the first heat conducting section 7B of the present modification example, it is possible to cool the green liquid crystal panel 40G corresponding to green light, the green incident side polarizing plate 41G and the green emission side polarizing plate 42G, which generate the most heat, and the blue liquid crystal panel 40B corresponding to blue light of high energy, the blue incident side polarizing plate 41B and the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B, each by an independent heat conducting member. Thereby, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the image forming unit 4 while making the device structure as small as possible.

[0195] In the present modification example, the case where the heat conducting member is provided on both the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G is exemplified, but the heat conducting member can be provided on only either one of the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G. For example, in the case where the seventh heat conducting member 72B and the eighth heat conducting member 72G are provided on the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G which generate a relatively large amount of heat, the device structure can be simplified and the cooling efficiency of the image forming unit can be improved.

[0196] (Third Modification Example)

[0197] Next, a third modification example of the projector will be described. The first heat conducting portion of the projector of the present modification example is different from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, and the other structures are common. Hereinafter, the first heat conducting portion will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0198] Figure 14 Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a heat conducting path of the first heat conducting portion in the present modification example. As shown in Fig. 7, the first heat conducting portion 7C of the present modification example has one heat conducting member 73 which receives heat of the blue liquid crystal panel 40B and the green liquid crystal panel 40G, and the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B and the green emission side polarizing plate 42G, and extends into the first duct 10. Figure 14

[0199] Here, the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R are less likely to generate heat and generate a small amount of heat as compared with the liquid crystal panels 40B, 40G, 40R and the emission side polarizing plates 42B, 42G, 42R. This is because the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R transmit the prescribed linearly polarized light converted by the polarization conversion element 52, and thus the amount of heat generated by light blocking is suppressed.

[0200] In the first heat conducting portion 7C of the present modification example, the heat conducting member for the incident side polarizing plates 41B, 41G, 41R which generate a relatively small amount of heat is omitted, and thus the structure can be simplified. Further, the first heat conducting portion 7C can efficiently cool the green liquid crystal panel 40G and the green emission side polarizing plate 42G which correspond to the green light and generate the largest amount of heat, and the blue liquid crystal panel 40B and the blue emission side polarizing plate 42B which correspond to the blue light having a high energy, by one heat conducting member 73. Thus, the cooling efficiency of the image forming unit 4 can be improved without complicating the structure.

[0201] (Fourth Modification Example)

[0202] ​Next, a fourth modification of the projector will be described. The second heat conducting portion of the projector of this modification differs from the projector 1 of the first embodiment in structure, and the other structures are common. Hereinafter, the structure of the second heat conducting portion will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to the structures common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0203] Figure 15 is a view schematically showing the heat conducting path of the second heat conducting portion in this modification. As shown in Figure 15 the second heat conducting portion 8A of this modification includes one heat conducting member 180. The heat conducting member 180 includes a heat receiving portion 180a that receives heat of the second lens array 51b housed in the second housing portion 54, and a heat radiating portion 180b that extends from the heat receiving portion 180a to the first duct 10. In this modification, the second lens array 51b is fixed to the support member 81 by the adhesive 56. On the other hand, the first lens array 51a is fixed to the support member 81 via the spring member 55.

[0204] In the second heat conducting portion 8A of this modification, the second lens array 51b is efficiently cooled by the heat conducting member 180, and heat conduction to the adhesive 56 that fixes the second lens array 51b to the support member 81 can be suppressed. Thus, by suppressing the deterioration of the adhesive 56 caused by heat, the second lens array 51b can be stably fixed in the second housing portion 54.

[0205] In this modification, the case where the heat conducting member 180 conducts heat from the second lens array 51b is exemplified, but the heat conducting member 180 can also conduct heat from the polarization conversion element 52. At this time, a part of the heat receiving portion 180a is disposed on the light incident surface side of the polarization conversion element 52.

[0206] Also, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the case where the polarization conversion element 52 and the second lens array 51b that are part of the uniform illuminating unit 5 are housed in the second housing portion 54 as a closed space is exemplified, but the present application is not limited to this. For example, the entire uniform illuminating unit 5 can be housed in the second housing portion 54, or the uniformizing optical element 51 and the polarization conversion element 52 can be housed in the second housing portion 54, or only the uniformizing optical element 51 can be housed in the second housing portion 54, or only the polarization conversion element 52 can be housed in the second housing portion 54. Also, only one lens array of the uniformizing optical element 51 can be housed in the second housing portion 54, or the polarization conversion element 52 and the superposition lens 53 can be housed in the second housing portion 54.

[0207] The projector of the aspect of the present application can also have the following structure.

[0208] A projector of one embodiment of the present application includes a light source device, a uniformizing optical element that uniformizes light emitted from the light source device, a polarization conversion element that makes the polarization of light emitted from the uniformizing optical element uniform, at least one liquid crystal panel to which light emitted from the polarization conversion element is incident, at least one incident-side polarizing plate provided on the light-incident side of the liquid crystal panel, at least one emission-side polarizing plate provided on the light-emission side of the liquid crystal panel, a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the liquid crystal panel, a first housing portion that houses at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate in a sealed state, a second housing portion that houses at least part of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element in a sealed state, a first heat conduction portion that receives heat from at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate housed in the first housing portion and conducts the heat to the outside of the first housing portion, a second heat conduction portion that receives heat from at least part of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element housed in the second housing portion and conducts the heat to the outside of the second housing portion, a first fan that supplies air current to the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion, and a first duct that extends from the first fan and in which part of the first heat conduction portion and the second heat conduction portion are provided.

[0209] In the projector of the above-described embodiment, the first heat conduction portion can conduct heat from at least the emission-side polarizing plate among the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emission-side polarizing plate.

[0210] In the projector of the above-described embodiment, the projector includes a plurality of liquid crystal panels, a plurality of incident-side polarizing plates, and a plurality of emission-side polarizing plates. The plurality of liquid crystal panels include a blue liquid crystal panel, a green liquid crystal panel, and a red liquid crystal panel. The plurality of incident-side polarizing plates include a blue incident-side polarizing plate, a green incident-side polarizing plate, and a red incident-side polarizing plate. The plurality of emission-side polarizing plates include a blue emission-side polarizing plate, a green emission-side polarizing plate, and a red emission-side polarizing plate. The first housing portion houses the plurality of liquid crystal panels, the plurality of incident-side polarizing plates, the plurality of emission-side polarizing plates, and a light-combining element that combines light emitted from the plurality of liquid crystal panels in a sealed state.

[0211] In the projector of the above-described embodiment, the first heat conduction portion can conduct heat from at least one of at least one of the blue liquid crystal panel and the green liquid crystal panel, at least one of the blue incident-side polarizing plate and the green incident-side polarizing plate, and at least one of the blue emission-side polarizing plate and the green emission-side polarizing plate.

[0212] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the first heat conducting section can include a plurality of heat conducting members for the panels extending into the first duct from at least the blue liquid crystal panel and the green liquid crystal panel, and a plurality of heat conducting members for the polarizing plates extending into the first duct from at least one of the blue incident-side polarizing plate and the green incident-side polarizing plate and at least one of the blue emission-side polarizing plate and the green emission-side polarizing plate.

[0213] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the first heat conducting section can include one heat conducting member receiving heat from at least one of the blue emission-side polarizing plate and the green emission-side polarizing plate and the blue liquid crystal panel and the green liquid crystal panel and extending into the first duct.

[0214] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the first heat conducting section can include a first heat conducting member extending into the first duct from the blue liquid crystal panel, a second heat conducting member extending into the first duct from the green liquid crystal panel, and one heat conducting member for the polarizing plates extending into the first duct from at least the blue emission-side polarizing plate and the green emission-side polarizing plate.

[0215] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the projector can further include a second fan housed in the first housing section, and a first heat exchanger cooling an airflow delivered into the first housing section by the second fan.

[0216] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the projector can further include a second duct connected to the first housing section, a third fan delivering an airflow into the first housing section via the second duct, and a third duct delivering an airflow discharged from the first housing section to an air inlet of the third fan.

[0217] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the projector can further include a second heat exchanger having a heat absorbing section absorbing heat from an airflow flowing in the third duct and a heat radiating section disposed in the first duct.

[0218] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the second housing section can house at least the polarization conversion element, and the second heat conducting section can conduct heat of the polarization conversion element.

[0219] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the uniformizing optical element can be a pair of lens arrays.

[0220] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the second housing section can house one of the pair of lens arrays, the one of the pair of lens arrays being fixed to a support member by an adhesive, and the second heat conducting section can conduct heat of the one of the pair of lens arrays.

[0221] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the other lens array can be fixed to the support member by a spring member.

[0222] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the second housing portion can house a rear-stage lens array that is located at a rear stage of the pair of lens arrays and a polarization conversion element that is located at a rear stage of the rear-stage lens array, a front-stage lens array that is located at a front stage of the pair of lens arrays can be disposed at a light incident portion of the second housing portion, an overlapping lens can be disposed at a light exit portion of the second housing portion, and the second heat conducting portion can conduct heat of the polarization conversion element.

[0223] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the projector can further include a fourth fan that causes an airflow to flow within the second housing portion, and the airflow from the fourth fan can flow at least along a surface of the polarization conversion element and then be delivered to an air intake of the fourth fan.

[0224] A projector of another aspect of the present application includes a light source device, a uniformizing optical element that uniformizes light emitted from the light source device, at least one light modulation panel to which light emitted from the uniformizing optical element is incident, a projection optical system that projects light modulated by the light modulation panel, a first housing portion that houses the light modulation panel in a sealed state, a second housing portion that houses at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element in a sealed state, a first heat conducting portion that receives heat from the light modulation panel and conducts the heat to an outside of the first housing portion, a second heat conducting portion that receives heat from the uniformizing optical element housed in the second housing portion and conducts the heat to an outside of the second housing portion, a first fan that delivers an airflow to the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion, and a first duct that extends from the first fan and in which the first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion are disposed.

[0225] In the projector of the above-described aspect, the projector can include a plurality of light modulation panels including a blue light modulation panel, a green light modulation panel, and a red light modulation panel, and the first housing portion can house a light combining element that combines light emitted from the blue light modulation panel, the green light modulation panel, and the red light modulation panel.

Claims

1. A projector, characterized in that: It has: Light source device; a uniformizing optical element for uniformizing the light emitted from the light source device; a polarization conversion element that makes the polarization of light emitted from the uniformizing optical element uniform; at least one liquid crystal panel, on which the light emitted from the polarization conversion element is incident; an incident-side polarizing plate disposed on the light incident side of each of the liquid crystal panels; an output-side polarizing plate disposed on the light output side of each of the liquid crystal panels; a projection optical system for projecting light modulated by the liquid crystal panel; a first housing portion for housing at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emitting-side polarizing plate in a sealed state; a second housing portion for housing at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element in a sealed state; a first heat transfer portion that receives heat from at least one of the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the emitting-side polarizing plate housed in the first housing portion and transfers the heat to the outside of the first housing portion; a second heat transfer portion that receives heat from at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element and / or the polarization conversion element housed in the second housing portion and transfers the heat to the outside of the second housing portion; a first fan configured to deliver airflow to the first heat transfer portion and the second heat transfer portion; and The first duct extends from the first fan and is provided with the first heat transfer portion and a portion of the second heat transfer portion.

2. The projector according to claim 1, wherein The first heat transfer portion transfers heat from at least the output-side polarizing plate among the liquid crystal panel, the incident-side polarizing plate, and the output-side polarizing plate.

3. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each of the projectors includes a plurality of the liquid crystal panels, a plurality of the incident-side polarizing plates, and a plurality of the emitting-side polarizing plates. The plurality of liquid crystal panels include a blue liquid crystal panel, a green liquid crystal panel, and a red liquid crystal panel. The plurality of incident-side polarizing plates include a blue incident-side polarizing plate, a green incident-side polarizing plate, and a red incident-side polarizing plate. The plurality of output-side polarizing plates include a blue output-side polarizing plate, a green output-side polarizing plate, and a red output-side polarizing plate. The first housing section houses the plurality of liquid crystal panels, the plurality of incident-side polarizing plates, the plurality of exit-side polarizing plates, and a light combining element for combining light emitted from the plurality of liquid crystal panels in a sealed state.

4. The projector according to claim 3, wherein: The first heat conduction portion conducts heat from at least one of the following components: at least one of the blue liquid crystal panel and the green liquid crystal panel, at least one of the blue incident-side polarizing plate and the green incident-side polarizing plate, and at least one of the blue emitting-side polarizing plate and the green emitting-side polarizing plate.

5. The projector according to claim 3, wherein: The first heat transfer portion includes: a plurality of panel heat conducting members extending from at least the blue liquid crystal panel and the green liquid crystal panel into the first duct; and A plurality of polarizing plate heat conducting members extend from at least one of the blue incident-side polarizing plate and the green incident-side polarizing plate and at least one of the blue emitting-side polarizing plate and the green emitting-side polarizing plate into the first duct.

6. The projector according to claim 3, wherein: The first heat transfer portion includes a heat transfer member that receives heat from at least one of the blue and green emitting-side polarizing plates and the blue and green liquid crystal panels and extends into the first duct.

7. The projector according to claim 3, wherein: The first heat transfer portion includes: a first heat conducting member extending from the blue liquid crystal panel into the first duct; a second heat conducting member extending from the green liquid crystal panel into the first duct; A thermally conductive member for polarizing plates extends from at least the blue emission-side polarizing plate and the green emission-side polarizing plate into the first duct.

8. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The projector also has: a second fan housed in the first housing portion; and The first heat exchanger cools the airflow sent into the first housing portion by the second fan.

9. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The projector also has: a second pipe connected to the first housing portion; a third fan configured to deliver airflow into the first storage portion via the second duct; and The third duct conveys the airflow exhausted from the first housing portion to an air inlet of the third fan.

10. The projector according to claim 9, wherein The projector further includes a second heat exchanger having a heat absorbing portion that absorbs heat from air flowing in the third duct, and a heat radiating portion that is arranged in the first duct.

11. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The second housing portion houses at least the polarization conversion element. The second heat transfer portion transfers heat from at least the polarization conversion element.

12. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The uniformizing optical element is a pair of lens arrays.

13. The projector according to claim 12, wherein: The second storage portion stores at least one lens array. The lens array on one side is fixed to the supporting member by an adhesive, The second heat transfer portion transfers heat from the one lens array.

14. The projector according to claim 13, wherein: The other lens array is fixed to the supporting member via a spring member.

15. The projector according to claim 12, wherein: The second storage portion stores the rear-stage lens array of the pair of lens arrays and the polarization conversion element located at the rear stage of the rear-stage lens array; A front-stage lens array in the pair of lens arrays is arranged at the light incident portion of the second storage portion. A superimposed lens is arranged on the light emitting portion of the second storage portion. The second heat transfer portion transfers heat from the polarization conversion element.

16. The projector according to claim 15, wherein: The projector further includes a fourth fan for causing airflow to flow in the second storage portion. The airflow from the fourth fan flows at least along the surface of the polarization conversion element and is then delivered to the air inlet of the fourth fan.

17. A projector, characterized in that: It has: Light source device; a uniformizing optical element for uniformizing the light emitted from the light source device; at least one light modulation panel, on which the light emitted from the uniformizing optical element is incident; a projection optical system for projecting the light modulated by the light modulation panel; a first housing portion for housing the light modulation panel in a sealed state; a second housing portion for housing at least a portion of the uniformizing optical element in a sealed state; a first heat transfer portion that receives heat from the light modulation panel and transfers the heat to the outside of the first housing portion; a second heat transfer portion that receives heat from the uniformizing optical element housed in the second housing portion and transfers the heat to the outside of the second housing portion; a first fan configured to deliver airflow to the first heat transfer portion and the second heat transfer portion; and The first duct extends from the first fan and is provided with the first heat transfer portion and the second heat transfer portion.

18. The projector according to claim 17, wherein: The projector includes a plurality of light modulation panels. The plurality of light modulation panels include a blue light modulation panel, a green light modulation panel, and a red light modulation panel. The first housing portion houses, in a sealed state, a light combining element that combines the light emitted from the blue light modulation panel, the green light modulation panel, and the red light modulation panel.

Images