Light source device, lighting device and projector

Abstract

This invention provides a light source device, an illumination device, and a projector, which can reduce the load applied to the irradiated area. The light source device includes: a first light source having a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a first direction, emitting a first light beam; a second light source having a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a second direction, emitting a second light beam in the emission direction of the first light beam; and a combining element that combines the first light beam and the second light beam to generate combined light, emitting the combined light towards the irradiated area. The combined light has a combined light intensity distribution in which a first region with the highest light intensity in the first light beam and a second region with the highest light intensity in the second light beam do not overlap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to light source devices, lighting devices, and projectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional light source devices exist that emit composite light obtained by combining light rays emitted from multiple solid-state light sources through a focusless optical system onto an irradiated area (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). Additionally, light source devices exist that use a one-dimensional arrangement of multiple semiconductor lasers in a row (for example, see Patent Document 2 below).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-137744

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-212752

[0005] For example, when a composite light is emitted into the irradiation area, which is a composite light from a light source device that combines multiple light source units arranged in the one-dimensional array described above, the light intensity distribution in the irradiation area may be too high, potentially placing a load on the irradiation area. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above problems, the light source device of the present invention includes: a first light source having a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a first direction, emitting a first light beam; a second light source having a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a second direction, emitting a second light beam in the emission direction of the first light beam; and a combining element that combines the first light beam and the second light beam to generate combined light, and emits the combined light into an irradiated area. The combined light has a combined light intensity distribution in which a first region of the first light beam having the greatest light intensity and a second region of the second light beam having the greatest light intensity do not overlap.

[0007] The lighting device of the present invention includes: the above-described light source device; and a wavelength conversion element disposed in the illumination area of ​​the light source device to convert the wavelength of the synthesized light.

[0008] The projector of the present invention comprises: the above-described illumination device; a light modulation device that modulates light from the illumination device; and a projection optical device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the general structure of a lighting device.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the overall structure of the light source device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the first light source section.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second light source unit.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a conceptual representation of the composite light.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light.

[0016] Figure 8A This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light in Comparative Example 1.

[0017] Figure 8B This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light in Comparative Example 2.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram comparing the effects of each synthesized light.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the overall structure of the light source device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a diagram that conceptually represents the synthesized light SL synthesized by polarization synthesizing elements.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the effect of shining synthetic light onto a wavelength conversion element.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light when the spacing between the rays is increased.

[0024] Figure 15A It is a diagram that conceptually represents the composite light emitted from the light source device of the first variation.

[0025] Figure 15B It is a diagram that conceptually represents the composite light emitted from the light source device of the second variation.

[0026] Figure 15C It is a diagram that conceptually represents the composite light emitted from the light source device of the third variation.

[0027] Label Explanation

[0028] 1: Projector; 2: Illumination device; 4B, 4G, 4R: Light modulation device; 11, 111: Light source device; 14, 114: Light combining component; 15: Wavelength conversion element; 17: Diffuser element; 19: Dichroic mirror (reflective component); 32: Polarization conversion element (optical element); 32K: Entrance opening; 41: Light emission element (first light emission element); 51: First light source; 52: Second light source; 53: Third light source; 54: Fourth light source; 140: Polarization combining element (combining element); 141, 171: Reflector (first reflective component); 142, 172: Reflector (second reflective component); 143, 173: Reflector (third reflective component); 144, 174: Reflector ( 145: Mirror (5th reflector); 170: Polarization combining element; 175: Phase difference element; 241: Light emitting element (2nd light emitting element); 341: Light emitting element (3rd light emitting element); 441: Light emitting element; ID, ID2, ID3: Composite light intensity distribution; LS2: 2nd beam; LS1, LS11: 1st beam; LS3, LS33: 3rd beam; LS4: 4th beam; SA1: High intensity region (1st region); SA2: High intensity region (2nd region); SA3: High intensity region (3rd region); SA4: High intensity region (4th region); SL, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL5, SL6, SL7: Composite light. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The projector in this embodiment is an example of a projector that uses a liquid crystal panel as a light modulation device.

[0031] In addition, in the following figures, the scale of the dimensions is sometimes different depending on the structural element to facilitate observation of the structural elements.

[0032] (First Implementation)

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector according to this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 1 The projector 1 shown in this embodiment is a projection-type image display device that displays color images on a screen SCR. The projector 1 uses three light modulation devices corresponding to each color of light: red light R, green light G, and blue light B.

[0035] The projector 1 has an illumination device 2, a color separation optical system 3, a light modulation device 4R, a light modulation device 4G, a light modulation device 4B, a synthesis optical system 5, and a projection optical device 6.

[0036] The illumination device 2 directs white illumination light WL toward the color-separating optical system 3. The color-separating optical system 3 separates the white illumination light WL into red light R, green light G, and blue light B. The color-separating optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 7a, a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflecting mirror 8a, a second reflecting mirror 8b, a third reflecting mirror 8c, a first relay lens 9a, and a second relay lens 9b.

[0037] The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL from the illumination device 2 into red light R and other light (green light G and blue light B). The first dichroic mirror 7a allows the separated red light R to pass through and reflects the other light (green light G and blue light B). On the other hand, the second dichroic mirror 7b separates the other light into green light G and blue light B. The second dichroic mirror 7b reflects the separated green light G and allows the blue light B to pass through.

[0038] The first reflector 8a is positioned in the optical path of the red light R, reflecting the red light R that has passed through the first dichroic mirror 7a toward the light modulation device 4R. On the other hand, the second reflector 8b and the third reflector 8c are positioned in the optical path of the blue light B, reflecting the blue light B that has passed through the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the light modulation device 4B. Additionally, the green light G is reflected by the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the light modulation device 4G.

[0039] The first relay lens 9a is positioned between the second dichroic mirror 7b and the second reflecting mirror 8b in the optical path of blue light B. The second relay lens 9b is positioned between the second reflecting mirror 8b and the third reflecting mirror 8c in the optical path of blue light B. The first relay lens 9a and the second relay lens 9b correct for the difference in illumination distribution of blue light B caused by the fact that the optical path length of blue light B is longer than that of red light R and green light G.

[0040] Optical modulation device 4R modulates red light R according to image information to form image light corresponding to red light R. Optical modulation device 4G modulates green light G according to image information to form image light corresponding to green light G. Optical modulation device 4B modulates blue light B according to image information to form image light corresponding to blue light B.

[0041] The light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B use, for example, transmissive liquid crystal panels. Furthermore, polarizers (not shown) are disposed on the incident and emission sides of the liquid crystal panel, creating a structure that allows only linearly polarized light in a specific direction to pass through.

[0042] Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B are respectively disposed on the incident side of optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B. Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B parallelize the principal rays of red light R, green light G, and blue light B incident on each optical modulation device 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0043] The synthesizing optical system 5 synthesizes image lights corresponding to red light R, green light G, and blue light B by incident image lights emitted from light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, and then emits the synthesized image lights toward the projection optical device 6. The synthesizing optical system 5 may use, for example, a cross-shaped dichroic prism.

[0044] The projection optics 6 consists of multiple projection lenses. The projection optics 6 magnifies and projects the image light synthesized by the combining optics system 5 toward the SCR screen. Thus, the image is displayed on the SCR screen.

[0045] An example of the lighting device 2 in this embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the lighting device 2.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting device 2 includes a light source device 11, a diffusion element 17, a wavelength conversion element 15, a homogenizing lighting optical system 16, a focusing optical system 18, and a dichroic mirror (reflective component) 19.

[0048] The following description uses an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system to explain the configuration of each structure of the lighting device 2 and the light source device 11. In this embodiment, the direction along the lighting optical axis AX in the lighting device 2 is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction along the first optical axis AX1 of the light source device 11 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis is defined as the Z-axis direction. The first optical axis AX1 and the lighting optical axis AX are perpendicular to each other.

[0049] The light source device 11 and the dichroic mirror 19 are arranged along the first optical axis AX1. The wavelength conversion element 15, the focusing optical system 18, the dichroic mirror 19 and the homogenizing illumination optical system 16 are arranged along the illumination optical axis AX of the illumination device 2.

[0050] The composite light SL emitted from the light source device 11 is incident on the dichroic mirror 19 via the diffusion element 17. As will be described later, the light source device 11 of this embodiment is in a state where the beam width of the composite light SL is reduced, thus enabling the dichroic mirror 19 to be miniaturized.

[0051] As the diffusion element 17, for example, a surface diffusion plate with an uneven structure on the surface of the light-transmitting plate, a refractive index distribution type diffusion plate with a refractive index distribution inside the light-transmitting plate, a diffraction element, a holographic element, or a lens element can be used. The synthesized light SL passes through the diffusion element 17, thereby improving the uniformity of the light intensity distribution in the wavelength conversion element 15 of the illuminated area.

[0052] Alternatively, a convex lens can be provided between the light source device 11 and the dichroic mirror 19 instead of the diffuser element 17, so that the synthesized light SL is incident on the wavelength conversion element 15, which is the illuminated area, in a defocused state (blurred focus state), thereby improving the uniformity of the light intensity distribution in the wavelength conversion element 15. Alternatively, the convex lens and the diffuser element 17 can be combined.

[0053] Dichroic mirror 19 has the optical properties of reflecting the composite light SL in the blue band and transmitting the fluorescent Y in the yellow band emitted from the wavelength conversion element 15 (described later). Dichroic mirror 19 is composed of a dielectric multilayer film. Alternatively, a reflector that reflects both the composite light SL and the fluorescent Y can be used instead of dichroic mirror 19.

[0054] The composite light SL reflected by the dichroic mirror 19 is incident on the focusing optical system 18. The focusing optical system 18 includes convex lenses 18a and 18b, which converge the composite light SL and cause it to be incident on the wavelength conversion element 15.

[0055] The wavelength conversion element 15 includes a substrate 21, a reflective layer 22, and a wavelength conversion layer 23. The substrate 21 serves as a support substrate for the reflective layer 22 and the wavelength conversion layer 23, and also as a heat dissipation substrate for dissipating heat conducted from the wavelength conversion layer 23. The substrate 21 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal or ceramic.

[0056] The reflective layer 22 is located between the substrate 21 and the wavelength conversion layer 23, and reflects light incident from the wavelength conversion layer 23 back to the wavelength conversion layer 23 side. The reflective layer 22 is composed of a stacked film including a dielectric multilayer film, a metal mirror, and an anti-reflection film.

[0057] A wavelength conversion layer 23 is disposed on the reflective layer 22. The wavelength conversion layer 23 has an upper surface 23a for incident synthetic light S and a lower surface 23b different from the upper surface 23a. The wavelength conversion layer 23 converts the synthetic light SL in the blue band into fluorescence Y in a different band than the blue band.

[0058] The wavelength conversion layer 23 may contain a ceramic phosphor or a single-crystal phosphor. The fluorescent Y has a peak wavelength in the band of 500–680 nm, for example. That is, the fluorescent Y is yellow light containing both green and red light components.

[0059] Wavelength conversion layer 23 may include, for example, a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) phosphor. As an activator, YAG:Ce containing cerium (Ce) can be used as the wavelength conversion layer 23. This can be achieved by mixing raw material powders containing constituent elements such as Y₂O₃, Al₂O₃, and CeO₃ and then subjecting them to a solid-phase reaction; by using atomized Y-Al-O particles obtained through wet methods such as co-precipitation or sol-gel methods; or by using YAG particles obtained through gas-phase methods such as spray drying, flame thermal decomposition, or thermal plasma methods. Furthermore, when a porous sintered body is used as the wavelength conversion layer 23, light is scattered within the phosphor and does not easily propagate laterally, making it preferable from the viewpoint of light utilization efficiency.

[0060] In this embodiment, a scattering structure (not shown) is provided on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 to scatter a portion of the synthesized light SL.

[0061] According to the wavelength conversion element 15 of this embodiment having the above-described structure, white illumination light WL, comprising fluorescence Y generated by the wavelength conversion layer 23 and diffused reflected light B1 consisting of a portion of the synthesized light SL diffused and reflected from the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23, is emitted toward the focusing optical system 18. The illumination light WL is substantially parallelized by the focusing optical system 18. The illumination light WL passing through the focusing optical system 18 passes through the dichroic mirror 19 disposed on the illumination optical axis AX.

[0062] Here, the dichroic mirror 19 has the optical properties of reflecting the synthesized light SL and allowing the fluorescence Y to pass through. Therefore, the fluorescence Y contained in the illumination light WL passes through the dichroic mirror 19 and is directed toward the homogenization illumination optical system 16. Because the fluorescence Y passes through the dichroic mirror 19, the light loss of fluorescence Y caused by the dichroic mirror 19 can be reduced.

[0063] On the other hand, the diffused reflected light B1 contained in the illumination light WL is light of the same wavelength as the composite light SL, and is therefore reflected by the dichroic mirror 19. In contrast, in this embodiment, the composite light SL is incident on the dichroic mirror 19 in a state of beam width compression, thereby miniaturizing the dichroic mirror 19. Therefore, the amount of incident light B1 relative to the dichroic mirror 19 can be suppressed, and thus the light loss of diffused reflected light B1 caused by reflection by the dichroic mirror 19 can be reduced.

[0064] Illumination light WL emitted from wavelength conversion element 15 is incident on homogenizing illumination optical system (illumination optical system) 16. Homogenizing illumination optical system 16 includes integrating optical system 31, polarization conversion element 32, and overlapping optical system 33. Integrating optical system 31 has a first multilens array 31a and a second multilens array 31b. Polarization conversion element 32 aligns the polarization direction of illumination light WL with the transmission axis of the incident-side polarizers of optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0065] Therefore, the polarization directions of the red light R, green light G, and blue light B obtained by separating the illumination light WL that has passed through the polarization conversion element 32 are aligned with the transmission axis direction of the incident-side polarizers of each optical modulation device 4R, 4G, and 4B. Consequently, the red light R, green light G, and blue light B are incident on the image forming areas of the optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B respectively, without being blocked by the incident-side polarizers.

[0066] The overlapping optical system 33, together with the second multi-lens array 31b, causes the images of each small lens of the first multi-lens array 31a to be imaged near the image forming areas of each optical modulation device 4R, 4G, 4B.

[0067] In order to improve the reliability of the projector 1, it is important to maintain the brightness of the illumination light WL. In order to maintain the brightness of the illumination light WL, it is effective to extend the life of the wavelength conversion element 15 by reducing the load on the wavelength conversion element 15.

[0068] Generally speaking, if the intensity of the excitation light incident on a phosphor is too high, the phosphor's load increases, leading to deformation, breakage, and a shorter phosphor lifetime. Therefore, to reduce the phosphor's load, it is important to improve the uniformity of the excitation light intensity distribution to prevent high-intensity light from incident on the phosphor.

[0069] The light source device 11 of this embodiment reduces the load in the wavelength conversion layer 23 by improving the uniformity of the light intensity distribution of the synthesized light SL irradiated towards the wavelength conversion element 15 disposed in the irradiation area. The structure of the light source device 11 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of the light source device 11 as viewed from the +Z side to the -Z side.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source device 11 of this embodiment includes a first light source unit 11A, a second light source unit 11B, and a light synthesis component 14.

[0072] The first light source unit 11A has a first light source section 51 and a third light source section 53. The first light source section 51 emits a first light beam LS1 in the Y-axis direction. The third light source section 53 emits a third light beam LS3 in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] The second light source unit 11B has a second light source section 52 and a fourth light source section 54. The second light source section 52 emits a second light beam LS2 in the Y-axis direction. The fourth light source section 54 emits a fourth light beam LS4 in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] The light combining component 14 emits the combined light SL, which combines the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 emitted from the first light source unit 11A and the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the second light source unit 11B, into the wavelength conversion layer 23, which serves as the illumination area.

[0075] In this embodiment, the light combining component 14 includes a polarization combining element (combining element) 140, a reflector (first reflecting component) 141, a reflector (second reflecting component) 142, a reflector (third reflecting component) 143, a reflector (fourth reflecting component) 144, and a reflector (fifth reflecting component) 145.

[0076] In the first light source unit 11A, the first light source section 51 and the third light source section 53 have the same structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the first light source section 51 will be described as an example.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the first light source unit 51.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the first light source unit 51 has multiple light-emitting elements (first light-emitting elements) 41, a substrate 42, and a support member 43.

[0079] The substrate 42 has a first surface 42a and a second surface 42b, and is made of a metal material with excellent heat dissipation, such as aluminum or copper. A support member 43 is disposed on the first surface 42a of the substrate 42. The support member 43, like the substrate 42, is also made of a metal material with excellent heat dissipation, such as aluminum or copper. The support member 43 has a mounting surface 43a for mounting a plurality of light-emitting elements 41. Viewed from the normal direction, the mounting surface 43a has a rectangular shape, with a long side direction and a short side direction.

[0080] Multiple light-emitting elements 41 are arranged at intervals along the length of the mounting surface 43a on the support member 43. The multiple light-emitting elements 41 are supported on the substrate 42 via the support member 43. In this embodiment, the first light source unit 51 has multiple (four in this embodiment) light-emitting elements 41 arranged in a row along the Z-axis direction (first direction).

[0081] The light-emitting elements 41 are mounted on the support member 43 such that their rectangular light-emitting surfaces 41a and the end faces 43c of the long side of the support member 43 are located on approximately the same plane. Therefore, the emission direction of the light rays L1 emitted from each light-emitting element 41 is consistent with the direction of the short side of the support member 43. In addition, the emission direction of the light ray L1 is along the direction of the principal ray of the light ray L1.

[0082] The arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 41 intersects the emission direction of the light ray L1. In this embodiment, the shape of the cross-section of the light ray L1 emitted from each light-emitting element 41 perpendicular to the principal ray is elliptical. The minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 41. The major axis of the ellipse is aligned with the X-axis direction. Alternatively, the shape of the cross-section of the light ray L1 emitted from each light-emitting element 41 perpendicular to the principal ray may not be a perfect ellipse.

[0083] Multiple light-emitting elements 41 are each composed of a blue semiconductor laser that emits blue light. As an example, the blue semiconductor laser emits blue light with a peak wavelength in the blue band of 380nm to 495nm. The light rays L1 emitted from each light-emitting element 41 are parallelized by a collimating lens (not shown) disposed near the light-emitting surface 41a.

[0084] Therefore, the first light source unit 51 emits a beam containing four blue rays L1 arranged in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the light beam containing the four rays L1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 is referred to as the first beam LS1.

[0085] The first beam LS1 emitted from the first light source 51 is S-polarized light (light polarized in the first direction) directed at the polarization combining element 140.

[0086] The third light source unit 53, which has the same structure as the first light source unit 51, includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (third light-emitting elements) 341 and a substrate 342 arranged in the Z-axis direction. Here, the light-emitting elements 341 and the substrate 342 have the same structure as the light-emitting elements 41 and the substrate 42 of the first light source unit 51.

[0087] The third light source unit 53 is arranged relative to the first light source unit 51 in the X-axis direction, which intersects the Z-axis direction. The substrates 42 and 342 of both the first and third light source units 51 are arranged parallel to the ZX plane (a defined plane). That is, the substrates 42 and 342 of both the first and third light source units 51 are arranged on the same plane. The first and third light source units 51 are integrally supported by a support member (not shown).

[0088] In the third light source unit 53, the shape of the cross-section of the light emitted from each light-emitting element 341 perpendicular to the principal ray is elliptical. The minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 341.

[0089] The third light source unit 53 emits a beam containing four blue rays arranged in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the beam containing the four blue rays emitted from the third light source unit 53 is referred to as the third beam LS3.

[0090] In this embodiment, the third beam LS3 emitted from the third light source 53 is the same as the first beam LS1, and is S-polarized light (light polarized in the first direction) directed towards the polarization combining element 140.

[0091] The reflector 141 reflects the third beam LS3 emitted from the third light source 53 toward the X-axis direction, which intersects the emission direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) and the Z-axis direction (the first direction) of the third beam LS3. Specifically, the third beam LS3 is reflected by the reflector 141 toward the reflector 142.

[0092] Reflector 142 reflects the third beam LS3, which has been reflected by reflector 141, toward the emission direction of the first beam LS1 emitted from the first light source 51, i.e., the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, reflector 141 is positioned closer to the -X side than the first light source 51. Furthermore, reflectors 141 and 142 are, for example, composed of plate-like members, which are provided with a film composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film.

[0093] The first light beam LS1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 is directly incident on the reflector 143. The reflector 143 is, for example, a plate-shaped member provided with a film composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film. The third light beam LS3, after being reflected by the reflector 142, is incident on the reflector 143. That is, the third light beam LS3 after being reflected by the reflector 142 and the first light beam LS1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 are incident on the reflector 143.

[0094] The reflector 143 reflects the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 toward the polarization combining element 140. The first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3, after being reflected by the reflector 143, are incident on the polarization combining element 140 from the X-axis direction.

[0095] Here, the distance between the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 incident on front of reflectors 141 and 142 along the X direction is defined as the first distance D1, and the distance between the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 incident on back of reflectors 141 and 142 along the X direction is defined as the second distance D2.

[0096] In the light source device 11 of this embodiment, reflectors 141 and 142 are arranged such that the second interval D2 after incident on the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 is narrower than the first interval D1 before incident on the reflectors 141 and 142.

[0097] Specifically, the third beam LS3, after being reflected by the reflector 141, intersects with the first beam LS1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 and is then reflected by the reflector 142. The reflector 142 is positioned such that the second interval D2 is narrower than the first interval D1.

[0098] The first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 are incident on the polarization combining element 140 with a narrowing interval between them in the X-axis direction. In the light source device 11 of this embodiment, the polarization combining element 140 can be miniaturized in the X-axis direction.

[0099] The polarization combining element 140 is composed of an optical element having a polarization separation function for blue light. The polarization combining element 140 has a polarization separation function that reflects the S-polarized component of blue light while allowing the P-polarized component to pass through. In this embodiment, a first light beam LS1 emitted from the first light source 51 and a third light beam LS3 reflected by the mirror 142 are incident on the polarization combining element 140 as S-polarized light. Therefore, the first light beam LS1 and the third light beam LS3 are reflected by the polarization combining element 140 and emitted in the Y-axis direction.

[0100] Next, the structure of the second light source unit 11B will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of the second light source unit 11B, which is a top view of the second light source unit 11B viewed from the +X side toward the -X side.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the second light source unit 11B has a second light source section 52 and a fourth light source section 54. The second light source section 52 emits a second light beam LS2 in the Y-axis direction. The fourth light source section 54 emits a fourth light beam LS4 in the Y-axis direction.

[0102] The second light source unit 52 and the fourth light source unit 54 have the same structure as the first light source unit 51 and are arranged in the Z-axis direction respectively.

[0103] The second light source unit 52 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements (second light-emitting elements) 241 and a substrate 242 arranged in a row along the X-axis direction (second direction). Here, the light-emitting elements 241 and the substrate 242 have the same structure as the light-emitting elements 41 and the substrate 42 of the first light source unit 51.

[0104] That is, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 241 in the second light source section 52, i.e. the X-axis direction (second direction), intersects (perpendiculars) the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 241, 341 in the first light source section 51 and the third light source section 53, i.e. the Z-axis direction (first direction).

[0105] The cross-section of the light emitted from each light-emitting element 241 of the second light source unit 52, perpendicular to the principal ray, is elliptical. The minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 241. The second light source unit 52 emits a beam containing four blue rays arranged in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the entire beam containing the four blue rays emitted from the second light source unit 52 is referred to as the second beam LS2.

[0106] The fourth light source unit 54 is disposed relative to the second light source unit 52 in the Z-axis direction, which intersects the X-axis direction (the second direction). Like the second light source unit 52, the fourth light source unit 54 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 441 and a substrate 442 arranged sequentially in a row along the X-axis direction. Here, the light-emitting elements 441 and the substrate 442 have the same structure as the light-emitting elements 41 and the substrate 42 of the first light source unit 51.

[0107] That is, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 441 in the fourth light source section 54, i.e. the X-axis direction (second direction), intersects (perpendiculars) the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 41, 241 in the first light source section 51 and the second light source section 52, i.e. the Z-axis direction (first direction).

[0108] The cross-section of the light emitted from each light-emitting element 441 of the fourth light source unit 54, perpendicular to the principal ray, is elliptical. The minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of light-emitting elements 441. The fourth light source unit 54 emits a beam containing four blue rays arranged in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the light beam containing the four blue rays emitted from the fourth light source unit 54 is collectively referred to as the fourth beam LS4. The fourth light source unit 54 emits the fourth beam LS4 in the same direction as the second beam LS2 in the second light source unit 52.

[0109] In this embodiment, the substrates 242 and 442 of the second light source section 52 and the fourth light source section 54 are respectively arranged parallel to the ZX plane (the specified plane).

[0110] Therefore, in the light source device 11 of this embodiment, the substrates 42, 242, 342, and 442 of the first light source unit 51, the second light source unit 52, the third light source unit 53, and the fourth light source unit 54 are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, for example, cooling air can be supplied to each substrate 42, 242, 342, and 442 from one direction. Therefore, cooling of the first light source unit 51, the second light source unit 52, the third light source unit 53, and the fourth light source unit 54 becomes easier.

[0111] In this embodiment, the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source unit 52 and the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the fourth light source unit 54 are P-polarized light (light polarized in the second direction) directed towards the polarization combining element 140.

[0112] The reflector 144 reflects the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the fourth light source 54 toward the Z-axis direction, which intersects the emission direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) and the X-axis direction (the second direction) of the fourth beam LS4. Specifically, the fourth beam LS4 is reflected by the reflector 144 toward the reflector 145.

[0113] The reflector 145 reflects the fourth beam LS4, which is reflected by the reflector 144, toward the emission direction of the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52, i.e., the Y-axis direction. In addition, the reflectors 144 and 145 are, for example, plate-shaped members, which are provided with a film made of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film.

[0114] The second light beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52 is directly incident on the polarization combining element 140. The fourth light beam LS4, after being reflected by the mirror 145, is incident on the polarization combining element 140. That is, the fourth light beam LS4 after being reflected by the mirror 145 and the second light beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52 are incident on the polarization combining element 140.

[0115] Here, the interval along the Z direction between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 incident on front of reflectors 144 and 145 is called the third interval D3, and the interval along the Z direction between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 incident on back of reflectors 144 and 145 is called the fourth interval D4.

[0116] In the light source device 11 of this embodiment, reflectors 144 and 145 reflect the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4, such that the interval between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 is narrower after incident on reflectors 144 and 145 than before incident on reflectors 144 and 145. Specifically, the fourth beam LS4, after being reflected by reflector 144, intersects with the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source unit 52 and is then reflected by reflector 145. Reflector 145 is positioned such that the fourth interval D4 is narrower than the third interval D3.

[0117] The second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are incident on the polarization combining element 140 with a narrowing interval between them in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, in the light source device 11 of this embodiment, the polarization combining element 140 can be miniaturized in the Z-axis direction.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52 and the fourth beam LS4 reflected by the reflector 145 are incident as P-polarized light onto the polarization combining element 140. Therefore, the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are emitted in the Y-axis direction through the polarization combining element 140.

[0119] In this way, the polarization combining element 140 generates a composite beam SL that combines the first beam LS1, the second beam LS2, the third beam LS3, and the fourth beam LS4.

[0120] Figure 6 This is a conceptual illustration of the synthesized light SL synthesized by the polarization synthesizing element 140. Figure 6 This is a diagram of the synthesized light SL emitted from the polarization synthesizing element 140 and incident on the diffuser element 17, viewed from the +Y side towards the -Y side. Figure 7 This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light SL. Figure 7 The illuminance distribution of the synthesized light SL on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 is shown. Additionally, the illuminance variations along the Y-axis and Z-axis of the synthesized light SL are shown.

[0121] like Figure 6 As shown, the four rays L1 constituting the first beam LS1 are arranged along the Z-axis direction (first direction), and the four rays L3 constituting the third beam LS3 are arranged along the Z-axis direction. The cross-section of each ray L1 and each ray L3 perpendicular to the principal ray is elliptical in shape, and the minor axis of the ellipse in each ray L1 and each ray L3 is aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0122] Furthermore, the four rays L2 constituting the second beam LS2 are arranged along the X-axis direction (the second direction), and the four rays L4 constituting the fourth beam LS4 are arranged along the X-axis direction. The cross-section of each ray L2 and each ray L4 perpendicular to the principal ray is elliptical in shape, and the minor axis of the ellipse in each ray L2 and each ray L4 is aligned with the X-axis direction.

[0123] In the composite light SL of this embodiment, the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 are located between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 in the Z-axis direction.

[0124] The directions (Z-axis direction) of the light rays L1 and L3 in the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 are 90 degrees different from the directions (X-axis direction) of the light rays L2 and L4 in the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 in the circumferential direction of the first optical axis AX1 of the light source device 11. Therefore, the composite light SL is arranged with light rays L1, L2, L3, and L4 around the first optical axis AX1. The shape of the composite light SL in this embodiment is a rectangle with a long side in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the shape of the composite light SL is defined by an imaginary line connecting the outlines of the outermost light ray among the light rays constituting the composite light SL.

[0125] like Figure 7 As shown, the synthesized light SL has a synthesized light intensity distribution ID that synthesizes the light intensity distributions of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4.

[0126] The intensity distribution in the composite light intensity distribution ID corresponding to the first beam LS1 includes a high-intensity region (first region) SA1 with the maximum light intensity.

[0127] Each ray L1 constituting the first beam LS1 contains the region of highest light intensity in its central portion. That is, as... Figure 6 As shown, the high-intensity region SA1 in the first beam LS1 corresponds to the region with the highest light intensity located in the center of each ray L1.

[0128] Similar to the first beam LS1, the intensity distribution in the composite light intensity distribution ID corresponding to the second beam LS2 includes a high-intensity region (second region) SA2 with the highest light intensity. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the high-intensity region SA2 in the second beam LS2 corresponds to the region with the highest light intensity located in the center of each ray L2 constituting the second beam LS2.

[0129] The intensity distribution in the synthetic light intensity distribution ID corresponding to the third beam LS3 includes the high-intensity region (the third region) SA3, which has the highest light intensity. For example... Figure 6As shown, the high-intensity region SA3 in the third beam LS3 corresponds to the region with the highest light intensity located in the center of each ray L3 constituting the third beam LS3.

[0130] The intensity distribution in the synthetic light intensity distribution ID corresponding to the 4th beam LS4 includes the high-intensity region (region 4) SA4 with the highest light intensity. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the high-intensity region SA4 in the fourth beam LS4 corresponds to the region with the highest light intensity located in the center of each ray L4 constituting the fourth beam LS4.

[0131] like Figure 6 As shown, in the composite beam SL, the high-intensity regions SA1 of the first beam LS1, SA2 of the second beam LS2, SA3 of the third beam LS3, and SA4 of the fourth beam LS4 do not overlap.

[0132] That is, the synthesized light SL of this embodiment has a synthesized light intensity distribution ID in which the high intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, SA4 of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4 do not overlap with each other.

[0133] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source device 11 of this embodiment can generate light by adjusting the positions of the reflectors 144 and 145, and the second light source section 52 and the fourth light source section 54 constituting the second light source unit 11B. Figure 7 The synthesized light SL shown has a non-overlapping intensity distribution ID of the synthesized light intensities of the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4.

[0134] Here, the effect of the synthesized light SL of this embodiment will be explained while comparing it with the synthesized light of the comparative example.

[0135] Figure 8A This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light in the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1. Figure 8B This is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light in the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2. The synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1 differs from the synthesized light SL of this embodiment; it is light that overlaps a portion of each of the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4. The synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 is light whose transverse lengths in the long and short directions are interchanged relative to the synthesized light SL of this embodiment.

[0136] In addition, Figure 8A , 8B The illuminance distributions of the synthesized lights SL1 and SL2 on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 are shown. Furthermore, the illuminance variations along the Y-axis and Z-axis of the synthesized lights SL1 and SL2 are shown.

[0137] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the effect when the synthesized light SL of this embodiment and the synthesized light of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are respectively irradiated onto the wavelength conversion element 15. Specifically, in Figure 9 The diagram shows the phosphor load applied to the wavelength conversion layer 23 when each synthetic light SL, SL1, SL2 is irradiated, and the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 when each synthetic light SL, SL1, SL2 is irradiated.

[0138] In addition, Figure 9 In this study, the phosphor loading and light utilization efficiency of the synthetic light SL1 of Comparative Example 1 were used as a baseline (1.0). The rate of change of the phosphor loading and light utilization efficiency of the synthetic lights SL and SL2 relative to the synthetic light SL1 of Comparative Example 1 was expressed as the "improvement rate". That is, an improvement rate of 1.0 means that the phosphor loading or light utilization efficiency is the same as that of the synthetic light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, an improvement rate of less than 1.0 means that the phosphor loading or light utilization efficiency has deteriorated compared with the synthetic light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, and an improvement rate of more than 1.0 means that the phosphor loading or light utilization efficiency has improved compared with the synthetic light SL1 of Comparative Example 1.

[0139] like Figure 8A As shown, the shape of the synthesized light SL1 in Comparative Example 1 is approximately square. That is, the shape of the synthesized light SL1 in Comparative Example 1 is similar to that of the synthesized light SL1 in the original image. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Compared to the synthesized light SL of this embodiment, the distance between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 is shorter, causing the light rays at the four corners to overlap. Therefore, the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1 becomes a partial overlap of each of the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4. Consequently, the uniformity of the synthesized light intensity distribution of synthesized light SL1 is lower than that of the synthesized light SL of this embodiment.

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 8B As shown, the shape of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is a horizontally elongated rectangle. That is, the shape of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is relative to... Figure 6 In the synthesized light SL of this embodiment, beams LS1 and LS3 are arranged separately in the X-axis direction, while beams LS2 and LS4 are arranged close to the first optical axis AX1 and positioned between beams LS1 and LS3 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, when comparing the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 with the synthesized light SL of this embodiment, the lengths of their short sides are the same, but the length of the long side of the synthesized light SL is longer. Therefore, in the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2, portions of the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 slightly overlap.

[0141] Since the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 is rectangular, the size of the illumination point of the synthesized light SL2 formed on the wavelength conversion layer 23 is larger than that of the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1. Here, since the optical density of the synthesized light SL2 with a larger illumination point is suppressed compared with the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, it is considered that the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 is reduced.

[0142] However, as described above, the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 suffers from low uniformity in intensity distribution due to partial overlap of the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4. Therefore, the effect of reducing the load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 due to increasing the irradiation point cannot be achieved. As a result, as... Figure 9 As shown, the improvement rate of phosphor loading of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is the same as that in Comparative Example 1.

[0143] In contrast, according to the synthesized light SL of this embodiment, in the synthesized light intensity distribution ID, the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 do not overlap, thus improving the uniformity of the synthesized light intensity distribution ID of the synthesized light SL. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the synthesized light SL according to this embodiment can reduce the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 compared with the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1 and the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2.

[0144] Furthermore, the inventors have focused on the fact that the light utilization efficiency of the fluorescent Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 varies depending on the shape of each synthesized light SL, SL1, SL2.

[0145] This is because the amount of fluorescent Y that can be effectively used as image light by passing through the homogenization illumination optical system 16 changes, corresponding to the shape of the illumination points of each synthetic light SL, SL1, SL2 formed on the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0146] like Figure 2 As shown, the polarization conversion element (optical element) 32 of this embodiment has multiple polarization separation layers 61, multiple reflective layers 62, multiple retardation layers 63, and a light-shielding film 64. The retardation layers 63 are disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization conversion element 32. The polarization conversion element 32 includes multiple incident openings 32K for the illumination light WL emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 to pass through. Each incident opening 32K is formed by an opening in the light-shielding film 64, which is disposed on the light-incident surface side of the polarization conversion element 32. The planar shape of the incident opening 32K is a rectangle with a long side in the Z-axis direction. The aspect ratio of the incident opening 32K in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is, for example, 1:1.3.

[0147] In the light source device 11 of this embodiment, the secondary light source image of the fluorescence Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 is formed near the incident opening 32K, and more specifically, it is formed between the emission surface of the second multi-lens array 31b and the incident opening 32K.

[0148] Here, by increasing the irradiation point of the synthesized light SL on the wavelength conversion layer 23 as described above to suppress the optical density of the synthesized light SL, the phosphor load in the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be reduced.

[0149] On the other hand, by increasing the illumination point of the synthesized light SL on the wavelength conversion layer 23, the emitting area of ​​the phosphor Y in the wavelength conversion layer 23 becomes larger, and the light utilization efficiency of the homogenization illumination optical system 16 becomes lower. This is because when the emitting area of ​​the phosphor Y increases, the secondary light source image of the phosphor Y formed near the incident opening 32K becomes larger, thus reducing the amount of phosphor Y light passing through the incident opening 32K, and lowering the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y in the homogenization illumination optical system 16. That is, when the illumination point of the synthesized light SL is increased to further improve the phosphor load reduction effect of the wavelength conversion layer 23, the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y decreases. Therefore, it is difficult to simultaneously reduce the phosphor load of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and improve the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y.

[0150] For example, the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 has a shape that is longer than that of the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, and the size of the irradiation point of the excitation light on the wavelength conversion layer 23 is larger than that of the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, compared with the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, the emitting region of fluorescent Y in the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 is larger, and thus the secondary light source image of fluorescent Y formed near the incident opening 32K is larger, and the amount of fluorescent Y passing through the incident opening 32K is reduced. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, it can be confirmed that the light utilization efficiency of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is lower than that of the synthesized light SL1 in Comparative Example 1.

[0151] Furthermore, the shape of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is a transversely elongated shape different from the synthesized light SL of this embodiment, and therefore does not satisfy a similarity relationship with the shape of the incident opening 32K. Therefore, the secondary light source image of the fluorescence Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 by the synthesized light SL2 of Comparative Example 2 does not have a shape similar to the incident opening 32K, and thus a portion of the fluorescence Y easily overflows from the incident opening 32K, preventing the fluorescence Y from efficiently passing through the incident opening 32K. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, it can be confirmed that the light utilization efficiency of the synthesized light SL2 in Comparative Example 2 is lower than that of the synthesized light SL in this embodiment.

[0152] In contrast, in the light source device 11 of this embodiment, the light combining member 14 generates the synthesized light SL in such a way that the shape of the synthesized light SL, which is the size of the irradiation point of the excitation light on the predetermined wavelength conversion layer 23, corresponds to the shape of the incident opening 32K. That is, the light source device 11 of this embodiment makes the shape of the synthesized light SL similar to the shape of the incident opening 32K, and maximizes the shape of the synthesized light SL.

[0153] In this embodiment, the light combining member 14 sets the aspect ratio of the combined light SL to be the same as that of the incident opening 32K (1:1.3).

[0154] The shape of the luminescent region of fluorescent Y in wavelength conversion layer 23 is approximately similar to the shape of the irradiation point of synthetic light SL. That is, the secondary light source image of fluorescent Y formed near the incident opening 32K has a roughly similar shape to the irradiation point of synthetic light SL. Thus, given that the shape of synthetic light SL is similar to the shape of incident opening 32K, it can be said that the secondary light source image of fluorescent Y is roughly similar to the shape of incident opening 32K.

[0155] In this embodiment, the shape of the synthesized light SL is similar to that of the incident opening 32K. Therefore, the fluorescence Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 can form a secondary light source image with a shape approximately similar to that of the incident opening 32K near the incident opening 32K.

[0156] Therefore, according to the illumination device 2 of this embodiment, the fluorescence Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 is unlikely to leak out from the incident opening 32K, thus allowing the fluorescence Y to pass through the incident opening 32K efficiently. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, it can be confirmed that the light utilization efficiency of the synthesized light SL of this embodiment is significantly improved compared with the synthesized light SL1 and SL2 of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0157] In this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the composite beam SL is set to 1:1.3. However, we consider the case where the aspect ratio is set to 1:1.2, that is, the composite beam SL is set to a long rectangular shape but does not correspond sufficiently to the shape of the incident opening 32K.

[0158] Assuming the aspect ratio of the synthesized light SL is set to 1:1.2, the illumination point of the synthesized light SL formed on the wavelength conversion layer 23 is larger compared to the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, by making the optical density of the synthesized light SL lower than that of the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1, it is possible to reduce the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23.

[0159] On the other hand, since the secondary light source image of fluorescence Y does not have a shape similar to that of the incident opening 32K, fluorescence Y tends to overflow from the incident opening 32K, resulting in a decrease in the light utilization efficiency of fluorescence Y compared to the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, without ensuring that the shape of the synthesized light SL fully corresponds to the shape of the incident opening 32K (when the aspect ratio is set to 1:1.2), it is impossible to sufficiently improve the reduction of phosphor load and the improvement of light utilization efficiency compared to the synthesized light SL1 of Comparative Example 1.

[0160] Thus, according to the light source device 11 of this embodiment, by reducing the phosphor load of the wavelength conversion layer 23, deformation and damage in the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be suppressed. As a result, the lifespan of the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be extended, thereby providing a highly reliable light source device that can maintain the brightness of the illumination light WL for a long time.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the light source device 11 of this embodiment, by making the shape of the synthesized light SL correspond to the shape of the incident opening 32K of the polarization conversion element 32, the amount of phosphor Y passing through the polarization conversion element 32 can be increased. Thus, a light source device 11 with high added value can be provided, which reduces the phosphor load of the wavelength conversion layer 23 and improves the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y.

[0162] According to the lighting device 2 of this embodiment, since it has the above-mentioned light source device 11, it is possible to generate a bright lighting light WL by improving the light utilization efficiency of the lighting light WL containing fluorescent Y.

[0163] In the light source device 11 of this embodiment, in the light combining member 14, by reflecting the optical path of the third beam LS3 in a manner close to that of the first beam LS1, the interval between the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 can be narrowed. Furthermore, by reflecting the optical path of the fourth beam LS4 in a manner close to that of the second beam LS2, the interval between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 can be reduced. This reduces the beam width of the combined light SL generated by combining the beams LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 19 disposed in the optical path of the illumination light WL can be miniaturized. Thus, by reducing the light loss of the dichroic mirror 19, an illumination device 2 with high light utilization efficiency can be provided.

[0164] The projector 1 according to this embodiment has an illumination device 2 that improves the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL, thus enabling it to provide a projector with high light efficiency and display a bright image.

[0165] (Second Implementation)

[0166] Next, the lighting device of the second embodiment will be described. The lighting device of this embodiment differs from the lighting device 2 of the first embodiment in the structure of the light source device. Hereinafter, the structure of the light source device will be mainly described. Furthermore, components common to the first embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0167] Figure 10 This is a top view of the overall structure of the light source device 111 in this embodiment, viewed from the +X side to the -X side.

[0168] like Figure 10 As shown, the light source device 111 of this embodiment includes a first light source unit 11A, a second light source unit 11B, and a light combining component 114. In this embodiment, the first light source unit 11A is disposed on the +Z side relative to the second light source unit 11B.

[0169] The light combining component 114 emits a composite light SL3, which is a composite light formed by combining the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 emitted from the first light source unit 11A with the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the second light source unit 11B.

[0170] In this embodiment, the light combining component 114 includes a polarization combining element 170, a reflector (first reflecting component) 171, a reflector (second reflecting component) 172, a reflector (third reflecting component) 173, a reflector (fourth reflecting component) 174, and a phase difference element 175.

[0171] In this embodiment, the first light source unit 51 and the third light source unit 53 have light-emitting elements 41 and 341 arranged in the X-axis direction (first direction), and the second light source unit 52 and the fourth light source unit 54 have light-emitting elements 241 and 441 arranged in the X-axis direction (second direction). That is, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 241 in the second light source unit 52, i.e., the X-axis direction (second direction), is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements 41 and 341 in the first light source unit 51 and the third light source unit 53, i.e., the X-axis direction (first direction).

[0172] The first beam LS1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 and the third beam LS3 emitted from the third light source unit 53 are S-polarized light directed at the polarization combining element 170.

[0173] Reflector 171 reflects the third beam LS3 emitted from the third light source 53 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the third beam LS3 is reflected by reflector 171 towards reflector 172. Reflector 172 reflects the third beam LS3, after being reflected by reflector 171, towards the emission direction of the first beam LS1 emitted from the first light source 51, i.e., the Y-axis direction. Reflectors 171 and 172 are, for example, plate-shaped members provided with a film composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film.

[0174] The first light beam LS1 emitted from the first light source unit 51 and the third light beam LS3 reflected by the reflector 171 are incident on the phase difference element 175. The phase difference element 175 is arranged in the optical path of the first light beam LS1 up to the polarization combining element 170.

[0175] The phase difference element 175 is composed of a 1 / 2 wavelength plate. The first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 pass through the phase difference element 175, thereby rotating their polarization direction by 90 degrees and being converted into the first beam LS11 and the third beam LS33 with P polarization for the polarization combining element 170.

[0176] In the light source device 111 of this embodiment, reflectors 171 and 172 are arranged such that the interval between the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 after incident on reflectors 171 and 172 is narrower than the interval before incident on reflectors 171 and 172.

[0177] The first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 are incident on the polarization combining element 170 with a narrowing interval between them in the Z-axis direction. The polarization combining element 170 is composed of an optical element having a polarization separation function for blue light. In this embodiment, the first beam LS11 and the third beam LS33 are incident on the polarization combining element 170 as P-polarized light. Therefore, the first beam LS11 and the third beam LS33 pass through the polarization combining element 170 and exit in the Y-axis direction.

[0178] Next, the optical paths of the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the second light source unit 11B will be described.

[0179] In this embodiment, the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52 and the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the fourth light source 54 are S-polarized light directed at the polarization combining element 170.

[0180] Reflector 173 reflects the second beam LS2 emitted from the second light source 52 in the Z-axis direction. Reflector 174 reflects the fourth beam LS4 emitted from the fourth light source 54 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the second beam LS2 is reflected by reflector 173 toward the polarization combining element 170, and the fourth beam LS4 is reflected by reflector 174 toward the polarization combining element 170. Reflectors 173 and 174 are, for example, plate-shaped members provided with a film composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film.

[0181] In this embodiment, the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are incident on the polarization combining element 170 as S-polarized light. Therefore, the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are reflected by the polarization combining element 170 and emitted in the Y-axis direction.

[0182] In the light source device 111 of this embodiment, reflectors 173 and 174 are arranged such that the interval between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 after incident on reflectors 173 and 174 is narrower than the interval before incident on reflectors 173 and 174.

[0183] In this way, the polarization combining element 170 combines the first beam LS1, the second beam LS2, the third beam LS3 and the fourth beam LS4 to generate the composite beam SL3.

[0184] Figure 11 This is a conceptual illustration of the synthesized light SL3 synthesized by the polarization synthesizing element 170. Figure 11 This is a top view of the synthesized light SL3 from the +Y side towards the -Y side.

[0185] like Figure 11 As shown, the four rays L1 constituting the first beam LS1 are arranged along the X-axis direction (first direction), and the four rays L3 constituting the third beam LS3 are arranged along the X-axis direction. The cross-section of each ray L1 and each ray L3 perpendicular to the principal ray is elliptical, and in each ray L1 and each ray L3, the major axis of the ellipse is aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0186] Furthermore, the four rays L2 constituting the second beam LS2 are arranged along the X-axis direction (the second direction), and the four rays L4 constituting the fourth beam LS4 are arranged along the X-axis direction. The cross-sections of each ray L2 and each ray L4 perpendicular to the principal ray are elliptical in shape, and in each ray L2 and each ray L4, the major axis of the ellipse is aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0187] In the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment, the rays L1, L2, L3, and L4 of beams LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 are arranged such that their respective major axes are aligned along the Z-axis. The rays L2 and L4 of the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are arranged in a row along the Z-axis, and the rays L1 and L3 of the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 are arranged in a row along the Z-axis.

[0188] In the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment, the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are located on the +X side of the X-axis direction compared to the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3. In addition, the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 are located between the first beam LS1 and the third beam LS3 in the Z-axis direction.

[0189] The rays L2 of the second beam LS2 are configured to enter between the rays L1 of the first beam LS1 in the X-axis direction. The rays L2 of the second beam LS2 and the rays L1 of the first beam LS1 are arranged in a staggered pattern without overlapping each other. Similarly, the rays L4 of the fourth beam LS4 are configured to enter between the rays L3 of the third beam LS3 in the X-axis direction. The rays L4 of the fourth beam LS4 and the rays L3 of the third beam LS3 are arranged in a staggered pattern without overlapping each other.

[0190] Thus, in the light source device 111 of this embodiment, the size of the composite light SL3 is suppressed, and the spacing between each of the rays L1, L2, L3, and L4 constituting the composite light SL3 is increased compared to the composite light SL of the first embodiment.

[0191] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light SL3 in this embodiment. Figure 12 The illuminance distribution of the synthesized light SL3 on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 is shown. Furthermore, the illuminance variations of the synthesized light SL3 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions are shown.

[0192] like Figure 12 As shown, the synthesized light SL3 has a synthesized light intensity distribution ID2 that synthesizes the light intensity distributions of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4. In the synthesized light intensity distribution ID2 of the synthesized light SL3, the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 do not overlap. The synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment has a shape corresponding to the incident opening 32K. The aspect ratio of the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment is 1:1.3.

[0193] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the effect when the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment is irradiated onto the wavelength conversion element 15. Figure 13 For ease of explanation, the same as shown in the image is also included. Figure 9 The diagrams corresponding to each of the composite beams SL, SL1, and SL2 are shown. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 In this document, the synthesized light SL of the first embodiment will be referred to as "Example 1", the synthesized light SL3 of the second embodiment will be referred to as "Example 2", and the synthesized light SL4 of the modified examples described below will be referred to as "Example 3". Specifically, in Figure 13 The diagram shows the phosphor load applied to the wavelength conversion layer 23 when each synthetic light SL, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4 is irradiated, and the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y emitted from the wavelength conversion layer 23 when each synthetic light SL, SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4 is irradiated.

[0194] The light source device 111 in this embodiment is adjusted Figure 10 The positions of the reflectors 173 and 174 shown, as well as the second light source section 52 and the fourth light source section 54 constituting the second light source unit 11B, are capable of generating a composite light SL3 in which the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 do not overlap.

[0195] According to the light source device 111 of this embodiment, in the composite light intensity distribution ID2, the high intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 do not overlap with each other, thus improving the uniformity of the composite light intensity distribution ID2 of the composite light SL3.

[0196] Furthermore, in the light source device 111 of this embodiment, the size of the composite light SL3 is suppressed, and the spacing between the rays L1, L2, L3, and L4 constituting the composite light SL3 is increased compared to the composite light SL of the first embodiment.

[0197] Thus, the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment, by increasing the spacing between the rays L1, L2, L3, and L4 compared to the synthesized light SL of the first embodiment, can suppress the overlap of high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 on the wavelength conversion layer 23 even when the beam diameter of each ray L1, L2, L3, and L4 increases after passing through the diffusion element 17. Compared to the synthesized light SL of the first embodiment, the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment further improves the uniformity of light intensity distribution.

[0198] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, it can be confirmed that the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment can significantly reduce the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 compared with the synthesized light SL of the first embodiment.

[0199] Furthermore, in the light source device 111 of this embodiment, by making the shape of the synthesized light SL3 correspond to the incident opening 32K of the polarization conversion element 32, the amount of fluorescent Y light passing through the polarization conversion element 32 can be increased. Figure 13 As shown, the synthesized light SL3 of this embodiment can achieve the same light utilization efficiency as the synthesized light SL of the first embodiment. Therefore, in an illumination device using the light source device 111 of this embodiment, the phosphor load of the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be reduced, and the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y can be improved.

[0200] Furthermore, in the light source device 111 of this embodiment, the spacing between each ray L1, L2, L3, L4 of the beams LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4 can be further expanded compared to the composite light SL3.

[0201] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of the synthesized light SL4 when the spacing between the rays is further increased. Figure 14 The illuminance distribution of the synthesized light SL4 on the upper surface 23a of the wavelength conversion layer 23 is shown. Furthermore, the illuminance variations of the synthesized light SL4 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions are shown.

[0202] like Figure 14 As shown, the synthesized light SL4 has a synthesized light intensity distribution ID3 that synthesizes the light intensity distributions of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4. In the synthesized light intensity distribution ID3 of the synthesized light SL4, the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, SA3, and SA4 of each beam LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 do not overlap with each other.

[0203] In the composite beam SL4, the first beam LS1 is positioned between the second beam LS2 and the fourth beam LS4 along the Z-axis. The second beam LS2, the first beam LS1, the fourth beam LS4, and the third beam LS3 are arranged sequentially from the +Z side to the -Z side in the composite beam SL4. The Z-axis spacing between the rays L2 of the second beam LS2 and the rays L1 of the first beam LS1 in the composite beam SL4 is wider than the Z-axis spacing between the rays L1 of the first beam LS1 and the rays L2 of the second beam LS2 in the composite beam SL3. Furthermore, the Z-axis spacing between the rays L4 of the fourth beam LS4 and the rays L3 of the third beam LS3 in the composite beam SL4 is wider than the Z-axis spacing between the rays L4 of the fourth beam LS4 and the rays L3 of the third beam LS3 in the composite beam SL3. Additionally, the aspect ratio of the composite beam SL4 slightly deviates from the aspect ratio (1:1.3) of the incident opening 32K.

[0204] According to the synthesized light SL4, by increasing the spacing between the individual rays L1, L2, L3, and L4, the uniformity of the illuminance distribution on the wavelength conversion layer 23 is further improved compared to the synthesized light SL3, thus further reducing the load on the wavelength conversion layer 23. That is, according to the synthesized light SL4, as with... Figure 13 As shown in the drawing corresponding to Example 3, it can be confirmed that the effect of further improving the load reduction of the wavelength conversion layer 23 compared with the synthetic light SL3 is confirmed.

[0205] On the other hand, since the aspect ratio of the synthesized light SL4 deviates from the aspect ratio (1:1.3) of the incident opening 32K as described above, the synthesized light SL4 is equivalent to the synthesized light SL3. Figure 13 As shown in the drawing corresponding to Example 3, the light utilization efficiency of fluorescent Y is reduced.

[0206] Compared to synthetic light SL3, synthetic light SL4 places a smaller load on the wavelength conversion layer 23. That is, compared to synthetic light SL3, synthetic light SL4 applies the same load while allowing a greater amount of light to be incident on the wavelength conversion layer 23. Therefore, by increasing the amount of synthetic light SL4, the emission of phosphor Y from the wavelength conversion layer 23 can be increased, thus compensating for the reduction in light utilization efficiency. Therefore, when using synthetic light SL4, by increasing the amount of synthetic light SL4, it is possible to achieve the same reduction in phosphor load and the same improvement in the light utilization efficiency of phosphor Y as with synthetic light SL3.

[0207] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0208] Furthermore, the specific structure of the various structural elements constituting the light source device, such as the number, configuration, shape, and materials, is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0209] For example, in the light source device 11 of the first embodiment, the positions of the first light source unit 11A and the second light source unit 11B can be interchanged. In this case, the first light source unit 11A emits P-polarized light targeting the polarization combining element 140, and the second light source unit 11B emits S-polarized light targeting the polarization combining element 140. In the first light source unit 11A, the positions of the first light source section 51 and the third light source section 53 can also be interchanged. In the second light source unit 11B, the positions of the second light source section 52 and the fourth light source section 54 can also be interchanged.

[0210] Furthermore, in the light source device 111 of the second embodiment, the positions of the first light source unit 11A and the second light source unit 11B can be interchanged. Additionally, in the first light source unit 11A, the positions of the first light source section 51 and the third light source section 53 can be interchanged. In the second light source unit 11B, the positions of the second light source section 52 and the fourth light source section 54 can be interchanged.

[0211] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which four light beams LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 emitted from four light source units 51, 52, 53, and 54 are combined to generate composite light SL and SL3 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0212] (First variation)

[0213] In this modified example, the light source device consists only of a first light source section 51 and a second light source section 52.

[0214] Figure 15A This is a conceptual illustration of the composite light SL5 emitted from the light source device of this variant.

[0215] like Figure 15A As shown, the four rays L1 constituting the first beam LS1 are arranged along the Z-axis, and the four rays L2 constituting the second beam LS2 are arranged along the Z-axis. That is, the rays L1 and L2 of the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged in the same direction. In each ray L1 and L2, the minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the Z-axis.

[0216] In the synthesized light SL5, the high-intensity region SA1 of the first beam LS1 and the high-intensity region SA2 of the second beam LS2 do not overlap.

[0217] The first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged with their positions offset from each other in the Z-axis direction. The first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged such that a portion of each other overlaps in the X-axis direction. In a modified example, a portion of the ray L2 of the second beam LS2 is arranged such that it enters between the adjacent rays L1 of the first beam LS1 in the X-axis direction.

[0218] In the synthesized light SL5 of this modified example, the high-intensity regions SA1 and SA2 do not overlap, thus reducing the load on the wavelength conversion layer 23. Furthermore, by making the shape of the synthesized light SL5 approximate the shape of the incident opening 32K, the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL can be improved. Therefore, the light source device emitting the synthesized light SL5 of this modified example becomes a high-value-added light source device that reduces the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 and improves the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y.

[0219] In addition, Figure 15AIn the composite beam SL5, the case in which the ray L1 and L2 of the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged in the same direction is given as an example. However, it is also possible to synthesize the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 in which the ray L1 and L2 are arranged in perpendicular directions.

[0220] (Second variation)

[0221] In this variation, the ray L1 and L2 in the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged in perpendicular directions.

[0222] Figure 15B This is a conceptual illustration of the composite light SL6 emitted from the light source device of this variant example.

[0223] like Figure 15B As shown, the four rays L1 constituting the first beam LS1 are arranged along the Z-axis, and the four rays L2 constituting the second beam LS2 are arranged along the X-axis. That is, the ray L1 and L2 of the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged perpendicularly. In ray L1, the minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the Z-axis, and in ray L2, the minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the X-axis.

[0224] In this modified example, the synthesized light SL6 is arranged in a cross shape with the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 intersecting, and has a rectangular shape with the long side in the Z-axis direction. The overlapping rays L1 and L2 in the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged such that their respective central portions do not overlap. That is, each ray L1 and L2 is arranged such that its respective region of highest light intensity does not overlap.

[0225] That is, in the synthesized light SL6 of this modified example, the high-intensity region SA1 of the first beam LS1 and the high-intensity region SA2 of the second beam LS2 do not overlap.

[0226] In the synthesized light SL6 of this modified example, the high-intensity regions SA1 and SA2 do not overlap, thus reducing the load on the wavelength conversion layer 23. Furthermore, by making the shape of the synthesized light SL6 approximate the shape of the incident opening 32K, the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL can be improved. Therefore, the light source device emitting the synthesized light SL6 of this modified example becomes a high-value-added light source device that reduces the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 and improves the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y.

[0227] (3rd variation)

[0228] In this modified example, the light source device is composed of a first light source section 51, a second light source section 52, and a third light source section 53.

[0229] Figure 15CThis is a conceptual illustration of the composite light SL7 emitted from the light source device of this variant.

[0230] like Figure 15C As shown, the four rays L1 constituting the first beam LS1 are arranged along the Z-axis, and the four rays L2 constituting the second beam LS2 are arranged along the Z-axis. That is, the rays L1 and L2 of the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 are arranged in the same direction. In each ray L1 and L2, the minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the Z-axis.

[0231] The four rays L3 that constitute the third beam LS3 are arranged along the X-axis. In ray L3, the minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the X-axis.

[0232] The arrangement direction of each ray L1 and L2 of the first beam LS1 and the second beam LS2 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of each ray L3 of the third beam LS3.

[0233] In this modified example, the synthesized light SL7 is arranged in a cross shape with the first beam LS1, the second beam LS2, and the third beam LS3 intersecting each other, and has a rectangular shape with the long side in the Z-axis direction. The overlapping rays L1, L2, and L3 in the first beam LS1, the second beam LS2, and the third beam LS3 are arranged such that their respective central portions do not overlap. That is, each ray L1, L2, and L3 is arranged such that its respective region of highest light intensity does not overlap.

[0234] That is, in the synthesized light SL7 of this modified example, the high intensity regions SA1 of the first beam LS1, SA2 of the second beam LS2, and SA3 of the third beam LS3 do not overlap with each other.

[0235] In the synthesized light SL7 of this modified example, the high-intensity regions SA1, SA2, and SA3 do not overlap, thus reducing the load on the wavelength conversion layer 23. Furthermore, by making the shape of the synthesized light SL7 approximate the shape of the incident opening 32K, the light utilization efficiency of the illumination light WL can be improved. Therefore, the light source device emitting the synthesized light SL7 of this modified example becomes a high-value-added light source device that reduces the phosphor load on the wavelength conversion layer 23 and improves the light utilization efficiency of the phosphor Y.

[0236] The light source device according to the present invention may also have the following structure.

[0237] One aspect of the present invention provides a light source device comprising: a first light source unit having a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a first direction, emitting a first light beam; a second light source unit having a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged in a row along a second direction, emitting a second light beam in the emission direction of the first light beam; and a light combining member that emits a combined light obtained by combining the first light beam and the second light beam toward an irradiation area, wherein the combined light has a combined light intensity distribution in which a first region with the greatest light intensity in the first light beam and a second region with the greatest light intensity in the second light beam do not overlap.

[0238] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured to further include a third light source unit, which is arranged relative to the first light source unit in a direction intersecting the first direction, and has a plurality of third light-emitting elements arranged in a row along the first direction, emitting a third light beam in the emission direction of the first light beam, and a light combining component combining the third light beam with the first light beam and the second light beam to generate a composite light, wherein in the intensity distribution of the composite light, the third region with the maximum light intensity in the third light beam does not overlap with the first region and the second region.

[0239] In the light source device described above, it may also be configured to include: a first direction and a second direction intersecting; a light combining component comprising: a first reflecting component that reflects one of the first beam and the third beam in a direction intersecting the first direction; a second reflecting component that reflects one of the first beam and the third beam reflected by the first reflecting component in the direction of emission of the third beam from the third light source; a third reflecting component that reflects one of the first beam and the third beam reflected by the second reflecting component, and the other of the first beam and the third beam; and a combining element that combines the first beam and the third beam reflected by the third reflecting component, and the second beam from the second light source.

[0240] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured to further include a fourth light source unit, which is arranged relative to the second light source unit in a direction intersecting the second direction, and has a plurality of fourth light-emitting elements arranged in a row along the second direction, emitting a fourth light beam in the emission direction of the second light beam, and a light combining component combining the fourth light beam with the first, second and third light beams to generate composite light, wherein in the intensity distribution of the composite light, the fourth region with the greatest light intensity in the fourth light beam does not overlap with the first, second and third regions.

[0241] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that the light combining component includes: a fourth reflecting component that reflects one of the second beam and the fourth beam in the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged; and a fifth reflecting component that reflects one of the second beam and the fourth beam after being reflected by the fourth reflecting component in the direction of travel of the other of the second beam and the fourth beam, and the combining element combines the first beam and the third beam after being reflected by the third reflecting component, and the second beam and the fourth beam after being reflected by the fifth reflecting component.

[0242] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that, in the light combining component, the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component reflect the first beam or the third beam, such that the interval between the first beam and the third beam is narrower after incident on the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component than before incident on the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component; and the fourth reflecting component and the fifth reflecting component reflect the second beam or the fourth beam, such that the interval between the second beam and the fourth beam is narrower after incident on the fourth reflecting component and the fifth reflecting component than before incident on the fourth reflecting component and the fifth reflecting component.

[0243] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that: the light combining component includes a polarization combining element that reflects one of the first beam and the second beam and allows the other of the first beam and the second beam to pass through, wherein, relative to the polarization combining element, one of the first beam and the second beam is light polarized in a first polarization direction, and the other of the first beam and the second beam is light polarized in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction.

[0244] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that: the first direction and the second direction are parallel, and the light combining component includes: a first reflecting component that reflects one of the first beam and the third beam in a direction intersecting the first direction; a second reflecting component that reflects one of the first beam and the third beam after being reflected by the first reflecting component in the direction of travel of the other of the first beam and the third beam; and a combining element that combines one of the first beam and the third beam after being reflected by the second reflecting component, and the other of the first beam and the third beam.

[0245] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured to further include a fourth light source unit, which is arranged relative to the second light source unit in a direction intersecting the second direction, and has a plurality of fourth light-emitting elements arranged in a row along the second direction, emitting a fourth light beam in the emission direction of the second light beam, and a light combining component combining the fourth light beam with the first, second and third light beams to generate composite light, wherein in the intensity distribution of the composite light, the fourth region with the greatest light intensity in the fourth light beam does not overlap with the first, second and third regions.

[0246] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that the light combining component includes: a third reflecting component that reflects the second light beam in the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged; and a fourth reflecting component that reflects the fourth light beam in the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged, and the combining element combines the second light beam reflected by the third reflecting component, the fourth light beam reflected by the fourth reflecting component, and the first light beam and the third light beam to generate combined light.

[0247] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that, in the light combining component, the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component reflect the first beam and the third beam, such that the interval between the first beam and the third beam is narrower after incident on the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component than before incident on the first reflecting component and the second reflecting component; and the third reflecting component and the fourth reflecting component reflect the second beam and the fourth beam, such that the interval between the second beam and the fourth beam is narrower after incident on the third reflecting component and the fourth reflecting component than before incident on the third reflecting component and the fourth reflecting component.

[0248] In the light source device described above, it can also be configured such that the combining component includes: a polarization combining element that reflects one of the first beam and the second beam, allowing the other of the first beam and the second beam to pass through; and a phase difference element disposed in the optical path from the first beam and the second beam to the polarization combining element.

[0249] The lighting device according to the present invention may also have the following structure.

[0250] The lighting device of one aspect of the present invention further comprises: a light source device of the above-described manner; a wavelength conversion element disposed in the illumination area of ​​the light source device to perform wavelength conversion on the synthesized light; and a reflective member that reflects the synthesized light emitted from the light source device toward the wavelength conversion element, the reflective member being disposed in the optical path of the light emitted from the wavelength conversion element.

[0251] In the lighting device described above, it can also be configured such that the lighting device further includes an optical element disposed on the side of the reflective member opposite to the wavelength conversion element, light emitted from the wavelength conversion element is incident on the optical element, the optical element includes an incident opening, light emitted from the wavelength conversion element passes through the incident opening, and the composite light has a shape corresponding to the incident opening.

[0252] In the lighting device described above, it can also be configured such that the lighting device further includes a diffusion element disposed between the light source device and the reflective component, wherein the synthesized light emitted from the light source device is incident on the diffusion element.

[0253] The projector according to the present invention may also have the following structure.

[0254] One aspect of the present invention provides a projector comprising: an illumination device as described above; a light modulation device that modulates light from the illumination device according to image information; and a projection optics device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device.

Claims

1. A light source apparatus, characterized by comprising: The light source device has: a first light source having a plurality of first light emitting elements arranged in a row along a first direction, which emits a first light beam; a second light source having a plurality of second light emitting elements arranged in a row along a second direction intersecting the first direction, which emits a second light beam toward the emission direction of the first light beam; a third light source arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the first light source, which has a plurality of third light emitting elements arranged in a row along the first direction, which emits a third light beam toward the emission direction of the first light beam; and a combining element which combines the first light beam, the second light beam, and the third light beam to generate a combined light, which emits the combined light toward an irradiation region, the combined light has a combined light intensity distribution in which a first region having the largest light intensity in the first light beam, a second region having the largest light intensity in the second light beam, and a third region having the largest light intensity in the third light beam do not overlap with each other, in the combined light intensity distribution of the combined light, the first region does not overlap with the second light beam and the third light beam, the second region does not overlap with the first light beam and the third light beam, and the third region does not overlap with the first light beam and the second light beam.

2. The light source apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The light source device further has: a first reflection member which reflects one of the first light beam and the third light beam toward a direction intersecting the first direction; a second reflection member which reflects the one light beam reflected by the first reflection member toward the traveling direction of the other light beam of the first light beam and the third light beam; and a third reflection member which reflects both the one light beam reflected by the second reflection member and the other light beam, the first direction and the second direction intersect each other, the combining element combines the first light beam and the third light beam reflected by the third reflection member with the second light beam emitted from the second light source.

3. The light source device according to claim 2, further having a fourth light source arranged in a direction intersecting the second direction with respect to the second light source, which has a plurality of fourth light emitting elements arranged in a row along the second direction, which emits a fourth light beam toward the emission direction of the second light beam, the combining element combines the first light beam, the second light beam, the third light beam, and the fourth light beam to generate the combined light, in the combined light intensity distribution of the combined light, a fourth region having the largest light intensity in the fourth light beam does not overlap with the first region, the second region, and the third region. The light source device further has: a fourth reflection member which reflects one of the second light beam and the fourth light beam toward the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged; and 4. The light source apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a fifth reflection member which reflects the one light beam reflected by the fourth reflection member toward the traveling direction of the other light beam of the second light beam and the fourth light beam, the fourth reflection member and the fifth reflection member are arranged in the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged. ​ The combining element combines the first light beam and the third light beam after being reflected by the third reflecting member, the one light beam after being reflected by the fifth reflecting member, and the other light beam.

5. The light source device according to claim 4, wherein The first reflecting member and the second reflecting member are configured so that a second distance between the one light beam after being reflected by the second reflecting member and the other one of the first light beam and the third light beam is smaller than a first distance between the one light beam incident on the first reflecting member and the other one of the first light beam and the third light beam, The fourth reflecting member and the fifth reflecting member are configured so that a fourth distance between the one light beam after being reflected by the fifth reflecting member and the other one of the second light beam and the fourth light beam is smaller than a third distance between the one light beam incident on the fourth reflecting member and the other one of the second light beam and the fourth light beam.

6. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The combining element is a polarization combining element that reflects light beams of the first light beam and the second light beam that are polarized in a first polarization direction and transmits light beams of the first light beam and the second light beam that are polarized in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction.

7. The light source apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The light source device further has: a first reflecting member that reflects one of the first light beam and the third light beam in a direction intersecting the first direction; and a second reflecting member that reflects the one light beam after being reflected by the first reflecting member in a direction of travel of the other one of the first light beam and the third light beam, the first direction and the second direction are parallel to each other, The combining element combines the one light beam after being reflected by the second reflecting member, the other light beam, and the second light beam emitted from the second light source.

8. The light source device according to claim 7, wherein The light source device further has a fourth light source that is arranged in a direction intersecting the second direction with respect to the second light source, has a plurality of fourth light emitting elements arranged in a column along the second direction, and emits a fourth light beam in a direction of emission of the second light beam, The combining element combines the first light beam, the second light beam, the third light beam, and the fourth light beam to generate the combined light, In the combined light intensity distribution of the combined light, a fourth region of the fourth light beam having the largest light intensity does not overlap with the first region, the second region, and the third region.

9. The light source apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The light source device further has: a third reflecting member that reflects the second light beam in a direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged; and a fourth reflecting member that reflects the fourth light beam in the direction in which the second light source and the fourth light source are arranged, the first direction and the second direction are parallel to each other, The combining element combines the second light beam reflected by the third reflecting member, the fourth light beam reflected by the fourth reflecting member, and the first light beam and the third light beam to generate the combined light.

10. The light source device according to claim 9, wherein The first reflecting member and the second reflecting member are configured such that a second distance between the one of the light beams reflected by the second reflecting member and the other of the first light beam and the third light beam is smaller than a first distance between the one of the light beams incident on the first reflecting member and the other of the first light beam and the third light beam, The third reflecting member and the fourth reflecting member are configured such that a fourth distance between the second light beam reflected by the second reflecting member and the fourth light beam reflected by the fourth reflecting member is smaller than a third distance between the second light beam incident on the second reflecting member and the fourth light beam incident on the fourth reflecting member.

11. The light source device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein The light source device further has a phase difference element that changes a polarization direction of a transmitted light beam, The combining element is a polarization combining element that reflects light beams polarized in a first polarization direction among "the first light beam and the third light beam" and "the second light beam", and transmits light beams polarized in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction among "the first light beam and the third light beam" and "the second light beam", The phase difference element is disposed on an optical path between the first light source and the third light source and the polarization combining element.

12. The light source device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein The light source device further has a phase difference element that changes a polarization direction of a transmitted light beam, The combining element is a polarization combining element that reflects light beams polarized in a first polarization direction among "the first light beam and the third light beam" and "the second light beam", and transmits light beams polarized in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction among "the first light beam and the third light beam" and "the second light beam", The phase difference element is disposed on an optical path between the second light source and the polarization combining element.

13. An illumination device, characterized by The illumination device has: The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and A wavelength conversion element that is disposed in the irradiation region in the light source device, and converts a wavelength of the combined light.

14. An illumination device, characterized by The illumination device has: The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; A wavelength conversion element that is disposed in the irradiation region in the light source device, and converts a wavelength of the combined light; and A reflecting member that reflects the combined light emitted from the light source device toward the wavelength conversion element, The reflecting member is disposed on an optical path of light emitted from the wavelength conversion element.

15. The illumination device according to claim 14, wherein the illumination device further has an optical member disposed on the side opposite to the wavelength conversion member with respect to the reflecting member, and the light emitted from the wavelength conversion member is incident on the optical member, the optical member includes an incident opening portion through which the light emitted from the wavelength conversion member passes, the synthesized light has a shape corresponding to the incident opening portion at a cross section perpendicular to the chief ray of the synthesized light.

16. The illumination device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the illumination device further has a diffusion member disposed between the light source device and the reflecting member, and the synthesized light emitted from the light source device is incident on the diffusion member.

17. A projector characterized by comprising: the projector has: the illumination device according to any one of claims 13 to 16; a light modulation device that modulates the light from the illumination device; and a projection optical device that projects the light modulated by the light modulation device.

Images