Light source device and projection display device

Abstract

The light source device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first light source portion that emits first light; a second light source portion that emits second light and is arranged side by side with the first light source portion; a first mirror that is arranged opposite the emission surface of the first light source portion and has a plurality of first reflecting portions that reflect the first light in one direction and are arranged discretely in a plane; and a second mirror that is arranged opposite the emission surface of the second light source portion and side by side with the first mirror, reflects the second light in one direction, and has a plurality of second reflecting portions arranged at substantially the same positions as each of the plurality of first reflecting portions in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light source device having a wavelength conversion element and a projection display device having the light source device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a projection-type display device having a movable light-shielding plate with multiple light-transmitting parts.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-209730 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Furthermore, for example in projection display devices, there is a requirement to improve the luminous efficiency of the light source.

[0007] The goal is to provide a light source device and a projection display device that can improve the luminous efficiency of the light source section.

[0008] One embodiment of the light source device disclosed herein includes: a first light source unit that emits first light; a second light source unit that emits second light and is arranged side-by-side with the first light source unit; a first reflector that is arranged facing the emission surface of the first light source unit and has a plurality of first reflective portions discretely arranged in the surface to reflect the first light in one direction; and a second reflector that is facing the emission surface of the second light source unit and is arranged side-by-side with the first reflector to reflect the second light in one direction and has a plurality of second reflective portions arranged in one direction at approximately the same position as each of the plurality of first reflective portions.

[0009] One embodiment of the projection display device disclosed herein includes: a light source device; an image generation optical system that modulates light from the light source device based on an input image signal to generate image light; and a projection optical system that projects the image light generated by the image generation optical system. The light source device mounted in this projection display device has the same constituent elements as the light source device of the one embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0010] In one embodiment of the light source device and one embodiment of the projection display device disclosed herein, a first reflector and a second reflector are positioned opposite the emission surfaces of their respective first and second light sources. The first and second reflectors reflect first light and second light emitted from the parallel-arranged first and second light sources in the same direction. A plurality of first reflective portions that reflect the first light in one direction are discretely arranged on the first reflector. Similarly, the second reflector is discretely arranged with a plurality of second reflective portions that reflect the second light in one direction, and these plurality of second reflective portions are positioned approximately at the same location as the plurality of first reflective portions in one direction. This, for example, reduces the amount of light (return light) emitted from the wavelength conversion unit without wavelength conversion and returned to the first and second light sources. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a light source device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an example of the structure of the light source section shown.

[0013] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of the planar structure of the reflector shown.

[0014] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of the planar structure of the reflector shown.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an explanation Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram showing the positional relationship of the reflective parts of the two mirrors.

[0016] Figure 6 It means possessing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example of the structure of a projector with a light source device shown.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the light source device involved in Modification 1 of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the light source device involved in Modification 2 of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 It means possessing Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of other examples of projectors with light source devices as shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the arrangement, dimensions, and aspect ratios of the constituent elements shown in the figures are not limited thereto. It should be noted that the order of description is as follows.

[0021] 1. Implementation method (Example of a light source device in which a reflector with a plurality of reflective parts discretely arranged is disposed on the emission surface side of each of two light source units arranged side by side)

[0022] 1-1. Structure of the light source device

[0023] 1-2. Structure of Projection Display Devices

[0024] 1-3. Functions and Effects

[0025] 2. Variations

[0026] 2-1. Variation Example 1 (Another example of the structure of a light source device)

[0027] 2-2. Variation Example 2 (Another example of the structure of a light source device)

[0028] 2-3. Variation Example 3 (Other Examples of Projectors)

[0029] <1. Implementation Method>

[0030] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates an example of the structure of a light source device (light source device 100) according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The light source device 100 serves as a projection-type display device (e.g., projector 1, see reference 1) described later. Figure 6 This light source device is used for light source devices. In this embodiment, the light source device 100 has mirrors 130 and 140 arranged side by side in the optical path of the excitation light EL2. The mirrors 130 and 140 face the emission surfaces of the two light source units 110 and 120 arranged side by side, and each of them has a plurality of reflective parts 131 and 141 arranged discretely. The plurality of reflective parts 131 and 141 reflect the light (excitation light EL1 and EL2) emitted from the light source units 110 and 120 in the Y-axis direction, for example, in the X-axis direction.

[0031] (1-1. Structure of the light source device)

[0032] The light source device 100 includes light source sections 110 and 120, reflectors 130 and 140, a phase retardation plate 150, a phosphor wheel 160, and a synthesizing mirror 170. The light source device 100 also includes, for example, a diffuser plate 181, a beam shaping element 182, and lenses 183, 184, 185, and 186 as multiple optical components.

[0033] The components constituting the aforementioned light source device 100 are arranged as follows: Light source units 110 and 120 are arranged side-by-side in the X-axis direction, for example, in the direction in which the excitation beams EL1 and EL2 emitted from each other are reflected by mirrors 130 and 140 (e.g., the X-axis direction). Mirror 130 is positioned opposite the exit surface of light source unit 110 at approximately a 45-degree angle. Mirror 140 is positioned opposite the exit surface of light source unit 120 at approximately a 45-degree angle. A phase retardation plate 150 is disposed between light source unit 120 and mirror 140. A diffuser plate 181, a beam shaping element 182, lenses 183 and 184, and a combining mirror 170 are sequentially disposed along the optical path of the excitation beams EL1 and EL2 reflected by mirrors 130 and 140 and traveling linearly along the X-axis direction. The phosphor wheel 160 and lenses 185 and 186 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the optical path of the linearly advancing excitation light EL1 and EL2 (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and in a position opposite to the synthesizing mirror 170.

[0034] The light source section 110 has one or more solid-state light-emitting elements 112 that emit light (excitation light EL1) of a predetermined wavelength band as a light source. The one or more solid-state light-emitting elements 112 are arranged in an array on the pedestal section 111, for example. This light source section 110 is a specific example of the "first light source section" of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the structure of the light source section 110. Figure 2 In the light source section 110 shown, for example, 10 solid light-emitting elements 112 are arranged in a 5-row, 2-column configuration on the pedestal section 111.

[0035] The pedestal portion 111 supports a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and is used to promote heat dissipation of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 that generate heat due to light emission. Therefore, the pedestal portion 111 is preferably formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe).

[0036] The multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112 include, for example, semiconductor lasers (LDs). Specifically, for example, LDs that oscillate in the blue wavelength band corresponding to wavelengths of 400 nm to 470 nm (excitation light EL1: blue light) are used. Alternatively, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can also be used as the multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112.

[0037] Multiple lenses 113 are disposed above the multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112. These lenses 113 are, for example, collimating lenses, which adjust the laser light (excitation light EL1) emitted from the multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112 into parallel light for emission. The multiple lenses 113 are, for example, as... Figure 2 They are arranged in an array as shown, for example, fixed to the base portion 111 by an adhesive.

[0038] The light source unit 120 has the same structure as the light source unit 110. That is, the light source unit 120, as a light source, has a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 122 emitting laser light (excitation light EL2) of a specified wavelength arranged in an array on the pedestal unit 121, and a plurality of lenses 123 arranged in an array are respectively disposed above the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 122. This light source unit 120 is a specific example of the "second light source unit" of this disclosure.

[0039] Excitation beams EL1 and EL2, which are linearly polarized light (e.g., S-polarized light), are emitted from light source units 110 and 120. The shape of the laser beam oscillating from the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122 is, for example, elliptical. In light source units 110 and 120, the major and minor axes of the elliptical laser beams (excitation beams EL1 and EL2) oscillating from the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122 are arranged such that their major and minor axes are respectively in approximately the same direction.

[0040] The reflector 130 reflects the excitation light EL1 emitted from the light source 110 in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the reflector 130 reflects the excitation light EL1 emitted from the light source 110 in the Y-axis direction in the X-axis direction, and is positioned opposite the light source 110 with the reflecting surface 130S at an angle of approximately 45° to the emitting surface of the light source 110. This reflector 130 is a specific example of the "first reflector" of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 An example of the planar structure of the reflector 130 is shown schematically. Figure 3 The single-dotted line shown represents the distribution area (return light distribution area R) of the return light RL, which will be described later. The reflector 130 is discretely arranged in its plane with a plurality of reflective portions 131 that reflect the excitation light EL1 emitted from the light source unit 110. For example, the plurality of reflective portions 131 are rectangular, for example, at positions opposite each of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 of the light source unit 110, corresponding to, for example, the shape of the laser light (excitation light EL1) oscillating from the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112. These plurality of reflective portions 131 correspond to a specific example of the "plural first reflective portions" of this disclosure.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, when 10 solid-state light-emitting elements 112 are arranged in a 5-row, 2-column configuration in the light source unit 110, 10 reflective portions 131 are discretely arranged in a 5-row, 2-column configuration within the surface of the reflector 130. For example, when 24 solid-state light-emitting elements 112 are arranged in a 4-row, 6-column configuration in the light source unit 110, as... Figure 3 As shown, 24 reflective parts 131 are discretely arranged in a 4-row, 6-column configuration within the surface of the reflector 130.

[0043] The reflector 140 reflects the excitation light EL2 emitted from the light source 120 in a predetermined direction and has the same structure as the reflector 130. That is, the reflector 140 is positioned opposite the light source 120 with its reflecting surface 140S at approximately a 45° angle to the exiting surface of the light source 120. Within this surface, as... Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of reflective portions 141 are discretely arranged corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 122 of the light source portion 120. The reflector 140 corresponds to a specific example of the "second reflector" of this disclosure, and the plurality of reflective portions 141 correspond to a specific example of the "plurality of second reflective portions" of this disclosure.

[0044] Reflectors 130 and 140 are formed by providing a plurality of reflective portions 131 and 141 within the surface of a light-transmitting, for example, plate-shaped member. That is, light-transmitting portions 132 and 142 are provided around the plurality of reflective portions 131 and 141. The light-transmitting portion 132 corresponds to a specific example of the "first region other than the first reflective portion" of this disclosure, and the light-transmitting portion 142 corresponds to a specific example of the "second region other than the second reflective portion" of this disclosure.

[0045] As described above, reflectors 130 and 140 are arranged side by side in the optical path of the excitation light EL2, which is reflected by reflector 140 and travels in a straight line along the X-axis. Figure 5 This indicates the positional relationship of the plurality of reflecting portions 131, 141 within each surface of the reflectors 130 and 140. The plurality of reflecting portions 131, 141 respectively provided on the reflectors 130 and 140 are formed at approximately the same positions. In the light source device 100, the reflectors 130 and 140 are arranged such that the plurality of reflecting portions 131, 141 are at approximately the same positions relative to each other in the X-axis direction. In other words, the reflectors 130 and 140 are arranged such that the excitation light EL2 emitted from the light source unit 120 is reflected by the plurality of reflecting portions 141 of the reflector 140 and then passes through the plurality of reflecting portions 131 of the reflector 130.

[0046] Multiple reflectors 131 can be formed, for example, using a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) that reflects S-polarized light and transmits P-polarized light. Multiple reflectors 141 can be formed using a general mirror or a dichroic mirror that selectively reflects light of a specified wavelength (e.g., blue light). Thus, the excitation light EL1 emitted from the light source 110 in the Y-axis direction is reflected in the multiple reflectors 131 in the X-axis direction. The excitation light EL2 emitted from the light source 120 in the Y-axis direction is converted from S-polarized light to P-polarized light by the phase retardation plate 150 (described later), reflected in the multiple reflectors 141 in the X-axis direction, and then incident on the diffuser plate 181 together with the excitation light EL1 through the multiple reflectors 131 of the mirror 130.

[0047] The phase retardation plate 150 converts the polarization state of the incident light and emits it, as described above, and is disposed between the light source 120 and the reflector 140. The phase retardation plate 150 is, for example, a half-wave plate, which converts the polarization state of the excitation light EL2 emitted from the light source 120 from S-polarized light to P-polarized light and emits it to the reflector 140.

[0048] The phosphor wheel 160 is a wavelength conversion element that converts excitation light EL1, EL2 into light (fluorescence FL) with a different wavelength band than excitation light EL1, EL2 and emits it. It is a specific example of the "wavelength conversion section" of this disclosure. The phosphor wheel 160 has a phosphor layer 162 disposed on a wheel substrate 161 that can rotate about a rotation axis (e.g., axis J163).

[0049] The wheel substrate 161 supports the phosphor layer 162 and, for example, has a circular plate shape. The wheel substrate 161 preferably also functions as a heat dissipation component. Therefore, the wheel substrate 161 is preferably formed of a metallic material with high thermal conductivity. Furthermore, a metallic material or ceramic material capable of mirror finishing is preferably used. This suppresses the temperature rise of the phosphor layer 162, thereby improving the extraction efficiency of the fluorescent FL.

[0050] Examples of such metallic materials include, for example, single metals such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), lithium (Li), zirconium (Zr), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), or palladium (Pd), or alloys containing one or more of these metals. Examples of ceramic materials include, for example, composite materials containing silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum nitride (AlN), beryllium oxide (BeO), Si, and SiC, or composite materials of SiC and Al (wherein the SiC content is 50% or more).

[0051] The phosphor layer 162 contains multiple phosphor particles that are excited by excitation light EL1 and EL2, emitting light (fluorescence FL) in a different wavelength band than that of the excitation light EL1 and EL2. The phosphor layer 162 is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and is composed of so-called ceramic phosphors or adhesive-type phosphors. The phosphor layer 162 is formed continuously on the wheel substrate 161, for example, in a rotational circumferential direction.

[0052] Specifically, the phosphor layer 162 is composed of phosphor particles that emit fluorescence FL in a wavelength corresponding to yellow when excited by blue light (excitation light EL1, EL2) emitted from the light source sections 110 and 120. Examples of such phosphor particles include YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) based materials. The phosphor layer 162 may also contain semiconductor nanoparticles such as quantum dots or organic pigments.

[0053] A motor 163 is mounted, for example, at the center of the wheel substrate 161. The motor 163 drives the wheel substrate 161 to rotate at a predetermined speed. As a result, the phosphor wheel 160 can rotate, and the irradiation positions of the excitation lights EL1 and EL2 relative to the phosphor layer 162 change (move) over time at a speed corresponding to the rotation speed. This avoids the degradation of phosphor particles caused by the excitation light irradiating the same position of the phosphor layer 162 for a long time.

[0054] The synthesizer 170 is an optical element that selectively transmits or reflects light of a specified wavelength range from incident light. The synthesizer 170 may be, for example, a dichroic mirror. Specifically, the synthesizer 170 is configured to reflect blue excitation light EL1 and EL2 while transmitting yellow fluorescence FL. Thus, the excitation light EL1 and EL2 emitted from the light source units 110 and 120 are reflected towards the phosphor wheel 160. Furthermore, the fluorescence FL emitted from the phosphor wheel 160 passes through the synthesizer 170 and exits into the illumination optical system 300, described later.

[0055] The diffuser plate 181 diffuses the incident excitation light EL1 and EL2 and emits it out toward the beam shaping element 182.

[0056] The beam shaping element 182 is, for example, a pair of fly-eye lenses, which adjust the excitation light EL1, EL2 incident from the diffuser 181 into a uniform brightness distribution and emit it out through the lens 183.

[0057] Lenses 183 and 184 are configured to include, for example, a condenser lens and a collimating lens, and to emit the excitation light EL1 and EL2 incident from the beam shaping element 182 toward the combining mirror.

[0058] Lenses 185 and 186 are configured to include, for example, a condenser lens and a collimating lens, and to emit EL1 and EL2 incident from the synthesizer 170 to the phosphor wheel 160.

[0059] In the light source device 100 of this embodiment, excitation light EL1 and EL2 are first emitted from the light source units 110 and 120 to the reflectors 130 and 140. The excitation light EL1 emitted from the light source unit 110 is reflected by the plurality of reflective parts 131 of the reflector 130 and emitted towards the diffuser plate 181. The excitation light EL2 emitted from the light source unit 120 is converted from S-polarized light to P-polarized light when it passes through the phase difference plate 150 disposed between the light source unit 120 and the reflector 140, and is then reflected by the plurality of reflective parts 141 of the reflector 140. The reflected excitation light EL2 passes through the plurality of reflective parts 131 of the reflector 130 and is incident on the diffuser plate 181 together with the excitation light EL1.

[0060] Excitation lights EL1 and EL2 incident on diffuser 181 are incident on synthesizer 170 via beam shaping element 182 and lenses 183 and 184, and reflected by lens 185. Excitation lights EL1 and EL2 incident on lens 185 are focused on phosphor wheel 160 via lens 186, converted into fluorescence FL, and emitted from phosphor wheel 160. The fluorescence FL is adjusted to parallel light by lenses 185 and 186 and emitted towards synthesizer 170. The fluorescence FL incident on synthesizer 170 passes through synthesizer 170, and, for example, combines with blue light emitted from a light source (not shown) to form white light Lw, which is emitted into illumination optical system 300.

[0061] At this time, the light emitted from the phosphor wheel 160 may contain, in addition to the fluorescent FL, a portion of the excitation light EL1 and EL2 that has not been converted into fluorescent FL in the phosphor layer 162. The excitation light EL1 and EL2 that has not been converted into fluorescent FL in the phosphor layer 162 and is emitted from the phosphor wheel 160 is called the return light RL.

[0062] The returned light RL, like the fluorescent light FL, is adjusted into parallel light by lenses 185 and 186, then reflected by the synthesizing mirror 170 and incident on lens 184. The returned light RL incident on lens 184 is then incident on mirror 130 via lens 183, beam shaping element 182, and diffuser 181.

[0063] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the reflector 130, multiple reflective portions 131 reflecting the excitation light EL1 are discretely arranged within the return light distribution region R of the light-transmitting plate-shaped member. Therefore, in the return light RL incident on the reflector 130, although the return light RL incident on the multiple reflective portions 131 is reflected towards the light source 110, the return light RL incident on the light-transmitting portions 132 surrounding the multiple reflective portions 131 passes through the reflector 130. As a result, the amount of light returning to the light source 110 is reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of reflective portions 141 of the reflector 140 are formed at approximately the same positions as the plurality of reflective portions 131 of the reflector 130 in the optical path of the return light RL. As a result, since the return light RL passing through the light-transmitting portion 132 of the reflector 130 is incident on the light-transmitting portion 142 of the reflector 140, the amount of light returning to the light source 120 after being reflected by the reflector 140 is reduced.

[0065] It should be noted that the light emitted from the light source device 100 to the illumination optical system 300 is not limited to white light Lw, but can also be fluorescent light FL. In this case, the liquid crystal panels 411B and 411C described later are respectively illuminated with green light G and blue light B emitted from separately provided green light source and blue light source units.

[0066] (1-2. Structure of projection display device)

[0067] Next, the projection-type display device (projector 1) of this disclosure will be described. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a transmissive 3LCD projector 1, which modulates light using a transmissive liquid crystal panel (LCD). The projector 1, for example, includes a light source device 100, an illumination optical system 300, an image forming unit 400, and a projection optical system 500. The illumination optical system 300 and the image forming unit 400 are specific examples of the "image generation optical system" disclosed herein.

[0068] The illumination optical system 300 includes, for example, an integrator element 311, a polarization conversion element 312, and a condenser lens 313. The integrator element 311 includes a first fly-eye lens 311A ​​and a second fly-eye lens 311B. The first fly-eye lens 311A ​​has a plurality of microlenses arranged in a two-dimensional configuration, and the second fly-eye lens 311B has a plurality of microlenses arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the individual microlenses.

[0069] The light (white light Lw) incident from the light source device 100 onto the integrator element 311 is split into multiple beams by the microlenses of the first fly-eye lens 311A, and each beam is imaged onto a corresponding microlens in the second fly-eye lens 311B. Each microlens of the second fly-eye lens 311B functions as a secondary light source and illuminates the polarization conversion element 312 with multiple parallel beams of uniform brightness as incident light.

[0070] The integrator element 311 as a whole has the function of adjusting the incident light from the light source device 100 to the polarization conversion element 312 into a uniform brightness distribution.

[0071] The polarization conversion element 312 has the function of aligning the polarization state of incident light incident via the integrator element 311, etc. The polarization conversion element 312 emits light including blue light B, green light G, and red light R, for example, through a lens disposed on the emission side of the light source device 100.

[0072] The illumination optical system 300 also includes dichroic mirrors 314A and 314B, reflectors 315A, 315B and 315C, relay lenses 316A and 316B, and field lenses 317A, 317B and 317C.

[0073] The image forming unit 400 includes liquid crystal panels 411A, 411B, 411C and a dichroic prism 412.

[0074] Dichroic mirrors 314A and 314B have the property of selectively reflecting light of a specified wavelength range while allowing light of other wavelength ranges to pass through. For example, dichroic mirror 314A selectively reflects red light R. Dichroic mirror 314B selectively reflects the green light G that passes through dichroic mirror 314A and the green light G in blue light B. The remaining blue light B passes through dichroic mirror 314B. Thus, the white light Lw emitted from the light source device 100 is separated into multiple different colored lights (red light R, green light G, and blue light B).

[0075] The separated red light R is reflected by mirror 315A, parallelized by field lens 317A, and then incident on the liquid crystal panel 411A for modulating red light. The green light G is parallelized by field lens 317B and then incident on the liquid crystal panel 411B for modulating green light. The blue light B is reflected by mirror 315B via relay lens 316A, and then reflected by mirror 315C via relay lens 316B. The blue light B reflected by mirror 315C is parallelized by field lens 317C and then incident on the liquid crystal panel 411C for modulating blue light B.

[0076] Liquid crystal panels 411A, 411B, and 411C are electrically connected to a signal source (not shown, such as a PC) that supplies image signals containing image information. Based on the supplied color image signals, liquid crystal panels 411A, 411B, and 411C modulate the incident light at each pixel level to generate a red image, a green image, and a blue image, respectively. The modulated light of each color (the formed image) is incident on a dichroic prism 412 and synthesized. The dichroic prism 412 combines the light of each color incident from three directions and emits it into the projection optical system 500.

[0077] The projection optical system 500 is configured, for example, to include multiple lenses, and amplifies the emitted light from the image forming unit 400 and projects it onto the screen 600.

[0078] (1-3. Functions and Effects)

[0079] In the light source device 100 of this embodiment, reflectors 130 and 140, which reflect the excitation light EL1 and EL2 emitted from the side-by-side light source units 110 and 120 in the same direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), are positioned opposite the emission surfaces of the light source units 110 and 120, respectively. Multiple reflective portions 131 and 141, which reflect the excitation light EL1 and EL2 in the X-axis direction, are discretely arranged in the reflectors 130 and 140, respectively, and these multiple reflective portions 131 and 141 are positioned approximately at the same location in the X-axis direction. Therefore, as described above, the amount of light RL emitted from the phosphor wheel 160 without wavelength conversion, reflected by the synthesizer in the X-axis direction, and returned to the light source units 110 and 120 by the reflectors 130 and 140 is reduced.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of light RL that returns to the light source sections 110 and 120 without wavelength conversion in the phosphor wheel 160 is reduced, thus reducing the temperature rise of the light source sections 110 and 120. As a result, the luminous efficiency of the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122 constituting the light source sections 110 and 120 can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, since the amount of returned light RL returning to the light source sections 110 and 120 is reduced, the deterioration of components used in the light source sections 110 and 120, such as the adhesive used to fix the lenses 113 and 123 to the pedestals 111 and 121, can be suppressed. Therefore, reliability can be improved.

[0082] Next, variations 1 to 3 of this disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used to mark the same constituent elements as in the above embodiments, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] <2. Variations>

[0084] (2-1. Variation Example 1)

[0085] Figure 7 The diagram schematically illustrates an example of the structure of a light source device (light source device 100A) according to a variation of this disclosure. In the above embodiment, an example with two light source units 110 and 120 is shown, but the structure may also have three or more light source units. This variation differs from the above embodiment in that it has four light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220.

[0086] The light source units 210 and 220 have the same structure as the light source units 110 and 120. That is, the light source units 210 and 220 respectively have multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 212 and 222 that emit lasers (excitation light EL3 and EL4) of a specified wavelength arranged in an array on the pedestal units 211 and 221, respectively, and multiple lenses 213 and 223 arranged in an array are respectively arranged above the multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 212 and 222.

[0087] When viewed from above, light source 210 is arranged opposite to light source 110, for example. When viewed from above, light source 220 is arranged opposite to light source 120, for example. In the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), light source 210 and 220 are arranged side by side at a position, for example, lower than light source 110 and 120.

[0088] Reflectors 230 and 240 are respectively disposed at positions opposite to the emission surfaces of the light source units 210 and 220. Reflectors 230 and 240 have the same structure as reflectors 130 and 140. That is, reflectors 230 and 240 are disposed opposite to the light source units 210 and 220 at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the emission surfaces of the light source units 210 and 220, respectively. Within this surface, similar to reflectors 130 and 140, multiple reflective portions 231 and 241 are discretely disposed corresponding to the multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 212 and 222 of the light source units 210 and 220.

[0089] Multiple reflectors 231 can be formed, for example, using a PBS that reflects S-polarized light and transmits P-polarized light. Multiple reflectors 241 can be formed using a general reflector or a dichroic mirror that selectively reflects light of a specified wavelength (e.g., blue light).

[0090] A phase difference plate 250 is disposed between the light source 220 and the reflector 240, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0091] Light source units 210 and 220 emit excitation beams EL3 and EL4 towards reflectors 230 and 240, respectively. Excitation beam EL3 emitted from light source unit 210 is reflected by multiple reflectors 231 of reflector 230 and emitted towards diffuser plate 181. Excitation beam EL4 emitted from light source unit 220, upon passing through phase difference plate 250 disposed between light source unit 220 and reflector 240, is converted from S-polarized light to P-polarized light and is then reflected by multiple reflectors 241 of reflector 240. The reflected excitation beam EL4, along with excitation beams EL1, EL2, and EL3, is incident on diffuser plate 181 via multiple reflectors 231 of reflector 230.

[0092] Thus, even in light source devices with three or more light source units, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained by applying this technology. Furthermore, in this modified example, an example is shown where the four light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220 are arranged side-by-side in pairs, with the two pairs of side-by-side light source units (light source units 110, 120 and light source units 210, 220) arranged so that their emission surfaces face each other when viewed from above. However, for example, the four light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220 may also be arranged alternately in the X-axis direction. Additionally, for example, the four light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220 may also be arranged side-by-side in one direction.

[0093] (2-2. Variation Example 2)

[0094] Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates an example of the structure of the light source device (light source device 100B) according to Modification 2 of this disclosure. The light source device 100 may also be equipped with a light source section 260 that emits light in a different wavelength band than the fluorescent FL as an auxiliary light source. The light source device 100B is a device in which the light source device 100A shown in Modification 1 is supplemented with the light source section 260.

[0095] The light source unit 260 adjusts the RGB balance, for example, to display a wider color gamut in the projector 1 or to increase the brightness of the desired white balance (white chromaticity). The light source unit 260 is positioned opposite to the surface (surface 170S2) of the incident excitation light EL1, EL2, EL3, EL4 of the synthesizing mirror 170. The structure of the light source unit 260 is not particularly limited, and for example, it has the same structure as the light source unit 110. That is, in the light source unit 260, as a light source, a plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 262 emitting laser light (e.g., red light Lr) of a predetermined wavelength are arranged on the pedestal 261, and a plurality of lenses 263 arranged in an array are arranged above the plurality of solid-state light-emitting elements 262.

[0096] As in this modified example, when an auxiliary light source 260, for example, emitting red light Lr, is added, the synthesizing mirror 170 becomes a structure that reflects blue light (excitation light EL1, EL2) and red light Lr, and transmits fluorescence FL (yellow light). Therefore, the red light component contained in the fluorescence FL emitted from the phosphor wheel 160 is also added to the return light RL. As a result, compared to the case where the excitation light EL1, EL2, which do not undergo wavelength conversion in the phosphor wheel 160, return as the return light RL, the temperature of the light source (e.g., light source sections 110, 120, 210, 220) may become more prone to rising.

[0097] In contrast, in this technology, since multiple reflective portions 131, 141, 231, and 241 are discretely arranged in each of the reflectors 130, 140, 230, and 240 arranged opposite to the emission surfaces of the light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220, the amount of returned light RL containing the red light component returning to the light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220 is reduced. Therefore, the decrease in luminous efficiency caused by the temperature rise of the light source units 110, 120, 210, and 220 can be reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, the plurality of reflective portions 131, 141, 231, and 241 provided in each of the reflectors 130, 140, 230, and 240 in this modified example are preferably formed using a PBS or dichroic mirror that allows red light to pass through, in addition to reflecting blue light (excitation light EL1, EL2, EL3, and EL4). Therefore, since the red light component contained in the return light RL passes through the plurality of reflective portions 131, 141, 231, and 241, the red light component returning to the light source portions 110, 120, 210, and 220 can be further reduced.

[0099] (2-3. Variation Example 3)

[0100] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a projection-type display device (projector 2) according to Modification 3 of this disclosure. Projector 2 is a reflective 3LCD projector that modulates light using a reflective liquid crystal panel (LCD), and for example, it is configured to include a light source device 100, an illumination optical system 700, an image forming unit 800, and a projection optical system 500.

[0101] The illumination optical system 700, along the optical axis of the white light Lw emitted from the light source device 100, includes a PS converter 711, dichroic mirrors 712 and 716, and total reflection mirrors 713, 714, and 715. The image forming unit 800 includes polarized beam splitters 811, 812, and 813, reflective liquid crystal panels 814R, 814G, and 814B, and an orthogonal prism 815 as a color synthesis unit. The projection optical system 500 projects the synthesized light emitted from the orthogonal prism 815 onto the screen 600.

[0102] The PS converter 711 has the function of polarizing and transmitting light from the light source device 100. Here, S-polarized light is transmitted directly, and P-polarized light is converted into S-polarized light.

[0103] Dichroic mirror 712 separates light transmitted through the PS converter 711 into blue light (B) and other colors (red light (R) and green light (G)). Total internal reflection mirror 713 reflects the light transmitted through dichroic mirror 712 to total internal reflection mirror 715, which in turn reflects the reflected light from total internal reflection mirror 713 to dichroic mirror 716. Dichroic mirror 716 separates the light from total internal reflection mirror 715 into red light (R) and green light (G). Total internal reflection mirror 714 reflects the blue light (B) separated by dichroic mirror 712 to polarizing beam splitter 813.

[0104] Polarizing beam splitters 811, 812, and 813 are arranged along the optical paths of red light R, green light G, and blue light B, respectively. Each polarizing beam splitter 811, 812, and 813 has a polarization separation surface 811A, 812A, and 813A, which functions to separate incident light of each color into two mutually orthogonal polarized light components. The polarization separation surfaces 811A, 812A, and 813A reflect one polarized light component (e.g., the S-polarized light component) and allow the other polarized light component (e.g., the P-polarized light component) to pass through.

[0105] Colored light of a predetermined polarization component (e.g., S-polarization component) separated in polarization separation surfaces 811A, 812A, and 813A is incident on reflective liquid crystal panels 814R, 814G, and 814B. The reflective liquid crystal panels 814R, 814G, and 814B are driven by a driving voltage based on an image signal, and have the function of modulating the incident light and reflecting the modulated light towards polarization beam splitters 811, 812, and 813.

[0106] The orthogonal prism 815 synthesizes colored light with a specified polarization component (e.g., P-polarized light component) emitted from the reflective liquid crystal panels 814R, 814G, and 814B and transmitted through the polarization beam splitters 811, 812, and 813, and then emits it into the projection optical system 500.

[0107] The projection optical system 500 is composed of, for example, multiple lenses, and amplifies the emitted light from the image forming unit 800 to project onto the screen 600.

[0108] The present invention has been described above with examples of embodiments and variations 1 to 3, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various variations are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, an example is shown where the light source units 110 and 120 each have the same number of multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122, but the number of multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122 in the light source units 110 and 120 may be different. In this case, since the number of multiple reflective portions 131 and 141 provided in each of the reflectors 130 and 140 corresponds to the number of multiple solid-state light-emitting elements 112 and 122 in the light source units 110 and 120, it is not necessarily the same. Figures 3-5 The layout shown is completely identical to each other, but at least some of the multiple reflective parts 131, 141 are arranged in approximately the same position in the X-axis direction, for example.

[0109] Furthermore, the projection display device involved in this technology can be configured as a device other than the projectors 1 and 2 described above. For example, in the projectors 1 and 2 described above, an example is shown that a reflective liquid crystal panel or a transmissive liquid crystal panel is used as a light modulation element, but this technology can also be applied to projectors that use digital micromirror devices (DMDs).

[0110] Furthermore, this technology can also be used in devices that are not projection display devices, such as the light source device 100 (100A, 100B) disclosed herein. For example, the light source device 100 (100A, 100B) can be used for lighting purposes, such as in automotive headlights or other lighting sources.

[0111] It should be noted that the effects are not limited to those described herein, but can also include any of the effects described in this disclosure.

[0112] It should be noted that this technology can also employ the following structure. According to this technology with the following structure, a first reflector and a second reflector are positioned opposite their respective emission surfaces. These first and second reflectors reflect first and second light emitted from the parallel-arranged first and second light sources in the same direction. A plurality of first reflective elements that reflect the first light in one direction are discretely arranged on the first reflector. Similarly, the second reflector is also discretely arranged with a plurality of second reflective elements that reflect the second light in one direction, and these multiple second reflective elements are positioned approximately in the same direction as the plurality of first reflective elements. This reduces, for example, light that is reflected back to the first and second light sources without wavelength conversion by the wavelength conversion unit (return light). Therefore, since the temperature rise of the first and second light sources is reduced, the luminous efficiency can be improved. (1)

[0114] A light source device, comprising:

[0115] The first light source emits the first beam;

[0116] The second light source emits a second light and is arranged side by side with the first light source.

[0117] A first reflecting mirror is disposed opposite to the emitting surface of the first light source, and has a plurality of first reflecting portions discretely arranged in the surface to reflect the first light in one direction; and

[0118] The second reflector faces the exit surface of the second light source and is arranged side by side with the first reflector to reflect the second light in the one direction, and has a plurality of second reflectors arranged in the one direction at approximately the same position as each of the plurality of first reflectors. (2)

[0120] According to the light source device described in (1), the first region of the first reflector other than the plurality of first reflective portions and the second region of the second reflector other than the plurality of second reflective portions respectively have light transmittance. (3)

[0122] According to the light source device described in (1) or (2),

[0123] The first light source section and the second light source section each have multiple light sources.

[0124] The plurality of first reflective portions are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources of the first light source portion.

[0125] The plurality of second reflective portions are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources of the second light source portion. (4)

[0127] According to any one of (1) to (3),

[0128] The first reflector is positioned on the optical path of the second light reflected by the plurality of second reflective parts of the second reflector.

[0129] The plurality of first reflective sections are formed by polarized beam splitters. (5)

[0131] According to any one of (1) to (4),

[0132] The plurality of second reflective elements are formed by dichroic mirrors. (6)

[0134] According to any one of (1) to (5) of the light source device, a phase difference plate is further provided between the second light source part and the second reflector. (7)

[0136] The light source device according to any one of (1) to (6) further comprises:

[0137] The wavelength conversion unit performs wavelength conversion on the first light and the second light to emit a third light; and

[0138] A synthesizing mirror is disposed in the optical paths of the first light and the second light, reflecting the first light and the second light, and selectively transmitting the third light. (8)

[0140] According to the light source device described in (7), the synthesizing mirror is formed by a dichroic mirror. (9)

[0142] According to the light source device described in (7) or (8),

[0143] It also has a third light source that emits a fourth light with a wavelength different from the first and second light.

[0144] The plurality of first reflective portions and the plurality of second reflective portions are each transmissive to the fourth light. (10)

[0146] According to any one of (1) to (9),

[0147] The first light and the second light are blue light. (11)

[0149] According to any one of (7) to (10),

[0150] The wavelength conversion unit is excited by the first light and the second light to emit fluorescence containing yellow light as the third light. (12)

[0152] According to any one of (9) to (11), the light source device

[0153] The fourth light is red light. (13)

[0155] A projection display device, comprising:

[0156] Light source device;

[0157] An image generation optical system modulates light from the light source device based on an input image signal, thereby generating image light; and

[0158] The projection optical system projects image light generated by the image generation optical system.

[0159] The light source device has:

[0160] The first light source emits the first beam;

[0161] The second light source emits a second light and is arranged side by side with the first light source.

[0162] A first reflecting mirror is disposed opposite to the emitting surface of the first light source, and has a plurality of first reflecting portions discretely arranged in the surface to reflect the first light in one direction; and

[0163] The second reflector faces the exit surface of the second light source and is arranged side by side with the first reflector to reflect the second light in the one direction, and has a plurality of second reflectors arranged in the one direction at approximately the same position as each of the plurality of first reflectors.

[0164] This application asserts priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-136771 filed by the Japanese Patent Office on August 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0165] Any person skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations based on design requirements or other factors, but it is understood that they are included within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light source device, comprising: The first light source emits the first beam; The second light source emits a second light and is arranged side by side with the first light source. The first reflecting mirror is disposed opposite to the emission surface of the first light source and has a plurality of first reflecting parts discretely disposed in the surface to reflect the first light in the first direction. The second reflector faces the exiting surface of the second light source and is arranged side by side with the first reflector to reflect the second light in the first direction, and has a plurality of second reflectors arranged in the first direction at the same position as each of the plurality of first reflectors; as well as The wavelength conversion unit converts the wavelengths of the first light and the second light to emit a third light. The first region of the first reflector other than the plurality of first reflective portions and the second region of the second reflector other than the plurality of second reflective portions are respectively light-transmitting, so that the return light that is not converted into the third light by the wavelength conversion portion and is emitted and returned to the first light source portion and the second light source portion is transmitted.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The first light source section and the second light source section each have multiple light sources. The plurality of first reflective portions are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources of the first light source portion. The plurality of second reflective portions are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of light sources of the second light source portion.

3. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The first reflector is positioned on the optical path of the second light reflected by the plurality of second reflective parts of the second reflector. The plurality of first reflective sections are formed by polarized beam splitters.

4. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of second reflective elements are formed by dichroic mirrors.

5. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, A phase difference plate is also provided between the second light source and the second reflector.

6. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The light source device also has: A synthesizing mirror is disposed in the optical paths of the first light and the second light, reflecting the first light and the second light, and selectively transmitting the third light.

7. The light source device according to claim 6, wherein, The composite mirror is formed by a dichroic mirror.

8. The light source device according to claim 6, wherein, The light source device further includes a third light source unit, which emits a fourth light having a wavelength different from the first light and the second light. The plurality of first reflective portions and the plurality of second reflective portions are each transmissive to the fourth light.

9. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The first light and the second light are blue light.

10. The light source device according to claim 6, wherein, The wavelength conversion unit is excited by the first light and the second light to emit fluorescence containing yellow light as the third light.

11. The light source device according to claim 8, wherein, The fourth light is red light.

12. A projection display device, comprising: Light source device; An image generation optical system modulates light from the light source device based on an input image signal, thereby generating image light; and The projection optical system projects image light generated by the image generation optical system. The light source device has: The first light source emits the first beam; The second light source emits a second light and is arranged side by side with the first light source. The first reflecting mirror is disposed opposite to the emission surface of the first light source and has a plurality of first reflecting parts discretely disposed in the surface to reflect the first light in the first direction. The second reflector faces the exit surface of the second light source and is arranged side by side with the first reflector to reflect the second light in the first direction, and has a plurality of second reflectors arranged in the first direction at approximately the same position as each of the plurality of first reflectors. as well as The wavelength conversion unit converts the wavelengths of the first light and the second light to emit a third light. The first region of the first reflector other than the plurality of first reflective portions and the second region of the second reflector other than the plurality of second reflective portions are respectively light-transmitting, so that the return light that is not converted into the third light by the wavelength conversion portion and is emitted and returned to the first light source portion and the second light source portion is transmitted.

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