projector

Abstract

Projector. It has a panel cooling function and is miniaturized. The projector of the present invention includes: a light source unit; an image forming unit including a light modulation panel that modulates the illumination light from the light source unit according to image information to generate image light; a projection optical unit that projects the image light generated by the image forming unit; a panel fan that delivers airflow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger; an image forming unit that is formed by accommodating the image forming unit, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan in a housing; a second heat exchanger; and an outer housing that accommodates at least the light source unit, the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger and constitutes the exterior. The light source unit is arranged on one side of the image forming unit in the first direction within the outer housing, and the second heat exchanger is arranged on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction within the outer housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 25, 2022, application number 202211024759.4, and invention name “Projector”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a projector. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there are projectors having a closed-circulation cooling mechanism that uses a heat exchanger to cool cooling air blown to a liquid crystal panel housed in a closed space and then blows the air back to the liquid crystal panel (for example, see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 below).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-205462

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-74695

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-224399

[0007] A projector includes an image forming unit including a liquid crystal panel and a plurality of components such as a light source and a power supply housed within a housing. In recent years, further miniaturization of projectors has been desired from the perspective of improving their usability.

[0008] However, in the projector including the above-mentioned cooling mechanism, the miniaturization of the housing in the width direction, the depth direction, and the height direction is insufficient, and further miniaturization is desired by reconsidering the layout of each component. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a projector is provided, which comprises: a light source unit that emits illumination light; an image forming section that includes a light modulation panel that modulates the illumination light from the light source unit according to image information to generate image light; a projection optical unit that projects the image light generated by the image forming section; a panel fan that sends airflow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the airflow heated by the light modulation panel; an image forming unit that is formed by arranging the image forming section, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan in sequence and accommodating them in a housing; a second heat exchanger that dissipates heat absorbed by the first heat exchanger; and an outer casing that accommodates at least the light source unit, the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger and constitutes an exterior, the light source unit being arranged on one side of the image forming unit in a first direction within the outer casing, and the second heat exchanger being arranged on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction within the outer casing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of a projector according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the main structure of the image forming section.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of the panel fan and the duct.

[0013] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the light modulation panel and the holding member.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a light modulation panel.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the main body.

[0016] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing the inner surface of the heated substrate.

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a light source unit.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the light source unit.

[0019] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a light source unit.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the path of the heat exchange liquid.

[0021] Figure 12 Observed from the +X side Figure 11 Top view of .

[0022] Figure 13 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout inside the outer casing in the first modification.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout inside the outer casing in the second modified example.

[0024] Figure 15 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout inside the outer casing in the third modified example.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a configuration in which four panel fans are provided as a fourth modified example.

[0026] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a light modulation panel in a fifth modification.

[0027] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light modulation panel in the sixth modification.

[0028] Label Description

[0029] 1 Projector; 2 Light source unit; 3 Image forming unit; 3A Image forming unit; 4 Projection optical unit; 5 External casing; 7 Panel heat absorbing heat exchanger (1st heat exchanger); 8 Panel heat dissipation heat exchanger (2nd heat exchanger); 9 Light source heat dissipation heat exchanger (4th heat exchanger); 10 Casing; 14 Power supply unit; 15, 115 Ducts; 16 Panel fan; 16a 1st fan; 16b 2nd fan; 16c 3rd fan; 16d 4th fan; 17 Heat exchanger fan; 25 Light source heat absorbing heat exchanger (3rd heat exchanger); 32B Light modulation panel (liquid crystal panel for blue); 32G light modulation panel (liquid crystal panel for green); 32R light modulation panel (liquid crystal panel for red); 51b, 52a, 56a, 56b air inlets; 53 left side surface (exhaust wall); 53a exhaust port; 56 bottom surface (air inlet wall); 65 heat dissipation portion; 80 radiator body (heat dissipation portion); AX2 optical axis; K air flow; WL illumination light; X left and right direction (first direction); Y front and back direction (second direction); Z up and down direction (third direction); -X left side (the other side of the second direction); +X right side (one side of the second direction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] In the following drawings, in order to facilitate the understanding of each component, the scale of the dimensions may be different depending on the component.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a projector according to this embodiment.

[0033] The projector 1 of this embodiment modulates the illumination light emitted from the light source unit 2 to generate image light corresponding to image information, and then amplifies and projects the generated image light onto a projection surface such as a screen. Figure 1 As shown, the projector 1 includes a light source unit 2 , an image forming unit 3 , a projection optical unit 4 , an exterior casing 5 , a cooling device 6 , and a power supply unit 14 .

[0034] In the following description, an XYZ rectangular coordinate system is used as needed.

[0035] In each figure, the X-axis is an axis along the optical axis AX1 of the illumination light WL emitted from the light source unit 2 toward the image forming unit 3. The Y-axis is orthogonal to the X-axis and is an axis along the direction in which the image light is projected by the projection optical unit 4, that is, along the optical axis AX2 of the projection optical unit 4. The Z-axis is an axis orthogonal to the optical axis AX1 and the optical axis AX2.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the direction along the Z axis is set as the "upper and lower direction Z", +Z is set as the "upper side", and -Z is set as the "lower side". The direction along the X axis is set as the "left and right direction X", +X is set as the "right side", and -X is set as the "left side". The direction along the Y axis is set as the "front and rear direction Y", +Y is set as the "front side", and -Y is set as the "back side" for explanation.

[0037] The up-down direction Z, the left-right direction X, and the front-back direction Y are merely names used to describe the arrangement relationship of components of the projector 1 , and do not define the actual installation posture and direction of the projector 1 .

[0038] The light source unit 2 supplies white illumination light WL to the image forming portion 3A of the image forming unit 3. The light source unit 2 is connected to a light source unit connection portion 10a provided in the housing 10. The structure of the light source unit 2 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The light source unit connection portion 10a is formed of, for example, a light-transmitting window portion. Alternatively, the light source unit connection portion 10a may be an opening formed in the housing 10 as long as it can seal the interior of the housing 10 when the light source unit 2 is connected.

[0040] With this configuration, the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment can allow the illumination light WL from the light source unit 2 to enter the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B via the light source unit connection portion 10 a of the housing 10 .

[0041] The image forming unit 3 is formed by enclosing at least the image forming unit 3A, the panel heat exchanger 7 serving as a first heat exchanger, and the panel fan 16 within a sealed housing 10. The housing 10 holds the image forming unit 3A, the panel heat exchanger 7, and the panel fan 16 in a manner that maintains them in predetermined positions. The image forming unit 3 is formed by arranging and storing the image forming unit 3A, the panel heat exchanger 7, and the panel fan 16 in order from the +Y side, i.e., the front side, toward the -Y side, i.e., the rear side, within the housing 10.

[0042] The panel heat exchanger 7 is arranged within the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3 to form a storage space that separates the image forming section 3A storage area from the panel fan 16 storage area. In the present embodiment, the panel heat exchanger 7 is arranged in the left-right direction so as to divide the space within the housing 10 into two parts in the front-back direction Y, which is the second direction along the optical axis AX2.

[0043] Inside the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3 , the image forming section 3A, the panel heat exchanger 7 , and the panel fan 16 are arranged in the longitudinal direction Y. The panel heat exchanger 8 , serving as a second heat exchanger, is adjacent to the −X side of the housing 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0044] The image forming unit 3A includes light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B and a cross dichroic prism 34. The light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B modulate incident color light according to image information to form image light. Each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B is comprised of a light-transmitting liquid crystal panel. The detailed structure of each light modulation panel 32R, 32G, and 32B will be described later.

[0045] The cross dichroic prism 34 combines the image lights emitted from the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. The cross dichroic prism 34 is formed into a substantially square shape in plan view by laminating four rectangular prisms. A dielectric multilayer film is provided on the substantially X-shaped interface formed by the laminated rectangular prisms.

[0046] With such a configuration, the image forming section 3A of the present embodiment synthesizes the image lights of the respective colors to thereby generate full-color image light.

[0047] In the present embodiment, field lenses 33R, 33G, and 33B are provided on the light incident sides of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, respectively.

[0048] Although not shown in the figure, incident-side polarizing plates are arranged between each light modulation panel 32R, 32G, 32B and each field lens 33R, 33G, 33B, and an outgoing-side polarizing plate is arranged between each light modulation panel 32R, 32G, 32B and the cross dichroic prism 34 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 3 further includes a uniform illumination optical system 30 and a color separation and light guide optical system 31 housed in the housing 10. The housing 10 houses the uniform illumination optical system 30 and the color separation and light guide optical system 31 while holding them in predetermined positions.

[0050] The illumination light WL emitted from the light source unit 2 enters the uniform illumination optical system 30 .

[0051] The uniform illumination optical system 30 includes a first lens array 301 , a second lens array 302 , a polarization conversion element 303 , and a superimposing lens 304 .

[0052] The first lens array 301 includes a plurality of first small lenses for dividing the illumination light WL from the light source unit 2 into a plurality of partial light beams. The plurality of first small lenses are arranged in a matrix in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1 of the illumination light WL.

[0053] The second lens array 302 includes a plurality of second small lenses corresponding to the plurality of first small lenses of the first lens array 301. The plurality of second small lenses are arranged in a matrix in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1.

[0054] The second lens array 302 , together with the superimposing lens 304 , forms images of the first small lenses of the first lens array 301 near the image forming regions of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0055] The polarization conversion element 303 converts the light emitted from the second lens array 302 into a single linearly polarized light. The polarization conversion element 303 includes, for example, a polarization separation film and a phase difference plate (not shown).

[0056] The superimposing lens 304 converges the partial light beams emitted from the polarization conversion element 303 and superimposes them near the image forming areas of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0057] The color separation and light guiding optical system 31 separates the illumination light WL that has passed through the uniform illumination optical system 30 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB, and guides the light to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, respectively. The color separation and light guiding optical system 31 includes a first dichroic mirror 311, a second dichroic mirror 312, a first reflecting mirror 313, a second reflecting mirror 314, a third reflecting mirror 315, a first relay lens 316, and a second relay lens 317.

[0058] The first dichroic mirror 311 reflects the red light LR and transmits the green light LG and the blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 312 reflects the green light LG, which is the portion of the green light LG and the blue light LB that have passed through the first dichroic mirror 311, and transmits the blue light LB. The first reflector 313 reflects the red light LR. The second reflector 314 and the third reflector 315 reflect the blue light LB. The first relay lens 316 is positioned between the second dichroic mirror 312 and the second reflector 314, and the second relay lens 317 is positioned between the second reflector 314 and the third reflector 315.

[0059] The projection optical unit 4 is connected to a projection optical unit connection portion 10b provided in the housing 10. The projection optical unit 4 is composed of a projection lens group, and receives light from the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B of the image forming unit 3A via the projection optical unit connection portion 10b of the housing 10.

[0060] The projection optical unit connection portion 10b is formed, for example, of a light-transmitting window. Alternatively, the projection optical unit connection portion 10b may be an opening formed in the housing 10, as long as it is configured to hermetically seal the interior of the housing 10 when the projection optical unit 4 is connected. Furthermore, the projection optical unit connection portion 10b may include a lens shift mechanism for shifting the optical axis AX2 of the projection optical unit 4.

[0061] With this configuration, the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment can magnify and project the image light generated by the image forming unit 3 toward a projection surface such as a screen via the projection optical unit connection portion 10b of the housing 10. This displays a magnified color image on the screen.

[0062] The exterior casing 5 accommodates the light source unit 2 , the image forming unit 3 , the cooling device 6 , and the power supply unit 14 therein, and constitutes the exterior of the projector 1 .

[0063] The projector 1 of this embodiment has two heat sources disposed in the exterior casing 5. Specifically, the first heat source corresponds to the light source unit 2, and the second heat source corresponds to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B in the image forming unit 3.

[0064] The projector 1 of this embodiment includes a cooling device 6 for cooling the heat generated by these two heat sources.

[0065] The cooling device 6 includes a light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25 as a third heat exchanger for absorbing heat generated by the light source unit 2, a panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7 for absorbing heat generated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, a light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 as a fourth heat exchanger for dissipating heat transferred from the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25, a panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 for dissipating heat transferred from the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7, a heat exchanger fan 17 for supplying air flow to the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, and a heat exhaust fan 13.

[0066] In the cooling device 6 , the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9 overlap in the flow direction of the airflow K, and the airflow K flows from the panel heat exchanger 8 toward the light source heat exchanger 9 .

[0067] The outer casing 5 includes a front surface portion 51, a rear surface portion 52, a left side surface portion 53, a right side surface portion 54, a top surface portion 55, and a bottom surface portion 56. The outer casing 5 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. Figure 1 In FIG. 5 , in order to illustrate the internal structure of the outer casing 5 , the top surface portion 55 is shown as a transparent member.

[0068] The front surface portion 51 is located on the front side of the +Y side in the front-back direction Y and is a plate-shaped portion along the XZ plane.

[0069] The rear surface portion 52 is located on the rear side of the −Y side in the front-rear direction Y and is a plate-shaped portion along the XZ plane.

[0070] The left side surface portion 53 is located on the left side of the −X side in the left-right direction X and is a plate-shaped portion along the YZ plane.

[0071] The right side surface portion 54 is located on the right side of the +X side in the left-right direction X and is a plate-shaped portion along the YZ plane.

[0072] The top surface portion 55 connects the upper ends of the front surface portion 51 , the rear surface portion 52 , the left surface portion 53 , and the right surface portion 54 on the +Z side, and is a plate-shaped portion along the XY plane.

[0073] The bottom surface portion 56 connects the lower ends of the front surface portion 51 , the rear surface portion 52 , the left surface portion 53 , and the right surface portion 54 on the −Z side, and is a plate-shaped portion along the XY plane.

[0074] The front surface portion 51 has an opening 51a provided approximately in the center. The projection optical unit 4 is inserted into the outer casing 5 through the opening 51a and connected to the image forming unit 3. In the present embodiment, the front end of the projection optical unit 4 protrudes outward from the outer casing 5 through the opening 51a. However, the front end of the projection optical unit 4 may be located further inward of the outer casing 5 than the opening 51a.

[0075] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 3 , the panel heat exchanger 8 , and the light source heat exchanger 9 are arranged in one direction along the X axis so as to overlap with each other.

[0076] The bottom surface portion 56 of the exterior case 5 , which serves as an air intake wall portion, includes an air intake port 56 a and an air intake port 56 b .

[0077] In the bottom portion 56 , an air inlet 56 a is provided at a position facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the image forming unit 3 on the image forming unit 3 side, among the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9 , to take in external air into the outer casing 5 .

[0078] The air inlet 56 b is provided in the bottom portion 56 at a position facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9 , and takes in external air into the exterior case 5 .

[0079] In addition, the air inlet 56b may be formed integrally with the air inlet 56a. That is, a portion of the air inlet 56a may be formed to extend to a position facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9.

[0080] The rear surface portion 52 of the exterior housing 5 includes an air inlet 52a. Like the air inlet 56a, the air inlet 52a is provided facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the image forming unit 3, and draws external air into the exterior housing 5 as an airflow K. In the present embodiment, the air inlet 52a extends to a position facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9.

[0081] The front surface portion 51 of the exterior housing 5 further includes an air inlet 51b. Like the air inlets 56a and 52a, the air inlet 51b is located facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the image forming unit 3, and draws external air into the exterior housing 5 as airflow K. In this embodiment, the air inlet 51b extends to a position facing the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9.

[0082] With this configuration, the heat exchanger fan 17 can efficiently draw airflow K into the exterior case 5 through the air inlet 51b, the air inlet 52a, the air inlet 56a, and the air inlet 56b. A filter for collecting dust contained in the airflow K may be provided for each of the air inlets 51b, 52a, 56a, and 56b.

[0083] The heat exchanger fan 17 is disposed between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the left side surface 53 of the exterior case 5, which is an exhaust wall portion. The left side surface 53 has an exhaust port 53a disposed at a position opposite the panel heat exchanger 8. The exhaust port 53a exhausts the exhaust gas within the exterior case 5 to the outside via the heat exchanger fan 17.

[0084] In the case of this embodiment, a heat exchanger 9 for heat dissipation of the light source is arranged between the left side surface 53 and the heat exchanger 8 for heat dissipation of the panel. Therefore, the air flow K sucked in from the air inlet 52a and the air inlet 56a by the heat exchanger fan 17 flows toward the exhaust port 53a through the heat exchanger 8 for heat dissipation of the panel and the heat exchanger 9 for heat dissipation of the light source.

[0085] The right side surface 54 has an air inlet 54a and an air outlet 54b. The air inlet 54a is provided at a position facing the light source unit 2 and takes in external air into a predetermined position of the light source unit 2. A filter may also be provided to capture dust contained in the air passing through the air inlet 54a.

[0086] The exhaust port 54b is provided at a position facing the heat exhaust fan 13. The heat exhaust fan 13 exhausts heat from the exterior case 5 to the outside through the exhaust port 54b, thereby releasing heat from the interior of the exterior case 5 to the outside.

[0087] Here, in the projector 1 of the present embodiment, the layout of the components housed in the exterior casing 5 will be described.

[0088] The light source unit 2 is disposed within the exterior housing 5 on the +X side, i.e., the right side, of the left-right direction X, which is a first direction intersecting the optical axis AX2 of the projection optical unit 4, relative to the image forming unit 3. The panel heat exchanger 8 is disposed within the exterior housing 5 on the -X side, i.e., the left side, relative to the image forming unit 3 in the left-right direction X. The panel heat exchanger 8 extends along the front-rear direction Y.

[0089] The light source heat exchanger 9 is disposed within the exterior housing 5 on the left side of the image forming unit 3 on the -X side in the left-right direction X. The light source heat exchanger 9 extends along the front-back direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9 are disposed within the exterior housing 5 on the left side of the image forming unit 3 on the -X side.

[0090] The power supply unit 14 is positioned within the exterior housing 5 on the right side, on the +X side, relative to the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3. The power supply unit 14 supplies power to the light source unit 2 and the image forming portion 3A. The power supply unit 14 is positioned within the exterior housing 5 so as to overlap at least a portion of the light source unit 2 in the vertical direction (third direction) Z that intersects the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X along the optical axis AX2. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 14 is positioned below the light source unit 2, on the -Z side.

[0091] According to the projector 1 of this embodiment, the power supply unit 14 and the light source unit 2 are arranged within the exterior casing 5 so as to overlap in the vertical direction Z. This allows the size of the exterior casing 5 to be reduced when viewed from the vertical direction Z, compared to a layout in which the power supply unit 14 and the light source unit 2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction X or the front-back direction Y. In other words, the layout of this embodiment allows for a smaller foot space for the projector 1.

[0092] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the main structure of the image forming section 3A.

[0093] The image forming unit 3A includes a plurality of light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B and a cross dichroic prism 34. The red liquid crystal panel 32R, which serves as a light modulation panel, corresponds to red light LR, the green liquid crystal panel 32G, which serves as a light modulation panel, corresponds to green light LG, and the blue liquid crystal panel 32B, which serves as a light modulation panel, corresponds to blue light LB.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the cross dichroic prism 34 has three incident surfaces 34R, 34G, and 34B facing the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B and on which the color lights passing through the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B enter, and one exit surface 34S.

[0095] The image forming unit 3A includes three holding members 35 . The holding members 35 hold the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, respectively, and are fixed to corresponding incident surfaces 34R, 34G, and 34B of the cross dichroic prism 34 .

[0096] In the projector 1 of this embodiment, air flow is sent to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B to cool them. Figure 1 As shown, the panel fan 16 is a fan for sending airflow to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. The panel fan 16 supplies airflow to each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B via a duct described later.

[0097] The panel fan 16 can be, for example, a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan, but the fan type is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, a plurality of panel fans 16 are provided in the housing 10. The plurality of panel fans 16 include a first fan 16a, a second fan 16b, and a third fan 16c.

[0098] The first fan 16a blows air toward the light modulation panel 32R, the second fan 16b blows air toward the light modulation panel 32G, and the third fan 16c blows air toward the light modulation panel 32B. Hereinafter, when the first fan 16a, the second fan 16b, and the third fan 16c are collectively referred to without distinction, they may be simply referred to as the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c.

[0099] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the panel fan 16 and the duct 15 .

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of fans 16a, 16b, and 16c constituting the panel fan 16 are arranged along the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 in the left-right direction X. Airflow from the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c flows toward the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B of the image forming unit 3A via the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 and the duct 15 provided between the image forming unit 3A and the exterior casing 5.

[0101] The duct 15 includes a first duct portion 15a, a second duct portion 15b, and a third duct portion 15c.

[0102] The first duct portion 15a has a supply port 15a1 for supplying airflow K to the light modulation panel 32R. The second duct portion 15b has a supply port 15b1 for supplying airflow K to the light modulation panel 32G. The third duct portion 15c has a supply port 15c1 for supplying airflow K to the light modulation panel 32B.

[0103] In this manner, airflow from separate fans is supplied to each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, thereby improving the cooling performance of each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0104] Here, the degree of heat generated by each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B may differ from panel to panel. For example, the light modulation panel 32G may generate more heat than the light modulation panels 32R and 32B. This is because, when considering the color balance of the illumination light WL, more light is incident on the light modulation panel 32G than on the light modulation panels 32R and 32B.

[0105] On the other hand, the heat generated by the light modulation panel 32R is lower than that of the light modulation panels 32B and 32G. That is, the first fan 16a, which supplies airflow to the light modulation panel 32R, has more power than the other fans 16b and 16c. In this embodiment, the first duct portion 15a is further provided with a supply port 15a2 for supplying a portion of the airflow K toward the uniform illumination optical system 30. This distributes a portion of the airflow supplied by the first fan 16a toward the uniform illumination optical system 30, enabling efficient cooling of both the light modulation panel 32R and the uniform illumination optical system 30 using a single fan.

[0106] Furthermore, the image forming unit 3 of the present embodiment is provided with a steam chamber, which will be described later, in the light modulation panel 32G for green, which has high heat generation, thereby further improving the cooling performance.

[0107] Next, the structure of the light modulation panel 32G will be described.

[0108] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the light modulation panel 32G and the holding member 35 as viewed from the light incident side of the light modulation panel 32G.

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, the holding member 35 has a mounting portion 358 and four insertion portions 359 .

[0110] The mounting portion 358 is formed in a rectangular frame shape and is mounted on the corresponding incident surface 34G by bonding, etc. The mounting portion 358 includes an opening portion 351 and a holding portion 352 .

[0111] The opening 351 is formed in a rectangular shape substantially at the center of the mounting portion 358. The opening 351 allows light having passed through the outgoing-side polarizing plate 355 to pass toward the cross dichroic prism 34. The holding portion 352 holds the outgoing-side polarizing plate 355.

[0112] Four insertion portions 359 protrude toward the light modulation panel 32G from portions corresponding to the four corners of the mounting portion 358. After being inserted into the position adjustment portions 483 of the light modulation panel 32G, the four insertion portions 359 are bonded and fixed to the light modulation panel 32G using an adhesive such as a UV-curable adhesive.

[0113] The light modulation panel 32G and the cross dichroic prism 34 are integrated with each other by means of the holding member 35. Alternatively, for example, the cross dichroic prism 34 may be replaced with a plurality of dichroic mirrors.

[0114] Figure 5 32G is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light modulation panel 32G.

[0115] like Figure 5As shown, the light modulation panel 32G includes a panel body 41, a printed circuit board 45, a first dustproof member 46, a second dustproof member 47, and a holding case 48. The image forming unit 3 of this embodiment includes a vapor chamber 60 provided in the light modulation panel 32G.

[0116] The panel body 41 modulates the incident light. Figure 5 As shown, the panel body 41 includes a first substrate 43 , a second substrate 44 , and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) sandwiched between the first substrate 43 and the second substrate 44 .

[0117] The first substrate 43 is arranged on the light-emitting side of the panel body 41 on the +Y side, and the second substrate 44 is arranged on the light-incident side of the panel body 41 on the -Y side. In this embodiment, the first substrate 43 is an element substrate provided with a plurality of switching elements such as TFTs (Thin Film Transistors), and the second substrate 44 is an opposing substrate provided with a common electrode. The first substrate 43 and the second substrate 44 are translucent substrates that can transmit light. With this structure, the panel body 41 can modulate light based on the voltage applied to each pixel in the pixel formation area AR formed between the first substrate 43 and the second substrate 44.

[0118] A printed circuit board 45, a flat cable, extends upward from the first and second substrates 43 and 44 toward the +Z side and is connected to a control device (not shown). The printed circuit board 45 drives the panel body 41 based on image signals input from the control device. The printed circuit board 45 includes a driver circuit 451 that controls the operation of the panel body 41.

[0119] The driver circuit 451 is a circuit component provided on the printed circuit board 45. The driver circuit 451 is mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 45 on the light-emitting side of the +Y side. The light-emitting surface of the driver circuit 451 is thermally connected to the steam chamber 60, which functions as a cooling member. Here, the driver circuit 451 and the steam chamber 60 are thermally connected to each other in a state that allows heat from the driver circuit 451 to transfer to the steam chamber 60. The driver circuit 451 and the steam chamber 60 may be in direct contact or indirectly contacted via a heat-conducting member.

[0120] The vapor chamber 60 is a cooling member comprising a heat receiving portion 66 that receives heat generated by the light modulation panel 32G, and a heat dissipating portion 65 that dissipates the heat received by the heat receiving portion 66. The heat from the heat receiving portion 66 vaporizes a liquid refrigerant, which is then condensed by heat dissipated from the heat dissipating portion 65, thereby cooling the light modulation panel 32G. The structure of the vapor chamber 60 will be described in detail later.

[0121] The first dustproof member 46 is provided on the surface of the first substrate 43 on the +Y side, light-emitting side, in a portion corresponding to the pixel formation area AR. Specifically, when viewing the panel body 41 from the +Y side, light-emitting side, the first dustproof member 46 covers the pixel formation area AR. The first dustproof member 46 fits into the opening 64 of the vapor chamber 60.

[0122] The second dustproof member 47 is provided on the light-incident surface of the second substrate 44 on the -Y side, in a portion corresponding to the pixel formation area AR. Specifically, when viewing the panel body 41 from the -Y side, the second dustproof member 47 covers the pixel formation area AR. The second dustproof member 47 fits into the opening 481 of the retaining case 48.

[0123] The first dustproof member 46 and the second dustproof member 47 are substantially rectangular light-transmitting substrates that prevent dust from adhering to the panel body 41 and prevent the shadow of dust from being included in the light modulated by the panel body 41 .

[0124] The holding housing 48 holds the panel body 41, a portion of the printed circuit board 45, the first dustproof component 46, and a portion of the steam chamber 60. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the holding case 48 has four position adjustment portions 483 in addition to the opening portion 481 and the heat dissipation member 482 .

[0125] Opening 481 allows light emitted from the incident-side polarizer (not shown) to pass through and enter second dustproof member 47. Heat dissipation member 482, located on the +Z side relative to opening 481, includes a plurality of fins protruding toward the light incident side on the -Y side. Heat dissipation member 482 dissipates heat transferred from panel body 41 and other components to holding housing 48.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown, four position adjustment portions 483 are provided at the four corners of the holding housing 48, as viewed from the +Y side. Each position adjustment portion 483 is a hole into which the corresponding insertion portion 359 of the holding member 35 is inserted from the +Y side. The position of the holding housing 48 relative to the incident surface of the cross dichroic prism 34, to which the holding member 35 is attached, and thus the position of the light modulation panel 32G, is adjusted based on the amount of insertion of the insertion portion 359 into each position adjustment portion 483. After the position of the light modulation panel 32G is adjusted, the insertion portion 359 and the position adjustment portion 483 are fixed with adhesive, as described above.

[0127] The steam chamber 60 is disposed on the side of the first substrate 43 opposite to the second substrate 44 and is thermally connected to the first substrate 43. The steam chamber 60 includes a main body 60A and a heat dissipation member 60B.

[0128] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the main body 60A.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, the main body 60A has a heat receiving substrate 62 arranged on the -Y side and a heat dissipating substrate 63 arranged on the +Y side, and is composed of a combination of the heat receiving substrate 62 and the heat dissipating substrate 63. A hollow space SP (see FIG. 1 ) in which a working fluid is sealed is formed inside the main body 60A. Figure 5 ).

[0130] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the inner surface of the heat receiving substrate 62 that faces the heat dissipating substrate 63 .

[0131] The heat receiving substrate 62 includes a heat receiving portion 66 . The heat receiving portion 66 is connected to the first substrate 43 of the panel body 41 and changes the liquid phase working fluid into the gas phase working fluid by heat transferred from the panel body 41 .

[0132] Specifically, the heat receiving portion 66 of the heat receiving substrate 62 has a mesh structure MS provided in the hollow space SP. Figure 7 As shown, the mesh structure MS is provided on the surface of the heat receiving substrate 62 facing the heat dissipating substrate 63 .

[0133] The liquid refrigerant sealed in the decompressed hollow space SP permeates the mesh structure MS, and the mesh structure MS transports the permeated liquid refrigerant to a portion of the heat receiving substrate 62 that transfers heat from the outside.

[0134] The heat receiving substrate 62 vaporizes the liquid refrigerant using heat transferred from the outside, such as heat transferred from the panel body 41 and the first dustproof member 46. In other words, the heat receiving substrate 62 vaporizes the liquid refrigerant using the transferred heat. The refrigerant, thus converted to gas, flows through the flow path formed on the inner surface of the heat dissipating substrate 63.

[0135] The heat dissipating substrate 63 is formed in the same flat plate shape as the heat receiving substrate 62 .

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, the main body portion 60A has an opening portion 64 and a heat dissipation portion 65 .

[0137] The opening 64 is a generally rectangular opening that extends through the main body 60A in the thickness direction. The first dustproof member 46 is fitted into the interior of the opening 64. Specifically, the inner edge of the opening 64 and the side surface of the first dustproof member 46 are thermally connected. As a result, heat transferred from the panel body 41 to the first dustproof member 46 is transferred to the heat receiving portion 66 of the heat receiving substrate 62. A portion of the liquid refrigerant enclosed in the hollow space SP is converted to gaseous form, and the heat transferred to the heat receiving portion 66 of the heat receiving substrate 62 is dissipated.

[0138] The heat dissipation portion 65 dissipates heat from the gaseous refrigerant flowing in the hollow space SP, thereby condensing the gaseous refrigerant into liquid refrigerant. The heat dissipation portion 65 is provided on the heat dissipation substrate 63 and is located closer to the +Z side than the opening 64. A heat dissipation member 60B (see FIG. 1 ) is provided on the outer surface of the heat dissipation substrate 63 at a portion corresponding to the heat dissipation portion 65. Figure 5 The heat dissipation member 60B dissipates the heat transferred from the gaseous refrigerant. The heat dissipation portion 65 facilitates dissipation of the heat transferred from the gaseous refrigerant to the outside by providing the heat dissipation member 60B.

[0139] like Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the airflow K delivered from the second duct portion 15b of the duct 15 flows from the -Z side toward the +Z side in the space on the +Y side relative to the light modulation panel 32G. The airflow K cools the first dustproof member 46. Heat from the panel body 41 is transferred to the first dustproof member 46 via the first substrate 43. Therefore, the airflow K flowing through the first dustproof member 46 dissipates a portion of the heat from the panel body 41. After cooling the first dustproof member 46, the airflow K then flows toward the +Z side through the heat dissipation portion 65 provided with the heat dissipation member 60B.

[0140] With this configuration, the vapor chamber 60 utilizes the heat of vaporization when the liquid refrigerant changes to gaseous form due to the heat transferred from the panel body 41 to the heat receiving portion 66 via the first substrate 43 and the first dustproof member 46 , thereby cooling the panel body 41 .

[0141] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the heat dissipation portion 65 of the steam chamber 60 is located downstream of the air flow K flowing from the second fan 16 b relative to the light modulation panel 32G.

[0142] According to this configuration, the airflow K first cools the panel body 41 , thereby promoting evaporation of the refrigerant in the steam chamber 60 , compared to a case where the airflow K first cools the heat dissipation portion 65 . This improves the cooling performance in the steam chamber 60 .

[0143] Furthermore, in the steam chamber 60 of this embodiment, the heat dissipation portion 65 is positioned on the +Z side relative to the opening 64. In this embodiment, the +Z side corresponds to the direction indicating the upper side in the vertical direction. Therefore, utilizing not only the capillary force generated by the mesh structure MS but also gravity, the liquid refrigerant condensed by the heat dissipation portion 65 is easily transported to the connection portion of the heat-receiving substrate 62 with the first substrate 43 and the connection portion with the first dustproof component 46. This facilitates the change in the refrigerant state from liquid to gas within the heat-receiving substrate 62 due to heat transferred from the panel body 41. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the panel body 41, and thus the cooling efficiency of the panel body 41.

[0144] In the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment, the vapor chamber 60 is not provided for the light modulation panels 32B and 32R. Figure 2 As shown, the light modulation panels 32B and 32R have the same structure as the light modulation panel 32G, except that the vapor chamber 60 of the light modulation panel 32G is replaced with an aluminum heat sink 59. Therefore, the structure of the light modulation panels 32B and 32R will be omitted.

[0145] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c are positioned behind the panel heat exchanger 7 on the -Y side. Therefore, the airflow heated by cooling the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B passes through the panel heat exchanger 7 and is drawn back into the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c. Alternatively, a curved guide surface, such as a curved surface, may be formed on the inner surface of the housing 10 to direct the airflow heated by the panels toward the panel heat exchanger 7.

[0146] The panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 absorbs heat from the airflow K heated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. In the present embodiment, the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 is disposed so as to face the light modulation panel 32G.

[0147] The panel heat exchanger 7 is composed of a radiator. The panel heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat between a heat exchange liquid flowing into the panel and an airflow K, thereby absorbing heat from the airflow K. The heat exchange liquid flowing through the radiator, heated by absorbing heat from the airflow K, is then supplied to the panel heat exchanger 8.

[0148] The panel heat-radiating heat exchanger 8 dissipates heat from the heat-exchanging liquid supplied from the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7. In the present embodiment, the panel heat-radiating heat exchanger 8 is constituted by a radiator.

[0149] The panel heat exchanger 8 dissipates heat through heat exchange between the heat exchange liquid flowing into it and the airflow K. The heat exchange liquid cooled by the panel heat exchanger 8 is supplied again to the panel heat exchanger 7 for heat absorption, where it exchanges heat with the airflow K heated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. The circulation path of the heat exchange liquid between the panel heat exchanger 7 and the panel heat exchanger 8 will be described later.

[0150] In the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment, the airflow K heated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B passes through the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 and is then drawn into the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c in a lowered state. Therefore, the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c can supply relatively low-temperature airflow K to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0151] Thus, according to the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment, when airflow K is circulated toward the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B housed in a sealed space, the temperature of the airflow K is reduced by the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7, thereby efficiently cooling the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. Furthermore, the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment houses the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B in a sealed space, thereby preventing the occurrence of problems such as degradation of display quality due to adhesion of dust, foreign matter, and the like.

[0152] Next, the structure of the light source unit 2 will be described.

[0153] Figure 8 2 is a schematic diagram showing the light source unit 2 .

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, the light source unit 2 has a light source shell CA, a light source part 20, a telephoto optical element 21, a first phase difference element 22a, a second phase difference element 22b, a third phase difference element 22c, a diffuse transmission element 23, a polarization separation and synthesis element 24, a first converging element 26, a diffuse optical element 27, a second converging element 28, a wavelength conversion element 29 and a wheel cooling device 40.

[0155] The light source unit 2 is provided with an optical axis AX1 extending along the X axis and an optical axis AX3 perpendicular to the optical axis AX1 and extending along the Y axis.

[0156] The light source unit 20 , the afocal optical element 21 , the first phase difference element 22 a , the diffuse transmission element 23 , the polarization separation and combination element 24 , the second phase difference element 22 b , the first focusing element 26 , and the diffuser optical element 27 are arranged on the optical axis AX3 .

[0157] The wavelength conversion element 29 , the second focusing element 28 , the polarization separation and combination element 24 , and the third phase difference element 22 c are arranged on the optical axis AX1 .

[0158] The light source shell CA is a sealed shell that accommodates the far-focus optical element 21, the first phase difference element 22a, the diffuse transmission element 23, the polarization separation and synthesis element 24, the second phase difference element 22b, the first converging element 26, the diffuse optical element 27, the second converging element 28, the wavelength conversion element 29, the third phase difference element 22c and the light source unit 20, and is not easy for dust to enter the interior.

[0159] Figure 9 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the light source unit 20. Specifically, Figure 9 It is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the light source unit 20 viewed from the +X side.

[0160] The light source unit 20 emits light incident on the optical diffusion element 27 and the wavelength conversion element 29 described later in the -Y direction. Figure 9 As shown, the light source unit 20 includes a first light source module 201 , a second light source module 202 , and a photosynthesizing member 203 .

[0161] The first light source module 201 is arranged on the +Y side of the light source unit 20. The first light source module 201 includes multiple substrates 612 arranged in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the emitted blue light. At least one light-emitting element 613 is mounted on each of the multiple substrates 612. The substrates 612 are made of a metal with high thermal conductivity and transfer heat generated by the light-emitting elements 613 to a heat-receiving plate 614. The number of light-emitting elements 613 mounted on the substrates 612 can be varied as appropriate.

[0162] The light-emitting element 613 is composed of a semiconductor laser. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 613 is, for example, blue laser light with a peak wavelength of 440 nm. The light emitted from the multiple light-emitting elements 613 is collimated and emitted by a collimating lens (not shown). Based on this structure, the first light source module 201 emits blue light BL1 composed of multiple blue laser beams as excitation light toward the photosynthesizing component 203. In addition, the first light source module 201 sets the orientation of each light-emitting element 613 so that it emits blue light BL1 equivalent to P-polarized light for the photosynthesizing component 203.

[0163] On the other hand, the second light source module 202 is arranged on the +Z side of the light source unit 20. The second light source module 202 has the same structure as the first light source module 201. The second light source module 202 emits blue light BL2 composed of multiple blue laser beams as excitation light toward the light combining component 203. In addition, the second light source module 202 sets the orientation of each light emitting element 613 so that the blue light BL2 corresponding to S-polarized light is emitted to the light combining component 203.

[0164] In the light source unit 20, the first light source module 201 and the second light source module 202 reach high temperatures. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light source unit 20 is provided with a heat exchanger 25 for absorbing light source heat. The heat exchanger 25 absorbs heat generated by the light source unit 2 to cool the light source unit 20. The structure of the heat exchanger 25 will be described in detail later.

[0165] The light combining component 203 is disposed at a position where the optical path of the blue light BL1 emitted from the first light source module 201 and the optical path of the blue light BL2 emitted from the second light source module 202 intersect. The light combining component 203 in this embodiment is constituted, for example, by a polarization beam splitter. As described above, the blue light BL1 emitted from the first light source module 201 enters the light combining component 203 as P-polarized light. Therefore, the blue light BL1 passes through the light combining component 203 toward the -Y side. Furthermore, the blue light BL2 emitted from the second light source module 202 enters the light combining component 203 as S-polarized light. Therefore, the blue light BL2 is reflected toward the -Y side by the light combining component 203. As a result, the blue light BL1 and the blue light BL2 are combined and emitted toward the -Y side as blue light BL.

[0166] like Figure 8 As shown, blue light BL emitted from the light source unit 20 is incident on the afocal optical element 21. The afocal optical element 21 adjusts the beam diameter of the blue light BL incident from the light source unit 20. The afocal optical element 21 is composed of a lens 211 that converges the incident light and a lens 212 that collimates the beam converged by the lens 211. Alternatively, the afocal optical element 21 may be omitted.

[0167] The first phase difference element 22a is disposed between the lens 211 and the lens 212. The first phase difference element 22a converts a portion of the incident blue light BL, emitting blue light BLs containing an S-polarized component for the polarization separation and combination element 24 described later, and blue light BLp containing a P-polarized component for the polarization separation and combination element 24 described later. The first phase difference element 22a can also be rotated about a rotation axis along the optical axis AX3 by a rotation device (not shown). In this case, the ratio of the S-polarized component to the P-polarized component in the blue light emitted from the first phase difference element 22a can be adjusted according to the rotation angle of the first phase difference element 22a.

[0168] The diffuser 23 makes the illumination distribution of the blue light BLp and BLs incident from the lens 212 toward the -Y side uniform. Examples of the diffuser 23 include a hologram, a plurality of small lenses arranged on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and a roughened surface through which light passes.

[0169] In addition, a beam homogenizer optical element having a pair of multi-lenses may be used instead of the diffuse transmission element 23 .

[0170] The blue light beams BLs and BLp that have passed through the diffusion transmission element 23 enter the polarization separation and combination element 24 .

[0171] The polarization separation and combination element 24 functions as a light separation element that separates incident light and as a light combination element that combines light incident from two directions. In other words, the polarization separation and combination element 24 functions as both a light separation element and a light combination element.

[0172] The polarization separation and synthesis element 24 is a polarization beam splitter that separates the S-polarization component and the P-polarization component contained in the incident light. Specifically, the polarization separation and synthesis element 24 reflects the S-polarization component and transmits the P-polarization component. In addition, the polarization separation and synthesis element 24 has a color separation characteristic that allows light with a wavelength above a specified wavelength to pass through for any polarization component, either the S-polarization component or the P-polarization component. Therefore, among the blue light BLp and BLs incident on the polarization separation and synthesis element 24 from the diffuse transmission element 23, the P-polarized blue light BLp passes through the polarization separation and synthesis element 24 toward the -Y side and is incident on the second phase difference element 22b. On the other hand, the S-polarized blue light BLs is reflected by the polarization separation and synthesis element 24 toward the +X side and is incident on the second converging element 28.

[0173] Alternatively, the polarization separation and combination element 24 may function as a half mirror that transmits a portion of the light incident from the light source unit 20 via the diffuser and transmissive element 23 and reflects the remaining light, or as a dichroic mirror that reflects blue light incident from the optical diffuser 27 and transmits fluorescence having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light incident from the wavelength conversion element 29. In this case, the first phase difference element 22a may be omitted.

[0174] The second phase difference element 22b is positioned on the -Y side relative to the polarization separation and combination element 24. Specifically, the second phase difference element 22b is positioned between the polarization separation and combination element 24 and the first focusing element 26. The second phase difference element 22b converts the blue light BLp that has passed through the polarization separation and combination element 24 into circularly polarized blue light BLc. The blue light BLc that has passed through the second phase difference element 22b toward the -Y side enters the first focusing element 26.

[0175] The first converging element 26 converges blue light BLc, which passes through the polarization separation and combination element 24 toward the -Y side and enters the second phase difference element 22b, onto the optical diffuser 27. Furthermore, the first converging element 26 collimates light entering the +Y side from the optical diffuser 27 and emits the collimated light toward the second phase difference element 22b. In this embodiment, the first converging element 26 is composed of three lenses 261, 262, and 263; however, the number of lenses that constitute the first converging element 26 is arbitrary.

[0176] The optical diffuser 27 diffuses the incident blue light BLc at the same diffusion angle as the fluorescence YL emitted from the wavelength conversion element 29. Specifically, the optical diffuser 27 reflects and diffuses the blue light BLc incident from the first converging element 26 toward the -Y side toward the +Y side. The optical diffuser 27 is a reflective element that causes the incident blue light BLc to undergo Lambertian reflection. Furthermore, the optical diffuser 27 can be rotated by a rotating device about an axis parallel to the optical axis AX3.

[0177] After being diffused by the optical diffuser 27, the blue light BLc passes through the first converging element 26 and enters the second phase difference element 22b. Upon reflection from the optical diffuser 27, the blue light BLc entering the optical diffuser 27 is converted into circularly polarized light with the opposite rotational direction. Consequently, the blue light BLc entering the second phase difference element 22b via the first converging element 26 is converted by the second phase difference element 22b into S-polarized blue light BLs. The blue light BLs is then reflected toward the -X side by the polarization separation and combination element 24 and enters the third phase difference element 22c.

[0178] On the other hand, the blue light BLs reflected by the polarization separation and combination element 24 is incident on the second focusing element 28. The second focusing element 28 focuses the blue light BLs on the wavelength conversion element 29. Furthermore, the second focusing element 28 collimates the fluorescence YL emitted from the wavelength conversion element 29 toward the +X side and then emits the collimated fluorescence YL toward the polarization separation and combination element 24. In this embodiment, the second focusing element 28 is composed of three lenses 281, 282, and 283, but the number of lenses constituting the second focusing element 28 is arbitrary.

[0179] The wavelength conversion element 29 converts the wavelength of the blue light BLs incident from the second focusing element 28 .

[0180] Specifically, the wavelength conversion element 29 converts the blue light BLs incident from the second focusing element 28 into fluorescent light YL having a wavelength longer than that of the blue light BLs and emits the fluorescent light YL. The wavelength conversion element 29 is a reflective wavelength conversion element that emits the fluorescent light YL toward the incident side of the blue light BLs.

[0181] The wavelength conversion element 29 includes a fluorescent substance wheel 290 and a rotating device 295 that rotates the fluorescent substance wheel 290 around the rotation axis O. Alternatively, the wavelength conversion element 29 may be configured so as not to be rotated by the rotating device 295 .

[0182] The phosphor wheel 290 includes a wavelength conversion layer 291, a reflective layer 292, a support substrate 293, and a heat sink 294. The wavelength conversion layer 291 contains phosphor and is arranged in a ring shape centered on the rotation axis of the phosphor wheel 290. The reflective layer 292 is provided on the side of the wavelength conversion layer 291 opposite to the incident side of the blue light BLs, reflecting the light incident from the wavelength conversion layer 291. The support substrate 293 supports the wavelength conversion layer 291 and the reflective layer 292. The heat sink 294 is formed on the +X side of the support substrate 293. The heat sink 294 is composed of, for example, a plurality of heat sink fins.

[0183] In this embodiment, the wavelength conversion element 29 is mounted to the light source housing CA via a fixing member 296. The fixing member 296 is made of a metal member with excellent thermal conductivity. The fixing member 296 is mounted to the light source housing CA so as to close the opening CA1 provided in the light source housing CA. As a result, the wavelength conversion element 29 is positioned within the wavelength conversion element 29 storage space formed between the light source housing CA and the fixing member 296, with the phosphor wheel 290 and the lens 283 of the second converging element 28 facing each other.

[0184] In this embodiment, the wavelength conversion element 29 generates airflow between the heat sink 294 as the phosphor wheel 290 rotates, thereby dissipating heat from the phosphor wheel 290. In this embodiment, the space housing the wavelength conversion element 29 is a sealed space, so the temperature within the space tends to rise. In contrast, in this embodiment, the fixing member 296 serves as a cooling member for the phosphor wheel 290.

[0185] The fixing member 296 includes a base 296a, a heat absorbing portion 296b, and a wheel heat dissipation portion 296c. The base 296a secures the rotating device 295 of the wavelength conversion element 29 via screws 297. The heat absorbing portion 296b comprises a plurality of protrusions provided on the surface of the base 296a opposite the wavelength conversion element 29, i.e., on the -X side. The heat absorbing portion 296b absorbs heat from the storage space of the wavelength conversion element 29. The wheel heat dissipation portion 296c comprises a plurality of heat dissipation fins provided on the surface of the base 296a opposite the wavelength conversion element 29, i.e., on the +X side. The plurality of heat dissipation fins constituting the wheel heat dissipation portion 296c are plate-shaped members extending along the XY plane and arranged at intervals along the vertical direction Z.

[0186] The wheel cooling device 40 includes a cooling fan 36 and a housing 37. The cooling fan 36 draws in external air through an opening 37a of the housing 37. The opening 37a of the housing 37 is located at a position corresponding to an air inlet 54a formed on the right side surface 54 of the exterior case 5. The housing 37 houses the cooling fan 36 and the wheel heat sink 296c of the fixing member 296. The external air drawn in by the cooling fan 36 is supplied to the wheel heat sink 296c as airflow. The housing 37 discharges the airflow heated by the wheel heat sink 296c from an outlet 37b provided at the end of the housing 37 on the -Y side.

[0187] In the wheel cooling device 40, the exhaust gas from the exhaust port 37b of the housing portion 37 passes through Figure 1 The exhaust fan 13 shown in the figure exhausts heat to the outside of the case through an exhaust port 54 b formed in the right side surface 54 of the exterior case 5 .

[0188] According to the light source unit 2 of this embodiment, the wheel cooling device 40 is provided, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the wavelength conversion element 29 and improving the conversion efficiency of the fluorescent light YL. As a result, bright fluorescent light YL can be generated.

[0189] The fluorescence YL emitted from the wavelength conversion element 29 toward the -X side is collimated by the second converging element 28 and then enters the polarization separation and combination element 24. As described above, the polarization separation and combination element 24 has a property that allows the fluorescence YL to pass through it. Therefore, the fluorescence YL entering the polarization separation and combination element 24 from the -X side passes through the element 24 and enters the third phase difference element 22c. In other words, the light entering the third phase difference element 22c from the polarization separation and combination element 24 is white light containing a mixture of blue light BLs and fluorescence YL.

[0190] The third phase difference element 22c converts the white illumination light WL containing the blue light BLs and the fluorescent light YL incident from the polarization separation and combination element 24 into a mixed light of S-polarized light and P-polarized light. In this manner, the light source unit 2 emits the illumination light WL toward the color separation and light guiding optical system 31 disposed within the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3.

[0191] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the light source casing CA to which the first light source module 201 , the second light source module 202 , and the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 are mounted.

[0192] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 includes a first cooling plate 615 provided on the first light source module 201 and a second cooling plate 625 provided on the second light source module 202 .

[0193] The first cooling plate 615 transfers heat transferred from the first light source module 201 via the heat receiving plate 614 to the heat exchange liquid flowing inside, thereby cooling the first light source module 201 .

[0194] like Figure 9 As shown, the first cooling plate 615 is a heat exchanger having cooling flow paths formed between a plurality of fins 617 provided therein and capable of flowing a heat exchange liquid, and transfers heat transferred to the plurality of fins 617 to the heat exchange liquid.

[0195] The first cooling plate 615 has an inlet 6151 for the heat exchange liquid to flow in, and an outflow 6152 for the heat exchange liquid to flow out. The inflow 6151 is provided on the -Z side of the end face on the +X side of the first cooling plate 615. The heat exchange liquid flows into the inflow 6151 from the outside. The inflow 6151 is connected to the internal space, and the heat exchange liquid flowing into the inflow 6151 flows into the cooling flow path provided inside. The outflow 6152 is provided on the +Z side of the end face on the +X side of the first cooling plate 615. The outflow 6152 is connected to the internal space, and the heat exchange liquid flowing in the cooling flow path flows out to the outside.

[0196] The second cooling plate 625 transfers heat transferred from the second light source module 202 via the heat receiving plate 614 to the heat exchange liquid flowing inside, thereby cooling the second light source module 202 .

[0197] The second cooling plate 625 has the same structure as the first cooling plate 615 and is a heat exchanger having a cooling flow path formed between the plurality of fins 617 provided therein and capable of circulating a heat exchange liquid, and transferring the heat transferred to the plurality of fins 617 to the heat exchange liquid.

[0198] The second cooling plate 625 has an inlet 6251 for the heat exchange liquid to flow in, and an outlet 6252 for the heat exchange liquid to flow out. The inlet 6251 is provided on the +Y side of the end surface on the +X side of the second cooling plate 625. The heat exchange liquid flows into the inlet 6251 from the outside. The inlet 6251 is connected to the internal space, and the heat exchange liquid flowing into the inlet 6251 flows into the cooling flow path provided inside. The outflow 6252 is provided on the -Y side of the end surface on the +X side of the second cooling plate 625. The outflow 6252 is connected to the internal space, and the heat exchange liquid flowing in the cooling flow path flows out to the outside.

[0199] The outflow portion 6152 of the first cooling plate 615 is connected to the inflow portion 6251 of the second cooling plate 625 via the pipe CM1. Therefore, the heat exchange liquid flowing out of the outflow portion 6152 of the first cooling plate 615 flows into the inflow portion 6251 of the second cooling plate 625. Figure 10 As indicated by the dot-dash arrow, the heat exchange liquid that has flowed into the second cooling plate 625 flows through the second cooling plate 625 and is discharged from the outflow portion 6252 of the second cooling plate 625 .

[0200] Thus, the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 can absorb heat from the light source unit 2 via the first cooling plate 615 and the second cooling plate 625. The heat absorbed by the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 is transferred to the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9.

[0201] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the path of the heat exchange liquid between the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9 . Figure 12 Observed from the +X side Figure 11 In addition, Figure 11 、 12 In FIG, the path of the heat exchange liquid between the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 and the panel heat radiating heat exchanger 8 is also shown. Figure 11 In FIG, a heat exchanger fan 17 is also shown.

[0202] like Figure 11 or Figure 12As shown, the panel heat exchanger 7 is composed of a flat plate-shaped radiator body 70. A pipe connection member 75 is attached to the -X side end of the panel heat exchanger 7. The pipe connection member 75 is disposed outside the housing 10 that partitions the image forming unit 3.

[0203] The piping connection component 75 includes an inlet 71 for allowing heat exchange liquid to flow into the radiator body 70, and an outlet 72 for allowing heat exchange liquid to flow out of the radiator body 70. The inlet 71 is located above the +Z side of the +Y side end surface of the piping connection component 75. Heat exchange liquid flows from the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 into the inlet 71. The inlet 71 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 70, and the heat exchange liquid flowing into the inlet 71 flows into the flow path provided within the radiator body 70. The radiator body 70 exchanges heat with the heat exchange liquid flowing through the flow path, thereby reducing the temperature of the airflow. The outlet 72 is located below the -Z side of the +Y side end surface of the piping connection component 75. The outlet 72 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 70, allowing the heated heat exchange liquid, which flows through the flow path and absorbs heat from the airflow within the image forming unit 3, to flow out.

[0204] The heat exchanger fan 17 is arranged on the -X side of the panel heat exchanger 8. Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger fan 17 delivers airflow K to the panel heat exchanger 8. An axial flow fan, for example, can be used as the heat exchanger fan 17, but the fan type is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, a plurality of heat exchanger fans 17 are provided along the Y-axis, facing the panel heat exchanger 8. In this embodiment, four heat exchanger fans 17 are provided, but the number of heat exchanger fans 17 is not limited thereto.

[0205] The panel heat exchanger 8 includes a radiator body 80 having a flat plate shape, a reservoir tank 83, and a pump 84. A pipe connection member 85 is attached to the end of the radiator body 80 on the -Y side.

[0206] The piping connection component 85 includes an inlet 81 for allowing heat exchange liquid to flow into the radiator body 80, and an outlet 82 for allowing heat exchange liquid to flow out of the radiator body 80. The inlet 81 is located above the +Z side of the +X side end surface of the piping connection component 85. The inlet 81 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 80, and the heat exchange liquid flowing into the inlet 81 flows into the flow path provided within the radiator body 80. The radiator body 80 exchanges heat with the airflow passing from the +X side to the -X side and the heat exchange liquid flowing in the flow path, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat exchange liquid. The outlet 82 is located below the -Z side of the +X side end surface of the piping connection component 85. The outlet 82 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 80, allowing the heat exchange liquid, which has been cooled by flowing through the flow path, to flow out to the outside.

[0207] In panel heat exchanger 8, outflow portion 82 of pipe connection member 85 is connected to inlet 83a of reservoir tank 83 via pipe CM2. Pipe CM3 is connected to outlet 83b of reservoir tank 83. Pipes CM2 and CM3 are constructed by combining multiple pipe members and multiple connecting members, bent into a predetermined shape.

[0208] The pump 84 discharges the heat exchange liquid from the outlet 83b of the tank 83. The heat exchange liquid discharged from the outlet 83b of the tank 83 flows into the inlet portion 71 of the pipe connection member 75 of the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 via the pipe CM3.

[0209] In panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8, inflow portion 81 of pipe connection member 85 is connected via pipe CM4 to outflow portion 72 of pipe connection member 75 in panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7. Pipe CM4 is formed by combining multiple pipe members and multiple connecting members, bent into a predetermined shape.

[0210] According to this configuration, the heat exchange liquid discharged from the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 flows into the panel heat radiating heat exchanger 8 via the pipe CM4 .

[0211] In this embodiment, pipe CM3 has a connection portion T3, and pipe CM4 has a connection portion T4. Connection portion T3 and connection portion T4 are respectively provided at portions of pipes CM3 and CM4 that are close to each other. Pipe CM3 can be separated into two portions at connection portion T3, and pipe CM4 can be separated into two portions at connection portion T4.

[0212] The image forming unit 3 of this embodiment can be easily removed from the outer casing 5 by separating the pipes CM3 and CM4 into two parts at the connecting portions T3 and T4 .

[0213] According to this configuration, even when the image forming unit 3 fails, the failed image forming unit 3 can be removed and replaced with a new one, thereby making repairs easy. This improves the maintainability of the projector 1 .

[0214] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger fan 17 directs airflow K from the +X side toward the -X side through the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8. At this point, heat exchange liquid flowing through the internal flow path of the radiator body 80 exchanges heat with the airflow K passing through the radiator body 80, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat exchange liquid flowing through the flow path within the radiator body 80. With this configuration, the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8 can dissipate heat transferred from the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7. As described above, the heat exchange liquid after heat dissipation by the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8 is supplied from the reservoir 83 to the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 via the pump 84.

[0215] According to the projector 1 of this embodiment, the heat exchange liquid circulates between the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 and the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7. This allows the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B to be cooled stably and efficiently.

[0216] The light source heat exchanger 9 dissipates heat absorbed by the light source heat exchanger 25, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat exchange fluid. In this embodiment, the light source heat exchanger 9 comprises a radiator. The heat exchange fluid flowing into the heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat with the airflow, absorbing heat from the airflow. The heat exchange fluid, cooled by the light source heat exchanger 9 and having its temperature lowered, is then supplied to the light source heat exchanger 25.

[0217] The light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 includes a flat plate-shaped radiator body 90, a tank 93, and a pump 94. A pipe connection member 95 is attached to the end of the radiator body 90 on the +Y side.

[0218] The pipe connection member 95 includes an inflow portion 91 for allowing the heat exchange liquid to flow into the radiator body 90 , and an outflow portion 92 for allowing the heat exchange liquid to flow out of the radiator body 90 .

[0219] The inlet portion 91 is provided above the +Z side of the +X side end surface of the piping connection component 95. The inlet portion 91 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 90, and the heat exchange liquid flowing into the inlet portion 91 flows into the flow path provided within the radiator body 90. The radiator body 90 exchanges heat between the airflow passing from the +X side to the -X side and the heat exchange liquid flowing through the flow path, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat exchange liquid. The outflow portion 92 is provided below the -Z side of the +X side end surface of the piping connection component 95. The outflow portion 92 communicates with the interior of the radiator body 90, allowing the heat exchange liquid, whose temperature has been reduced by flowing through the internal flow path, to flow out to the outside.

[0220] In the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, the outflow portion 92 of the pipe connecting component 95 is connected to the inlet 93a of the liquid reservoir 93 via the pipe CM5. The pipe CM6 is connected to the outlet 93b of the liquid reservoir 93. The pipes CM5 and CM6 are constructed by combining multiple pipe components and multiple connecting components, and then bending them into a predetermined shape.

[0221] The pump 94 discharges the heat exchange liquid from the outlet 93b of the tank 93. The heat exchange liquid discharged from the outlet 93b of the tank 93 flows into the inlet portion 6151 of the first cooling plate 615 in the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 via the pipe CM6.

[0222] Furthermore, the outflow portion 6152 of the first cooling plate 615 is connected to the inflow portion 6251 of the second cooling plate 625 via the pipe CM1 .

[0223] In the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, the inlet portion 91 of the pipe connection member 95 is connected via the pipe CM7 to the outlet portion 6252 of the second cooling plate 625 in the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25. The pipe CM7 is formed by combining multiple pipe members and multiple connecting members, bent into a predetermined shape.

[0224] According to this configuration, the heat exchange liquid discharged from the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 flows into the light source heat radiating heat exchanger 9 via the pipe CM7 .

[0225] In this embodiment, pipe CM6 has a connection portion T6, and pipe CM7 has a connection portion T7. Connection portion T6 and connection portion T7 are respectively provided at a portion where pipes CM6 and CM7 are close to each other and near light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25. Pipe CM6 can be separated into two parts at connection portion T6, and pipe CM7 can be separated into two parts at connection portion T7.

[0226] The light source unit 2 of this embodiment has the pipes CM6 and CM7 separated into two parts at the connecting portions T6 and T7, respectively, so that the light source unit 2 can be easily removed from the outer casing 5. According to this structure, even if a malfunction occurs in the light source unit 2, the malfunctioning light source unit 2 can be removed and replaced with a new unit, thereby making repairs easy and improving the maintainability of the projector 1.

[0227] like Figure 1 As shown, the airflow K flowing from the +X side toward the -X side flows through the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 via the heat exchanger fan 17. At this time, the heat exchange liquid flowing in the internal flow path of the radiator body 90 exchanges heat with the airflow K passing through the radiator body 90, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat exchange liquid flowing in the internal flow path of the radiator body 90. According to this structure, the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 can dissipate heat transferred from the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25. As described above, the heat exchange liquid after heat dissipation by the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 is supplied from the liquid storage tank 93 to the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25 via the pump 94.

[0228] According to the projector 1 of this embodiment, the heat exchange liquid circulates between the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25. As a result, the light source portion 20 in the light source unit 2 can be cooled stably and efficiently.

[0229] In this embodiment, the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9 overlap in the direction of flow of the airflow K from the +X side to the -X side by the heat exchanger fan 17. The panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9, which have a flat plate shape, are arranged so as to overlap each other in the thickness direction of the flat plate.

[0230] The exterior casing 5 of this embodiment has a left side surface 53 serving as an exhaust wall portion. This left side surface 53 is formed with an exhaust port 53a for exhausting the airflow K flowing through the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9. The light source heat exchanger 9 is disposed closer to the left side surface 53 than the panel heat exchanger 8.

[0231] In the case of this embodiment, the air flow K flows from the panel heat exchanger 8 toward the light source heat exchanger 9 .

[0232] Here, the temperature of the heat generated by the light source unit 2 is higher than the temperature of the heat generated by the image forming unit 3. Therefore, the higher temperature heat is transferred from the light source unit 2 to the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9. Consequently, if the airflow K first passes through the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, the airflow K heated by the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 is supplied to the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8, potentially reducing the cooling effect of the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8. In contrast, in this embodiment, the airflow K first passes through the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0233] In this embodiment, the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the panel heat dissipating heat exchanger 8 overlap in the direction of the airflow K, and the airflow K flows from the panel heat dissipating heat exchanger 8 to the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9. Therefore, a fan for circulating airflow can be shared between the panel heat dissipating heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9. Consequently, a projector 1 can be provided that maintains cooling performance for the light source unit 2 and the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B while achieving a compact device structure.

[0234] In the case of this embodiment, the surface area of the light source heat exchanger 9 is larger than the surface area of the panel heat exchanger 8. Figure 12 As shown, the surface areas of the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 correspond to the areas of the heat sink bodies 90 and 80 of the heat exchangers when viewed from the +X side toward the −X side.

[0235] The heat exchange capacity of a heat exchanger depends on the size of its planar surface area. Specifically, the heat exchange capacity of the light source heat exchanger 9 is greater than that of the panel heat exchanger 8. In this embodiment, as described above, the light source heat exchanger 9 directs the airflow K through the panel heat exchanger 8. However, by increasing the heat dissipation surface area, the heat exchange capacity is improved. Therefore, heat exchange is also performed effectively with the airflow K, which has been slightly heated by passing through the panel heat exchanger 8. This effectively reduces the temperature of the heat exchange liquid.

[0236] As described above, the projector 1 of this embodiment includes: a light source unit 2; an image forming unit 3A; a projection optical unit 4; a panel fan 16; a panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7; an image forming unit 3 that houses the image forming unit 3A, the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7, and the panel fan 16 within a housing 10; a panel heat radiating heat exchanger 8; and an exterior casing 5 that houses at least the light source unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the panel heat radiating heat exchanger 8. The light source unit 2 is positioned within the exterior casing 5 on the right side of the image forming unit 3 on the +X side in the left-right direction X, which intersects the optical axis AX1 of the projection optical unit 4. The panel heat radiating heat exchanger 8 is positioned within the exterior casing 5 on the left side of the image forming unit 3 on the −X side in the left-right direction X.

[0237] According to the projector 1 of this embodiment, within the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3, the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, 32B can be efficiently cooled by circulating the flow of airflow K from the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, 32B toward the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7 in a closed circulation manner.

[0238] In addition, the projector 1 of this embodiment adopts a layout in which the light source unit 2 is arranged on the right side of the image forming unit 3 and the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 is arranged on the left side of the image forming unit 3 within the outer casing 5. In this way, the cooling performance of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B can be ensured, and the dimensions in the front-to-back direction Y and the up-down direction Z can be miniaturized.

[0239] In this embodiment, the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 is arranged in the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3 so as to be partitioned into a +Y side portion housing the image forming section 3A and a −Y side portion housing the panel fan 16 .

[0240] According to this configuration, the airflow K heated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B is efficiently taken into the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 , thereby absorbing heat from the airflow K.

[0241] In the case of this embodiment, three fans 16a, 16b, and 16c serving as a plurality of panel fans 16 are arranged along the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7, and the airflow K from each fan 16a, 16b, and 16c flows through the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B respectively via the duct 15 provided between the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7 and the image forming unit 3A and the outer casing 5.

[0242] By providing multiple panel fans 16 in this manner, the flow rate of each fan 16a, 16b, and 16c can be reduced. This allows the use of panel fans 16 that are compact in size, at least in the front-to-back direction Y. Consequently, the dimensions of the projector 1 in the front-to-back direction Y can be reduced. Furthermore, by arranging the fans 16a, 16b, and 16c along the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7, the use of multiple panel fans 16 can suppress the increase in the dimensions of the projector in the front-to-back direction Y. Furthermore, the airflow K can be efficiently supplied to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B of the image forming unit 3A through the duct 15, thereby improving the panel cooling performance.

[0243] In the case of this embodiment, the duct 15 includes a first duct portion 15a that allows the air flow K from the first fan 16a to flow through the light modulation panel 32R, a second duct portion 15b that allows the air flow K from the second fan 16a to flow through the light modulation panel 32G, and a third duct portion 15c that allows the air flow K from the third fan 16c to flow through the light modulation panel 32B.

[0244] According to this configuration, airflow from separate fans is supplied to each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, thereby improving the cooling performance of each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B.

[0245] In this embodiment, the image forming section 3A, the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 , and the panel fan 16 are arranged in the longitudinal direction Y within the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3 , and the panel heat dissipating heat exchanger 8 extends in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0246] According to this configuration, the heat dissipation area of the panel heat exchanger 8 is ensured in the front-rear direction Y, thereby suppressing an increase in size in the left-right direction X while maintaining the cooling performance of the image forming unit 3 .

[0247] The projector 1 of this embodiment also has a light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 that absorbs heat from the light source unit 2, and a light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 that dissipates heat absorbed by the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25. The light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 is arranged on the left side of the image forming unit 3 in the left-right direction X in the outer shell 5.

[0248] According to this structure, the heat generated by the light source unit 2 can be efficiently dissipated, thereby improving the cooling performance of the light source unit 2. As a result, the light source unit 2 can be stably driven. In addition, the heat exchanger 8 for panel heat dissipation and the heat exchanger 9 for light source heat dissipation can be arranged in the space on the left side opposite to the light source unit 2 within the outer casing 5. As a result, the exhaust port 53a for discharging the exhaust heat of the heat exchanger 8 for panel heat dissipation and the heat exchanger 9 for light source heat dissipation can be largely ensured, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the light source unit 2 and the panel.

[0249] In the case of this embodiment, the outer shell 5 includes air intake ports 51b, 52a, 56a facing the space between the image forming unit 3 and the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8, and an exhaust port 53a opposite to the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8. The air flow K sucked from the air intake ports 51b, 52a, 56a by the heat exchanger fan 17 flows to the exhaust port 53a via the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8.

[0250] According to this configuration, the airflow K can be directly taken into the panel heat exchanger 8 from the air inlets 51 b , 52 a , and 56 a , thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the panel heat exchanger 8 .

[0251] In the present embodiment, a power supply unit 14 that supplies power to the light source unit 2 and the image forming portion 3A is disposed within the exterior housing 5 on the right side of the image forming unit 3. Furthermore, the power supply unit 14 is disposed within the exterior housing 5 so as to overlap at least a portion of the light source unit 2 in the vertical direction Z.

[0252] With this configuration, the power supply unit 14 and the light source unit 2 are located on the same side of the image forming unit 3 within the exterior housing 5. This shortens the wiring path from the power supply unit 14 to the image forming section 3A and the light source unit 2, making wiring rerouting easier. Furthermore, since the power supply unit 14 is not located on the side of the panel heat exchanger 8, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the power supply unit 14 from reducing the cooling efficiency of the panel heat exchanger 8.

[0253] In addition, the projector 1 of this embodiment has a light source unit 2, an image forming portion 3A, a panel fan 16, an image forming unit 3 composed of the image forming portion 3A and the panel fan 16 housed in a housing 10, a projection optical unit 4, and a vapor chamber 60. The vapor chamber 60 is arranged on the light modulation panel 32G and includes a heat receiving portion 66 for receiving heat generated by the light modulation panel 32G and a heat dissipation portion 65 for dissipating heat received by the heat receiving portion 66. The liquid refrigerant is vaporized by using the heat from the heat receiving portion 66, and the refrigerant is condensed by the heat dissipation from the heat dissipation portion 65.

[0254] According to the projector 1 of this embodiment, within the housing 10 that seals the image forming unit 3, airflow K is directed from the panel fan 16 toward the light modulation panel 32G, which is provided with a vapor chamber 60. This effectively cools the green light modulation panel 32G, which generates a high level of heat. The vapor chamber 60 does not require a liquid flow path or an electrical drive unit, as is required for liquid cooling. Therefore, there is no need to extend a liquid flow path or wiring outside the housing 10 that seals the image forming unit 3, thus minimizing the complexity of the sealed structure of the housing 10. Therefore, if maintenance work such as replacing the light modulation panel 32G is necessary, the vapor chamber 60 provided in the light modulation panel 32G lacks a flow path or wiring, making maintenance easier.

[0255] In the case of the present embodiment, the heat dissipation portion 65 of the steam chamber 60 is located downstream of the air flow K flowing from the panel fan 16 relative to the light modulation panel 32G.

[0256] According to this configuration, the airflow K first cools the panel body 41 , thereby promoting evaporation of the refrigerant in the steam chamber 60 , compared to a case where the airflow K first cools the heat dissipation portion 65 . This improves the cooling performance in the steam chamber 60 .

[0257] In the case of this embodiment, there is a panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7, which is housed in the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3 and absorbs heat from the air flow K heated by the light modulation panel 32G. The panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 is arranged opposite to the light modulation panel 32G.

[0258] With this configuration, the airflow K heated by cooling the light modulation panel 32G can be cooled by the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7. This suppresses temperature increases in the housing 10 and, consequently, suppresses temperature increases in the airflow K supplied to the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. This improves the cooling efficiency of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B in a closed circulation system in which the airflow K circulates within the housing 10.

[0259] Furthermore, since the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 is disposed opposite the light modulation panel 32G, the airflow K heated by the highly heat-generating green light modulation panel 32G can be efficiently introduced into the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7. Thus, the panel heat-absorbing heat exchanger 7 efficiently lowers the temperature of the airflow K, thereby efficiently cooling the light modulation panel 32G.

[0260] In the case of this embodiment, a panel heat radiation heat exchanger 8 is further provided, and the panel heat radiation heat exchanger 8 dissipates the heat absorbed by the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7 .

[0261] According to this structure, the heat absorption effect of the panel heat absorbing heat exchanger 7 can be maintained.

[0262] Thus, in the closed circulation method in which the airflow K circulates within the housing 10 , the cooling efficiency of each of the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B can be improved.

[0263] The image forming unit 3 of this embodiment includes: a housing 10 having a sealed structure; light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B housed in the housing 10; a vapor chamber 60 provided in the light modulation panel 32G and including a heat receiving portion 66 for receiving heat generated by the light modulation panel 32G; and a heat dissipation portion 65. The image forming unit 3 uses the heat from the heat receiving portion 66 to vaporize a liquid refrigerant, and condenses the refrigerant by heat dissipation from the heat dissipation portion 65; a panel fan 16 housed in the housing 10 for passing an air flow K through the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B; a light source unit connection portion 10a provided in the housing 10 and connected to the light source unit 2, thereby allowing illumination light WL from the light source unit 2 to be incident on the light modulation panel 32R; and a projection optical unit connection portion 10b provided in the housing 10 and connected to the projection optical unit 4, thereby allowing light from the light modulation panel 32R to be incident on the projection optical unit 4.

[0264] According to the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment, within the sealed housing 10, airflow K is directed from the panel fan 16 toward the light modulation panel 32G, which is provided with a steam chamber 60. This effectively cools the highly heat-generating green light modulation panel 32G. The steam chamber 60 does not require a liquid flow path or electrical drive unit, as is required for liquid cooling. Therefore, there is no need for liquid flow paths or wiring outside the housing 10 that seals the image forming unit 3, thus minimizing the complexity of the sealed structure of the housing 10. Therefore, if maintenance work such as replacing the light modulation panel 32G is necessary, the steam chamber 60 provided in the light modulation panel 32G does not have a flow path or wiring. Thus, according to the image forming unit 3 of this embodiment, a closed-circulation image forming unit with excellent maintainability can be provided.

[0265] In the case of the present embodiment, within the outer casing 5, the image forming unit 3, the heat exchanger 9 for light source heat dissipation, and the heat exchanger 8 for panel heat dissipation are arranged in one direction, and the outer casing 5 includes an air inlet 51b, an air inlet 52a, an air inlet 56a, and an air inlet 56b in the space between the panel heat exchanger 8 and the image forming unit 3 on the side of the image forming unit 3, facing the heat exchanger 9 for light source heat dissipation and the heat exchanger 8 for panel heat dissipation.

[0266] This configuration allows airflow K to be efficiently introduced into the exterior case 5 via the air inlets 51b, 52a, 56a, and 56b. This improves the cooling efficiency of the panel heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat exchanger 9.

[0267] In the case of this embodiment, the exterior casing 5 includes an air inlet 56 b facing the space between the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 .

[0268] In the case of this embodiment, the air inlet 51 b and the air inlet 52 a extend to a position facing the space between the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 .

[0269] This configuration allows the airflow K to be directly introduced into the light source heat exchanger 9 via the air inlets 51b, 52a, and 56b. This allows the airflow K at a lower temperature to be supplied to the light source heat exchanger 9, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the light source heat exchanger 9.

[0270] In the present embodiment, the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 have flat plate shapes and are arranged so as to overlap each other in the thickness direction of the flat plates.

[0271] According to this structure, the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 are overlapped in the thickness direction. As a result, the storage space for the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 is miniaturized, so the projector itself can be miniaturized.

[0272] The cooling device 6 of this embodiment has a light source unit 2 and light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B arranged in an outer shell 5; a light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25 that absorbs heat generated by the light source unit 2; a panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7 that absorbs heat generated by the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B; a light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 that dissipates heat transferred from the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25; a panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 that dissipates heat transferred from the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7; and a heat exchanger fan 17 that conveys airflow to the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 overlap in the flow direction of the airflow K, and the airflow K flows from the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 toward the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9.

[0273] According to the cooling device 6 of this embodiment, the light source heat-absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8 overlap in the direction of the airflow K. Airflow K flows from the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8 toward the light source heat-dissipating heat exchanger 9. Therefore, a fan for circulating airflow can be shared between the panel heat-dissipating heat exchanger 8 and the light source heat-dissipating heat exchanger 9. This maintains cooling performance for the light source unit 2 and the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B while providing a compact cooling device. Thus, the projector 1 of this embodiment, equipped with this cooling device 6, can maintain cooling performance for the light source unit 2 and the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B as described above while achieving a compact device structure.

[0274] In the present embodiment, the light source heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat exchanger 8 have flat plate shapes and are arranged so as to overlap each other in the thickness direction of the flat plates.

[0275] According to this configuration, the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 and the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 are stacked in the thickness direction, thereby enabling further miniaturization of the cooling device 6 .

[0276] (First Modification)

[0277] Next, a first modified example of the projector will be described. The layout of the components within the exterior casing 5 of the projector of this modified example differs from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, but the remaining structures are the same. The following description will focus primarily on the layout of the components within the exterior casing 5. Components common to the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0278] Figure 13 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout of the components inside the outer casing in this modification.

[0279] like Figure 13 As shown, the power supply unit 14 and the light source unit 2 are arranged on the right side (+X side) relative to the image forming unit 3 within the exterior housing 5. Furthermore, within the housing 10 of the image forming unit 3, they are arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction Y, in which the image forming portion 3A, the panel heat exchanger 7, and the panel fan 16 are arranged in that order. That is, in this modified example, the power supply unit 14 is not arranged so as to overlap with the light source unit 2 in the vertical direction Z.

[0280] According to this modification, the power supply unit 14 and the light source unit 2 are arranged side by side along the front-to-back direction Y. This can suppress an increase in the dimensions of the exterior casing 5 in the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z. Thus, a projector with reduced dimensions in the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z can be provided.

[0281] (Second Modification)

[0282] Next, a second modified example of the projector will be described. The layout of the components within the exterior casing 5 of the projector of this modified example differs from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, but the remaining structures are the same. The following description will focus primarily on the layout of the components within the exterior casing 5. Components common to the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0283] Figure 14 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout of the components inside the outer casing in this modification.

[0284] like Figure 14 As shown, the panel heat dissipation heat exchanger 8 of this modified example includes a plurality of radiator bodies 80 as heat dissipation parts. The plurality of radiator bodies 80 include a first radiator body 80a and a second radiator body 80b. The first radiator body 80a is arranged on the other side of the left-right direction X of the image forming unit 3, that is, on the left side of the -X side, similar to the projector 1 of the first embodiment. The second radiator body 80b is arranged on the right side of the +X side, on the one side of the left-right direction X relative to the image forming unit 3 in the outer casing 5. The first radiator body 80a and the second radiator body 80b are thermally connected to the panel heat absorption heat exchanger 7. In addition, in this modified example, the light source unit 2 and the power supply unit 14 are arranged to overlap each other in the up-down direction Z.

[0285] According to this modified example, the radiator bodies 80 constituting the panel heat exchanger 8 are separated in the left-right direction X, thereby miniaturizing each radiator body 80. This effectively utilizes the space within the exterior case 5, thereby preventing the exterior case 5 from becoming larger and improving the cooling performance of the panel heat exchanger 8.

[0286] (Third Modification)

[0287] Next, a third modified example of the projector will be described. The layout of the components within the exterior casing 5 of the projector of this modified example differs from that of the projector 1 of the first embodiment, but the remaining structures are the same. The following description will focus primarily on the layout of the components within the exterior casing 5. Components common to the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0288] Figure 15 It is a diagram schematically showing the layout of the components inside the outer casing in this modification.

[0289] like Figure 15As shown, the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 of this modified example is arranged within the exterior housing 5 on one side in the left-right direction X, i.e., on the right side of the +X side, relative to the image forming unit 3. Specifically, the light source heat exchanger 9 is arranged within the exterior housing 5 in the space where the light source unit 2 is located. Furthermore, in this modified example, the light source unit 2 and the power supply unit 14 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0290] According to this variation, the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25 that absorbs heat from the light source unit 2 and the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9 are arranged closely together, thereby shortening the heat transfer path from the light source heat absorption heat exchanger 25 to the light source heat dissipation heat exchanger 9, that is, the length of the piping for the flow of the heat exchange liquid.

[0291] Therefore, the heat transfer path becomes shorter, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the light source unit 2. In addition, the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9 are concentratedly arranged in the space on the light source unit 2 side within the outer casing 5, thereby simplifying the circuitous structure of the supply path for the heat exchange liquid between the light source heat absorbing heat exchanger 25 and the light source heat dissipating heat exchanger 9.

[0292] (Fourth Modification)

[0293] Next, a fourth variation of the projector will be described. This variation differs from the projector 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes four panel fans 16 instead of three. The remaining structures are similar. The following description will focus on the duct structure in the case of four panel fans 16. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0294] Figure 16 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the panel fan 16 and the duct 115 in this modification.

[0295] like Figure 16 As shown, in this modification, the plurality of panel fans 16 include a first fan 16a, a second fan 16b, a third fan 16c, and a fourth fan 16d. Multiple fans 16a, 16b, 16d, and 16c are arranged along the panel heat exchanger 7 in the left-right direction X. The duct 115 includes a first duct portion 115a, a second duct portion 115b, a third duct portion 115c, and a fourth duct portion 115d.

[0296] The first duct portion 115a includes a supply port 115a1 for supplying the airflow from the first fan 16a toward the light modulation panel 32R, and a supply port 115a2 for supplying a portion of the airflow K from the first fan 16a toward the uniform illumination optical system 30. The second duct portion 115b includes a supply port 115b1 for supplying the airflow from the second fan 16b to the light modulation panel 32G.

[0297] The third duct portion 115c has a supply port 115c1 for supplying the airflow from the third fan 16c to the light modulation panel 32B. The fourth duct portion 115d separates the airflow from the fourth fan 16d into two parts via a partition wall 116, causing one of the separated airflows to merge at the supply port 115c1 of the third duct portion 115c, and the other separated airflow to merge at the supply port 115b1 of the second duct portion 115b.

[0298] Thus, according to this modified example, the airflow from the second fan 16b and a portion of the airflow from the fourth fan 16d are supplied to the light modulation panel 32G, which generates a high amount of heat. This effectively cools the light modulation panel 32G. Furthermore, the airflow from the third fan 16c and a portion of the airflow from the fourth fan 16d are supplied to the light modulation panel 32B, which is incident with light having a high energy content. This effectively reduces the temperature of the light modulation panel 32B, thereby extending the life of the panel.

[0299] (Fifth Modification)

[0300] Next, a fifth variation of the projector will be described. In this variation, the structure of the light modulation panel 32G, in which the vapor chamber 60 is provided, differs from that of the projector 1 according to the first embodiment; otherwise, the structure is the same. The following description will focus on the differences in the structure of the light modulation panel 32G. Components common to the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0301] Figure 17 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a light modulation panel 32G in this modification.

[0302] like Figure 17 As shown, in the light modulation panel 32G of this modified example, the heat dissipation portion 65 of the steam chamber 160 is located on the -Z side relative to the opening 64 formed in the main body 60A of the steam chamber 160. A heat dissipation member 60B is provided on the +Y side surface of the heat dissipation portion 65. In this modified example, the heat dissipation portion 65 of the steam chamber 160 is located upstream of the airflow K flowing out of the panel fan 16 relative to the light modulation panel 32G.

[0303] According to this configuration, the airflow K first cools the heat dissipation portion 65 , thereby promoting condensation of the refrigerant in the steam chamber 160 , compared to a case where the airflow K first cools the panel body 41 . Thus, the steam chamber 160 of this modified example can further improve cooling performance.

[0304] (Sixth Modification)

[0305] In addition, the position where the heat dissipation portion 65 is provided in the steam chamber 60 is not limited to the above-mentioned position.

[0306] Figure 18 32 is a diagram showing the structure of a light modulation panel 32G in this modification.

[0307] like Figure 18 As shown, in the light modulation panel 32G of this modified example, the vapor chamber 260 is provided with the heat dissipation portion 65 on both the −Z side and the +Z side with respect to the opening 64 .

[0308] Heat dissipation members 60B are provided on the +Y side surfaces of heat dissipation portions 65. With this structure of steam chamber 260, heat dissipation portions 65 are located on both the upwind and downwind sides of airflow K. This promotes evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant within steam chamber 260. Thus, this modification provides a steam chamber 260 with further enhanced cooling performance.

[0309] In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and various changes can be added without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0310] For example, in the above-described embodiment and variations, the vapor chamber 60 is provided for the light modulation panel 32G, which generates the most heat, among the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. However, the vapor chamber 60 may also be provided for the light modulation panel 32B. High-energy light in a short wavelength range is incident on the light modulation panel 32B from the light source unit 2. Therefore, the light modulation panel 32B needs to have improved light resistance compared to the other light modulation panels. Therefore, by providing the vapor chamber 60 for the light modulation panel 32B instead of or in addition to the light modulation panel 32G, the light resistance of the light modulation panel 32B can be improved, thereby extending the life of the light modulation panel 32B.

[0311] Furthermore, the vapor chamber 60 may be provided for the light modulation panels 32R in addition to the light modulation panels 32G and 32B. That is, the vapor chamber 60 may be provided for all the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B, thereby improving the cooling performance of each panel.

[0312] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the vapor chamber 60 is provided for the light modulation panel 32G, which generates the most heat, among the light modulation panels 32R, 32G, and 32B. However, a liquid cooling device that circulates a heat exchange liquid around the panel body may be used instead of the vapor chamber 60 to cool the light modulation panel 32G. Alternatively, the liquid cooling device may be used to cool the light modulation panels 32R and 32B in addition to the light modulation panel 32G, thereby improving the cooling performance of each panel.

[0313] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the airflow K is described as flowing from the panel heat exchanger 8 toward the light source heat exchanger 9. However, the airflow K may also flow from the light source heat exchanger 9 toward the panel heat exchanger 8. In other words, the light source heat exchanger 9 may be disposed closer to the image forming unit 3 than the panel heat exchanger 8.

[0314] In this case, the surface area of the light source heat exchanger 9 may be larger than the planar area of the panel heat exchanger 8. With this configuration, by increasing the surface area of the light source heat exchanger 9, which is positioned upwind of the airflow K, a sufficient cooling effect can be achieved for high-temperature heat. This allows for efficient cooling of relatively high-temperature heat transferred from the light source unit 2.

[0315] Furthermore, specific configurations such as the number, arrangement, shape, and material of various components constituting the projector and the image forming unit are not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0316] The projector according to the embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.

[0317] A projector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source unit that emits illumination light; an image forming unit including a light modulation panel that modulates the illumination light from the light source unit according to image information to generate image light; a projection optical unit that projects the image light generated by the image forming unit; a panel fan that delivers airflow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the airflow heated by the light modulation panel; an image forming unit formed by arranging the image forming unit, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan in this order and housing them within a housing; a second heat exchanger that dissipates heat absorbed by the first heat exchanger; and an exterior housing that houses at least the light source unit, the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger and constitutes an exterior. The light source unit is disposed within the exterior housing on one side of the image forming unit in a first direction, and the second heat exchanger is disposed within the exterior housing on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction.

[0318] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the first heat exchanger may be arranged in a housing of the image forming unit so as to partition a portion housing the image forming unit and a portion housing the panel fan.

[0319] In a projector according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of panel fans may be arranged along the first heat exchanger, and the airflow of the plurality of panel fans may flow through the light modulation panel of the image forming unit via a duct provided between the first heat exchanger and the image forming unit and the outer shell.

[0320] In a projector of one embodiment of the present invention, the light modulation panel is composed of multiple liquid crystal panels, the multiple liquid crystal panels include a red liquid crystal panel, a green liquid crystal panel and a blue liquid crystal panel, the multiple panel fans include at least a first fan, a second fan and a third fan, and the duct includes a first flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the first fan to flow through the red liquid crystal panel, a second flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the second fan to flow through the green liquid crystal panel, and a third flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the third fan to flow through the blue liquid crystal panel.

[0321] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of panel fans may further include a fourth fan, and the duct may further include a fourth flow path portion for passing airflow from the fourth fan through the green liquid crystal panel and the blue liquid crystal panel.

[0322] In the projector according to one embodiment of the present invention, the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan may be arranged in a second direction along the optical axis of the projection optical unit within the housing of the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger may extend along the second direction.

[0323] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the second heat exchanger may include a plurality of heat dissipating portions, and a portion of the plurality of heat dissipating portions may be arranged on one side in the first direction relative to the image forming unit within the exterior casing.

[0324] In a projector of one embodiment of the present invention, the projector can also be constructed so that the projector further includes: a third heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the light source unit; and a fourth heat exchanger that dissipates the heat absorbed by the third heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger is arranged on the other side of the first direction relative to the image forming unit in the outer casing.

[0325] In a projector of one embodiment of the present invention, the projector can also be constructed so that the projector further includes: a third heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the light source unit; and a fourth heat exchanger that dissipates heat absorbed by the third heat exchanger, and the fourth heat exchanger is arranged on one side of the first direction relative to the image forming unit in the outer casing.

[0326] In a projector according to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell includes: an air intake wall portion having an air intake port facing the space between the image forming unit and the second heat exchanger; and an exhaust wall portion having an exhaust port opposite to the second heat exchanger. The projector also includes a heat exchanger fan, which is arranged between the second heat exchanger and the exhaust wall portion of the outer shell. The heat exchanger fan causes the air flow sucked in from the air intake port to flow to the exhaust port via the second heat exchanger.

[0327] The projector according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit and the image forming unit, and the power supply unit may be arranged on one side in the first direction relative to the image forming unit in the exterior casing.

[0328] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit and the light source unit may be sequentially arranged in the housing of the image forming unit along a direction in which the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan are sequentially arranged.

[0329] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit may be arranged in the exterior casing so as to overlap at least a portion of the light source unit in a third direction intersecting the direction along the optical axis of the projection optical unit and the first direction.

[0330] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the first direction may be a direction intersecting the projection optical unit.

[0331] In a projector of one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can also be connected by an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the inlet pipe flows the heat exchange liquid from the second heat exchanger arranged outside the shell of the image forming unit to the first heat exchanger arranged inside the shell, and the outlet pipe flows the heated heat exchange liquid out from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.

[0332] In the projector according to one aspect of the present invention, the heated heat-exchange liquid flowing out from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger may be sent to the second heat exchanger via a reservoir tank disposed outside the casing.

Claims

1. A projector, characterized in that: It has: a light source unit that emits illumination light; an image forming section including a light modulation panel for modulating the illumination light from the light source unit according to image information to generate image light; a projection optical unit that projects the image light generated by the image forming section; a panel fan for delivering airflow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the airflow heated by the light modulation panel; an image forming unit comprising the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan arranged in this order and housed in an image forming unit housing; a second heat exchanger for dissipating heat absorbed by the first heat exchanger; and an exterior casing that accommodates at least the light source unit, the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger and constitutes an exterior. The light source unit is arranged in the outer casing on one side of the image forming unit in a first direction intersecting with the optical axis of the projection optical unit. The second heat exchanger is arranged in the outer casing on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction. The image forming unit includes a first housing space for housing the panel fan and a second housing space for housing the image forming section within the image forming unit housing. The panel fans are arranged in plurality along the first heat exchanger. The airflow of the plurality of panel fans flows from the first storage space to the light modulation panel of the image forming unit through the duct provided in the second storage space. The first heat exchanger is arranged above the duct in the image forming unit housing of the image forming unit so as to partition the first storage space and the second storage space.

2. The projector according to claim 1, wherein The light modulation panel is composed of a plurality of liquid crystal panels. The plurality of liquid crystal panels include a red liquid crystal panel, a green liquid crystal panel, and a blue liquid crystal panel. The plurality of panel fans include at least a first fan, a second fan, and a third fan. The duct includes a first flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the first fan to flow toward the red liquid crystal panel, a second flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the second fan to flow toward the green liquid crystal panel, and a third flow path portion for allowing the airflow from the third fan to flow toward the blue liquid crystal panel.

3. The projector according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of panel fans further include a fourth fan, The duct further includes a fourth flow path portion that allows the airflow from the fourth fan to flow toward the green liquid crystal panel and the blue liquid crystal panel.

4. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein In the image forming unit housing of the image forming unit, the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan are arranged in a second direction along the optical axis of the projection optical unit. The second heat exchanger extends along the second direction.

5. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The projector further comprises: a third heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the light source unit; and a fourth heat exchanger for dissipating the heat absorbed by the third heat exchanger; The fourth heat exchanger is arranged in the exterior casing on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction.

6. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The projector further comprises: a third heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the light source unit; and a fourth heat exchanger for dissipating the heat absorbed by the third heat exchanger; The fourth heat exchanger is arranged in the exterior casing on one side in the first direction relative to the image forming unit.

7. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer shell includes: an air intake wall portion having an air intake port facing a space between the image forming unit and the second heat exchanger; and an exhaust wall portion having an exhaust port facing the second heat exchanger, The projector further includes a heat exchanger fan, the heat exchanger fan being arranged between the second heat exchanger and the exhaust wall portion of the exterior casing. The heat exchanger fan causes the air flow sucked from the air inlet to flow toward the air outlet via the second heat exchanger.

8. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The projector further includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit and the image forming unit. The power supply unit is arranged in the exterior housing on one side in the first direction relative to the image forming unit.

9. The projector according to claim 8, wherein The power supply unit and the light source unit are sequentially arranged in the image forming unit housing of the image forming unit along a direction in which the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan are sequentially arranged.

10. The projector according to claim 8, wherein The power supply unit is arranged in the outer casing so as to overlap with at least a portion of the light source unit in a third direction intersecting the direction along the optical axis of the projection optical unit and the first direction.

11. A projector, characterized in that: It has: a light source unit that emits illumination light; an image forming section including a light modulation panel for modulating the illumination light from the light source unit according to image information to generate image light; a projection optical unit that projects the image light generated by the image forming section; a panel fan for delivering airflow to the light modulation panel; a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the airflow heated by the light modulation panel; an image forming unit comprising the image forming portion, the first heat exchanger, and the panel fan arranged in this order and housed in an image forming unit housing; a second heat exchanger that dissipates heat absorbed by the first heat exchanger and includes a plurality of heat dissipating portions; and an exterior casing that accommodates at least the light source unit, the image forming unit, and the second heat exchanger and constitutes an exterior. The light source unit is arranged in the outer casing on one side of the image forming unit in a first direction intersecting with the optical axis of the projection optical unit. A portion of the plurality of heat dissipating portions is arranged on one side of the image forming unit in the first direction within the outer casing. The other part of the plurality of heat dissipating parts is arranged on the other side of the image forming unit in the first direction within the outer casing. The image forming unit includes a first housing space for housing the panel fan and a second housing space for housing the image forming section within the image forming unit housing. The panel fans are arranged in plurality along the first heat exchanger. The airflow of the plurality of panel fans flows from the first storage space to the light modulation panel of the image forming unit through the duct provided in the second storage space. The first heat exchanger is arranged above the duct in the image forming unit housing of the image forming unit so as to partition the first storage space and the second storage space.

Images