Projector

Abstract

The invention provides a projector which suppresses reduction of light utilization efficiency and prevents disconnection of a line connecting a light-emitting element of a light source and an electrode and short circuit in the light source. The projector includes: a first light source including a first light-emitting element that emits first light of a first wavelength band, a first power line that supplies power to the first light-emitting element, and a substrate that supports the first light-emitting element and the first power line; a first light guide element having a first incident end on which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident and a first emitting end from which the first light is emitted, the first light guide element making the in-plane illuminance of the first light uniform; a first parallelizing element for parallelizing the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulation element that modulates the first light emitted from the first parallelizing element on the basis of image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulation element. The first light guide element is disposed so as to be separated from the first power line, and a first distance between a first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known projectors that include: a light source that emits colored light; a light modulator that modulates the colored light emitted from the light source according to image information to generate image light; and a projection optical system that amplifies the image light emitted from the light modulator and projects it onto a projection surface such as a screen. For example, a projector includes a light source device that includes: a blue light source that emits blue light; an excitation light source that is separate from the blue light source and emits blue light; and a phosphor that is excited by the blue light emitted from the excitation light source to emit yellow light. In such a projector, white light containing blue and yellow light is emitted from the light source device, and the various colored lights contained in the white light are converted into image light by a common light modulator or a light modulator configured for each color.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a projector that uses multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emitting elements. In the projector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the colored light emitted from each LED overlaps on the same path after passing through a block, is modulated by a light modulator, and is magnified and projected by a projection lens. The block has parabolic side surfaces, so that the angle distribution of the colored light emitted from the emission end face ranges from 0° to 90°. The colored light emitted from the multiple blocks is incident on a dichroic prism configured to overlap the light from the multiple LEDs.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 10-361256

[0005] Typically, light-emitting elements such as LEDs are mounted on supporting components such as substrates and are connected to electrodes such as lead frames and pads formed separately on the supporting components through wire bonding. In the technology disclosed in the aforementioned patent document 1, since the light source and the block are in close contact with each other, it is considered that the wires connecting the light-emitting elements in the light source and the electrodes are in direct contact with the block as described above, resulting in short circuits and broken wires. In response to such a situation, a solution can be proposed in which the light source and the block are arranged separately from each other. However, depending on the distance between the light source and the block, the efficiency of light emitted from the light source entering the block is reduced, and the light utilization efficiency in the projector may be insufficient. In other words, a projector is required that can suppress the reduction in light utilization efficiency and prevent the breakage of the wires connecting the light-emitting elements in the light source and the electrodes, as well as the short circuit in the light source. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A projector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first light source having a first light-emitting element that emits first light in a first wavelength band; a first conducting line that supplies power to the first light-emitting element; and a substrate that supports the first light-emitting element and the first conducting line; a first light guide element having a first incident end for receiving the first light emitted from the first light source and a first exit end for emitting the first light, thereby uniformizing the in-plane illuminance of the first light; a first collimating element for collimating the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulating element for modulating the first light emitted from the first collimating element based on image information; and a projection optical system for projecting the light modulated by the first light modulating element. The first light guide element is disposed separately from the first conducting line, and a first distance between the first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the blue light emitting portion of a projector.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the blue light emitting portion of the projector.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the green light emitting portion of the projector.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of the red light emitting portion of a projector.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side view of the blue light emitting portion of the first modified example of the projector.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the blue light emitting portion of the first modified example of the projector.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of the green light emitting portion of the second modified example of the projector.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A top view of the green light emitting portion of the second modified example of the projector.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 1A side view of the blue light emitting portion of the third variant of the projector.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A side view of the blue light emitting portion of the fourth variant of the projector.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 An overhead view of the blue light emitting portion of the fourth variant of the projector.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A side view of the blue light emitting portion of the fifth variant of the projector.

[0020] Description of labels

[0021] 121: Light-emitting element (first light-emitting element); 122: Light-emitting element (second light-emitting element); 123: Light-emitting element (third light-emitting element); 141: Light-guiding element (first light-guiding element); 142: Light-guiding element (second light-guiding element); 143: Light-guiding element (third light-guiding element); 161: Parallelizer (first parallelizer); 162: Parallelizer (second parallelizer); 163: Parallelizer (third parallelizer); 181: Light modulator (first light modulator); 182: Light modulator (second light modulator); 183: Light modulator (third light modulator); 200: Photosynthesizer; 301: Projector; 401: Light source (first light source); 402: Light source (second light source); 403: Light source (third light source); 451: Power line (first power line); 452: Power line (second power line); 453: Power line (third power line). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the scale of each component may be changed to facilitate viewing of each component.

[0023] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a projector 301 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The projector 301 is an image display device having three liquid crystal panels as light modulation devices, and is a so-called three-panel projector. Figure 1 As shown, the projector 301 has a blue light emitting section 101, a green light emitting section 102, a red light emitting section 103, incident-side polarization elements 171, 172, 173, light modulation elements 181, 182, 183, emitting-side polarization elements 175, 176, 177, a photosynthetic element 200, and a projection optical system 250.

[0024] The blue light emitting section 101 emits blue light LB. In the following description, an axis parallel to the optical axis of the blue light LB emitted from the blue light emitting section 101 is set as the D1 direction. One side in the D1 direction is set as the -D1 side, and the side opposite to the -D1 side in the D1 direction is set as the +D1 side. A direction perpendicular to the D1 direction within a plane containing the optical axis of the blue light LB is set as the D2 direction. One side in the D2 direction is set as the -D2 side, and the side opposite to the -D2 side in the D2 direction is set as the +D2 side. A direction perpendicular to the D1 direction and the D2 direction is set as the D3 direction. The blue light LB emitted from the blue light emitting section 101 travels along the D1 direction toward the +D1 side.

[0025] The blue light emitting section 101 includes a light source 401, a light guide element 141, and a parallelizing element 161. The light source 401 corresponds to the first light source. The light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is supported by the substrate 111. The light-emitting element 121 is provided on the plate surface on the +D1 side of the plate surface parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions in the substrate 111. The substrate 111 corresponds to the base material. The light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 is arranged approximately parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions and is the surface of the light-emitting element 121 on the opposite side of the plate surface facing the +D1 side of the substrate 111 in the D1 direction. The light-emitting element 121 corresponds to the first light-emitting element and emits blue light LB in the blue band in the visible wavelength range. The blue band corresponds to the first wavelength band. The blue light LB corresponds to the first light. Blue light LB is emitted from the light emitting surface of light emitting element 121 toward +D1 with a predetermined radiation angle, centered on an axis parallel to the D1 direction and passing through the center of the light emitting surface of light emitting element 121. The blue wavelength range is, for example, 420 nm to 500 nm.

[0026] The light-emitting element 121 is composed of, for example, an LED that emits blue light LB. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 121 may be composed of a single LED or a plurality of LEDs. When the light-emitting element 121 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged within the area occupied by the light-emitting element 121 within the plane including the directions D2 and D3.

[0027] The substrate 111 is made of metal, for example, and also functions as a heat dissipating member that receives heat from the light emitting element 121 emitting blue light LB and the like and releases the heat to an external space.

[0028] Light guide element 141 is provided on the optical path of blue light LB emitted from light source 401. It is positioned closer to the +D1 side of light-emitting element 121 of light source 401 and overlaps light-emitting element 121 in directions D2 and D3. Light guide element 141 corresponds to a first light guide element and has an incident end 141a on the -D1 side in the D1 direction, an emitting end 141b on the +D1 side, and a side surface 141s and a reflecting surface 141r extending between incident end 141a and emitting end 141b in the D1 direction.

[0029] Incident end 141a corresponds to the first incident end and extends parallel to a plane including directions D2 and D3. The shape of incident end 141a when viewed from direction D1 is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 121 when viewed from the same direction, for example, a rectangle. The size of incident end 141a within the plane including directions D2 and D3 can be the same as the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 121 within the plane including directions D2 and D3, but is preferably appropriately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 121 within the plane including directions D2 and D3.

[0030] The emitting end 141b corresponds to the first emitting end, extending parallel to a plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3, and is larger than the incident end 141a. The shape of the emitting end 141b when viewed from the direction D1 is identical to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 181, for example, a rectangular shape. The size of the emitting end 141b within the plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3 is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 within the plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3. The side surface 141s and the reflecting surface 141r connect the periphery of the incident end 141a and the periphery of the emitting end 141b in the direction D1.

[0031] Blue light LB emitted from light source 401 enters light guide element 141 from incident end 141a. In light guide element 141, the area surrounded by incident end 141a, emission end 141b, and reflection surface 141r is the area through which blue light LB is transmitted. The size of the area surrounded by incident end 141a, emission end 141b, and reflection surface 141r within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions increases as the area moves from the -D1 side of the D1 direction toward the +D1 side. Furthermore, the shape of the area surrounded by incident end 141a, emission end 141b, and reflection surface 141r within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 121 when viewed from the D1 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of light modulator 181 as the area moves from the -D1 side toward the +D1 side.

[0032] Side surface 141s of light guide element 141 and a reflective surface 141r (described later) provided on side surface 141s form a predetermined angle relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to incident end 141a and the optical axis. As light moves from the -D1 side toward the +D1 side, the light moves away from the imaginary line within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3. Blue light LB incident on light guide element 141 propagates from the -D1 side toward the +D1 side within the region bounded by incident end 141a, exit end 141b, and reflective surface 141r.

[0033] When the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 is rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121 is roughly rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 181. In this case, the angle α, i.e., the cone angle, formed by the side surface 141s including the short side of the rectangle and the reflective surface 141r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within the range of 7° to 22°. The angle β, i.e., the cone angle, formed by the side surface 141s including the long side of the rectangle and the reflective surface 141r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within the range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of the angles α and β were confirmed through numerical simulations based on the structure of the blue light emitting portion 101 and ray tracing.

[0034] A portion of the blue light LB incident on the light guide element 141 travels along a direction at an angle smaller than a predetermined angle relative to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, without incident on the reflective surface 141r at all, and propagates directly from the incident end 141a to the emitting end 141b. The remaining portion of the blue light LB incident on the light guide element 141 travels along a direction at an angle greater than a predetermined angle relative to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, is incident on the reflective surface 141r from the incident end 141a at least once, and after being reflected by the reflective surface 141r, reaches the emitting end 141b. The path of the blue light LB within the area surrounded by the incident end 141a, the emitting end 141b, and the reflective surface 141r varies depending on the angle of incidence on the incident end 141a, resulting in multiple paths with different numbers of reflections at the reflective surface 141r. As a result, the illuminance distribution of blue light LB propagating within the area surrounded by incident end 141a, emitting end 141b, and reflective surface 141r is uniformed within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3. In other words, light guide element 141 uniformizes the illuminance distribution of incident blue light LB within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3. The blue light LB, with its uniform illuminance distribution, is emitted from emitting end 141b toward the +D1 side.

[0035] The light guide element 141 is a reflector made of a transparent material such as optical glass. The reflector has a frame and is formed as a hollow component. When viewed along the D1 direction, the end of the reflector frame on the -D1 side has the same shape as the incident end 141a and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121, but is larger than the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121, for example, forming a rectangular frame. The end of the reflector frame on the +D1 side has the same shape and size as the emitting end 141b and the modulation surface of the light modulator 181, for example, forming a rectangular frame of a different size from the end on the -D1 side.

[0036] The reflector is formed, for example, by a plate-like component made of a transparent material. As described above, if the shape when viewed from the D1 direction of the incident end 141a and the emission end 141b is rectangular, the reflector is formed by four trapezoidal plate-like components. The length of the side parallel to the D2 direction or D3 direction on the -D1 side of the upper base of the four plate-like components is set according to the size of the incident end 141a and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 in the D2 direction or D3 direction. The length of the side parallel to the D2 direction or D3 direction on the +D1 side of the lower base of the four plate-like components is set according to the size of the emission end 141b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 in the D2 direction or D3 direction. Among the four plate-like components, the side corresponding to one leg of one of the two plate-like components is connected to the side corresponding to the other leg of the other plate-like component.

[0037] As described above, when the reflector of light guide element 141 is formed from a plate-like component made of a transparent member, side surface 141s, i.e., the surface of the plate-like component facing the reflector's exterior space, functions as a reflective surface. In order to increase the reflectivity of blue light LB incident on light guide element 141 from incident end 141a near side surface 141s, a reflective film 251 made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film is provided on the surface of the plate-like component constituting the reflector opposite side surface 141s, i.e., the surface facing the reflector's interior space SP141. In this case, the surface of the plate-like component facing the reflector's interior space SP141 functions as reflective surface 141r. A portion of the blue light LB incident on the reflector's interior space SP141 from incident end 141a is reflected by reflective film 251 and travels toward the +D1 side.

[0038] The intensity of blue light LB reflected by reflective film 251 and emitted from reflective film 251 may depend on the angle of incidence of the blue light LB incident on reflective film 251. When reflective film 251 is formed of a dielectric multilayer film, the angle of incidence dependence of the intensity of blue light LB emitted from reflective film 251 varies depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, reflective film 251 is designed so that the angle of incidence of blue light LB emitted from reflective surface 141r and reflective film 251, for example, is within a range of 60° to 90°, at which the intensity of the blue light LB is highest, when angle α is within a range of 7° to 22° and angle β is within a range of 14° to 36°. The parameters of the dielectric multilayer film are appropriately determined. The relationship between the incident angle of the blue light LB onto the reflecting surface 141 r and the reflecting film 251 and the intensity of the blue light LB emitted from the reflecting surface 141 r and the reflecting film 251 is obtained by numerical simulation based on the structure of the blue light emitting unit 101 and ray tracing.

[0039] In addition, when the reflector is composed of a plate-like component composed of a transparent component, and the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space in the plate-like component acts as a reflecting surface, a portion of the blue light LB that is incident from the incident end 141a to the internal space SP141 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 is incident on the plate-like component from the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP141 in the plate-like component and refracted, is reflected by the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space, propagates again in the plate-like component, is refracted by the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP141, is emitted to the internal space SP141 of the reflector, and travels toward the +D1 side.

[0040] Parallelizer 161 is disposed on the optical path of blue light LB emitted from light guide element 141, positioned closer to the +D1 side of light guide element 141 and overlapping with light guide element 141 in directions D2 and D3. Parallelizer 161 serves as a first parallizer and parallelizes blue light LB emitted from light guide element 141 along direction D1.

[0041] The parallelizing element 161 is, for example, a plano-convex lens having an incident surface consisting of a flat surface perpendicular to the D1 direction and an exit surface consisting of a convex curved surface protruding toward the exit side of the blue light LB. The incident surface of the plano-convex lens of the parallelizing element 161 is in contact with the exit end 141b of the light-guiding element 141. By making the parallelizing element 161 contact with the exit end 141b, the blue light LB emitted from the exit end 141b of the light-guiding element 141 is taken into the parallelizing element 161 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing the loss of the blue light LB. However, the parallelizing element 161 may also be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can parallelize the incident blue light LB. In addition, the parallelizing element 161 may also be arranged at an appropriate interval from the light-guiding element 141 in the D1 direction.

[0042] The incident-side polarizing element 171 is disposed on the optical path of the blue light LB emitted from the parallelizing element 161, positioned closer to the +D1 side of the parallelizing element 161 and overlapping with the parallelizing element 161 in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident-side polarizing element 171 contacts the light modulating element 181, for example, from the -D1 side. However, it may also be disposed with an appropriate spacing from the light modulating element 181 in the D1 direction. The incident-side polarizing element 171 acts as a first polarizing element, directing a predetermined polarization within the blue light LB emitted from the parallelizing element 161 toward the +D1 side along the D1 direction. The predetermined polarization corresponds to the first polarized light component and is, for example, S-polarized light.

[0043] The incident-side polarizing element 171 is, for example, a reflective or absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. In cases where it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward preceding optical elements, including the parallelizing element 161, an absorptive polarizer is preferably used as the incident-side polarizing element 171. The incident-side polarizing element 171 transmits a portion of the incident blue light LB, including light of a predetermined polarization, toward the +D1 side, while reflecting or absorbing the remaining portion of the blue light LB toward the -D1 side.

[0044] Light modulator 181 is disposed on the optical path of blue light LB emitted from incident-side polarizer 171, positioned closer to the +D1 side of incident-side polarizer 171 and overlapping with incident-side polarizer 171 in the D2 and D3 directions. Light modulator 181 serves as a first light modulator and modulates blue light LB emitted from incident-side polarizer 171 based on image information input from an external image forming device (not shown), such as a computer, connected to light modulator 181.

[0045] The light modulator 181 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel constituting the light modulator 181 has a plurality of pixels not shown. Each pixel has a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a polysilicon thin film transistor (TFT). An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of the red light at the relative position of each pixel in the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of the blue light LB incident from the incident-side polarizing element 171 by the action of the switching element corresponding to the above-mentioned electrical signal, thereby generating blue image light IB. The image light IB is equivalent to the first light. The light modulator 181 emits the image light IB generated by the liquid crystal panel toward the +D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0046] The output-side polarizing element 175 is disposed on the optical path of the image light IB emitted from the light modulator 181, positioned closer to the +D1 side of the light modulator 181 and overlapping with the light modulator 181 in the D2 and D3 directions. For example, the output-side polarizing element 175 contacts the light modulator 181 from the +D1 side, but may also be disposed with an appropriate spacing from the light modulator 181 in the D1 direction. The output-side polarizing element 175 functions as a fourth polarizing element, emitting a predetermined polarization of the image light IB emitted from the light modulator 181 toward the +D1 side along the D1 direction. This predetermined polarization corresponds to the fourth polarization component and is, for example, P-polarized light.

[0047] The output-side polarizing element 175 is, for example, a reflective or absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. In cases where it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward the light modulator 181, an absorptive polarizer is preferably used as the output-side polarizing element 175. The output-side polarizing element 175 transmits a portion of the incident image light IB, including light of a predetermined polarization, toward the +D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the remaining portion of the image light IB toward the -D1 side.

[0048] The green light emitting section 102 is positioned closer to the +D1 side and the -D2 side than the blue light emitting section 101, and is located in a region overlapping with the blue light emitting section 101 in the D3 direction. The green light emitting section 102 emits green light LG. The green light LG emitted from the green light emitting section 102 travels toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0049] The green light emitting unit 102 includes a light source 402, a light guide element 142, and a parallelizing element 162. Light source 402 corresponds to the second light source. The light-emitting element 122 of light source 402 is supported by substrate 112. Light-emitting element 122 is disposed on the +D2 side of a surface of substrate 112 that is parallel to the plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 is arranged approximately parallel to the plane including the D1 and D3 directions and is located on the opposite side of the surface of light-emitting element 122 that contacts the +D2 side of substrate 112 in the D2 direction. Light-emitting element 122 corresponds to the second light-emitting element and emits green light LG in the green wavelength band within the visible wavelength range. The green wavelength band corresponds to the second wavelength band. Green light LG corresponds to the second light. Green light LG is emitted from the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 at a predetermined radiation angle, centered on an axis that passes through the center of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 and is parallel to the D2 direction, and is emitted toward the +D2 side. The green wavelength band is, for example, a wavelength band of 500 nm to 600 nm.

[0050] As described later, light-emitting element 122 includes, for example, a light-emitting element that emits excitation light and a phosphor that is excited by the excitation light emitted from the light-emitting element and emits green light LG. Similarly to light-emitting element 121, the light-emitting element of light-emitting element 122 may be composed of a single LED or a plurality of LEDs. If the light-emitting element of light-emitting element 122 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged in the area occupied by light-emitting element 122 within a plane including directions D1 and D3.

[0051] The substrate 112 is made of metal, for example, and also functions as a heat dissipating member that receives heat from the light emitting element 122 emitting green light LG and the like and releases the heat to an external space.

[0052] Light guide element 142 is provided on the optical path of green light LG emitted from light source 402. It is positioned on the +D2 side of light-emitting element 122 of light source 402 and overlaps with light-emitting element 122 in the D1 and D3 directions. Light guide element 142 corresponds to a second light guide element and has an incident end 142a on the -D2 side in the D2 direction, an emitting end 142b on the +D2 side, and a side surface 142s and a reflecting surface 142r extending between incident end 142a and emitting end 142b in the D2 direction.

[0053] Incident end 142a corresponds to the second incident end and extends parallel to the plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The shape of incident end 142a when viewed from the D2 direction is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 when viewed from the same direction, for example, a rectangle. The size of incident end 142a within the plane including the D1 and D3 directions can be the same as the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 within the plane including the D1 and D3 directions, but is preferably appropriately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 within the plane including the D1 and D3 directions.

[0054] The emitting end 142b corresponds to the second emitting end, extending parallel to a plane encompassing the directions D1 and D3, and is larger than the incident end 142a. The shape of the emitting end 142b when viewed from the direction D2 is identical to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 182 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 182, for example, a rectangular shape. The size of the emitting end 142b within the plane encompassing the directions D1 and D3 is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulator 182 within the plane encompassing the directions D1 and D3. The side surface 142s and the reflecting surface 142r connect the periphery of the incident end 142a and the periphery of the emitting end 142b in the direction D2.

[0055] Green light LG emitted from light source 402 enters light guide element 142 from incident end 142a. Within light guide element 142, the area enclosed by incident end 142a, emitting end 142b, and reflecting surface 142r is the region through which green light LG is transmitted. The size of the area enclosed by incident end 142a, emitting end 142b, and reflecting surface 142r, within a plane encompassing directions D1 and D3, increases as it progresses from the -D2 side toward the +D2 side of the D2 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the area enclosed by incident end 142a, emitting end 142b, and reflecting surface 142r, within a plane encompassing directions D1 and D3, changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122 as viewed from the D2 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of light modulator 182 as it progresses from the -D2 side toward the +D2 side.

[0056] Side surface 142s of light guide element 142 and a reflective surface 142r (described later) provided on side surface 142s form a predetermined angle with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to incident end 142a and the optical axis. As light moves from the -D2 side toward the +D2 side, the light moves away from the imaginary line within a plane encompassing directions D1 and D3. Green light LG incident on light guide element 142 propagates from the -D2 side toward the +D2 side within the region bounded by incident end 142a, exit end 142b, and reflective surface 142r.

[0057] If the modulation surface of the light modulator 182 is rectangular when viewed along the D2 direction, the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 is also rectangular when viewed along the D2 direction, similar in shape to the modulation surface of the light modulator 182. In this case, the angle α formed by the side surface 142s (including the short side of the rectangle) and the reflective surface 142r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 7° to 22°. The angle β formed by the side surface 142s (including the long side of the rectangle) and the reflective surface 142r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of angles α and β were confirmed through numerical simulations based on the structure of the green light emitting unit 102 and ray tracing.

[0058] A portion of the green light LG incident on the light guide element 142 travels in a direction that forms an angle smaller than angle α or angle β with respect to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, without incident on the reflective surface 142r at all, and propagates directly from the incident end 142a to the emitting end 142b. The remaining portion of the green light LG incident on the light guide element 142 travels in a direction that forms an angle greater than angle α or angle β with respect to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, and travels from the incident end 142a to the reflective surface 142r at least once, is reflected by the reflective surface 142r, and reaches the emitting end 142b.

[0059] The path of green light LG within the area enclosed by incident end 142a, exit end 142b, and reflective surface 142r varies depending on the angle of incidence at incident end 142a, encompassing multiple paths with varying numbers of reflections at reflective surface 142r. Consequently, the illuminance distribution of green light LG propagating within the area enclosed by incident end 142a, exit end 142b, and reflective surface 142r is uniform within the plane encompassing directions D1 and D3. In other words, light guide element 142 uniformizes the illuminance distribution of incident green light LG within the plane encompassing directions D1 and D3. The green light LG, with its uniform illuminance distribution, is emitted from exit end 142b toward the +D2 side.

[0060] Like light guide element 141, light guide element 142 is a hollow reflector formed from a plate-like member made of a transparent material such as optical glass. When viewed along direction D2, the reflector's frame on the -D2 side has the same shape as incident end 142a and the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122, but is appropriately larger than the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 122, for example, forming a rectangular frame. The reflector's frame on the +D2 side has the same shape and size as emitting end 142b and the modulation surface of light modulator 182, for example, forming a rectangular frame of a different size from the -D2 side.

[0061] The reflector of the light guide element 142 is constructed by connecting the legs of four trapezoidal plate-like members. The length of the side parallel to the D1 or D3 direction on the -D2 side of the upper base of the four plate-like members is set based on the size of the incident end 142a and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 in the D1 or D3 direction. The length of the side parallel to the D1 or D3 direction on the +D2 side of the lower base of the four plate-like members is set based on the size of the emission end 142b and the modulation surface of the light modulator 182 in the D1 or D3 direction.

[0062] As described above, when the reflector of light guide element 142 is formed from a plate-like member made of a transparent component, side surface 142s, i.e., the surface of the plate-like member facing the exterior space of the reflector, functions as a reflective surface. In order to increase the reflectivity of green light LG incident on light guide element 142 from incident end 142a near side surface 142s, a reflective film 252, such as a dielectric multilayer film, is also provided on the surface of the plate-like member opposite side surface 142s, i.e., the surface facing the interior space SP142 of the plate-like member. In this case, the surface of the plate-like member facing the interior space SP142 of the reflector functions as reflective surface 142r. A portion of the green light LG incident on the interior space SP142 of the reflector of light guide element 142 from incident end 142a is reflected by reflective film 252 and travels toward the +D2 side.

[0063] The intensity of the green light LG reflected by the reflective film 252 and emitted from the reflective film 252 may depend on the angle of incidence of the green light LG incident on the reflective film 252. When the reflective film 252 is formed of a dielectric multilayer film, the angle of incidence dependence of the intensity of the green light LG emitted from the reflective film 252 varies depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, the reflective film 252 is designed so that, for example, when the angle α is in the range of 7° to 22° and the angle β is in the range of 14° to 36°, the angle of incidence of the green light LG emitted from the reflective surface 142r and the reflective film 252 is within the range of 60° to 90°, thereby appropriately determining the parameters of the dielectric multilayer film. The relationship between the incident angle of the green light LG onto the reflecting surface 142 r and the reflecting film 252 and the intensity of the green light LG emitted from the reflecting surface 142 r and the reflecting film 252 is obtained by numerical simulation based on the structure of the green light emitting unit 102 and ray tracing.

[0064] In addition, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 is composed of a plate-like component composed of a transparent component, and the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space in the plate-like component acts as a reflecting surface, a part of the green light LG incident on the internal space SP142 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 from the incident end 142a is incident on the plate-like component from the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP142 in the plate-like component and refracted, is reflected by the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space, propagates again in the plate-like component, is refracted by the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP142, is emitted into the internal space SP142 of the reflector, and moves toward the +D2 side.

[0065] Parallelizer 162 is disposed on the optical path of green light LG emitted from light guide element 142, positioned closer to the +D2 side of light guide element 142 and overlapping with light guide element 142 in directions D1 and D3. Parallelizer 162 serves as a second parallizer and parallelizes green light LG emitted from light guide element 142 along direction D2.

[0066] The parallelizing element 162 is, for example, a plano-convex lens having an incident surface consisting of a flat surface perpendicular to the D2 direction and an exit surface consisting of a convex surface protruding toward the exit side of the green light LG. The incident surface of the parallelizing element 162 is in contact with the exit end 142b of the light-guiding element 142. Since the parallelizing element 162 is in contact with the exit end 142b, the green light LG emitted from the exit end 142b of the light-guiding element 142 is taken in by the parallelizing element 162 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing the loss of the green light LG. However, the parallelizing element 162 may also be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can parallelize the incident green light LG. In addition, the parallelizing element 162 may also be arranged at an appropriate interval from the light-guiding element 142 in the D2 direction.

[0067] The incident-side polarizing element 172 is disposed on the optical path of the green light LG emitted from the parallelizer 162, positioned closer to the +D2 side of the parallelizer 162 and overlapping with the parallelizer 162 in the D1 and D3 directions. For example, the incident-side polarizing element 172 contacts the light modulator 182 from the +D2 side, but may also be disposed with an appropriate distance from the light modulator 182 in the D2 direction. The incident-side polarizing element 172 acts as a second polarizing element, directing a predetermined polarization of the green light LG emitted from the parallelizer 162 toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction. The predetermined polarization corresponds to the second polarization component and is, for example, S-polarized light.

[0068] The incident-side polarizing element 172 is, for example, a reflective polarizer or an absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to the plane including the D1 and D3 directions. Furthermore, when it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward optical elements preceding the incident-side polarizing element 172, including the parallelizing element 162, an absorptive polarizer is preferably used as the incident-side polarizing element 172. The incident-side polarizing element 172 transmits a portion of the incident green light LG containing light of a predetermined polarization toward the +D2 side, while reflecting or absorbing the remaining portion of the green light LG toward the -D2 side.

[0069] Light modulator 182 is provided on the optical path of green light LG emitted from incident-side polarizer 172, positioned closer to the +D2 side of incident-side polarizer 172 and overlapping with incident-side polarizer 172 in the D1 and D3 directions. Light modulator 182 serves as a second light modulator and modulates green light LG emitted from incident-side polarizer 172 based on image information input from an external image forming device (not shown), such as a computer, connected to light modulator 182.

[0070] The light modulator 182 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel that constitutes the light modulator 182 has a plurality of pixels (not shown). Each pixel has a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a TFT. An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of the green light at the relative position of each pixel on the modulation surface of the light modulator 182 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of the green light LG incident from the incident-side polarizing element 172 by the operation of the switching element corresponding to the electrical signal, thereby generating green image light IG. The image light IG corresponds to the second light. The light modulator 182 emits the image light IG generated by the liquid crystal panel along the D2 direction toward the +D2 side.

[0071] The output-side polarizing element 176 is disposed on the optical path of the image light IG emitted from the light modulator 182, positioned closer to the +D2 side of the light modulator 182 and overlapping with the light modulator 182 in the D1 and D3 directions. For example, the output-side polarizing element 176 contacts the light modulator 182 from the +D2 side, but may also be disposed with an appropriate spacing therefrom in the D2 direction. The output-side polarizing element 176 functions as a fifth polarizing element, emitting a predetermined polarization of the image light IG emitted from the light modulator 182 toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction. This predetermined polarization corresponds to the fifth polarization component and is, for example, P-polarized light.

[0072] The output-side polarizing element 176 is, for example, a reflective or absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. In cases where it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward the light modulator 182, an absorptive polarizer is preferably used as the output-side polarizing element 176. The output-side polarizing element 176 transmits a portion of the incident image light IG, including light of a predetermined polarization, toward the +D2 side, while reflecting or absorbing the remaining portion of the image light IG toward the -D2 side.

[0073] The red light emitting section 103 is positioned closer to the +D1 side than the green light emitting section 102, and in a region overlapping with the blue light emitting section 101 in the D2 and D3 directions. The red light emitting section 103 emits red light LR. The red light LR emitted from the red light emitting section 103 travels along the D1 direction toward the -D1 side.

[0074] The red light emitting unit 103 includes a light source 403, a light guide element 143, and a parallelizing element 163. Light source 403 corresponds to the third light source. The light-emitting element 123 of light source 403 is supported by substrate 113. Light-emitting element 123 is disposed on the -D1 side of the substrate 113, within a plane parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 is arranged approximately parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions and is the surface of light-emitting element 123 opposite the surface in contact with the -D1 side of substrate 113, in the D1 direction. Light-emitting element 123 corresponds to the third light-emitting element and emits red light LR in the red wavelength band within the visible wavelength range. The red wavelength band corresponds to the third wavelength band. Red light LR corresponds to the third light. Red light LR diverges from the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 at a predetermined radiation angle, centered on an axis passing through the center of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 and parallel to the D1 direction, and is emitted toward the -D1 side. The red wavelength band is, for example, a wavelength band of 610 nm to 700 nm.

[0075] Light-emitting element 123 is composed of, for example, an LED that emits red light LR. Similar to light-emitting elements 121 and 122, light-emitting element 123 may be composed of a single LED or a plurality of LEDs. When light-emitting element 123 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged within the area occupied by light-emitting element 123 within a plane including directions D2 and D3.

[0076] The substrate 113 is made of metal, for example, and also functions as a heat dissipating member that receives heat from the light emitting element 123 emitting red light LR and the like and releases the heat to the external space.

[0077] Light guide element 143 is provided on the optical path of red light LR emitted from light source 403, and is positioned on the -D1 side of light-emitting element 123 of light source 403, overlapping with light-emitting element 123 in the D2 and D3 directions. Light guide element 143 corresponds to a third light guide element and has an incident end 143a on the +D1 side in the D1 direction, an emitting end 143b on the -D1 side, and a side surface 143s and a reflecting surface 143r extending between incident end 143a and emitting end 143b in the D1 direction.

[0078] Incident end 143a corresponds to the third incident end and extends parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The shape of incident end 143a when viewed from the D1 direction is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 when viewed from the same direction, for example, a rectangle. The size of incident end 143a within the plane including the D2 and D3 directions can be the same as the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 within the plane including the D2 and D3 directions, but is preferably moderately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 within the plane including the D2 and D3 directions.

[0079] The emitting end 143b corresponds to the third emitting end, extending parallel to a plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3, and is larger than the incident end 143a. The shape of the emitting end 143b when viewed from the direction D1 is identical to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 183, for example, a rectangular shape. The size of the emitting end 143b within the plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3 is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 within the plane encompassing the directions D2 and D3. The side surface 143s and the reflecting surface 143r connect the periphery of the incident end 143a and the periphery of the emitting end 143b in the direction D1.

[0080] Red light LR emitted from light source 403 enters light guide element 143 from incident end 143a. In light guide element 143, the area enclosed by incident end 143a, emitting end 143b, and reflecting surface 143r is the region through which red light LR is transmitted. The size of the area enclosed by incident end 143a, emitting end 143b, and reflecting surface 143r increases within a plane encompassing the D2 and D3 directions as it progresses from the +D1 side toward the -D1 side of the D1 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the area enclosed by incident end 143a, emitting end 143b, and reflecting surface 143r within a plane encompassing the D2 and D3 directions changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 as viewed from the D1 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of light modulator 183 as it progresses from the +D1 side toward the -D1 side.

[0081] Side surface 143s of light guide element 143 and, as will be described later, reflective surface 143r provided on side surface 143s form a predetermined angle relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to incident end 143a and the optical axis, moving away from the imaginary line within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3 as the light moves from the +D1 side toward the -D1 side. Red light LR incident on light guide element 142 propagates from the +D1 side toward the -D1 side within the region surrounded by incident end 143a, exit end 143b, and reflective surface 143r.

[0082] When the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 is rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123 is also rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, similar in shape to the modulation surface of the light modulator 183. In this case, the angle α formed by the side surface 143s (including the short side of the rectangle) and the reflective surface 143r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 7° to 22°. The angle β formed by the side surface 143s (including the long side of the rectangle) and the reflective surface 143r relative to the aforementioned imaginary line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of angles α and β were confirmed through numerical simulations based on the structure of the red light emitting unit 103 and ray tracing.

[0083] A portion of the red light LR incident on the light guide element 143 travels along a direction at an angle smaller than angle α or angle β relative to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, without incident on the reflective surface 143r at all, and propagates directly from the incident end 143a to the emitting end 143b. The remaining portion of the red light LR incident on the light guide element 143 travels along an angle greater than angle α or angle β relative to the aforementioned imaginary axis and optical axis, incident on the reflective surface 143r from the incident end 143a at least once, and then reaches the emitting end 143b after being reflected by the reflective surface 143r. The path of the red light LR within the area surrounded by the incident end 143a, the emitting end 143b, and the reflective surface 143r varies depending on the angle of incidence on the incident end 143a, resulting in multiple paths with different numbers of reflections at the reflective surface 143r. As a result, the illuminance distribution of red light LR propagating through the area surrounded by incident end 143a, emitting end 143b, and reflecting surface 143r is uniformed within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3. In other words, light guide element 143 uniformizes the illuminance distribution of incident red light LR within a plane encompassing directions D2 and D3. The red light LR, with its uniform illuminance distribution, is emitted from emitting end 143b toward the -D1 side.

[0084] Like light guide elements 141 and 142, light guide element 143 is a hollow reflector formed from a plate-shaped member made of a transparent material such as optical glass. When viewed along direction D1, the +D1-side end of the reflector's frame has the same shape as incident end 143a and the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123, but is appropriately larger than the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123, such as a rectangular frame. The -D1-side end of the reflector's frame has the same shape as emitting end 143b and the modulation surface of light modulator 183, such as a rectangular frame with a different size from the +D1-side end.

[0085] The reflector of light guide element 143 is constructed by connecting the legs of four trapezoidal plate-like members. The length of the side parallel to D2 or D3 on the +D1 side of the upper base of the four plate-like members is set based on the size of the incident end 143a and the light-emitting surface of light-emitting element 123 in the D2 or D3 direction. The length of the side parallel to D2 or D3 on the -D1 side of the lower base of the four plate-like members is set based on the size of the light-emitting end 143b and the modulation surface of light modulator 183 in the D2 or D3 direction.

[0086] As described above, when the reflector of light guide element 143 is formed from a plate-like member made of a transparent component, side surface 143s, i.e., the surface of the plate-like member facing the exterior space of the reflector, functions as a reflective surface. In order to increase the reflectivity of red light LR incident on light guide element 143 from incident end 143a near side surface 143s, a reflective film 253 made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film is also provided on the surface of the plate-like member opposite side surface 143s, i.e., the surface facing the interior space SP143 of the plate-like member. In this case, the surface of the plate-like member facing the interior space SP143 of the reflector functions as reflective surface 143r. A portion of the red light LR incident on the interior space SP143 of the reflector of light guide element 143 from incident end 143a is reflected by reflective film 253 and travels toward the -D1 side.

[0087] The intensity of the red light LR reflected by the reflective film 253 and emitted from the reflective film 253 may depend on the angle of incidence of the red light LR incident on the reflective film 253. When the reflective film 253 is formed of a dielectric multilayer film, the angle of incidence dependence of the intensity of the red light LR emitted from the reflective film 253 varies depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, the reflective film 253 is designed so that, for example, when the angle α is in the range of 7° to 22° and the angle β is in the range of 14° to 36°, the angle of incidence of the red light LR emitted from the reflective surface 143r and the reflective film 253 is within the range of 60° to 90°, thereby appropriately determining the parameters of the dielectric multilayer film. The relationship between the incident angle of the red light LR onto the reflecting surface 143 r and the reflecting film 253 and the intensity of the red light LR emitted from the reflecting surface 143 r and the reflecting film 253 is obtained by numerical simulation based on the structure of the red light emitting unit 103 and ray tracing.

[0088] In addition, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 is composed of a plate-like component composed of a transparent component, and the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space in the plate-like component acts as a reflecting surface, a part of the red light LR incident on the internal space SP143 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a is incident on the plate-like component from the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP143 in the plate-like component and refracted, is reflected by the plate surface of the reflector facing the external space, propagates again in the plate-like component, is refracted by the plate surface of the reflector facing the internal space SP143, is emitted into the internal space SP143 of the reflector, and moves toward the -D1 side.

[0089] Parallelizer 163 is disposed on the optical path of red light LR emitted from light guide element 143, positioned closer to the -D1 side of light guide element 143 and overlapping with light guide element 143 in directions D2 and D3. Parallelizer 163 serves as a third parallelizer and parallelizes the red light LR emitted from light guide element 143 along direction D1.

[0090] The parallelizing element 163 is, for example, a plano-convex lens having an incident surface consisting of a flat surface perpendicular to the D1 direction and an exit surface consisting of a convex surface protruding toward the exit side of the red light LR. The incident surface of the parallelizing element 163 is in contact with the exit end 143b of the light-guiding element 143. Since the parallelizing element 163 is in contact with the exit end 143b, the red light LR emitted from the exit end 143b of the light-guiding element 143 is taken in by the parallelizing element 163 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing the loss of the red light LR. However, the parallelizing element 163 may also be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can parallelize the incident red light LR. In addition, the parallelizing element 163 may also be arranged at an appropriate interval from the light-guiding element 143 in the D1 direction.

[0091] The incident-side polarizing element 173 is disposed on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the parallelizing element 163, and is positioned closer to the -D1 side of the parallelizing element 163 and overlapping with the parallelizing element 163 in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident-side polarizing element 173 is arranged, for example, in contact with the light modulating element 183 from the +D1 side, but may also be positioned with an appropriate distance therefrom in the D1 direction.

[0092] The incident-side polarization element 173 is equivalent to the third polarization element, and causes the specified polarization light in the red light LR emitted from the parallelization element 163 to be emitted toward the -D1 side along the D1 direction. The specified polarization light corresponds to the third polarization light component, for example, S-polarization light. The incident-side polarization element 173 is, for example, a reflective polarizer or an absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to the surface including the D2 direction and the D3 direction. In addition, when it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward optical elements preceding the incident-side polarization element 173, including the parallelization element 163, it is preferable to use an absorptive polarizer as the incident-side polarization element 173. The incident-side polarization element 173 transmits a portion of the incident red light LR containing the specified polarization light toward the -D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the red light LR toward the +D1 side.

[0093] The light modulator 183 is disposed on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the incident-side polarizer 173, positioned closer to the -D1 side of the incident-side polarizer 173 and overlapping with the incident-side polarizer 173 in the D2 and D3 directions. The light modulator 183 serves as a third light modulator and modulates the red light LR emitted from the incident-side polarizer 173 based on image information input from an external image forming device (not shown), such as a computer, connected to the light modulator 183.

[0094] The light modulator 183 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel constituting the light modulator 183 has a plurality of pixels (not shown). Each pixel has a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a TFT. An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of red light at the relative position of each pixel on the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of the red light LR incident from the incident-side polarizing element 173 by the operation of the switching element corresponding to the electrical signal, thereby generating red image light IR. The image light IR corresponds to the third light. The light modulator 183 emits the image light IR generated by the liquid crystal panel along the D1 direction toward the -D1 side.

[0095] The output-side polarizing element 177 is disposed on the optical path of the image light IR emitted from the light modulator 183, positioned closer to the -D1 side of the light modulator 183 and overlapping the light modulator 183 in the D2 and D3 directions. For example, the output-side polarizing element 177 contacts the light modulator 183 from the -D1 side, but may also be disposed with an appropriate spacing from the light modulator 183 in the D1 direction. The output-side polarizing element 177 serves as a sixth polarizing element, emitting a predetermined polarization of the image light IR emitted from the light modulator 183 toward the -D1 side along the D1 direction. This predetermined polarization corresponds to the sixth polarization component and is, for example, P-polarized light.

[0096] The output-side polarizing element 177 is, for example, a reflective polarizer or an absorptive polarizer having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. In cases where it is desired to suppress return light and stray light directed toward the light modulator 183, an absorptive polarizer is preferably used as the output-side polarizing element 177. The output-side polarizing element 177 transmits a portion of the incident image light IR, including light of a predetermined polarization, toward the -D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the remaining portion of the image light IR toward the +D1 side.

[0097] The photosynthesizing element 200 is disposed in a region where the optical path of the blue image light IB emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 175, the optical path of the green image light IG emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 176, and the optical path of the red image light IR emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 177 intersect. The photosynthesizing element 200 combines the image lights IB, IG, and IR emitted from the emission-side polarizing elements 175, 176, and 177, and emits the generated image light IM along the D2 direction toward the +D2 side.

[0098] The photosynthesizing element 200 is, for example, a cross dichroic prism 210. The cross dichroic prism 210 includes an incident surface 210c facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 175, an incident surface 210d facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 176, an incident surface 210e facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 177, an exit surface 210b, and two reflective films 211 and 212. The incident surfaces 210c and 210e are parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions and overlap with each other in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident surface 210d and the exit surface 210b are parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions and overlap with each other in the D1 and D3 directions.

[0099] When viewed along the D3 direction, the reflective film 211 is positioned so that it moves from the +D2 side to the -D2 side as it moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side. When viewed along the D3 direction, the reflective film 212 is positioned so that it moves from the -D2 side to the +D2 side as it moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side. The reflective films 211 and 212 overlap with the incident surfaces 210c and 210e in the D2 direction, with the incident surface 210d and the exit surface 210b in the D1 direction, and with the incident surfaces 210c, 210d, 210e, and the exit surface 210b in the D3 direction. The reflective film 211 reflects light from the red wavelength component and transmits light from the blue and green wavelength components. The reflective film 212 reflects light from the blue wavelength component and transmits light from the green and red wavelength components.

[0100] The cross dichroic prism 210 is constructed by attaching four right-angle prisms to each other at right angles, with their vertices aligned with the center of the photosynthesizing element 200 when viewed from the D3 direction. The four right-angle prisms of the cross dichroic prism 210 are formed from a transparent material that transmits light of the visible wavelength range. A reflective film 211 is disposed on one of the right-angled surfaces of the four right-angle prisms, such as the one that moves from the +D2 side to the -D2 side as it moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side, and is composed, for example, of a dielectric multilayer film. A reflective film 212 is disposed on one of the right-angled surfaces of the four right-angle prisms, such as the one that moves from the -D2 side to the +D2 side as it moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side, and is composed, for example, of a dielectric multilayer film.

[0101] The P-polarized blue image light IB emitted from the output-side polarizing element 175 enters the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210c along the D1 direction toward the +D1 side, passes through the reflective film 211, is reflected by the reflective film 212, and travels toward the +D2 side. The P-polarized green image light IG emitted from the output-side polarizing element 176 enters the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210d along the D2 direction toward the +D2 side, passes through the reflective films 211 and 212, and travels straight toward the +D2 side. The P-polarized red image light IR emitted from the output-side polarizing element 177 enters the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210e along the D1 direction toward the -D1 side, passes through the reflective film 212, is reflected by the reflective film 211, and travels toward the +D2 side. The image lights IB, IG, and IR emitted toward the +D2 side from the reflection films 211 and 212 of the cross dichroic prism 210 are combined to generate full-color image light IM. The cross dichroic prism 210 emits full-color image light IM toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction from the emission surface 210b.

[0102] The projection optical system 250 is arranged on the optical path of the image light IM emitted from the photosynthesizing element 200. The projection optical system 250 projects the image light IM onto a screen SCR arranged on the +D2 side of the projection optical system 250, thereby magnifying and displaying the image input from the image forming device to the light modulating elements 181, 182, and 183 on the screen SCR.

[0103] The projection optical system 250 is composed of, for example, one or more optical lenses arranged along the D2 direction. Examples of the optical lenses include plano-convex lenses, plano-concave lenses, biconvex lenses, biconcave lenses, meniscus lenses, aspherical lenses, and free-form surface lenses.

[0104] Next, a detailed structure of a portion of each of the blue light emitting section 101 , the green light emitting section 102 , and the red light emitting section 103 will be described.

[0105] Figure 2 It is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting unit 101 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a plan view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting unit 101 in the projector 301 of this embodiment, and is a view when the −D1 side is viewed from the +D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0106] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the light source 401, the plate surface 111a on the +D1 side of the substrate 111 is parallel to the plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction as described above. Electrodes 411 and 412 are provided on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111. The electrodes 411 and 412 are arranged in different areas on the plate surface 111a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and are appropriately set according to the specifications and shape of the light-emitting element 121. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , two electrodes 411 and 412 are illustrated. The electrodes provided on the plate surface 111a, including the electrodes 411 and 412, are included in the base material of the light source 401. The electrodes 411 and 412 are formed on the plate surface 111a by a fine electrode patterning technique using printing, for example.

[0107] Light-emitting element 121 is disposed, for example, on surface 411a on the +D1 side of electrode 411 and is electrically connected to electrode 411. Light-emitting element 121 and electrode 412 are electrically connected via a conducting wire 451, for example, by wire bonding. Conducting wire 451 corresponds to a first conducting wire, for example, a wire in wire bonding. Conducting wire 451 supplies power to light-emitting element 121 at a desired voltage or current from a power supply (not shown) electrically connected to electrodes 411 and 412.

[0108] The conducting wire 451 connects the light emitting surface 121e on the +D1 side of the light emitting element 121 and the surface 412a on the +D1 side of the electrode 412, and protrudes and curves further toward the +D1 side than the light emitting surface 121e and the surface 412a. The number and arrangement of the conducting wires 451 in the light source 401 are appropriately set according to the specifications and shape of the light emitting element 121, the relative positional relationship between the light emitting element 121 and the electrodes, and the number and shape of the electrodes. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Three conducting lines 451 are illustrated in FIG.

[0109] The light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 is located closer to the +D1 side than the surface 412a of the electrode 412. The end of the conducting line 451 on the +D1 side is located closer to the +D1 side than the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121. The distance DT between the end of the conducting line 451 on the +D1 side and the light-emitting surface 121e in the D1 direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121, is greater than or equal to 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm.

[0110] In the blue light emitting portion 101, in the D1 direction, the distance DS between the light emitting surface 121e of the light emitting element 121 and the incident end 141a on the -D1 side of the light guide element 141 is at least greater than the distance DT, and is greater than 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm. The distance DS of the blue light emitting portion 101 is equivalent to the first distance. In detail, the distances DT and DS are based on the light emitting surface 121e of the light emitting element 121, and are set to be positive when the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is on the +D1 side, and are set to be negative when the incident end 141a is on the -D1 side. That is, the distance DS is greater than -0.7 mm and less than +0.7 mm, and the absolute value of the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated structure of the blue light emitting portion 101 , the distance DS is larger than 0.0 mm and is equal to or smaller than +0.7 mm.

[0111] In the blue light emitting section 101, the portion of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 that faces the conducting line 451 in the D1 direction has a distance DS greater than 0.0mm and less than +0.7mm. The portion of the incident end 141a that faces the conducting line 451 in the D1 direction is the portion that is closer to the +D1 side than the conducting line 451 and overlaps with the conducting line 451 in the D2 and D3 directions. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7mm, contact between the light guide element 141 and the conducting line 451 can be prevented, but the utilization efficiency of the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121 and taken into the light guide element 141 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is less than -0.7mm, the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the blue light LB at the emission end 141b of the light guide element 141 may be insufficient.

[0112] Figure 4 3 is a side view of the light source 402 and the light guide element 142 of the green light emitting section 102 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. The green light emitting section 102 is configured similarly to the blue light emitting section 101 except for the structure of the light emitting element.

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, in the light source 402, electrodes 421 and 422 are provided on the plate surface 112a on the +D2 side of the substrate 112. The electrodes 421 and 422 are arranged in different areas on the plate surface 112a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 112a of the substrate 112 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and can be appropriately set according to the specifications and shape of the light emitting element 122. Figure 4 , two electrodes 421 and 422 are illustrated. The electrodes provided on the plate surface 112a, including the electrodes 421 and 422, are included in the base material of the light source 402. The electrodes 421 and 422 are formed on the plate surface 112a by a fine electrode patterning technique using printing, for example.

[0114] The light-emitting element 122 is, for example, disposed on the surface 421a on the +D2 side of the electrode 421. The light-emitting element 122 includes a light-emitting body 125 and a phosphor 126. The light-emitting body 125 has a light-emitting surface 125e on the +D2 side that emits excitation light. The light-emitting surface 125e is a surface of the light-emitting body 125 on the +D2 side that is parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The excitation light emitted from the light-emitting body 125 is, for example, blue light in the blue wavelength range.

[0115] The light-emitting element 125 is electrically connected to the electrode 421. The light-emitting element 125 and the electrode 422 of the light-emitting element 122 are electrically connected via a conducting wire 452, for example, by wire bonding. The conducting wire 452 corresponds to a second conducting wire, for example, a wire in wire bonding. The conducting wire 452 supplies power based on a desired voltage or current from a power supply (not shown) electrically connected to the electrodes 421 and 422 to the light-emitting element 125 of the light-emitting element 122.

[0116] Conductive wires 452 connect the light-emitting surface 125e on the +D2 side of the light-emitting element 125 and the surface 422a on the +D2 side of the electrode 422. They protrude and curve further toward the +D2 side than the light-emitting surface 125e and the surface 422a. The number and arrangement of conductive wires 452 in the light source 402 are appropriately determined based on the specifications and shape of the light-emitting element 125 of the light-emitting element 122, the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting element 125 and the electrodes, and the number and shape of the electrodes.

[0117] Phosphor 126 is positioned on the +D2 side of light-emitting element 125, overlapping light-emitting element 125 in the D1 and D3 directions. For example, phosphor 126 is stacked on the +D2 side of light-emitting element 125. Phosphor 126 is excited by the excitation light emitted from light-emitting element 125, emitting green light LG from light-emitting surface 126e as fluorescent light. The type and material of phosphor 126 are appropriately selected so that phosphor 126, excited by the excitation light emitted from light-emitting element 125, emits green light LG in the green wavelength band. Phosphor 126, which emits green light LG in response to excitation light in the blue wavelength band, is, for example, a ceramic phosphor formed by firing phosphor particles, and is a YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) phosphor containing cerium (Ce) ions.

[0118] Phosphor 126 emits green light LG from its surface on the +D2 side parallel to the D1 and D3 directions, its side surfaces parallel to the D1 and D2 directions, and its side surfaces parallel to the D2 and D3 directions. In green light emitting section 102, the size of phosphor 126 in the D1 and D3 directions is greater than its thickness in the D2 direction. Therefore, light-emitting surface 126e of phosphor 126 is considered to be the surface on the +D2 side of phosphor 126 parallel to the D1 and D3 directions. Light-emitting surface 126e of phosphor 126 constitutes light-emitting surface 122e of light-emitting element 122.

[0119] The light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting element 122 is located on the +D2 side relative to the surface 422a of the electrode 422. The light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122 is located further on the +D2 side than the light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting element 125. The end of the conducting line 452 on the +D2 side is located on the +D2 side relative to the light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting element 125, for example, on the +D2 side relative to the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121. The distance DT between the end of the conducting line 452 on the +D2 side and the light-emitting surface 122e in the D2 direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the green light LG emitted from the light-emitting element 122, can be 0.0 mm or more and less than 0.7 mm, which is smaller than the distance DT of the blue light emitting portion 101.

[0120] In the green light emitting portion 102, in the D2 direction, the distance DS between the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 and the incident end 142a on the -D2 side of the light guide element 142 is at least greater than the distance DT, and is 0.0 mm to 0.7 mm. The distance DS of the green light emitting portion 102 corresponds to the second distance. Specifically, the distances DT and DS are based on the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122, and are set to positive when the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 is on the +D2 side, and are set to negative when the incident end 141a is on the -D2 side. Figure 1 and Figure 4 In the illustrated configuration of the green light emitting portion 102, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and less than +0.7 mm. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7 mm, the utilization efficiency of the green light LG emitted from the light-emitting element 122 and taken into the light guide element 142 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is less than -0.7 mm, the illuminance distribution of the green light LG at the emission end 142 b of the light guide element 142 may be insufficiently uniform.

[0121] In the green light emitting unit 102, the portion of the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 that faces the conducting line 452 in the D2 direction has a distance DS greater than 0.0 mm and less than +0.7 mm. The portion of the incident end 142a that faces the conducting line 452 in the D2 direction is located on the +D2 side of the conducting line 452 and overlaps with the conducting line 452 in the D1 and D3 directions.

[0122] Figure 5 3 is a side view of the light source 403 and the light guide element 143 of the red light emitting section 103 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. The red light emitting section 103 is configured similarly to the blue light emitting section 101.

[0123] like Figure 5 As shown, in the light source 403, electrodes 431 and 432 are provided on the plate surface 113a on the -D1 side of the substrate 113. The electrodes 431 and 432 are arranged in different areas on the plate surface 113a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 113a of the substrate 113 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and can be appropriately set according to the specifications and shape of the light emitting element 123. Figure 5 , two electrodes 431 and 432 are illustrated. The electrodes provided on the plate surface 113a, including the electrodes 431 and 432, are included in the base material of the light source 403. The electrodes 431 and 432 are formed on the plate surface 113a by a fine electrode patterning technique using printing, for example.

[0124] Light-emitting element 123 is disposed, for example, on surface 431a on the -D1 side of electrode 431 and is electrically connected to electrode 431. Light-emitting element 123 and electrode 432 are electrically connected via a conducting wire 453, for example, by wire bonding. Conducting wire 453 corresponds to a third conducting wire, for example, a wire in wire bonding. Conducting wire 453 supplies power to light-emitting element 123 based on a desired voltage or current supplied from a power supply (not shown) electrically connected to electrodes 431 and 432.

[0125] Conducting wire 453 connects light-emitting surface 123e on the -D1 side of light-emitting element 123 and surface 432a on the -D1 side of electrode 432. It protrudes and curves toward the -D1 side relative to light-emitting surface 123e and surface 432a. The number and arrangement of conducting wires 453 in light source 403 are appropriately determined based on the specifications and shape of light-emitting element 123, the relative positional relationship between light-emitting element 123 and the electrodes, and the number and shape of the electrodes.

[0126] The light-emitting surface 123e of the light-emitting element 123 is located closer to the -D1 side than the surface 432a of the electrode 432. The end of the conducting line 453 on the -D1 side is located closer to the -D1 side than the light-emitting surface 123e of the light-emitting element 123. The distance DT between the end of the conducting line 453 on the -D1 side and the light-emitting surface 123e in the D1 direction, that is, in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the red light LR emitted from the light-emitting element 123, is greater than or equal to 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm.

[0127] In the red light emitting portion 103, in the D1 direction, the distance DS between the light emitting surface 123e of the light emitting element 123 and the incident end 143a on the +D1 side of the light guide element 143 is at least greater than the distance DT, and is greater than 0.0mm and less than 0.7mm. The distance DS of the red light emitting portion 103 corresponds to the third distance. In detail, the distances DT and DS are based on the light emitting surface 123e of the light emitting element 123, and are set to be positive when the incident end 143a of the light guide element 143 is on the -D1 side, and are set to be negative when the incident end 143a is on the +D1 side. Figure 5 In the illustrated structure of the red light emitting portion 103, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and less than +0.7 mm. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7 mm, the utilization efficiency of the red light LR emitted from the light-emitting element 123 and taken into the light guide element 143 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is less than -0.7 mm, the uniformity of the illuminance distribution of the red light LR at the emission end 143b of the light guide element 143 may be insufficient.

[0128] In the red light emitting unit 103, the portion of the incident end 143a of the light guide element 143 that faces the conducting line 453 in the D1 direction has a distance DS greater than 0.0 mm and less than or equal to +0.7 mm. The portion of the incident end 143a that faces the conducting line 453 in the D1 direction is located on the -D1 side of the conducting line 453 and overlaps with the conducting line 453 in the D2 and D3 directions.

[0129] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the light-emitting element 122 of the green light-emitting section 102 includes a light-emitting body 125 and a phosphor 126. However, at least one of the light-emitting element 121 of the blue light-emitting section 101 and the light-emitting element 123 of the red light-emitting section 103 may include a light-emitting body that emits excitation light and a phosphor that is excited by the excitation light and emits color light as fluorescence. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 122 of the green light-emitting section 102 may include only a light-emitting body such as an LED, without including a phosphor.

[0130] In this embodiment, by setting the absolute value of distance DS to within 0.7 mm, it is possible to appropriately suppress a decrease in light utilization efficiency, thereby preventing disconnection of the wires connecting the light-emitting elements and electrodes in the light source and short circuits in the light source. However, by setting the absolute value of distance DS to within 0.5 mm, a light utilization efficiency of 80% or more can be achieved. Therefore, it is more preferable to set the absolute value of distance DS to within 0.5 mm. The dimensions of 0.7 mm and 0.5 mm, exemplified as preferred upper limits for the absolute value of distance DS, are calculated by numerical calculation taking into account the dimensions and relative configuration of the light source and light-guiding element in each color light emitting portion.

[0131] The projector 301 of the present embodiment described above includes a light source (first light source) 401, a light guide element (first light guide element) 141, a collimator (first collimator) 161, a light modulator (first light modulator) 181, and a projection optical system 250. The light source 401 includes a light-emitting element (first light-emitting element) 121, a conducting wire (first conducting wire) 451, and a substrate (base material) 111. The light-emitting element 121 emits blue light (first light) LB in the blue wavelength band (first wavelength band). The conducting wire 451 supplies power to the light-emitting element 121. The substrate 111 and electrodes (base materials) 411 and 412 support the light-emitting element 121 and the conducting wire 451 from the -D1 side. The light guide element 141 has an incident end (first incident end) 141a and an emission end (first emission end) 141b, which makes the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident blue light LB in the plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction uniform. The blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 is incident on the incident end 141a, and is incident on the light guide element 141 from the incident end 141a. The blue light LB guided to the +D1 side in the D1 direction in the light guide element 141 is emitted from the emission end 141b. That is, the emission end 141b emits the blue light LB. The parallelization element 161 parallelizes the blue light LB emitted from the light guide element 141. The light modulator 181 modulates the blue light LB emitted from the parallelization element 161 according to the image information. The projection optical system 250 projects the image light (light) IB emitted from the light modulator 181. In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the light guide element 141 is arranged in a direction D1 separated from the conducting line 451 of the light source 401. In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the distance (first distance) DS between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is not less than -0.7 mm and not more than 0.7 mm, specifically, greater than 0.0 mm and not more than +0.7 mm.

[0132] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is separated from the light emitting surface 121e of the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 by an appropriate distance in the direction D1. This prevents contact between the light guide element 141 and the conducting wire 451, thereby preventing a short circuit or disconnection in the light source 401. Furthermore, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is separated from the light emitting surface 121e of the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 by an appropriate distance in the direction D1. Therefore, the amount of blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 and leaking outward from the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 on a surface including the directions D2 and D3 is suppressed, thereby ensuring the amount of blue light LB taken into the light guide element 141 from the incident end 141a. Therefore, according to the projector 301 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in light utilization efficiency and prevent disconnection of the conducting line 451 connecting the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 and the electrode 412 and occurrence of a short circuit in the light source 401 .

[0133] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide element 141 intersecting the D1 direction, that is, the shape of the light guide element 141 on a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction, is a rectangle.

[0134] According to the projector 301 of this embodiment, rectangular blue light LB having uniform illuminance distribution on a plane including the directions D2 and D3 is emitted from the emission end 141 b of the light guide element 141 , thereby easily generating rectangular illumination light having uniform illuminance distribution.

[0135] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the green light emitting unit 102 and the red light emitting unit 103 are configured similarly to the blue light emitting unit 101. The projector 301 of this embodiment further includes a light source (second light source) 402, a light source (third light source) 403, a light guide element (second light guide element) 142, a light guide element (third light guide element) 143, a parallelizing element (second parallelizing element) 162, a parallelizing element (third parallelizing element) 163, a light modulator (second light modulator) 182, and a light modulator (third light modulator) 183.

[0136] The light source 402 includes a light-emitting element (second light-emitting element) 122, a conducting wire (second conducting wire) 452, and a substrate (base material) 112. The light-emitting element 122 emits green light (second light) LG in the green wavelength band (second wavelength band). The conducting wire 452 supplies power to the light-emitting element 122. The substrate 112 and electrodes (base material) 421 and 422 support the light-emitting element 122 and the conducting wire 452 from the -D2 side. The light-guiding element 142 includes an incident end (second incident end) 142a and an emission end (second emission end) 142b, which uniformizes the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident green light LG within a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The green light LG emitted from the light source 402 is incident on the incident end 142a and then enters the light-guiding element 142 from the incident end 142a. Green light LG, guided toward the +D2 side in the D2 direction by light guide element 142, is emitted from emission end 142b. That is, emission end 142b emits green light LG. Parallelization element 162 parallelizes the green light LG emitted from light guide element 142. Light modulator 182 modulates the green light LG emitted from parallax element 162 based on image information.

[0137] The light source 403 includes a light-emitting element (third light-emitting element) 123, a conducting wire (third conducting wire) 453, and a substrate (base material) 113. The light-emitting element 123 emits red light (third light) LR in the red wavelength band (third wavelength band). The conducting wire 453 supplies power to the light-emitting element 123. The substrate 113 and electrodes (base material) 431 and 432 support the light-emitting element 123 and the conducting wire 453 from the +D1 side. The light-guiding element 143 includes an incident end (third incident end) 143a and an emission end (third emission end) 143b, which uniformizes the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident red light LR within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The red light LR emitted from the light source 403 is incident on the incident end 143a and then enters the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a. Red light LR, guided toward the -D1 side in the D1 direction by light guide element 143, is emitted from emission end 143b. That is, red light LR is emitted from emission end 143b. Parallelization element 163 parallelizes the red light LR emitted from light guide element 143. Light modulator 183 modulates the red light LR emitted from parallax element 163 based on image information. Projection optical system 250 projects image light (light) IB, IG, and IR emitted from light modulator 181.

[0138] In the three-panel projector 301 of this embodiment, the reduction in light utilization efficiency in the light emitting sections of the three primary colors of light can be suppressed, and disconnection of the conducting wires 451 , 452 , 453 and the occurrence of short circuits in the light sources 401 , 402 , 403 can be prevented.

[0139] Next, a first variation of this embodiment will be described. In each of the following variations, identical components to the blue light emitting unit 101, green light emitting unit 102, and red light emitting unit 103 of the projector 301 of the aforementioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences in the structure of the respective color light emitting units will be described. Furthermore, in each variation, the common structure of the respective color light emitting units will be described using only one of the blue light emitting unit 101, green light emitting unit 102, and red light emitting unit 103 as an example.

[0140] [First Modification]

[0141] Figure 6 This is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting section 501 according to the first modified example of the present embodiment, as viewed along the direction D3. Figure 7 It is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting unit 501 , as viewed along the direction D2 .

[0142] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the blue light emitting portion 501, when viewed along the D1 direction, the electrode 411 overlaps the light emitting element 121 within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and has substantially the same shape and size as the light emitting element 121. The combined height of the electrode 411 and the light emitting element 121 in the D1 direction is 0.7 mm or less. The electrode 412 is positioned closer to the -D2 side of the electrode 411.

[0143] In the blue light emitting portion 501, a notch A141 is formed in the sidewall of one of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 that overlaps with the area occupied by the conducting line 451 in the D1 direction. The notch A141 opens at the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and is recessed in the D1 direction from the position closest to the -D1 side of the incident end 141a toward the +D1 side, with a depth equal to the distance DS. Specifically, in the blue light emitting portion 501, the notch A141 is formed at the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 at a position opposite the conducting line 451.

[0144] The depth of notch A141 in the D1 direction is equal to distance DS. Therefore, the portion of incident end 141a not facing current line 451 contacts the plate surface 111a on the +D1 side of substrate 111. The portion of incident end 141a not facing current line 451 is positioned less than 0 mm and greater than -0.7 mm relative to plate surface 111a. When viewed along the D1 direction, electrode 411 overlaps with incident end 141a of light guide element 141, is contained within incident end 141a, and is surrounded by the sidewalls of light guide element 141. When viewed along the D1 direction, notch A141 intersects current line 451. Current line 451 passes through notch A141 along the D2 direction.

[0145] The depth of the notch A141 in the D1 direction is equal to the distance DS and is 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The size and width of the notch A141 in the D3 direction are such that the distance from the area occupied by one or more live wires 451 in the D3 direction is greater than 0 mm and less than 0.7 mm toward the -D3 and +D3 sides. This separates the plate-like member that forms the sidewall of the light guide element 141 and faces the live wires 451 from the live wires 451.

[0146] In the projector according to the first modified example of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those obtained by the configuration common to the projector according to the present embodiment.

[0147] In the projector according to the first modified example of the present embodiment, the light guide element 141 is separated from the conducting line 451 and in contact with the light source 401. Specifically, a portion of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting section 501 is separated from the conducting line 451, the substrate 111 of the light source 401, and any other substrates other than the substrate 111, while the remaining portion of the incident end 141a is in contact with the substrate 111.

[0148] In the projector according to the first variant of the present embodiment, the distance DS between the portion of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 where the notch A141 is formed and the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 in the direction D1 is greater than -0.7 mm and less than 0 mm. According to the projector according to the first variant of the present embodiment, the shortest distance DS between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 is reduced compared to the projector 301 of the present embodiment. Therefore, the efficiency with which the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is taken into the light guide element 141 can be improved.

[0149] In the projector according to the first modified example of the present embodiment, a notch A141 is formed in the portion (position) of the light guide element 141 that faces the conducting line 451. The conducting line 451 passes through the notch A141 from the area within the substrate 111 outside the incident end 141a (the outside) to the area inside the incident end 141a (the inside) in the directions D2 and D3.

[0150] In the projector according to the first variant of the present embodiment, the notch A141 prevents contact between the light guide element 141 and the conducting line 451, thereby minimizing the reduction in the number of light guide elements 141 surrounding the light-emitting element in the light source 401 and the amount of blue light LB leaking outward from the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141. The projector according to the first variant of the present embodiment can improve the efficiency with which the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121 is captured by the light guide element 141.

[0151] In the projector according to the first modified example of the present embodiment, the dimension of the notch A141 in the direction D1 , which is the emission direction of the blue light LB from the light source 401 , is 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0152] According to the projector of the first modified example of the present embodiment, the size of the notch A141 can be minimized to avoid the conducting line 451 , thereby minimizing the loss of the blue light LB.

[0153] Furthermore, although not shown, as long as the incident end 141a of the portion of the plate-like member of the light guide element 141 extending parallel to the direction D3 of the notch A141 is separated from the conducting line 451 as described above, the incident end 141a of the portion of the plate-like member of the light guide element 141 where the notch A141 is not formed can also be separated from the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 and positioned closer to the +D1 side than the plate surface 111a. In this case, the depth of the notch A141 in the direction D1 can be reduced relative to the distance DS by the distance in the direction D1 between the plate surface 111a and the incident end 141a of the portion where the notch A141 is not formed.

[0154] Alternatively, a through hole that does not open on the -D1 side, like notch A141, may be formed in the portion of the plate-shaped member of light guide element 141 that faces current conducting line 451. In this case, current conducting line 451 also passes through the through hole along direction D3 to connect light emitting element 121 to electrode 412.

[0155] In the projector of the first variant of the present embodiment, similar to the notch A141 of the light-guiding element 141 of the blue light-emitting portion 501, if notches are formed in the green light-emitting portion and the red light-emitting portion, the same effects as those in the blue light-emitting portion 501 can be obtained in the green light-emitting portion and the red light-emitting portion.

[0156] Alternatively, when viewed along the direction D1, in the blue light emitting portion 501, the light emitting element 121, the electrodes 411 and 412, and the one or more conducting wires 451 are all surrounded by the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and are not in contact with the incident end 141a. In this case, the notch A141 may not be formed in the light guide element 141. In this case, the light guide element 141 is also separated from the conducting wire 451 and is in contact with the substrate 111 of the light source 401. That is, the entire incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting portion 501 is in contact with the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111.

[0157] According to the projector with the above structure, the distance DS between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and the light emitting surface 121e of the light emitting element 121 is greater than -0.7mm and less than 0mm, and is appropriately ensured in the same way as the projector 301 of this embodiment. Therefore, the efficiency of taking in the blue light LB emitted from the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 into the light guide element 141 can be improved.

[0158] [Second Modification]

[0159] Figure 8 This is a side view of the light source 402 and the light guide element 142 of the green light emitting unit 502 according to the second modified example of the present embodiment, as viewed along the direction D3. Figure 9 This is a top view of the light source 402 and light guide element 142 of the green light emitting unit 502, as viewed along the direction D2. In the second modified example of this embodiment, the light source 402 of the green light emitting unit 502 corresponds to the first light source, the light emitting element 122 corresponds to the first light emitting element, the green light LG corresponds to the first light, the conducting line 452 corresponds to the first conducting line, and the light guide element 142 corresponds to the first light guide element.

[0160] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in the green light emitting portion 502, a side wall 456 is provided on the outer periphery of the plate surface 112a of the substrate 112. The side wall 456 extends from the plate surface 112a toward the +D2 direction and is formed outward of the light-emitting element 122, electrodes 421 and 422, and the conducting line 452 when viewed along the D2 direction. The end surface of the side wall 456 on the +D2 side is located on the +D2 side of the light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122. In a plane including the D1 and D3 directions, an encapsulation member 460 is filled in the area inward of the side wall 456 and outward of the light-emitting element 122. The encapsulation member 460 is included in the base material of the light source 402.

[0161] The surface of the enclosure 460 on the +D2 side is located at the same position as the light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122 in the D2 direction. The surfaces and side surfaces on the +D2 side of each of the electrodes 421 and 422, the side surfaces of the light-emitting body 125, and the conducting line 452 are covered by the enclosure 460. The electrodes 421 and 422 and the conducting line 452 are embedded in the enclosure 460. The light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122 is exposed from the enclosure 460. The enclosure 460 is an insulator having insulating properties and is formed, for example, from a resin that transmits visible light including blue light LB, green light LG, and red light LR.

[0162] In the green light emitting portion 502, the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 is in contact with the enclosure 460. The distance DS between the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 and the light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122 in the D2 direction is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 0.7 mm, specifically, approximately 0 mm. Because the incident end 142a is in contact with the surface of the enclosure 460 on the +D2 side, the light guide element 142 is supported by the enclosure 460 from the -D2 side.

[0163] In the projector according to the second modified example of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those obtained by the common configuration of the projector according to the present embodiment.

[0164] In the projector according to the second modified example of this embodiment, the base material of the light source (first light source) 402 of the green light emitting unit 102 includes an enclosure member 460 that covers the conducting line (first conducting line) 452. The enclosure member 460 has insulating properties. The incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 contacts the enclosure member 460 in the direction D2.

[0165] In the projector according to the second variation of the present embodiment, an insulating encapsulating member 460 is interposed between the light-emitting element (first light-emitting element) 122 and the light-guiding element (first light-guiding element) 142. According to the projector according to the second variation of the present embodiment, disconnection of the conducting line 452 can be more reliably prevented, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the green light LG.

[0166] In the projector according to the second variant of this embodiment, the light source 402 includes a light-diverging portion 482 that diverges green light LG. Light-diverging portion 482 is located on the +D2 side of the light-emitting element 122, i.e., on the side from which the green light (first light) LG is emitted. Specifically, light-diverging portion 482 includes a +D2-side end face (i.e., light-emitting surface 122e) of the light-emitting element 122 that is parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions of the phosphor 126; a side face of the phosphor 126 that is parallel to a plane including the D1 and D2 directions; and a side face of the phosphor 126 that is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The enclosure 460 supports the periphery of the light-diverging portion 482 when viewed from the D2 direction. Specifically, the sealing member 460 surrounds the side surfaces of the light emitting body 125 and the phosphor 126 of the light emitting element 122 in a plane including the D1 and D3 directions, and contacts the side surfaces of the light emitting body 125 and the phosphor 126 from the outer peripheral side.

[0167] According to the projector of the second modified example of the present embodiment, the light diverging portion 482 has a simple configuration, and the light emitting element 122 and the light diverging portion 482 are supported by the enclosure member 460. This improves the durability of the light emitting element 122. Furthermore, according to the projector of the second modified example of the present embodiment, the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 is positioned near the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 in the direction D2. This improves the utilization efficiency of the green light LG.

[0168] In the projector of the second variant of this embodiment, if the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section are constructed in the same manner as the green light emitting section 502, the same effects as those of the green light emitting section 502 can be obtained in the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section.

[0169] [Third Modification]

[0170] Figure 10 This is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting section 503 according to the third modified example of the present embodiment, as viewed along the direction D3.

[0171] like Figure 10 As shown, in the blue light emitting portion 503, the entire incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is parallel to the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 of the light source 401 and the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121, and is parallel to a plane including the directions D2 and D3. When viewed along the direction D1, all electrodes including the electrodes 411 and 412, the light-emitting element 121, and the conducting line 451 are surrounded by the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141.

[0172] In the blue light emitting portion 503, the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 may form different angles with respect to an axis parallel to the D1 direction, depending on the relative arrangement of the electrodes 411 and 412 on the surface 111a of the substrate 111. For example, the light guide element 141 narrows from the emitting end 141b toward the incident end 141a. When viewed along the D1 direction, the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 approach the center of the surface 111a of the substrate 111 as they move from the emitting end 141b toward the incident end 141a. Of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141, two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D3 direction form equal angles with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction, while the remaining two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction form different angles with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction. Of the two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction, the angle formed by the side surface 141s on the -D2 side with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction is smaller than the angle formed by the side surface 141s on the +D2 side with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction.

[0173] In the projector according to the third modified example of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those obtained by the configuration common to the projector according to the present embodiment.

[0174] In the projector of the third variant of this embodiment, when viewed from above along the emission direction of the blue light LB from the light source 401, i.e., the direction D1, the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141 includes the light-emitting element 121 and the conducting wire 451 of the light source 401, and surrounds the light-emitting element 121 and the conducting wire 451 of the light source 401.

[0175] In the projector according to the third modified example of the present embodiment, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is large enough to surround the light emitting element 121 and the conducting line 451. Therefore, even when an external impact is applied and the light guide element 141 vibrates, contact between the conducting line 451 and the light guide element 141 can be avoided. According to the projector according to the third modified example of the present embodiment, disconnection of the conducting line 451 and occurrence of a short circuit in the light source 401 can be more reliably prevented.

[0176] In the projector of the third variant of this embodiment, if the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section are constructed in the same manner as the blue light emitting section 503 , the same effects as those in the blue light emitting section 503 can be obtained in the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section.

[0177] In the projectors of this embodiment and the first through third variations, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 are hollow components. Light guide element 141 has an internal space SP141 that narrows from the emission end 141b toward the incident end 141a. Light guide element 142 has an internal space SP142 that narrows from the emission end 142b toward the incident end 142a. Light guide element 143 has an internal space SP143 that narrows from the emission end 143b toward the incident end 143a.

[0178] According to the projector of this embodiment and the first to third variants, it is possible to suppress the reduction in utilization efficiency of the blue light LB taken into the light guide element 141, suppress the reduction in utilization efficiency of the green light LG taken into the light guide element 142, and suppress the reduction in utilization efficiency of the red light LR taken into the light guide element 143.

[0179] In the projector of the second variant of this embodiment, if the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section are constructed in the same manner as the green light emitting section 502, the same effects as those of the green light emitting section 502 can be obtained in the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section.

[0180] [Fourth Modification]

[0181] Figure 11 This is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting section 504 according to the fourth modified example of the present embodiment, as viewed along the direction D3. Figure 12 It is a plan view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting section 504 , and is a view when viewed along the D1 direction.

[0182] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in blue light emitting section 504, similar to blue light emitting section 503, the entire incident end 141a of light guide element 141 is parallel to plate surface 111a of substrate 111 of light source 401 and light-emitting surface 121e of light-emitting element 121, and is parallel to a plane including directions D2 and D3. When viewed along direction D1, all electrodes, including electrodes 411 and 412, light-emitting element 121, and conducting line 451 are surrounded by incident end 141a of light guide element 141.

[0183] In the blue light emitting portion 504, the light guide element 141 narrows from the emitting end 141b toward the incident end 141a. When viewed along the D1 direction, the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 approach the center of the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 as they move from the emitting end 141b toward a predetermined position on the +D1 side relative to the incident end 141a. Regardless of the relative arrangement of the electrodes 411 and 412 on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111, the angles formed between the emitting end 141b and the incident end 141a of two of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 that face each other in the D3 direction and an axis parallel to the D1 direction are equal.

[0184] Of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141, the angle between the emission end 141b and the incident end 141a on the +D2 side of the two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction, and the angle between the emission end 141b and a predetermined position closer to the +D1 side than the incident end 141a on the -D2 side of the side surface 141s, and the angle between the emission end 141b and the predetermined position closer to the +D1 side than the incident end 141a on the -D2 side of the side surface 141s, relative to the axis parallel to the D1 direction, are equal. The predetermined position closer to the incident end 141a in the D1 direction is within a distance DS from the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121. The plate-shaped member having the -D2 side of the two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction has a protrusion 247 that protrudes toward the -D2 side from a predetermined position along the -D2 side of the conducting line 451 and the electrode 412. The reflecting surface 141r of the protrusion 247 is located on the +D1 side at a distance DS from the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 in the D1 direction, and is located at a distance DS from the area occupied by one or more conducting wires 451 and the electrode 412 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions.

[0185] In the protrusion 247 of the light guide element 141, the reflective surface 141r that faces the live wire 451 in the D1 direction is parallel to a plane encompassing the D2 and D3 directions. In the protrusion 247, the reflective surface 141r that faces the live wire 451 in the D2 direction and is located on the -D2 side relative to the live wire 451 is parallel to a plane encompassing the D1 and D3 directions. In the protrusion 247, the reflective surface 141r that faces the live wire 451 in the D3 direction and is located on the -D3 and +D3 sides relative to the live wire 451 is parallel to a plane encompassing the D1 and D2 directions. In the blue light emitting portion 504, the light guide element 141 includes the protrusion 247 that faces the live wire 451, thereby preventing the live wire 451 from being disconnected and preventing a short circuit in the light source 401.

[0186] like Figure 12As shown, the light guide element 141 is a hollow component having a first side surface 141S1, a second side surface 141S2, a third side surface 141S3, and a fourth side surface 141S4 facing an internal space SP141 for guiding blue light LB. The first side surface 141S1 is formed by the reflecting surface 141r on the -D3 side of the main body and the protrusion 247, which are opposed to each other in the D3 direction. The first side surface 141S1 extends in the D2 direction and reflects the incident blue light LB. The second side surface 141S2 is formed by the side surface 247s on the -D2 side of the reflecting surfaces 141r, which are opposed to each other in the D2 direction. The second side surface 141S2 is formed by the reflecting surface 147s on the -D2 side of the reflecting surfaces 141r, which are opposed to each other in the D2 direction. The third side surface 141S3 is formed by the reflecting surface 141r on the +D3 side of the reflecting surfaces 141r, which are opposed to each other in the D3 ... The fourth side surface 141S4 is composed of the reflecting surface 141 r on the +D2 side among the reflecting surfaces 141 r facing each other in the D2 direction, extends in the D3 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB.

[0187] The distance DP3 between the area occupied by the one or more conducting lines 451 and the first side surface 141S1 in the D3 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The distance DP2 between the area occupied by the conducting line 451 and the second side surface 141S2 in the D2 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The distance DP3 between the area occupied by the conducting line 451 and the third side surface 141S3 in the D3 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0188] In the projector according to the fourth modified example of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those obtained by the configuration common to the projector according to the present embodiment.

[0189] In the projector of the fourth variant of this embodiment, when viewed from above along the emission direction of the blue light LB from the light source 401, i.e., the direction D1, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 includes the light emitting element 121 and the conducting wire 451 of the light source 401, and surrounds the light emitting element 121 and the conducting wire 451 of the light source 401.

[0190] In the projector according to the fourth variation of the present embodiment, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is large enough to surround the light emitting element 121 and the conducting line 451. Therefore, even when an external impact is applied and the light guide element 141 vibrates, contact between the conducting line 451 and the light guide element 141 can be avoided. According to the projector according to the fourth variation of the present embodiment, disconnection of the conducting line 451 and the occurrence of a short circuit in the light source 401 can be more reliably prevented.

[0191] In the projector according to the fourth modified example of the present embodiment, the internal space SP141 of the light guide element 141 is narrowed from the emission end 141 b to a predetermined position between the emission end 141 b and the incident end 141 a in the direction D1.

[0192] According to the projector of the fourth modified example of the present embodiment, the loss in the utilization efficiency of the blue light LB taken into the light guide element 141 can be reduced compared to the projector of the third modified example.

[0193] In the projector according to the fourth variant of the present embodiment, the light guide element 141 has a first side surface 141S1, a second side surface 141S2, a third side surface 141S3, and a fourth side surface 141S4. The first side surface 141S1 extends parallel to the direction D2 and reflects incident blue light LB. The second side surface 141S2 is perpendicular to the first side surface 141S1, extends parallel to the direction D3, and reflects incident blue light LB. The third side surface 141S3 is perpendicular to the second side surface 141S2, extends parallel to the direction D2, and reflects incident blue light LB. The fourth side surface 141S4 is perpendicular to the third side surface 141S3, extends parallel to the direction D3, and reflects incident blue light LB. The conducting line 451 is opposed to the first side surface 141S1, the second side surface 141S2, and the third side surface 141S3. The distance DP3 between the conducting line 451 and the first side surface 141S1 in the D3 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The distance DP2 between the conducting line 451 and the second side surface 141S2 in the D2 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm. The distance DP3 between the area occupied by the conducting line 451 and the third side surface 141S3 in the D3 direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0194] According to the projector of the fourth modified example of the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 and taken into the light guide element 141 , thereby improving the reliability of the light source 401 .

[0195] In the projector of the fourth variant of this embodiment, if the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section are constructed in the same manner as the blue light emitting section 504, the same effects as those of the blue light emitting section can be obtained in the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section.

[0196] [Fifth Modification]

[0197] Figure 13 1 is a side view of the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting portion of the fifth modified example of this embodiment, when viewed along the direction D3. Figure 13As shown, an insulating layer 480 is provided on the -D1 side of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141. The insulating layer 480 suppresses the conduction of electricity through the conducting line 451 between the light guide element 141 and the light source 401. The insulating layer 480 can be formed by directly insulating the incident end 141a using a known method, or by attaching a layer or film made of an insulating material such as rubber to the incident end 141a.

[0198] An insulating layer 480 may be provided at the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141, the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142, and the incident end 143a of the light guide element 143 of the projector 301 of this embodiment and the projectors of the first to fourth variations of this embodiment.

[0199] According to the projector of the fifth variant of this embodiment, since the insulating layer 480 is interposed between the conducting line 451 and the light guide element 141, even when an external impact is applied, the conducting line 451 can be more reliably prevented from being broken and a short circuit in the light source 401 can be prevented.

[0200] [Sixth Modification]

[0201] Although not shown, in the projector according to the sixth variation of this embodiment, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 may be solid components made of a transparent insulating material such as optical glass. In this case, the surface of the reflector constituting the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 that faces the outside space, i.e., the side surfaces 141s, 142s, and 143s, function as the reflecting surfaces 141r, 142r, and 143r.

[0202] Blue light LB emitted from light source 401 is incident on the reflector of light guide element 141 from incident end 141a. A portion of the blue light LB incident on light guide element 141 is totally reflected by the reflective surface 141r of the reflector facing the external space, and travels along the direction D1 and the optical axis. Green light LG emitted from light source 402 is incident on the reflector of light guide element 142 from incident end 142a. A portion of the green light LG incident on light guide element 142 is totally reflected by the reflective surface 142r facing the external space of the reflector, and travels along the direction D2 and the optical axis. Red light LR emitted from light source 403 is incident on the reflector of light guide element 143 from incident end 143a. A portion of the red light LR incident on light guide element 143 is totally reflected by the reflective surface 143r facing the external space of the reflector, and travels along the direction D1 and the optical axis.

[0203] In addition, the light guide elements 141 , 142 , and 143 are solid and made of a transparent material such as optical glass, and reflective films 251 , 252 , and 253 may be provided on the side surfaces 141 s , 142 s , and 143 s .

[0204] In the projector according to the sixth modified example of the present embodiment, the light guide elements 141 , 142 , and 143 are made of an insulating material.

[0205] According to the projector of the sixth modified example of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the loss of the blue light LB, the green light LG, and the red light LR inside the light guide elements 141 , 142 , and 143 .

[0206] Above, preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the present invention. In addition, the structure of the embodiment and the structure of each modification example can also be appropriately combined.

[0207] For example, the projector of this embodiment may also be a so-called single-panel projector. In this case, the light-emitting element (first light-emitting element) of the light source (first light source) emits white light in the visible wavelength range including blue light LB, green light LG, and red light LR, and may be composed of, for example, a white LED.

[0208] [Summary of the present disclosure]

[0209] The following is a summary of the present disclosure.

[0210] (Note 1)

[0211] A projector, wherein the projector comprises: a first light source having a first light-emitting element that emits a first light in a first wavelength band, a first conducting wire that supplies power to the first light-emitting element, and a substrate that supports the first light-emitting element and the first conducting wire; a first light-guiding element having a first incident end for the first light emitted from the first light source to be incident and a first exit end for emitting the first light, so as to make the in-plane illuminance of the first light uniform; a first parallelizing element that parallelizes the first light emitted from the first light-guiding element; a first light modulating element that modulates the first light emitted from the first parallelizing element according to image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulating element, the first light-guiding element being arranged separately from the first conducting wire, and a first distance between the first incident end of the first light-guiding element and the first light source being less than 0.7 mm.

[0212] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the colored light and prevent the disconnection of the first conducting line and the occurrence of a short circuit in the first light source.

[0213] (Note 2)

[0214] In the projector according to Supplementary Note 1, the cross-sectional shape of the first light guide element is rectangular.

[0215] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 2, rectangular illumination light with a uniform illuminance distribution can be easily generated.

[0216] (Note 3)

[0217] In the projector according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the first light guide element is in contact with the first light source.

[0218] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 3, it is possible to improve the efficiency of taking the first light into the first light guide element.

[0219] (Note 4)

[0220] In the projector according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, a notch is formed in the first light guide element at a position facing the first conducting line, and the first conducting line passes through the notch from outside the first incident end to inside the first incident end.

[0221] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 4, the notch can prevent the first light guide element from contacting the first conducting line, thereby minimizing the reduction in the area of ​​the first light emitting element and improving the utilization efficiency of the first light.

[0222] (Note 5)

[0223] In the projector according to Supplementary Note 4, a dimension of the notch in an emission direction of the first light from the first light source is not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.7 mm.

[0224] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 5, the size of the notch provided to avoid contact between the first light guide element and the first conducting line can be minimized, thereby minimizing the loss of the first light.

[0225] (Note 6)

[0226] In the projector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, the base has a sealing member covering the first conducting line, the sealing member has insulating properties, and the first incident end is in contact with the sealing member.

[0227] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 6, since the insulating sealing member is interposed between the first light guide element and the first light source, disconnection of the first conducting line can be prevented and utilization efficiency of the first light can be improved.

[0228] (Note 7)

[0229] In the projector of any one of Appendixes 1 to 6, the first light source has a light diverging portion, which is arranged on the emission side of the first light of the first light-emitting element to diverge the first light, and the sealing component supports the first light-emitting element and the surrounding area of ​​the light diverging portion.

[0230] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 7, the light diverging portion can be simply formed and the durability of the first light-emitting element can be improved. In addition, according to the structure of Supplementary Note 7, the light-emitting surface of the first light-emitting element is close to the first incident end of the first light-guiding element, thereby improving the efficiency of taking in and using the first light.

[0231] (Note 8)

[0232] In the projector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the first incident end surrounds the first light emitting element and the first conducting line when viewed in plan along an emission direction of the first light from the first light source.

[0233] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 8, the first incident end is set to a size that surrounds the first light-emitting element and the first conducting line. Even when an impact is applied from the outside and the light-guiding element vibrates, contact between the first light-guiding element and the first conducting line can be prevented.

[0234] (Note 9)

[0235] In the projector according to Supplementary Note 8, the first light guide element is a hollow member, and an internal space of the first light guide element narrows from the first emission end to a position between the first emission end and the first incidence end.

[0236] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 9, the loss of the first light emitted from the first light guide element can be reduced.

[0237] (Note 10)

[0238] In the projector of Note 8 or 9, the first light-guiding element has: a first side surface, which reflects the first light; a second side surface, which is perpendicularly connected to the first side surface and reflects the first light; a third side surface, which is perpendicularly connected to the second side surface and reflects the first light; and a fourth side surface, which is perpendicularly connected to the third side surface and reflects the first light, the first conducting wire is opposite to the first side surface, the second side surface and the third side surface, the distance between the first conducting wire and the first side surface is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm, the distance between the first conducting wire and the second side surface is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm, and the distance between the first conducting wire and the third side surface is greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm.

[0239] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 10 , the utilization efficiency of the first light and the reliability of the first light source can be improved.

[0240] (Note 11)

[0241] In the projector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, the first light guide element includes an insulating layer at the first incident end for suppressing conduction between the first light guide element and the first conducting line.

[0242] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 11, since the insulating layer is interposed between the first light guide element and the first conducting line, even if an impact is applied from the outside, disconnection of the first conducting line and occurrence of a short circuit in the first light source can be reliably prevented.

[0243] (Note 12)

[0244] In the projector according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, the first light guide element is made of a material having insulating properties.

[0245] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 12, even if an impact is applied from the outside and the first light guide element comes into contact with the first conducting line, it is possible to reliably prevent a short circuit from occurring in the first light source.

[0246] (Note 13)

[0247] The projector of any one of Annotations 1 to 12 comprises: a second light source having a second light-emitting element emitting a second light of a second wavelength band, a second conducting wire for supplying power to the second light-emitting element, and a substrate supporting the second light-emitting element and the second conducting wire; a third light source having a third light-emitting element emitting a third light of a third wavelength band, a third conducting wire for supplying power to the third light-emitting element, and a substrate supporting the third light-emitting element and the third conducting wire; a second light-guiding element having a second incident end for the second light emitted from the second light source to enter and a second exit end for emitting the second light, so as to make the in-plane illuminance of the second light uniform; a third light-guiding element having a third incident end for the third light emitted from the third light source to enter and a third exit end for emitting the third light, so as to make the in-plane illuminance of the third light uniform. Uniform in-plane illumination of light; a second parallelizing element, which parallelizes the second light emitted from the second light-guiding element; a third parallelizing element, which parallelizes the third light emitted from the third light-guiding element; a second light modulating element, which modulates the second light emitted from the second parallelizing element according to image information; and a third light modulating element, which modulates the third light emitted from the third parallelizing element according to image information, the second light-guiding element and the second conducting line are arranged separately, the third light-guiding element and the third conducting line are arranged separately, the second distance between the second incident end of the second light-guiding element and the second light source is less than 0.7 mm, and the third distance between the third incident end of the third light-guiding element and the third light source is less than 0.7 mm.

[0248] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 13 , it is possible to suppress a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the colored light and prevent the disconnection of the first conducting line and the occurrence of a short circuit in the first light source.

Claims

1. A projector, wherein: The projector features: a first light source comprising a first light-emitting element emitting first light in a first wavelength band, a first conducting line supplying power to the first light-emitting element, and a substrate supporting the first light-emitting element and the first conducting line; a first light guide element having a first incident end for receiving the first light emitted from the first light source and a first emitting end for emitting the first light, and uniformizing the in-plane illuminance of the first light; a first parallelizing element for parallelizing the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulator for modulating the first light emitted from the first parallelizing element according to image information; as well as a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulator, The first light guide element is arranged separately from the first conducting line. A first distance between the first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less.

2. The projector according to claim 1, wherein The cross-sectional shape of the first light guide element is rectangular.

3. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first light guide element is in contact with the first light source.

4. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A notch is formed in the first light guide element at a position facing the first conducting line. The first conducting line is inserted from the outside of the first incident end through the notch into the inside of the first incident end.

5. The projector according to claim 4, wherein A dimension of the notch in the emission direction of the first light from the first light source is not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.7 mm.

6. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base material has a sealing member covering the first conducting wire. The enclosing member has insulating properties, The first incident end is in contact with the sealing member.

7. The projector according to claim 6, wherein The first light source includes a light diverging portion, which is arranged on the first light emitting side of the first light emitting element and diverges the first light. The sealing member supports the first light emitting element and the periphery of the light emitting portion.

8. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first incident end surrounds the first light emitting element and the first conducting line when viewed in plan along the emission direction of the first light from the first light source.

9. The projector according to claim 8, wherein The first light guide element is a hollow component. The internal space of the first light guide element narrows from the first emission end to a position between the first emission end and the first incident end.

10. The projector according to claim 8, wherein The first light guide element comprises: a first side surface reflecting the first light; a second side surface, which is perpendicular to the first side surface and reflects the first light; a third side surface, which is perpendicular to the second side surface and reflects the first light; and a fourth side surface, which is perpendicularly connected to the third side surface and reflects the first light; The first conducting line faces the first side surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface. The distance between the first conducting line and the first side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance between the first conducting line and the second side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. A distance between the first conducting line and the third side surface is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.0 mm.

11. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first light guide element includes an insulating layer at the first incident end for suppressing electrical conduction between the first light guide element and the first conducting line.

12. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first light guide element is made of an insulating material.

13. The projector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The projector features: a second light source comprising a second light-emitting element emitting second light in a second wavelength band, a second conducting line supplying power to the second light-emitting element, and a substrate supporting the second light-emitting element and the second conducting line; a third light source comprising a third light-emitting element emitting third light in a third wavelength band, a third conducting line supplying power to the third light-emitting element, and a substrate supporting the third light-emitting element and the third conducting line; a second light guide element having a second incident end for receiving the second light emitted from the second light source and a second exit end for exiting the second light, and configured to make the in-plane illuminance of the second light uniform; a third light guide element having a third incident end for receiving the third light emitted from the third light source and a third exit end for emitting the third light, and uniformizing the in-plane illuminance of the third light; a second parallelizing element for parallelizing the second light emitted from the second light guide element; a third parallelizing element for parallelizing the third light emitted from the third light guide element; a second light modulator for modulating the second light emitted from the second parallelizing element according to image information; as well as a third light modulator that modulates the third light emitted from the third parallelizing element according to image information; The second light guide element is arranged separately from the second conducting line. The third light guide element is arranged separately from the third conducting line. A second distance between the second incident end of the second light guide element and the second light source is less than 0.7 mm. A third distance between the third incident end of the third light guide element and the third light source is less than or equal to 0.7 mm.

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