Projector

Abstract

The invention provides a projector capable of suppressing the occurrence of defects caused by clogging of a filter. A projector according to the present invention is provided with: an exterior case that constitutes an exterior and has an air suction port that takes air into the interior; a filter attached to the intake port; an air suction chamber that sucks the air through the filter; a first fan and a second fan disposed in the suction chamber; and a division unit that divides the suction chamber into a first space in which the first fan is disposed and a second space in which the second fan is disposed, the suction capacity of the first fan being greater than the suction capacity of the second fan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to projectors. Background Technology

[0002] A projector is disclosed that cools optical components by drawing in outside air from an air intake port provided in the outer housing into an air intake chamber equipped with multiple air intake fans (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In this projector, a filter that captures foreign matter such as dust contained in the outside air is provided at the air intake port.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-083725

[0004] In the aforementioned projector, when multiple intake fans with different output air volumes are configured in one intake chamber, the intake filter becomes clogged. The fan with the smaller output air volume generates backflow, which prevents the cooling function of the fan with the smaller output air volume from working properly. This results in insufficient cooling of some optical components that are to be cooled, leading to malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, according to one aspect of the present invention, a projector is provided, characterized by comprising: an outer casing having an air intake for drawing air into the interior; a filter disposed at the air intake; an air intake chamber for drawing air in via the filter; a first fan and a second fan disposed in the air intake chamber; and a partition dividing the air intake chamber into a first space for arranging the first fan and a second space for arranging the second fan, wherein the air intake capacity of the first fan is greater than that of the second fan. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector according to the implementation method.

[0007] Figure 2 It is an exploded three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the intake unit.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the intake unit.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the intake unit of the comparative example.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the airflow in the intake unit of this embodiment.

[0011] Label Explanation

[0012] 1: Projector; 5: Outer housing; 21: First partition wall; 22: Second partition wall; 53a: Air intake port; 60, 160: Filters; 61: Air intake housing; 62, 162: Air intake chamber; 63: Divider; 65: Pressure sensor; 71: First fan; 72: Second fan; 602: Holding frame; 610: Fixing part; 621: First space; 622: Second space; B1: First part; B2: Second part; CONT: Control device; FM: Filter body; K: Air; L1: First side; L2: Second side. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0014] In addition, in the following figures, the scale of the dimensions is sometimes different depending on the structural element to facilitate observation of the structural elements.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the projector according to this embodiment.

[0016] In this embodiment, the projector 1 modulates the illumination light emitted from the light source unit 2 to generate image light corresponding to the image information, and then magnifies and projects the generated image light onto a projection surface such as a screen. Figure 1 As shown, the projector 1 has a light source unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a projection optics unit 4, an outer housing 5, an air intake unit 6, an air exhaust unit 7, a first pipe component 8, a second pipe component 9, and a control device CONT.

[0017] In the following description, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system will be used as needed.

[0018] In the accompanying figures, the X-axis is the axis along the optical axis AX1 of the illumination light WL emitted from the light source unit 2 toward the image forming unit 3. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and is the direction of the image light projected by the projection optical unit 4, i.e., along the optical axis AX2 of the projection optical unit 4. The Z-axis is the axis perpendicular to both the optical axes AX1 and AX2.

[0019] In this embodiment, the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as "vertical direction Z", +Z as "upper side" and -Z as "lower side", the direction along the X-axis is referred to as "left-right direction X", +X as "right side" and -X as "left side", and the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as "front-back direction Y", +Y as "front side" and -Y as "rear side". Furthermore, the vertical direction Z, left-right direction X, and front-back direction Y are merely names used to describe the configuration relationships of the structural components of the projector 1 and do not limit the actual setting posture or direction of the projector 1.

[0020] The light source unit 2 supplies white illumination light WL to the image forming section 30 of the image forming unit 3. The light source unit 2 is, for example, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, a light-emitting diode, or a laser light source.

[0021] The image forming unit 3 includes an image forming section 30, a uniform illumination optical system 31, and a color separation light guiding optical system 32. The image forming unit 30 includes light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B, and a cross-shaped dichroic prism 34. Each of the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B modulates incident colored light according to image information to form image light. Each of the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B is composed of a light-transmitting liquid crystal panel.

[0022] The cross-shaped dichroic prism 34 combines the image light emitted from each light modulation panel 33R, 33G, and 33B. The cross-shaped dichroic prism 34 is roughly square in shape when viewed from above, formed by bonding four right-angled prisms together. A dielectric multilayer film is provided at the roughly X-shaped interface formed by bonding the right-angled prisms together.

[0023] Based on this structure, the image forming unit 30 of this embodiment generates full-color image light by synthesizing image light of various colors.

[0024] In this embodiment, field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B are respectively disposed on the light incident side of light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B.

[0025] In addition, although the illustration is omitted, an incident-side polarizer is disposed between the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, 33B and the field lenses 10R, 10G, 10B, and an exit-side polarizer is disposed between the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, 33B and the cross dichroic prism 34.

[0026] Illumination light WL emitted from light source unit 2 is incident on uniform illumination optical system 31.

[0027] The uniform illumination optical system 31 has a first lens array 311, a second lens array 312, a polarization conversion element 313, and an overlapping lens 314.

[0028] The first lens array 311 includes a plurality of first microlenses for splitting the illumination light WL from the light source unit 2 into multiple partial beams. The plurality of first microlenses are arranged in a matrix in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1 of the illumination light WL.

[0029] The second lens array 312 includes a plurality of second microlenses corresponding to the plurality of first microlenses in the first lens array 311. The plurality of second microlenses are arranged in a matrix in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1.

[0030] The second lens array 312, together with the overlapping lens 314, images the images of each of the first small lenses of the first lens array 311 onto the vicinity of the image forming areas of the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B.

[0031] The polarization conversion element 313 converts the light emitted from the second lens array 312 into linearly polarized light in one direction. The polarization conversion element 313 may have, for example, a polarization separation film and a phase difference plate (not shown).

[0032] The overlapping lens 314 converges the partial beams emitted from the polarization conversion element 313 and overlaps them near the image forming areas of the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B, respectively.

[0033] The color-separating light-guiding optical system 32 separates the illumination light WL from the uniform illumination optical system 31 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB, and guides them to the respective light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B. The color-separating light-guiding optical system 32 includes a first dichroic mirror 321, a second dichroic mirror 322, a first reflector 323, a second reflector 324, a third reflector 325, a first relay lens 326, and a second relay lens 327.

[0034] Dichroic mirror 321 reflects red light LR and allows green light LG and blue light LB to pass through. Dichroic mirror 322 reflects the green light LG from the green light LG and blue light LB passed through dichroic mirror 321, and allows blue light LB to pass through. Reflector 323 reflects red light LR. Reflectors 324 and 325 reflect blue light LB. Relay lens 326 is positioned between dichroic mirror 322 and reflector 324, and relay lens 327 is positioned between reflector 324 and reflector 325.

[0035] The projection optical unit 4 is composed of a projection lens group, and the incident light is full-color image light synthesized by the cross-shaped dichroic prism 34 of the image forming unit 30. In addition, the projector 1 of this embodiment may also have a lens shifting mechanism that shifts the optical axis AX2 of the projection optical unit 4.

[0036] The outer casing 5 houses the light source unit 2, the image forming unit 3, the air intake unit 6, and the air exhaust unit 7, and constitutes the outer casing of the projector 1.

[0037] In the projector 1 of this embodiment, a heat source that generates heat during operation is housed inside the outer casing 5. In this embodiment, examples of heat sources include the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, and 33B in the image forming unit 3, and the polarization conversion element 313 of the uniform illumination optical system 31.

[0038] The air intake unit 6 is used to supply air K drawn in from outside the outer casing 5 to the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, 33B and polarization conversion element 313, which are heat sources, to cool the heat sources. When dust adheres to the light modulation panels 33R, 33G, 33B and polarization conversion element 313, which are the heat sources of the projector 1 in this embodiment, shadows from the dust and other particles may enter the image light. Therefore, the air intake unit 6 in this embodiment is based on having a filter 60 that captures the dust contained in the air K. Details of the structure of the air intake unit 6 will be described later.

[0039] The first conduit component 8 is a component that supplies air K drawn in by the first fan 71 of the intake unit 6 to the relatively high-temperature first heat source, namely the light modulation panels 33B and 33G. The first conduit component 8 effectively cools the light modulation panels 33B and 33G by blowing air out from the outlet 8a.

[0040] The second conduit component 9 is a component that supplies air K drawn in by the second fan 72 of the intake unit 6 to the second heat source, namely the light modulation panel 33R and the polarization conversion element 313, which have a lower temperature than the first heat source. The second conduit component 9 effectively cools the light modulation panel 33R and the polarization conversion element 313 by blowing air out from the outlet 9a.

[0041] The control device CONT controls the operation of each structural component of the projector 1. The control device CONT has a control unit C1, a storage unit C2, and a drive unit C3.

[0042] The control unit C1 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0043] Storage unit C2 is a memory that includes HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Storage unit C2 stores, for example, various programs, commands, and information processed by projector 1 during operation.

[0044] The control unit C1 reads the prescribed information from the storage unit C2 and outputs the control signals of each device to the drive unit C3. Based on the control signals output from the control unit C1, the drive unit C3 generates drive signals for the light source unit 2, the image forming unit 3, the intake unit 6, and the exhaust unit 7, respectively.

[0045] The outer casing 5 includes a front portion 51, a rear portion 52, a left side portion 53, a right side portion 54, a top portion 55, and a bottom portion 56. The outer casing 5 is, for example, formed in a generally cuboid shape. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In order to show the internal structure of the outer casing 5, the top part 55 is shown as a transparent part.

[0046] The front part 51 is located on the front side (+Y) in the front-rear direction Y and is a plate-shaped part along the XZ plane. The rear part 52 is located on the rear side (-Y) in the front-rear direction Y and is a plate-shaped part along the XZ plane. The left side part 53 is located on the left side (-X) in the left-right direction X and is a plate-shaped part along the YZ plane.

[0047] The right side of the face 54 is located to the right (+X) of the left-right direction X, and is a plate-shaped part along the YZ plane.

[0048] The top part 55 is a plate-shaped section that connects the upper (+Z) ends of the front part 51, the rear part 52, the left part 53, and the right part 54 to each other along the XY plane.

[0049] The bottom part 56 is a plate-shaped portion that connects the lower (-Z) ends of the front part 51, the rear part 52, the left part 53, and the right part 54 to each other along the XY plane.

[0050] The front portion 51 has an opening 51a located approximately in the center. The projection optical unit 4 is inserted into the outer housing 5 via the opening 51a and connected to the image forming unit 3. In this embodiment, the front end of the projection optical unit 4 protrudes outward from the outer housing 5 via the opening 51a, but the front end of the projection optical unit 4 may also be located inside the outer housing 5, closer to the opening 51a.

[0051] Inside the outer housing 5, the suction unit 6 is disposed to the left (-X) of the image forming unit 3. The left side 53 of the outer housing 5 has a suction port 53a. The suction port 53a is positioned opposite the suction unit 6 to draw in external air K into the outer housing 5.

[0052] Inside the outer housing 5, the exhaust unit 7 is disposed on the right side (+X) of the image forming unit 3. The right side face 54 of the outer housing 5 has an exhaust port 54a. The exhaust port 54a is located opposite the exhaust unit 7. The exhaust unit 7 is an exhaust fan, such as a centrifugal fan or a Sirocco fan, that releases heat from inside the outer housing 5 to the outside.

[0053] According to this structure, the projector 1 of this embodiment can exhaust heated air, which is supplied to the outer housing 5 by the intake unit 6 and cooled by the heat source, to the outside of the outer housing 5 through the exhaust unit 7.

[0054] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the intake unit 6. Figure 3 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the intake unit 6. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In order to make it easier to observe the internal structure, the air intake housing 61 is shown as a transparent part.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the intake unit 6 includes a filter 60, an intake housing 61, an intake chamber 62, a first fan 71 and a second fan 72, a division section 63, and a pressure sensor 65.

[0056] A filter 60 is disposed at the air intake 53a of the outer housing 5 to capture dust contained in the air K drawn into the interior from the air intake 53a. The filter 60 is held in the air intake housing 61. The filter 60 is fixed to the fixing part 610 of the air intake housing 61. Details about the filter 60 will be described later.

[0057] The intake housing 61 forms the intake chamber 62. Air K is drawn into the intake chamber 62 via the filter 60. A first fan 71 and a second fan 72 are disposed in the intake chamber 62.

[0058] Alternatively, a structure could be considered that incorporates multiple (e.g., two) air intake chambers equipped with fans, i.e., two air intake units. However, this would require space to house multiple air intake units, resulting in a larger projector. Furthermore, multiple air intake chambers would also necessitate multiple filters, requiring users to replace filters in multiple locations during maintenance, thus complicating the maintenance process.

[0059] In contrast, the air intake unit 6 of this embodiment is based on a structure in which two fans 71 and 72 are housed in one air intake chamber 62 and a filter 60 is arranged relative to one air intake chamber 62. As a result, the air intake unit 6 of this embodiment achieves miniaturization of the projector 1 and improves the ease of maintenance.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the intake chamber 62 includes a first space 621 for arranging the first fan 71 and a second space 622 for arranging the second fan 72. For example, a centrifugal fan or a Sirocco fan can be used as the first fan 71 and the second fan 72, but the type of fan is not limited to these. In this embodiment, a Sirocco fan is used as the first fan 71 and the second fan 72, for example.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 have different specifications or sizes, with the first fan 71 being a larger fan than the second fan 72. Therefore, the suction capacity of the first fan 71 is greater than that of the second fan 72. In this embodiment, the suction capacity of the first fan 71 is set to be twice that of the second fan 72.

[0062] In this manual, air intake capacity refers to the amount of air drawn in by the fan when the projector is in operation. In other words, high air intake capacity means a large actual amount of air drawn in during operation.

[0063] Therefore, assuming that the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 have the same structure (same specifications or size) and no performance difference, they are driven under different driving conditions. Thus, the situation that the air intake of the first fan 71 is greater than that of the second fan 72 also means that the air intake capacity of the first fan 71 is greater than that of the second fan 72.

[0064] The dividing section 63 is a component that divides the internal space of the suction housing 61, namely the suction chamber 62. The dividing section 63 may be a part of the suction housing 61 or a component different from the suction housing 61. In the suction chamber 62, the first space 621 and the second space 622 are divided by the dividing section 63. The dividing section 63 includes a plate portion 63a that divides the suction chamber 62 and a connecting portion 63b that protrudes from the front end of the plate portion 63a toward the filter 60 and is connected to the filter 60.

[0065] Based on this structure, the first space 621 and the second space 622 of the intake chamber 62 are separated by the partition 63, thus restricting the inflow of air between the first space 621 and the second space 622. Therefore, the first space 621 and the second space 622 can only draw in the air K that has passed through the filter 60.

[0066] As described above, the first fan 71 is a larger fan than the second fan 72, therefore the first space 621 that houses the first fan 71 is wider than the second space 622 that houses the second fan 72.

[0067] The filter 60 has a filter body FM and a retaining frame 602 for holding the filter body FM. The filter body FM is composed of a component capable of capturing dust, such as non-woven fabric or a mesh component.

[0068] The retaining frame 602 includes a frame 20 surrounding the outer periphery of the filter body FM, and a first partition wall 21 and a second partition wall 22 dividing the area enclosed by the rectangular frame 20. The frame 20 has a first side L1 and a second side L2 that are rectangular in shape and opposite each other when viewed from above, and a third side L3 and a fourth side L4 that are rectangular in shape and opposite each other.

[0069] The filter body FM comprises a first filter section FM1, a second filter section FM2, and a third filter section FM3. The first filter section FM1, the second filter section FM2, and the third filter section FM3 have the same size.

[0070] The first filter unit FM1 is disposed in the area surrounded by the frame 20 and the first partition wall 21. The second filter unit FM2 is disposed in the area surrounded by the frame 20, the first partition wall 21, and the second partition wall 22. The third filter unit FM3 is disposed in the area surrounded by the frame 20 and the second partition wall 22.

[0071] The fixing part 610 is held in place by surrounding the outer side of the retaining frame 602, thereby fixing the filter 60 in a state where the surface of the filter 60 opposite to the intake surface abuts against or is separated from the housing sidewall 611 by a small gap. The housing sidewall 611 has a first air intake 11 communicating with the first space 621 and a second air intake 12 communicating with the second space 622. Thus, the first fan 71 draws in air K through the filter 60 into the first space 621 through the first air intake 11. In addition, the second fan 72 draws in air K through the filter 60 into the second space 622 through the second air intake 12.

[0072] The filter 60 of this embodiment can be fixed to the fixing part 610 of the suction housing 61 even if the orientation in the left-right direction is changed. Therefore, the filter 60 of the suction unit 6 of this embodiment can be installed in two directions, thereby improving the ease of filter replacement for the user.

[0073] When the filter 60 is fixed to the fixing part 610 with the first side L1 on the upper side (+Z) and the second side L2 on the lower side (-Z), the first partition wall 21 of the filter 60 is connected to the connecting part 63b of the dividing part 63. On the other hand, when the filter 60 is fixed to the fixing part 610 with the second side L2 on the upper side (+Z) and the first side L1 on the lower side (-Z), the second partition wall 22 of the filter 60 is connected to the connecting part 63b of the dividing part 63.

[0074] Hereinafter, the state in which the first partition wall 21 is connected to the dividing part 63 is referred to as the first state, and the state in which the second partition wall 22 is connected to the dividing part 63 is referred to as the second state.

[0075] That is, the positions of the first side L1 and the second side L2 relative to the dividing part 63 in the second state are opposite to the positions of the first side L1 and the second side L2 relative to the dividing part 63 in the first state.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, in the first state, the filter body FM is divided by the first partition wall 21 into a first part B1 corresponding to the first space 621 and a second part B2 corresponding to the second space 622. In the first state, the first part B1 corresponds to the first filter section FM1 and the second filter section FM2 of the filter body FM, and the second part B2 corresponds to the third filter section FM3 of the filter body FM.

[0077] In the first state, the first partition wall 21 is engaged with the connecting portion 63b of the dividing portion 63, thereby dividing the filter 60 so that no air flows in between the first portion B1 and the second portion B2. That is, the first partition wall 21 is connected to the dividing portion 63 while the filter 60 is fixed to the fixing portion 610, and together with the dividing portion 63, separates the air K taken in by the filter 60 into air flowing into the first space 621 and air flowing into the second space 622. Therefore, the first fan 71 draws in air through the first filter portion FM1 and the second filter portion FM2, which correspond to the first portion B1 of the filter 60, and the second fan 72 draws in air through the third filter portion FM3, which corresponds to the second portion B2 of the filter 60.

[0078] On the other hand, in making Figure 2 In the second state, where the position of the filter 60 is reversed, the filter body FM is divided by the second partition wall 22 into a first part B1 corresponding to the first space 621 and a second part B2 corresponding to the second space 622. In the second state, the first part B1 corresponds to the second filter section FM2 and the third filter section FM3 of the filter body FM, and the second part B2 corresponds to the first filter section FM1 of the filter body FM.

[0079] In the second state, the second partition wall 22 engages with the connecting portion 63b of the dividing portion 63, thereby dividing the filter 60 so that no airflow occurs between the first portion B1 and the second portion B2. That is, the second partition wall 22 connects to the dividing portion 63 while the filter 60 is fixed to the fixing portion 610, and together with the dividing portion 63, separates the air K taken in through the filter 60 into air flowing into the first space 621 and air flowing into the second space 622. Therefore, the first fan 71 draws in air through the second filter portion FM2 and the third filter portion FM3, which correspond to the first portion B1 of the filter 60, and the second fan 72 draws in air through the first filter portion FM1, which corresponds to the second portion B2 of the filter 60.

[0080] Thus, in the air intake unit 6 of this embodiment, air passing through the first portion B1 of the filter 60 is supplied to the first space 621, and air passing through the second portion B2 of the filter 60 is supplied to the second space 622.

[0081] Pressure sensor 65 detects the pressure in the first space 621 of the intake chamber 62. In this embodiment, pressure sensor 65 is disposed on the outside of the intake housing 61, and at least the light-receiving surface of the sensor is disposed in the first space 621 through a through hole (not shown). Pressure sensor 65 is electrically connected to the control device CONT of the projector 1. Pressure sensor 65 outputs the detection result to control device CONT.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the projector 1 is driven, the control device CONT controls the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 65. The control device CONT compares the detection result of the pressure sensor 65 with a threshold stored in the storage unit C2. If the detection result of the pressure sensor 65 is higher than the threshold, the control device CONT determines that no blockage has occurred in the filter 60, and controls the operation of the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 to continue.

[0083] Air drawn in by the first fan 71 is supplied to the light modulation panels 33B and 33G via the first duct member 8 to cool them. Air drawn in by the second fan 72 cools the light modulation panel 33R and the polarization conversion element 313 via the second duct member 9. Thus, the projector 1 of this embodiment can suppress the temperature rise of the light modulation panels 33B, 33G, 33R and the polarization conversion element 313, which are heat sources, without dust accumulation.

[0084] Here, as a comparative example, the effect obtained by the air intake unit 6 of this embodiment will be explained by comparing it with the structure that does not have a dividing part 63 that divides the first space 621 and the second space 622.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the intake unit of the comparative example. Figure 4 This refers to the structure of the intake unit 6 in this embodiment, and... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the comparative example's intake unit 106 is a single space because the intake chamber 162 is not divided. Furthermore, the filter 160 in the comparative example's intake unit 106 does not have a first partition wall 21 and a second partition wall 22 connected to the dividing section 63.

[0087] In the comparative example of the intake unit 106 with such a structure, it is assumed that a blockage caused by deposits 90 occurs in the filter 160. In this case, when a first fan 71 and a second fan 72 with different intake capacities are arranged in the intake chamber 162, the first fan 71, with its relatively larger intake capacity, draws in air K1 from inside the outer casing 5, which is easier to draw in, via the second fan 72, instead of passing through the filter 160. Furthermore, although in Figure 4 The illustration is omitted, but the air K1 inside the outer casing 5 is drawn into the second fan 72 from the second duct component 9.

[0088] That is, in the comparative example's intake unit 106, when the filter 160 becomes clogged due to dust or other deposits 90, the air K1 inside the outer casing 5 flows backward in the second fan 72, circulating within the outer casing 5 via the first fan 71. This air flowing backward in the second fan 72 is heated by a heat source inside the outer casing 5, thus the first fan 71 supplies high-temperature air to the heat source inside the outer casing 5. Consequently, the cooling performance of the first fan 71 for the heat source is significantly reduced, and the second fan 72 is unable to cool the heat source.

[0089] In the comparative example's intake unit 106, the pressure inside the intake chamber 162 is detected. However, the pressure inside the intake chamber 162 is difficult to decrease due to the air flowing back from the second fan 72, so the pressure decrease inside the intake chamber 162 cannot be detected effectively. Therefore, in the comparative example's intake unit 106, even if the pressure inside the intake chamber 162 is detected, it is difficult to determine whether the filter 160 is clogged.

[0090] Therefore, in the comparative example of the intake unit 106, when the filter 160 becomes clogged, the temperature of the heat source inside the outer housing 5 becomes too high, which may cause malfunctions, failures due to exposure to high temperatures, etc.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the airflow in the intake unit 6 of this embodiment.

[0092] Compared to the structure of the comparative example, in the intake unit 6 of this embodiment, the first space 621 where the first fan 71 is disposed and the second space 622 where the second fan 72 is disposed are separated by the partition 63, so the first fan 71 will not draw in air from the second space 622 side. Therefore, even if the filter 60 becomes clogged due to the accumulation 90, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first fan 71, which has a large air intake capacity, also draws in air K through the filter 60. The second fan 72 also draws in air K through the filter 60 in the same way.

[0093] In the intake unit 6 of this embodiment, when the filter 60 becomes clogged, for example, the amount of air drawn from the outside by the first fan 71 through the filter 60 decreases, and therefore the amount of air discharged from the first space 621 by the first fan 71 is greater than the amount of air supplied from the outside. Therefore, when the filter 60 begins to become clogged, the amount of air discharged from the first space 621 increases, thereby causing the pressure inside the first space 621 to begin to decrease.

[0094] In the projector 1 of this embodiment, the pressure of the first space 621 is detected by the pressure sensor 65, and the detection result is output to the control device CONT.

[0095] If the pressure sensor 65 detects a value below a threshold, the control unit CONT determines that a blockage has occurred in the filter 60. At this time, the control unit CONT increases the air intake of the first fan 71 and the second fan 72. For example, the control unit CONT increases the drive voltage supplied to the first fan 71 and the second fan 72.

[0096] Therefore, the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 can compensate for the reduction in the intake volume of air K caused by the blockage of the filter 60. Thus, even when the filter 60 is blocked, the first fan 71 and the second fan 72 can stably supply air K to the heat source.

[0097] Thus, even if the filter 60 becomes clogged, the air intake unit 6 according to this embodiment will not experience backflow of air inside the outer housing 5, unlike the air intake unit 106 of the comparative example.

[0098] On the other hand, if the control device CONT determines, based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 65, that the pressure in the first space 621 has reached the lower limit, it determines that air K has not been drawn into the intake chamber 62 by the filter 60 due to complete blockage. Then, the control device CONT stops the operation of the first fan 71 and the second fan 72. The control device CONT can also control the projector 1 to notify that the filter 60 is blocked and needs to be replaced. As a notification method, for example, it can turn on the lights, generate a notification sound, or display a message indicating that the filter needs to be replaced in the projected image.

[0099] As described above, in the case of the intake unit 6 of this embodiment, the pressure sensor 65 is only provided on the side of the first space 621, which is equipped with the first fan 71, which has a relatively large intake capacity. Compared with the second space 622, the pressure change when the filter 60 becomes clogged is larger in the first space 621, which is equipped with the fan with a large intake capacity. Therefore, the projector 1 of this embodiment can detect the pressure of the first space 621, which is easier to detect pressure changes caused by the clogging of the filter 60, by using the pressure sensor 65, compared with the second space 622. As a result, the control device CONT can determine with high accuracy that the filter 60 is clogged.

[0100] Furthermore, in the projector 1 of this embodiment, the sizes of the first space 621 and the second space 622 are set according to the air intake capacity of the first fan 71 and the second fan 72. That is, the area ratio of the first portion B1 of the filter 60 disposed in the first space 621 to the second portion B2 of the filter 60 disposed in the second space 622 is set to the same value as the ratio of the air intake capacity of each fan 71, 72. Therefore, in the projector 1 of this embodiment, the value per unit area of ​​air intake through the filter 60 is equal in the first space 621 and the second space 622.

[0101] Therefore, in the projector 1 of this embodiment, over time, the blockage occurring at the first portion B1 of the filter 60 disposed in the first space 621 and the blockage occurring at the second portion B2 of the filter 60 disposed in the second space 622 can be considered to be of the same degree. Therefore, if the first portion B1 of the filter 60 is blocked, the second portion B2 of the filter 60 will also be blocked to the same degree. Thus, the projector 1 of this embodiment can determine whether the filter 60 as a whole is blocked based on the blockage occurring in a part of the filter 60, namely the first portion B1. Furthermore, since the degree of blockage occurring in the filter 60 is the same at the first portion B1 and the second portion B2, the filter 60 can be used without waste.

[0102] As described above, the projector 1 of this embodiment includes: an outer casing 5, which forms the outer casing and has an air intake 53a for drawing air K into the interior; a filter 60 disposed at the air intake 53a; an air intake chamber 62 that draws in the air via the filter 60; a first fan 71 and a second fan 72 disposed in the air intake chamber 62; and a dividing section 63 that divides the air intake chamber 62 into a first space 621 where the first fan 71 is disposed and a second space 622 where the second fan 72 is disposed. The air intake capacity of the first fan 71 is greater than that of the second fan 72.

[0103] Thus, according to the projector 1 of this embodiment, even if the filter 60 becomes clogged, the backflow of air from inside the outer casing 5 into the intake chamber 62, which houses two fans with different intake capacities, can be prevented when air is drawn into the intake unit 6 via the filter 60. Therefore, the light modulation panels 33B, 33G, 33R, and the polarization conversion element 313, which are heat sources housed inside the outer casing 5, can be cooled efficiently. Therefore, malfunctions caused by the filter 60, such as malfunctions of the light modulation panels 33B, 33G, 33R, and the polarization conversion element 313, and heat-induced failures, can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projector 1 has a pressure sensor 65 installed on the first space 621 side where pressure changes are easily detected, but no pressure sensor is installed on the second space 622 side. Therefore, compared to the case where two pressure sensors are installed, the structure can be simplified, and it is possible to determine whether the filter 60 is clogged. Thus, the projector 1 of this embodiment can reduce costs by reducing the number of components.

[0105] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, the case in which the fixing part 610 of the fixed filter 60 is provided on the intake housing 61 is illustrated, but the fixing part of the fixed filter 60 may also be provided on the outer housing 5 side.

[0107] Furthermore, the specific descriptions of the shape, quantity, configuration, materials, etc. of the various structural elements of the projector are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0108] The following is a summary published in this note.

[0109] (Postscript 1)

[0110] A projector, characterized in that the projector has:

[0111] The outer casing, which constitutes the outer casing, has an air intake port for drawing air into the interior;

[0112] A filter is disposed at the air intake;

[0113] An air intake chamber that draws in air via the filter;

[0114] The first fan and the second fan are configured in the intake chamber; and

[0115] The partition divides the air intake chamber into a first space for arranging the first fan and a second space for arranging the second fan.

[0116] The first fan has a greater air intake capacity than the second fan.

[0117] According to this projector structure, even if the filter becomes clogged, it can prevent backflow of air from inside the outer housing into the intake chamber when air is drawn in through the filter into the intake chamber containing two fans with different intake capacities. This allows for efficient cooling of the optical components housed inside the outer housing, which act as heat sources. Therefore, this structure can suppress malfunctions such as optical component failures caused by filter clogging and heat-related failures.

[0118] (Postscript 2)

[0119] The projector according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that it further comprises:

[0120] A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the first space of the intake chamber; and

[0121] A control device that controls the first fan and the second fan based on the detection results of the pressure sensor.

[0122] Here, compared to the second space, the pressure change when the filter becomes clogged is greater in the first space equipped with a first fan with a large suction capacity. According to this structure, since a pressure sensor is placed in the first space, which is prone to pressure changes due to filter clogging, the drive of the first and second fans can be controlled with high precision. Furthermore, compared to the case where two pressure sensors are used, cost reduction is achieved by simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts.

[0123] (Note 3)

[0124] The projector according to Appendix 2 is characterized in that,

[0125] If the detection result is below a threshold, the control device determines that the filter is clogged and increases the air intake of the first fan and the second fan.

[0126] According to this structure, the first and second fans can compensate for the reduction in air intake caused by filter blockage. Therefore, even if the filter becomes blocked, the first and second fans can maintain cooling performance by providing a stable air supply.

[0127] (Postscript 4)

[0128] The projector according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3 is characterized in that,

[0129] The filter has a filter body and a retaining frame for holding the filter body.

[0130] The retaining frame includes a first partition wall connected to the dividing portion, which divides the filter body into a first part corresponding to the first space and a second part corresponding to the second space.

[0131] According to this structure, a filter can be divided into a first part and a second part. Therefore, air that has passed through the first part of the filter can be supplied to the first space, and air that has passed through the second part of the filter can be supplied to the second space.

[0132] (Note 5)

[0133] The projector according to Appendix 4 is characterized in that,

[0134] The holding frame further includes:

[0135] The first and second sides that are opposite each other; and

[0136] The second partition wall is connected to the dividing portion when the filter is configured at the air intake in the second state. In the second state, the positions of the first side and the second side relative to the dividing portion are opposite to the positions of the first side and the second side relative to the dividing portion in the first state. In the first state, the dividing portion is connected to the first partition wall.

[0137] This structure allows for two different filter installation directions, thus improving the ease of filter replacement for users.

[0138] (Note 6)

[0139] The projector according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5 is characterized in that,

[0140] The projector also has an air intake housing that constitutes the air intake chamber.

[0141] The air intake housing has a fixing part for fixing the filter.

[0142] According to this structure, an air intake unit can be constructed in which an air intake chamber containing a first fan and a second fan is housed within an air intake housing with a fixed filter.

[0143] (Note 7)

[0144] The projector according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 is characterized in that,

[0145] The specifications or dimensions of the first fan and the second fan are different from each other.

[0146] Based on this structure, by using fans of different specifications or sizes, it is easy to achieve a structure in which the first fan and the second fan have different suction capacities.

[0147] (Postscript 8)

[0148] The projector according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 is characterized in that,

[0149] The first fan and the second fan are composed of fans with the same structure, but are driven under different driving conditions.

[0150] According to this structure, even when using fans with the same structure, it is possible to easily achieve a structure that makes the suction capacity of the first fan and the second fan different by making the driving conditions different.

Claims

1. A projector, characterized in that, This projector has the following features: The outer casing, which constitutes the outer casing, has an air intake port for drawing air into the interior; A filter is disposed at the air intake; An air intake chamber that draws in air via the filter; The first fan and the second fan are configured in the intake chamber; and The partition divides the air intake chamber into a first space for arranging the first fan and a second space for arranging the second fan. The first fan has a greater air intake capacity than the second fan.

2. The projector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projector also features: A pressure sensor detects the pressure in the first space of the intake chamber; and A control device that controls the first fan and the second fan based on the detection results of the pressure sensor.

3. The projector according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the detection result is below a threshold, the control device determines that the filter is clogged and increases the air intake of the first fan and the second fan.

4. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The filter has a filter body and a retaining frame for holding the filter body. The retaining frame includes a first partition wall connected to the dividing portion, which divides the filter body into a first part corresponding to the first space and a second part corresponding to the second space.

5. The projector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The holding frame further includes: The first and second sides that are opposite each other; and The second partition wall is connected to the dividing portion when the filter is configured at the air intake in the second state. In the second state, the positions of the first side and the second side relative to the dividing portion are opposite to the positions of the first side and the second side relative to the dividing portion in the first state. In the first state, the dividing portion is connected to the first partition wall.

6. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The projector also has an air intake housing that constitutes the air intake chamber. The air intake housing has a fixing part for fixing the filter.

7. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The specifications or dimensions of the first fan and the second fan are different from each other.

8. The projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first fan and the second fan are composed of fans with the same structure, but are driven under different driving conditions.

Images