Light source device and projection-type image display device

Abstract

The light source device disclosed herein includes: a first light source unit and a second light source unit, configured separately from each other in a first direction, each comprising a row of multiple laser light source elements arranged along the first direction; and a light guiding optical system configured opposite to the row of the first light source elements and arranged across the first and second light source units. The second light source unit includes at least two rows of light source elements configured separately from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Viewed from the first direction, the rows of light source elements of the first light source unit are arranged between adjacent rows of light source elements of two second light source units. The light guiding optical system guides light from the first light source unit, and the light emitted from the second direction overlaps with the light from the second light source unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to light source devices and projection-type image display devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a light source device that collects and outputs emitted light from multiple laser light sources at a high density, and a projection-type image display device having such a light source device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a known lighting device, in conjunction with the increasing output of projection-type image display devices, illuminates with high-brightness light by densely converging emitted light from multiple light sources such as LEDs and laser elements. Examples of such lighting devices include those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication WO2018 / 211886

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-53290 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -The problem the invention aims to solve-

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a light source optical system that utilizes a composite mirror with multiple reflective and transmissive regions to collect light emitted from multiple laser sources composed of multiple laser elements. However, in the light source optical system of Patent Document 1, the composite mirror is tilted relative to the laser sources. Ineffective regions resulting from plating exist near the periphery of the multiple reflective and transmissive regions formed in this composite mirror, causing the multiple laser elements constituting the laser sources to be arranged at a certain distance from each other. Consequently, the collection of light emitted from the laser sources is limited.

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses an illumination device that uses a prism or a mirror to bring together and output light emitted from multiple light source units, each consisting of laser light source elements arranged in an array. However, in the illumination device of Patent Document 2, the spacing between the laser light source elements remains in each light source unit, thus failing to achieve a high-density collection of light emitted from the laser light source elements.

[0010] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the structure of conventional light source devices in terms of achieving high-brightness illumination by densely combining the emitted light from multiple laser sources.

[0011] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a light source device that, in a light source device having multiple light source units, each comprising a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements, enables high-density collection of emitted light from each row of light source elements.

[0012] -Methods for solving problems-

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, a light source device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a first light source unit comprising a first light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along a first direction, emitting a first laser; a second light source unit comprising a second light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along the first direction, disposed separately from the first light source unit in the first direction, emitting a second laser; and a light guiding optical system disposed opposite to the first light source element column, disposed across the first light source unit and the second light source unit, wherein the second light source unit comprises: a light source unit positioned perpendicular to the first light source element column in the first direction; and a light guiding optical system disposed across the first light source unit and the second light source unit. At least two second light source element columns arranged separately from each other in a second direction are arranged between two adjacent second light source element columns when viewed from a first direction. A first laser and a second laser are emitted in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions. The light guiding optical system includes: a first reflecting surface that reflects the incident first laser toward the second light source element in the first direction; and a second reflecting surface that is parallel to the first reflecting surface and further reflects the first laser reflected by the first reflecting surface, and is emitted overlapping with the second laser when viewed from a second direction.

[0014] -Invention Effects-

[0015] According to this disclosure, a light source device can be provided in which emitted light from each light source element column is concentrated at a high density in a light source device having multiple light source units, each comprising a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the projection-type image display device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the lighting device for a projection-type image display device.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the light source device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A A three-dimensional diagram of the light source device with the prism element removed.

[0020] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A top view of the light source device.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the light source unit of the light source device according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the structure of the light source unit of the light source device according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 7A This is a side view showing the optical path of the emitted light from the light source device of Embodiment 1.

[0025] Figure 7B This is a side view showing the light path of the emitted light from the light source device of Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device of Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the light source unit of the light source device according to Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the structure of the light source unit of the light source device according to Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device of Embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device in Embodiment 2.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the light source device according to Embodiment 3.

[0032] Figure 14A This is a side view of the light source device according to Embodiment 3.

[0033] Figure 14B This is another side view of the light source device in Embodiment 3.

[0034] Figure 14C This is a top view of the light source device in Embodiment 3.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a side view showing the optical path of the emitted light from the light source device of Embodiment 3.

[0036] Figure 16This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device in Embodiment 3.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a top view of the light source device in Embodiment 4.

[0038] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device of Embodiment 4.

[0039] Figure 19 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device in Embodiment 4. Detailed Implementation

[0040] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a light source device is provided, comprising: a first light source unit including a first light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along a first direction, emitting a first laser; a second light source unit including a second light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along the first direction, disposed separately from the first light source unit in the first direction, emitting a second laser; and a light guiding optical system disposed opposite to the first light source element column and disposed across the first light source unit and the second light source unit, wherein the second light source unit includes: a light guiding optical system orthogonal to the first direction. At least two second light source element columns are arranged separately from each other in a second direction. When viewed from a first direction, the first light source element column is arranged between two adjacent second light source element columns. The first laser and the second laser are emitted in a third direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The light guiding optical system includes: a first reflecting surface that reflects the incident first laser toward the second light source element in the first direction; and a second reflecting surface that is parallel to the first reflecting surface and further reflects the first laser reflected by the first reflecting surface. When viewed from a second direction, the laser is emitted overlapping with the second laser.

[0041] According to this method, a light source device can be provided in which emitted light from each row of laser elements is concentrated at a high density in a light source device having multiple light source units each containing arranged laser elements.

[0042] According to the second aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the first aspect is provided, wherein the light guiding optical system is composed of a prism element, the prism element comprising: a first prism surface into which a first laser is incident; a second prism surface serving as a first reflecting surface; and a third prism surface serving as a second reflecting surface.

[0043] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the second aspect is provided, wherein the first light source unit comprises: at least two rows of first light source elements arranged separately from each other in a second direction; and at least two prism elements arranged opposite to the rows of first light source elements, extending across the first light source unit and the second light source unit. When viewed from the first direction, the rows of first and second light source elements are arranged alternately. Each prism element has a surface parallel to the third direction and a pair of fourth prism surfaces extending along the first direction. A second laser is emitted between the opposing fourth prism surfaces of adjacent prism elements.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the third aspect is provided, wherein the width between a pair of fourth prism faces of a prism element is substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent side ends of two adjacent rows of second light source elements.

[0045] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the third or fourth aspect is provided, wherein the light source elements constituting the first light source element array include: a semiconductor laser element and a collimating lens disposed relative to the semiconductor laser element, the collimating lens having a lens width in the second direction substantially equal to the width between a pair of fourth prism surfaces.

[0046] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the fifth aspect is provided, wherein the distance between the first prism surface and the collimating lens is less than three times the width of the lens.

[0047] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, a light source device according to any one of the second to sixth aspects is provided, wherein it further comprises: a support member, a support prism element, the support member abutting against the first prism surface between the first light source unit and the second light source unit.

[0048] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device is provided, comprising: a light source device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, namely a first light source device and a second light source device that are arranged apart from each other by a first distance in a first direction and emit a first irradiation light; and a light guiding optical system arranged across the first light source device and the second light source device, the light guiding optical system comprising: a third reflecting surface that reflects the incident second irradiation light toward the first light source device in the first direction; and a fourth reflecting surface parallel to the third reflecting surface that further reflects the second irradiation light reflected by the third reflecting surface, and emits the light along the optical axis in the first direction at a second distance smaller than the first distance relative to the first irradiation light.

[0049] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the eighth aspect is provided, wherein the light guiding optical system is composed of a prism, the prism comprising: a fifth prism surface into which the second irradiation light is incident; a sixth prism surface as a third reflecting surface; and a seventh prism surface as a fourth reflecting surface.

[0050] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, a light source device is provided, comprising: a light source device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, namely a first light source device emitting a first illumination light; a third light source unit comprising a third light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along a second direction, emitting a third laser beam along the third direction; and a light guiding optical system disposed opposite to the third light source element column, disposed across the third light source unit and the first light source device, wherein the third light source element column does not intersect with the second light source element column when viewed from the second direction, and is disposed separately from the second light source element column when viewed from the first direction, the light guiding optical system comprising: a fifth reflecting surface that reflects the incident third laser beam toward the first light source device in the second direction; and a sixth reflecting surface parallel to the fifth reflecting surface that further reflects the third laser beam reflected by the fifth reflecting surface, and emitted overlapping with the first illumination light when viewed from the first direction.

[0051] According to the 11th aspect of this disclosure, a light source device as described in the 10th aspect is provided, wherein the light guiding optical system is composed of a prism, the prism comprising: an 8th prism surface into which the 3rd laser is incident; a 9th prism surface as a fifth reflecting surface; and a 10th prism surface as a sixth reflecting surface.

[0052] According to the 12th aspect of this disclosure, a lighting device is provided, which includes at least one light source device according to any one of the 1st to 11th aspects.

[0053] According to the 13th aspect of this disclosure, a projection-type image display device is provided, comprising: an illumination device as described in the 12th aspect; an image display element that modulates illumination light emitted from the illumination device and emits it as projection light; and a projection optical system that amplifies and projects the projection light to display an image.

[0054] Furthermore, by appropriately combining any of the various implementation methods described above, each method can achieve its own specific effects.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary details are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters and repetitive descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily lengthy and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0056] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 19 The present disclosure describes a light source device, an illumination device equipped with the light source device, and a projection-type image display device according to embodiments thereof. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. Additionally, in the figures, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0057] (Implementation Method 1)

[0058] <Projection-type image display device>

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the projection-type image display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the projection-type image display device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is a so-called DLP projector. At least a portion of the illumination light from the illumination device 200 is modulated by the DMD (digital micromirror device) 117R, 117G, 117B, which serve as image display elements, and emitted as projection light. The projection optical system 118 magnifies and projects the emitted projection light to display an image.

[0061] The structure of the lighting device 200 will be described in detail in later paragraphs. The illumination light from the lighting device 200 is focused by the rod integrator 101. The light emitted from the rod integrator 101 is reflected by the reflector 104 via the relay lenses 102 and 103, and then enters the total internal reflection prism unit 106 via the field lens 105.

[0062] The total internal reflection prism unit 106 is configured such that the first prism 107 and the second prism 108 are fixed with a small gap (air gap). The light incident on the total internal reflection prism unit 106 is totally reflected by the prism surface 109 and then incident on the color prism unit 111 through the transmission prism surface 110.

[0063] The color prism unit 111 includes a first prism 113, a second prism 115 and a third prism 116, with a gap (air gap) provided between the first prism 113 and the second prism 115, and the second prism 115 and the third prism 116 are bonded and fixed.

[0064] The red and green light in the light incident on the first prism 113 from the total internal reflection prism unit 106 are transmitted. The blue light is reflected by the dichroic mirror 112, which has the property of reflecting blue light, changing its direction of travel. It travels towards the total internal reflection prism unit 106 and is then incident on the incident surface of the first prism 113 with a larger incident angle, where it is totally internally reflected and incident on the DMD117B for blue light modulation.

[0065] Next, the red light, which passes through the air gap between the first prism 113 and the second prism 115, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 114, which has the spectral splitting properties of reflecting red light and passing through green light, changing its direction of travel towards the first prism 113 side. The red light, whose direction of travel has changed, is totally internally reflected by the air gap between the first prism 113 and the second prism 115 and is incident on the DMD 117R used for red light modulation.

[0066] The red light and the green light in the air gap between the first prism 113 and the second prism 115 pass through the dichroic mirror 114 and continue to travel to the third prism 116. After passing through the third prism 116, they are incident on the DMD 117G used for green light modulation.

[0067] DMD117R, 117G, and 117B are devices comprising micromirrors arranged in a matrix, with their tilt angles selectively changeable. The tilt angles of the micromirrors are controlled in two directions based on an external image signal. For example, the micromirrors are selectively tilted according to a first tilt angle at which the reflected light is incident on the color prism unit 111 at an angle of zero degrees, and a second tilt angle at which the reflected light is incident on the color prism unit 111 at an angle greater than zero degrees. With this configuration, the DMD117R outputs at least partially modulated red light (red projection light), and the DMD117G and 117B similarly output green projection light and blue projection light.

[0068] The red, green, and blue projection lights from DMD117R, 117G, and 117B are combined by the color prism unit 111, and the combined projection light (color projection light) is emitted toward the total internal reflection prism 46. The color image light is transmitted through the total internal reflection prism unit 106 and magnified and projected onto the projection object such as a screen via the projection optical system 118, which includes a projection lens.

[0069] <Lighting device>

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 3C The structure of the illumination device of the projection-type image display device and the structure of the light source device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the illumination device 200 of the projection-type image display device 100. Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the light source device 210 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3B It is shown Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the light source device 210 with the prism element removed. Figure 3C yes Figure 3AThe figure shows a top view of the light source device 210. Furthermore, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the figure is for ease of understanding of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Additionally, in this specification, the Z-axis direction represents the illumination direction of the light source device.

[0071] Figure 2 The illustrated lighting device 200 includes: a light source device 210R emitting red light, a light source device 210G emitting green light, and a light source device 210B emitting blue light. Blue light emitted from the blue light source device 210B is incident on a dichroic mirror 205 that transmits blue light and reflects green light, and is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 205. Green light emitted from the green light source device 210G is incident on the dichroic mirror 205 that reflects green light and is reflected, then combined coaxially with the blue light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 205, and subsequently incident on a dichroic mirror 206 that transmits both blue and green light and reflects red light, and is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 206. Red light emitted from the red light source device 210R is incident on the dichroic mirror 206 that reflects red light and is reflected, then combined coaxially with the blue and green light transmitted through the dichroic mirror 206 to form illumination light. The illumination light, composed of red, green, and blue light, passes sequentially through the condenser lens 207, the reflector 208, and the condenser lens 209, and then exits from the illumination device 200 along the Z-axis as shown in the figure, incident on... Figure 1 The rod-shaped integrator 101 shown.

[0072] Considering the differences in luminous efficiency of light source elements due to the wavelength of emitted light, and the desired color balance of the projection-type image display device, in Figure 2 The lighting device 200 can be configured such that: a light source device 210R emitting red light includes two light source units, a light source device 210G emitting green light includes two light source units, and a light source device 210B emitting blue light includes one light source unit. The light synthesized from the emitted light of the two light source units constituting the light source devices 210R and 210G is red light and green light emitted from the light source devices. The light source units included in each light source device can have substantially the same structure.

[0073] Figure 2 The light source devices 210R, 210G, and 210B shown can be constructed from essentially the same light source unit, except that the wavelengths of the emitted light are different. Therefore, the light source devices 210R, 210G, and 210B will be described below as light source device 210.

[0074] Figures 3A-3CThe light source device 210 of this embodiment 1 includes: two light source units 210a and 210b having substantially the same structure; two prism elements 211a and 211b having substantially the same structure; and a support member 311. The prism elements 211a and 211b collect the emitted light from the light source units 210a and 210b, and the support member 311 supports the prism elements 211a and 211b.

[0075] Light source units 210a and 210b are arranged separately from each other in the X direction as shown in the figure. Light source unit 210a includes multiple light source elements emitting laser light in the Z direction (irradiation side) arranged in rows 202a1 and 202a2 in the X direction. Similarly, light source unit 210b includes multiple light source elements emitting laser light in the Z direction (irradiation side) arranged in rows 202b1 and 202b2 in the X direction. The structure of light source units 210a and 210b will be described in further detail in later paragraphs.

[0076] Prism elements 211a and 211b are disposed on the illumination side, extending parallel to each other along the X direction across light source unit 210a and light source unit 210b. Additionally, as... Figure 3C As shown, prism elements 211a and 211b are arranged opposite to light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2, respectively. Furthermore, when viewed from the X direction, light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of light source unit 210a are arranged alternately with light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of light source unit 210b.

[0077] Support member 311 is used to support prism elements 211a and 211b. In this embodiment, viewed from the Z direction, it is positioned between prism element 211a and prism element 211b. Figure 3B As shown, the support member 311 has surfaces 312 and 313 on the XZ plane, surface 314 on the XY plane, and surface 315 on the YZ plane. These surfaces, for example, are associated with surfaces containing… Figure 3C The prism elements 211a and 211b of the prism surfaces 211a2 and 211b1 shown are fixed by contact, which can support the prism elements. In addition, a recess 316 is provided between the surfaces 312 and 313 that abut against the prism, so that adhesive for fixing the prism elements can overflow.

[0078] In this embodiment, the surfaces 312, 313, 314, and 315 of the support member 311 that abut against the prism are positioned in areas where the emitted light from the light source elements of the light source units 210a and 210b will not pass through. This allows the prism element to be supported without affecting the output of the light source device. The optical path of the emitted light from the light source element will be described in detail in later paragraphs. Furthermore, Figures 3A-3CThe structure of the support member 311 shown is one example, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Support members with other structures can also be used to support the prism element.

[0079] <Light Source Unit>

[0080] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The structure of the light source unit constituting the light source device 210 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the light source unit 210a of the light source device 210 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the structure of the light source device 210 and the light source units 210a and 210b of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device 210 of Embodiment 1.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the light source unit 210a includes: light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 arranged along the X direction, a substrate 203, and an electrode 204. The light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 are each configured such that multiple light source elements 202m emitting laser light along mutually parallel optical axes are arranged in an array. This is not a limitation, but in this embodiment, for example, the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 are composed of the same number of identical light source elements 202m, and these light source elements can be arranged in a matrix. In this embodiment, the light source unit 210a includes eight light source elements 202m arranged in a 2×4 matrix, but this disclosure does not limit the number of light source elements. A light source unit or a light source element row can contain any number of light source elements, more than two.

[0082] Each light source element 202m is, for example, composed of a semiconductor laser element and a collimating lens that makes the laser light from the semiconductor laser element substantially parallel, and is mounted to emit laser light approximately parallel to each other. The rows of light source elements 202a1 and 202a2 are disposed on a substrate 203 with excellent thermal conductivity and are powered by electrodes 204 connected to a power source.

[0083] Light source unit 210b has essentially the same structure as light source unit 210a. Light source units 210a and 210b are housed in a package with excellent thermal conductivity, constituting... Figures 3A-3C The light source device 210 shown.

[0084] like Figure 5As shown in (a) and (b), light source units 210a and 210b are configured such that the substrates are substantially on the same plane and separated from each other in the X direction. Furthermore, viewed from the X direction, the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of light source unit 210a and the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of light source unit 210b are arranged alternately. Therefore, as shown, the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of light source unit 210a and the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of light source unit 210b are located at different positions in both the X and Y directions. Additionally, the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of light source unit 210a are arranged with a spacing P1, and the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of light source unit 210b are arranged with a spacing P2. Here, the spacings P1 and P2 are the center-to-center distances between the collimating lenses constituting the light source elements 202m of adjacent light source element rows. In this embodiment, for example, the light source units 210a and 210b can be configured with substantially equal spacing P1 and P2.

[0085] On the illumination side of the light source device 210, prism elements 211a and 211b, extending across the light source units 210a and 210b, are respectively positioned opposite to the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2, and are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the Y direction, the prism elements 211a and 211b are arranged at positions where they overlap.

[0086] In this specification, "overlap" means having at least a portion of substantially the same coordinate position in a certain direction. Furthermore, in this specification, "overlap" is intended to be understood to include not only complete overlap but also partial overlap.

[0087] In this embodiment, the prism elements 211a and 211b can be configured to have substantially the same shape and size. Figure 5 As shown in (b), the XY view is a rectangle when viewed from above. Figure 5 As shown in (c), XZ appears to be approximately a parallelogram shape from below. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown in (c), prism elements 211a and 211b have a prism surface 212 into which the emitted light from the light source unit 210a is incident, and a light emitting surface 213 as its opposite surface, and can apply an anti-reflective coating to the prism surfaces 212 and 213 corresponding to the wavelength of the emitted light from the light source unit 210a.

[0088] like Figure 5(c) conceptually illustrates that the portion 212a of the prism surface 212 between the light source units 210a and 210b of the prism elements 211a and 211b, and the end portion 212b on the side of the light source unit 210a, can respectively abut against the surfaces 314 and 315 of the support member 311. The emitted light from the light source unit 210a will not pass through the portion 212a and the end portion 212b of the prism surface 212, therefore the support member 311 can support the prism elements without affecting the output of the light source device.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, prism elements 211a and 211b respectively have prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2 extending parallel to the X direction. As illustrated, when viewed from the X direction, prism elements 211a and 211b, arranged opposite to light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2, are alternately arranged with light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2. It is desirable that the width W between prism surfaces 211a1 and 211a2, and between prism surfaces 211b1 and 211b2, is configured to maximize the light emitted from light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 without obstructing their emission.

[0090] Light source units 210a and 210b may have substantially the same size structure or different size structures. In this embodiment, the adjacent side ends of the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of light source unit 210a are arranged with a separation distance d, and the light source element 202m1 constituting the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 has a uniform lens width m of a converging lens in the Y direction. Furthermore, light source unit 210b has substantially the same size structure as light source unit 210a, that is, the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 are arranged with a separation distance d, and the light source element 202m2 has a uniform lens width m of a converging lens in the Y direction.

[0091] It is desirable that the width W of the prism elements 211a and 211b is substantially equal to the separation distance of the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2, and the separation distance d of the light source element rows of light source units 210a and 210b in this embodiment. Furthermore, the lens width m of the converging lens of the light source element 202m1, and the lens width m of the converging lens of the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2 in this embodiment, is substantially equal to the width W of the prism elements 211a and 211b. Therefore, the gap between the emitted light from the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 and the emitted light from the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 can be minimized, allowing the illumination light from the light source device 210 to be concentrated at a high density.

[0092] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "substantially equal" not only includes values ​​that are not exactly the same, but may also include values ​​that actually take into account manufacturing tolerances, such as an error within the range of ±10%, and preferably, for example, an error within the range of ±5%.

[0093] (The optical path and configuration of the emitted light from the light source device)

[0094] In this embodiment, prism elements 211a and 211b are used as a light-guiding optical system for the emitted light of the light source unit 210a. (Refer to...) Figures 7A to 8 The optical path and configuration of the emitted light in the light source device of this embodiment will be described. Figure 7A This is a side view of the XZ plane showing the light path of the emitted light from the light source device 210 of Embodiment 1. Figure 7B This is a side view of the YZ plane showing the light path of the emitted light from the light source device 210 of Embodiment 1. Figure 8 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device 210 of Embodiment 1.

[0095] exist Figure 7A As shown in the XZ plane, light emitted from the light source element 202m1 of the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of the light source unit 210a is incident along a parallel optical axis (not shown) onto the prism surface 212 of the prism elements 211a and 211b on the illumination side of the light source device. The incident light travels within the prism element and reaches the prism surface 214. The optical glass constituting the prism elements 211a and 211b has a high refractive index relative to the external air, so the prism surface 214 can be configured to totally reflect the incident light. The totally reflected light is guided towards the light source unit 210b within the prism elements 211a and 211b and reaches the opposing prism surface 215, which is parallel to the prism surface 214. It is further totally reflected at the prism surface 215 and then emitted as the outgoing light Lm1 from the prism surface 213 parallel to the optical axis Oa.

[0096] On the other hand, light emitted from the light source elements 202m2 of the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of the light source unit 210b is emitted along a parallel optical axis (not shown) and does not incident on the prism elements 211a and 211b, but is emitted as outgoing light Lm2 from the light source device. In the light source device 210, although the light source units 210a and 210b are made as close as possible, due to their size, shape, etc., the two light source units are arranged in parallel with adjacent side ends spaced apart by a distance D. As shown, at least a portion of the plurality of light source elements 202m1 of the light source unit 210a can emit light from the coordinate positions within the range of the coordinate positions of the emitted light from the plurality of light source elements 202m2 of the light source unit 210b via the prism elements 211a and 211b in the X direction. In other words, the outgoing light Lm1 and Lm2 of the light source units 210a and 210b are emitted from the light source device 210 in an overlapping manner when viewed from the Y direction. Furthermore, in Figure 7A The diagram shows light emitted from a light source element 202m1 at a substantially identical coordinate position in the X direction to that of light source element 202m2, meaning that the emitted light beams Lm1 and Lm2 are emitted with approximately complete overlap when viewed from the Y direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible for at least a portion of the plurality of light source elements 202m1 to emit light from coordinate positions within a range of coordinate positions in the X direction of the emitted light from the plurality of light source elements 202m2, meaning that the emitted light beams Lm1 and Lm2 are emitted with partial overlap when viewed from the Y direction.

[0097] In addition, Figure 7A In the diagram, prism surface 214 is shown reflecting incident light in the X direction, which is perpendicular to the incident direction (Z direction), but this disclosure is not limited to this. Prism surface 214 can also be configured to reflect incident light in other directions.

[0098] Next, in Figure 7B In the YZ plane shown, preferably, the prism elements 211a and 211b are configured such that prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2 extend parallel to the optical axes Oa1, Oa2 and Ob2, Ob1. At this time, the emitted light Lm11 and Lm12 from the light source element 202m1 are incident along the parallel optical axes Oa1, Oa2 onto the prism surface 212 of the prism elements 211a and 211b, propagate within the prism element, and are then emitted. On the other hand, the emitted light Lm22 and Lm21 from the light source element 202m2 of the light source unit 210ba are emitted along the parallel optical axes Ob2, Ob1, without passing through the prism elements 211a and 211b, and are emitted from the side of prism surface 211b2 and between the opposing prism surfaces 211b1 and 211a2.

[0099] It is desirable that the emitted light from the light source element 202m1 is incident on the prism surface 212 of the prism elements 211a and 211b, which is close to the converging lens of the light source element 202m1. In this embodiment, the prism elements 211a and 211b are configured such that the distance h between the prism surface 212 and the converging lens of the light source element 202m1 is less than three times the lens width m in the Y direction of the converging lens. Therefore, even if there are offsets or tilts due to installation errors of the prism elements 211a and 211b, or scattering or offset of the emitted light due to structural errors of the light source, the light can still be received by the prism surface 212.

[0100] In this embodiment, the prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2 of the prism elements 211a and 211b can be formed by surfaces parallel to the emission optical axes of the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2. Preferably, the prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2 are formed by smooth surfaces parallel to the emission optical axes of the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2. In this specification, "smooth surface" means a smooth surface without any bumps or depressions, but it also includes a slightly uneven surface with a tolerance range in the manufacturing process. For example, the prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2 can be formed by a general mirror grade. Furthermore, a general mirror surface refers to a smooth surface that causes less scattering due to unevenness, such as a surface with a roughness that does not substantially scatter incident light and instead reflects it approximately orthogonally. More specifically, for example, surface roughness as a mirror surface can be exemplified by the arithmetic mean height Ra and / or the maximum height Rz and / or the ten-point average height RzJIS, which are roughnesses smaller than the wavelength of the incident light. By using prism surfaces 211a1, 211a2 and prism surfaces 211b1, 211b2, which are smooth surfaces parallel to the outgoing optical axis of the light source element, it is possible to suppress diffuse reflection of light rays Li2a, Li2b, Li2c that are incident at a large angle of incidence relative to prism surfaces 211a2, 211b1, 211b2 in the outgoing light from the light source element 202m2. Therefore, the reflected light rays Lm2a, Lm2b, and Lm2c, which are reflected at a reflection angle that is substantially equal to the incident angle, can be emitted along the illumination direction (Z direction) of the light source device, thereby reducing the loss of the emitted light from the light source element 202m2.

[0101] like Figure 8As shown, in the XY plane, the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 of the light source unit 210a are arranged in region 216a, and the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2 of the light source unit 210b are arranged in region 216b. Through the prism elements 211a and 211b, the emitted light from the light source element rows 202a1 and 202a2 is guided from region 216a to the light source unit 210b. Viewed from the Y direction, it exits from region 216a1, which overlaps with the arrangement region 216b of the light source element rows 202b1 and 202b2. Therefore, the light source device 210 can emit illumination light from the light-emitting region 217, where the emitted light from the light source units 210a and 210b is densely concentrated, and can output high-brightness illumination light.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the prism elements 211a and 211b, which serve as the light-guiding optical system, utilize prism surfaces 214 and 215 ( Figure 7A Total internal reflection of incident light suppresses the reduction in brightness caused by scattering and absorption during light reflection. Furthermore, the prism elements can achieve high-precision parallelism of prism surfaces 214 and 215 during manufacturing, without the need for chamfering, thus avoiding ineffective areas generated when forming reflective surfaces in the mirror. Therefore, by inserting prism elements between the rows of light source elements 210b in the light source unit, the emitted light from light source element rows 202a1, 202a2 and light source element rows 202b1, 202b2 can be concentrated at a high density.

[0103] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to light-guiding optical systems composed of prism elements. For example, a light-guiding optical system may also be composed of a mirror. The light source device 210 of this embodiment can have a replacement Figure 7A The prism elements 211a and 211b shown include a light-guiding optical system comprising, for example, reflective surfaces 214 and 215 made of mirrors. In this case, light emitted from the light source element 202m1 can be emitted as outgoing light Lm1 after being reflected sequentially by reflective surfaces 214 and 215.

[0104] According to the above-described Embodiment 1, in a light source device comprising multiple light source units, each containing a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements, the emitted light from each row of light source elements can be concentrated at a high density to output high-brightness illumination light.

[0105] (Implementation Method 2)

[0106] Reference Figures 9 to 12The structure of the light source device according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The light source device according to Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it includes different light source units. Therefore, Embodiment 2 will be described focusing on this difference. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote the constituent elements of Embodiment 2 that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the light source unit 220a of the light source device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the structure of the light source device 220 and the light source units 220a and 220b of Embodiment 2. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device 220 of Embodiment 2. Figure 12 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device 220 in Embodiment 2.

[0108] like Figure 10 As shown, the light source device 220 of Embodiment 2 includes: light source units 220a and 220b; and a prism element 221 disposed across the light source units 220a and 220b on the illumination side. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In this design, the support member for the prism element 221 is omitted, but the light source device 220 can have the same support member as the support member 311 of the aforementioned light source device 210. The prism element 221 has the same structure as the aforementioned prism elements 211a and 211b, and the light source unit 220b has the same structure as the aforementioned light source units 210a and 210b. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the light source unit 220a has one light source element row 202, which is similar to... Figure 4 The light source unit 210a shown is different.

[0109] The light source unit 220a includes a light source element array 202 arranged along the X direction, a substrate 203, and an electrode 204. The light source element array 202c is configured such that a plurality of light source elements 202m emitting laser light along mutually parallel optical axes are arranged in an array. In this embodiment, the light source unit 220a is composed of a light source element array 202c consisting of four light source elements 202m, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The light source element array constituting the light source unit 220a may also contain any number of light source elements.

[0110] Each light source element 202m is, for example, composed of a semiconductor laser element and a collimating lens that makes the laser light from the semiconductor laser element substantially parallel, and is mounted to emit laser light approximately parallel to each other. The rows of light source elements 202a1 and 202a2 are disposed on a substrate 203 with excellent thermal conductivity and are powered by electrodes 204 connected to a power source.

[0111] like Figure 10 As shown, light source units 220a and 220b are configured such that the substrates are substantially disposed on the same plane and are separated from each other in the X direction. Furthermore, viewed from the X direction, the light source element row 202c of light source unit 220a is disposed between the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 of light source unit 220b. Therefore, as shown, the light source element row 202c of light source unit 220a and the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 of light source unit 220b are located at different positions in both the X and Y directions. The light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 of light source unit 220b can be arranged with a spacing P2. Here, the spacing P2 is the center-to-center distance between the collimating lenses constituting the light source elements 202m of adjacent light source element rows.

[0112] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the prism element 221 has prism surfaces 221a and 221b extending parallel to the X direction. As illustrated, the prism element 221, disposed opposite to the light source element array 202c, is located between the light source element arrays 202d1 and 202d2. It is desirable that the width W between the prism surfaces 221a and 221b is maximized so as not to obstruct the emitted light from the light source element arrays 202d1 and 202d2.

[0113] In this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent side ends of the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 of the light source unit 220b is arranged with a separation distance d, and the light source element 202m1 constituting the light source element row 202c and the light source element 202m2 constituting the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 have a lens width m of a uniform converging lens in the Y direction.

[0114] It is desirable that the width W of the prism element 221 is substantially equal to the separation distance d of the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2. Furthermore, the lens width m of the converging lenses of the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2 is substantially equal to the width W of the prism element 221. Therefore, the gap between the emitted light from the light source element row 202c and the emitted light from the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 can be minimized, allowing the illumination light from the light source device 220 to be concentrated at a high density.

[0115] On the illumination side of the light source device 220, a prism element 221 extending across light source units 220a and 220b is arranged opposite to the light source element row 202c of light source unit 220a, serving as a light guiding optical system for the emitted light from light source unit 220a. The emitted light from light source unit 220a is incident on the prism element 221, guided within the prism element 221 towards light source unit 220b, and then emitted. Conversely, the emitted light from light source unit 220b can exit without passing through the prism element 221. The optical paths of the emitted light from light source units 220a and 220b are... Figure 7A , Figure 7B The optical paths shown are similar, so detailed explanations are omitted here.

[0116] like Figure 12 As shown, in the XY plane, the light source element array 202c of light source unit 220a is arranged in region 226a, and the light source element arrays 202d1 and 202d2 of light source unit 220b are arranged in region 226b. Through prism element 221, the emitted light from the light source element array 202c is guided from region 226a to region 226b, and when viewed from the Y direction, it is emitted from region 226a1, which overlaps with the arrangement region 226b of the light source element arrays 202d1 and 202d2. At this time, at least a portion of the plurality of light source elements of light source unit 220a can emit light from the coordinate positions within the range of the coordinate positions in the X direction of the emitted light from the plurality of light source elements of light source unit 220b via prism element 221. In other words, the emitted light from light source units 220a and 220b is emitted overlappingly from the light source device 220 when viewed from the Y direction. Furthermore, here, "emitting overlappingly" can mean either substantially completely overlapping or partially overlapping. Therefore, the light source device 220 can emit illumination light from the light-emitting region 227, where the emitted light from the light source units 220a and 220b is concentrated at a high density, and can output high-brightness illumination light. Thus, in this embodiment, prism elements 221 can be inserted between the rows of light source elements 220b of the light source unit, which can concentrate the emitted light from the light source element rows 202c and the light source element rows 202d1 and 202d2 at a high density.

[0117] Furthermore, the light source device 220 of this embodiment can be equipped with a replacement Figure 10 The prism element 221 shown is, for example, a light-guiding optical system comprising reflective surfaces 224, 225 made of mirrors.

[0118] According to the above-described Embodiment 2, in a light source device comprising multiple light source units, each containing a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements, the emitted light from each row of light source elements can be concentrated at a high density to output high-brightness illumination light.

[0119] (Implementation Method 3)

[0120] Reference Figures 13 to 16 The structure of the light source device according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The light source device according to Embodiment 3 includes a light source device unit composed of the light source devices according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above. Components that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 are marked with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0121] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the light source device 230 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 14A This is a side view of the light source device 230 of Embodiment 3, and the structure is shown in the XZ plane. Figure 14B This is a view of the light source device 230 of Embodiment 3 from another side, and the structure is shown in the YZ plane. Figure 14C This is a top view of the light source device 230 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 15 This is a side view showing the optical path of the emitted light from the light source device 230 of Embodiment 3. Figure 16 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device 230 in Embodiment 3.

[0122] like Figure 13 As shown, the light source device 230 of this embodiment includes light source device units 230A and 230B and a prism 232. Light source device unit 230A is composed of light source units 230a and 230b and prism elements 231a and 231b extending across the light source units 230a and 230b. Light source device unit 230B is composed of light source units 230c and 230d and prism elements 231c and 231d extending across the light source units 230c and 230d. The prism 232 is disposed across the light source device units 230A and 230B on the illumination side of the light source device 230.

[0123] The light source device units 230A and 230B can each have the same structure as the light source device 210 according to Embodiment 1 or the light source device 220 according to Embodiment 2. Furthermore, in Figures 13 to 14C In the illustration, light source device units 230A and 230B are shown to have the same structure as the light source device 210 according to Embodiment 1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. One or both of the light source device units 230A and 230B can also be configured in the same way as the light source device 220 according to Embodiment 2.

[0124] like Figures 14A to 14CAs shown, the light source units 230A and 230B are positioned as close as possible, but due to limitations in their size and shape, adjacent sides are separated by a distance D1. This is not a limitation, but in this embodiment, each of the light source units 230A and 230B can be composed of the same light source element 202m. As shown, the rightmost light source element 202m of light source unit 230b and the leftmost light source element 202m of light source unit 230c are separated by a distance D2. The prism 232, positioned on the illumination side, has a roughly parallelogram shape when viewed from above (XZ), extends across the light source units 230A and 230B in the X direction, and has a width in the Y direction covering the light source unit 230c and the prism elements 231c and 231d.

[0125] like Figure 15 As shown, the emitted light from light source units 230a and 230b of light source device unit 230A is highly concentrated by prism elements 231a and 231b, and is emitted as emitted light LmA without passing through prism 232. The emitted light from light source units 230c and 230d of light source device unit 230B, after being highly concentrated by prism elements 231c and 231d, is emitted as emitted light LmB and incident on prism surface 234 of prism 232.

[0126] In this embodiment, prism 232 is used as a light-guiding optical system for the emitted light of light source device unit 230B. The emitted light from light source device unit 230B, incident on prism 234 via prism surface 234, travels within prism 232 and reaches prism surface 235. The optical glass constituting prism 232 has a high refractive index relative to external air, thus prism surface 235 can be configured to totally reflect the incident light. The totally reflected light is guided towards light source device unit 230A within prism 232, reaching prism surface 236 on the opposite side parallel to prism surface 235. It is further totally reflected at prism surface 236 and then emitted as emitted light LmC from prism surface 237. Furthermore, anti-reflective coatings corresponding to the wavelength of the emitted light from light source device unit 230B can be applied to prism surfaces 234 and 237.

[0127] On the other hand, such as Figure 15 As shown, the emitted light from the light source unit 230A can be emitted without passing through the prism 232. In this embodiment, in the light source units 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d, the light source elements 202m can be arranged in the X direction with spacings PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 as shown in the figure. This is not a limitation, but in this embodiment, PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 can be configured with equal values ​​of PC. In this case, the emitted light beam LmA from the light source unit 230A can be emitted along mutually parallel optical axes with spacing PC in the X direction.

[0128] The emitted light beam LmB of the light source unit 230B is incident on the prism 232 with a spacing PC in the X direction, and is guided by the prism 232 toward the light source unit 230A and emitted. The emitted light beam LmC is emitted along optical axes that are parallel to each other with a spacing PC in the X direction. The leftmost beam of the emitted light LmC can be separated from the rightmost beam of the emitted light LmA by a distance d1. The distance d1 is smaller than the distance D1 of the light source units 230A and 230B, but is not limited to this, but can, for example, have a value equal to the spacing PC. In this way, in the light source device 230 of this embodiment, the emitted light beams LmA and LmC of the light source units 230A and 230B can be emitted close to a distance d1 smaller than the distance D1 of the light source units 230A and 230B.

[0129] like Figure 16 As shown, in the XY plane, the light source element array of light source unit 230a is arranged in region 236a, and the light source element array of light source unit 230b is arranged in region 236b. Through prism elements 231a and 231b, light source device unit 230A emits illumination light from the light-emitting region 237a, where the emitted light from light source units 236a and 220b converges. The light source element array of light source unit 230c is arranged in region 236c, and the light source element array of light source unit 230d is arranged in region 236d. Through prism elements 231c and 231c, light source device unit 230B emits illumination light from the light-emitting region 237b, where the emitted light from light source units 236c and 220d converges. Furthermore, through prism 232, the illumination light from light source device unit 230B is guided from region 237b to the side of light source unit 230A, and can be emitted from the light-emitting region 237b1, which is close to the light-emitting region 237a of light source device unit 230A in the X direction. Thus, light source device 230 can emit illumination light from the light-emitting region 238, where the illumination light from light source device units 230A and 230B is concentrated at a high density, and can output high-brightness illumination light.

[0130] Furthermore, the light source device 230 of this embodiment can be equipped with a replacement Figure 15 The prism 232 shown is, for example, a light-guiding optical system comprising reflective surfaces 235 and 236 made of mirrors.

[0131] According to the above-described embodiment 3, in a light source device comprising multiple light source units, each containing a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements, the emitted light from each row of light source elements can be concentrated at a high density to output high-brightness illumination light.

[0132] (Implementation Method 4)

[0133] The structure that enables a high-density collection of emitted light from the array of light source elements disclosed herein can be applied without being limited to the configuration of a light source unit having an array of light source elements. For this purpose, see [reference needed]. Figures 17 to 19 The structure of the light source device according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The light source device according to Embodiment 4 includes the light source device according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above, and further includes a light source unit with light source element rows having different orientations. Components that are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above are marked with the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0134] Figure 17 This is a top view of the light source device 240 according to embodiment 4. Figure 18 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the light source elements in the light source device 240 of Embodiment 4. Figure 19 This is a top view showing the configuration of the emitted light from the light source device 240 in Embodiment 4.

[0135] like Figure 17 As shown, the light source device 240 of this embodiment includes: a light source device unit 240A, a light source unit 250, and a prism 242. The light source device unit 240A is composed of light source units 240a and 240b and prism elements 241a and 241b extending across the light source units 240a and 240b. The light source unit 250 includes a row of light source elements 202g arranged along the Y direction. The prism 242 is arranged across the light source device unit 240A and the light source unit 250 on the illumination side of the light source device 240.

[0136] exist Figures 17 to 19 In the illustration, light source device unit 240A is shown to have the same structure as the light source device 210 described in Embodiment 1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Light source device unit 240A may have the same structure as the light source device 210 described in Embodiment 1 or the light source device 220 described in Embodiment 2. Furthermore, light source unit 250 is shown to have the same structure as the light source unit 220a described in Embodiment 2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Light source unit 250 may also have the same structure as the light source units 210a and 210b described in Embodiment 1, including multiple rows of light source elements.

[0137] like Figure 18As shown, the light source element array 202g of the light source unit 250 is configured such that, when viewed from the X direction, it is arranged separately from the light source element arrays 202f1 and 202f2 of the light source unit 240b, and when viewed from the Y direction, it does not intersect with the light source element arrays 202f1 and 202f2. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in the figure, when viewed from the Y direction, the upper end 202G of the light source element array 202g and the lower end 202F of the light source element arrays 202f1 and 202f2 are close to each other and can be arranged to be approximately adjacent. However, this is not a limitation, but in this embodiment, the light source element array 202g can be composed of the same light source element 202m3 as the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2 of the light source units 210a and 210b of the light source device unit 240A. The arrangement direction of the light source element 202m3 is different from that of the light source elements 202m1 and 202m2, and it can include a collimating lens having a lens width m in the X direction.

[0138] In this embodiment, prism 242 is used as a light-guiding optical system for the emitted light from light source unit 250. Prism 242 is arranged opposite to the light source element array 202g of light source unit 250. The width T in the X direction of prism 242 can be the same as or different from the width W in the Y direction of prism elements 241a and 241b of light source device unit 240A. In this embodiment, the width T of prism 242 is substantially equal to the lens width m of the collimating lens of light source element 202m3. Therefore, the gap between the emitted light from light source element array 202g and the emitted light from light source element arrays 202f1 and 202f2 can be minimized, allowing the illumination light from light source device 240 to be concentrated at a high density. Furthermore, when light source unit 250 includes multiple light source element arrays, prism 242 can be composed of multiple prisms opposite to each light source element array of light source unit 250, or it can be composed of a single prism having a width covering multiple light source element arrays.

[0139] Prism 242 can be configured in the same way as prism elements 241a and 241b. The light emitted from the light source element array 202g of the light source unit 250 is incident on prism 242 and guided by prism 242 toward the light source device unit 240A, allowing it to be observed from the X-direction to overlap with the illumination light from the light source device unit 240A before exiting from the light source device unit 240A. The light emitted from the light source device unit 240A exits without passing through prism 242.

[0140] like Figure 19As shown, in the XY plane, the light source element rows 202e1 and 202e2 of the light source unit 240a are arranged in region 246a, and the light source element rows 202f1 and 202f2 of the light source unit 240b are arranged in region 246b. Through prism elements 241a and 241b, the light source device unit 240A emits illumination light from the assembled light-emitting region 247. The light source element row 202g of the light source unit 250 is arranged in region 246c. Through prism 242, the emitted light from the light source element row 202g is guided from region 246c towards the vicinity of region 247, as shown in the figure, and when viewed from the X direction, it can be emitted from the light-emitting region 246c1 that overlaps with the light-emitting region 247 of the light source device unit 240A. At this time, at least a portion of the plurality of light source elements of the light source unit 250 can emit light from the coordinate positions within the range of the X-direction coordinate positions of the emitted light from the plurality of light source elements of the light source device unit 240A via the prism 242. In other words, the emitted light from the light source unit 250 and the light source device unit 240A is emitted from the light source device 240 overlapping when viewed from the X-direction. Furthermore, here, "overlapping emission" can mean either approximately completely overlapping emission or partially overlapping emission. As a result, the light source device 240 can emit illumination light from the light-emitting region 248, where the emitted light from the light source device unit 240A and the light source unit 250 is densely concentrated, and can output high-brightness illumination light. In addition, since the light source elements constituting the light source units 240a, 240b and the light source unit 250 are arranged in different directions, the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting region 248 can contain light with different polarization directions.

[0141] Furthermore, the light source device 240 of this embodiment can be equipped with a light-guiding optical system that, for example, includes a reflective surface made of a mirror, instead of the prism 242. This light-guiding optical system can guide the emitted light from the light source element array 202g of the light source unit 250 toward the light source device unit 240A by reflecting the light emitted from the light source device 240A using the reflective surface, and emitted from the light source device 240 in an X-direction manner overlapping with the illumination light from the light source device unit 240A.

[0142] According to the above-described embodiment 4, in a light source device comprising multiple light source units, each containing a row of light source elements arranged with multiple laser light source elements, the emitted light from each row of light source elements can be concentrated at a high density to output high-brightness illumination light.

[0143] Furthermore, while the light source device 240 of Embodiment 4 is described as being composed of a light source device unit 240A and a light source unit 250, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the light source device 240 of Embodiment 4 can also be constructed by replacing the light source unit 250 with two light source device units having the same structure as the light source device unit 240A but with different arrangement directions of their light source elements. In this case, a prism having the same structure as the aforementioned prism 232 can be configured as a light-guiding optical system spanning the two light source device units, or a light-guiding optical system including a reflective surface composed of mirrors can also be configured.

[0144] Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, the structure of the light source unit having one or two rows of light source elements was described as an example, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the light source unit can include three or more rows of light source elements, and the light source device can have a light guiding optical system corresponding to each row of light source elements.

[0145] Furthermore, in the aforementioned projection-type image display device, the light source device emitting red light and the light source device emitting green light are described as having two light source units. However, when the overall illumination light output of the device is required, the light source device emitting blue light can also be configured to have multiple light source units, each having a light source element column with multiple light source elements arranged therein.

[0146] As described above, the embodiments described herein have been illustrated as examples of the technology in this disclosure. For this purpose, accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions have been provided. Therefore, the constituent elements described in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only those essential for solving the problem, but also those not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology described above. Therefore, since these non-essential constituent elements are described in the drawings and detailed descriptions, they should not be immediately assumed to be essential.

[0147] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are used to illustrate the technology in this disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0148] Industrial availability

[0149] This disclosure can be applied to lighting devices used in projection-type image display devices.

[0150] -Explanation of Figure Markers-

[0151] 101-bar integrator

[0152] 102, 103 Relay Lenses

[0153] 104, 208 reflective mirrors

[0154] 105 field lens

[0155] 106 Total Internal Reflection Prism Units

[0156] Prisms 107 and 108

[0157] 111 Color Prism Units

[0158] Prisms 113, 115, and 116

[0159] 117R, 117G, 117B image display elements, DMD

[0160] 118 Projection Optical System

[0161] 200 lighting fixtures

[0162] 202m, 202m1, 202m2, 202m3 Light source elements

[0163] 203 substrate

[0164] 204 electrode

[0165] 205 and 206 dichroic mirrors

[0166] 207, 209 Condensing Lenses

[0167] 210R, 210G, 210B Light Source Devices

[0168] 210, 220, 230, 240 light source devices

[0169] 210a, 210b, 220a, 220b Light Source Units

[0170] 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d Light Source Units

[0171] 240a, 240b, 250 light source units

[0172] 230A, 230B, 240A light source devices, light source device units

[0173] Light source element series 202a1, 202a2, 202b1, 202b2

[0174] 211a, 211b, 221 Prism Elements

[0175] Prisms 232 and 242

[0176] Prism surfaces 212, 213, 214, and 215

[0177] 311 Supporting Components

[0178] The width of W and T prisms

[0179] m is the lens width.

Claims

1. A light source device, comprising: The first light source unit includes a first light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along a first direction, which emits a first laser beam; The second light source unit comprises a second light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along the first direction, and is separately configured relative to the first light source unit in the first direction to emit a second laser beam; and A light-guiding optical system is configured opposite to the first light source element column and spans across the first light source unit and the second light source unit. The second light source unit comprises at least two rows of the second light source elements arranged separately from each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Viewed from the first direction, the first light source element column is arranged between two adjacent second light source element columns. The first laser and the second laser are emitted in a third direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The light-guiding optical system includes: A first reflecting surface reflects the incident first laser beam toward the second light source unit in the first direction; and The second reflecting surface, parallel to the first reflecting surface, further reflects the first laser light reflected by the first reflecting surface, and emits it overlapping with the second laser light when viewed from the second direction.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-guiding optical system is composed of prism elements. The prism element comprises: The first prism surface into which the first laser is incident; The second prism surface serves as the first reflecting surface; and The third prism surface serves as the second reflecting surface.

3. The light source device according to claim 2, wherein, The first light source unit includes: At least two of the first light source element rows are arranged separately from each other in the second direction; and At least two of the prism elements are respectively arranged opposite to the first light source element row, extending across the first light source unit and the second light source unit. Viewed from the first direction, the first light source element column and the second light source element column are arranged alternately. Each of the prism elements has: a surface parallel to the third direction and a pair of fourth prism surfaces extending along the first direction. The second laser is emitted between the opposing fourth prism surfaces of the adjacent prism elements.

4. The light source device according to claim 3, wherein, The width between a pair of fourth prism faces of the prism element is substantially equal to the spacing between adjacent sides of two adjacent rows of second light source elements.

5. The light source device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The light source elements constituting the first light source element column include: a semiconductor laser element and a collimating lens disposed relative to the semiconductor laser element. The collimating lens has a lens width in the second direction that is substantially equal to the width between the pair of fourth prism surfaces.

6. The light source device according to claim 5, wherein, The distance between the first prism surface and the collimating lens is less than three times the width of the lens.

7. The light source device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The light source device also includes: a support member for supporting the prism element. The supporting member abuts against the first prism surface between the first light source unit and the second light source unit.

8. A light source device, comprising: The light source device as described in claim 1 or 2, namely, a first light source device arranged apart from each other by a first distance in the first direction and emitting a first illumination light, and a second light source device emitting a second illumination light; and A light-guiding optical system is configured to span the first light source device and the second light source device. The light-guiding optical system includes: The third reflecting surface reflects the incident second irradiation light toward the first light source device in the first direction; and The fourth reflecting surface, parallel to the third reflecting surface, further reflects the second irradiation light reflected by the third reflecting surface and emits it in the first direction at a second distance smaller than the first distance relative to the first irradiation light.

9. The light source device according to claim 8, wherein, The light-guiding optical system is composed of prisms. The prism comprises: The fifth prism surface into which the second irradiation light is incident; The sixth prism surface serves as the third reflecting surface; and The 7th prism surface serves as the fourth reflecting surface.

10. A light source device, comprising: The light source device described in claim 1 or 2 is the first light source device that emits the first irradiation light; The third light source unit comprises a third light source element column formed by a plurality of light source elements arranged along the second direction, which emits the third laser beam along the third direction; and A light-guiding optical system is configured opposite to the third light source element column and spans across the third light source unit and the first light source device. The third light source element column, when viewed from the second direction, does not intersect with the second light source element column, and when viewed from the first direction, is configured separately from the second light source element column. The light-guiding optical system includes: The fifth reflecting surface reflects the incident third laser beam toward the first light source device in the second direction; and The sixth reflecting surface, parallel to the fifth reflecting surface, further reflects the third laser light reflected by the fifth reflecting surface, and emits it out overlapping with the first irradiation light when viewed from the first direction.

11. The light source device according to claim 10, wherein, The light-guiding optical system is composed of prisms. The prism comprises: The 8th prism surface into which the 3rd laser is incident; The ninth prism surface, serving as the fifth reflecting surface; and The 10th prism surface serves as the sixth reflecting surface.

12. A lighting device comprising at least one light source device as described in claim 1 or 2.

13. A projection-type image display device, comprising: The lighting device as described in claim 12; An image display element modulates the illumination light emitted from the illumination device and emits it as projection light; and A projection optical system amplifies and projects the projection light to display an image.

Images