Light source device and projector

Abstract

This invention provides a light source device and a projector, which can improve light utilization efficiency. The light source device of this invention includes a light source unit, a light guide component from which light enters, and a support component supporting the light guide component. The light guide component has a first surface and a second surface, a third surface and a fourth surface that intersect the first surface and the second surface and are located on opposite sides, and a fifth surface and a sixth surface that intersect the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface and are located on opposite sides. A light-emitting element is disposed opposite to the third surface, and light is emitted from the first surface by the light guide component. The support groove has a support surface supporting the fourth surface, a first wall surface opposite to the fifth surface, and a second wall surface opposite to the sixth surface. The light source unit is arranged with a substrate facing the first sidewall and the second sidewall. When an imaginary plane connecting the first top surface and the second top surface is provided, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located on the third surface side of the light guide component relative to the imaginary plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a light source device and a projector. Background Technology

[0002] As a light source device for a projector, a light source device utilizing fluorescence emitted from a phosphor when excitation light emitted from a light-emitting element is irradiated by the phosphor has been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a light source device comprising: an excitation light source having a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on a substrate; a phosphor rod that converts the excitation light emitted from each light-emitting element of the excitation light source into fluorescence; and a holding member that holds the phosphor rod. In this light source device, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is disposed separately from the upper surface of the holding member.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-75614

[0004] However, in the aforementioned light source device, light emitted from the light-emitting element, or light emitted from the light-emitting element that is reflected but does not strike the phosphor rod, leaks out from the gap between the light source and the upper surface of the holder, thereby potentially reducing the light utilization efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, one embodiment of the present invention provides a light source device comprising: a light source unit having a light-emitting element emitting light from a light-emitting surface and a substrate supporting the light-emitting element; a light guide member to which the light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident; and a support member having a support groove supporting the light guide member. The light guide member has: a first surface and a second surface, which are located opposite to each other in the long side direction of the light guide member; a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface, and the fourth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface, and the third surface and the fourth surface being located opposite to each other; and a fifth surface and a sixth surface, the fifth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, and the sixth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the fifth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the sixth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the third surface intersecting the second surface and the third surface, the sixth surface intersecting the third surface and the second surface, and the sixth surface intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the fifth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the sixth ... The fifth and sixth surfaces are located on opposite sides of each other. The light-emitting element is arranged such that the light-emitting surface faces the third surface of the light-guiding member. The light-guiding member emits light from the first surface. The support groove of the support member has: a support surface that supports the fourth surface of the light-guiding member; a first wall surface of the first sidewall that intersects the support surface and faces the fifth surface of the light-guiding member; and a second wall surface of the second sidewall that intersects the support surface and faces the sixth surface of the light-guiding member. The light source is arranged relative to the support member such that the substrate faces the first top surface of the first sidewall and the second top surface of the second sidewall. When an imaginary plane connecting the first top surface and the second top surface is provided, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located on the third surface side of the light-guiding member relative to the imaginary plane.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a projector comprising: a light source device according to one embodiment of the present invention; a light modulation device that modulates light emitted from the light source device according to image information; and a projection optics device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device. Attached Figure Description

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

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first lighting device.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the general structure of the light source section.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a top view of the light source device as viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0011] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV line light source device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device in the first modified example.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device in the second variation.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device in the third variation.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device in the fourth variation.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device in the fifth variation.

[0017] Label Explanation

[0018] 1: Projector; 4B, 4G, 4R: Light modulation device; 6: Projection optical device; 50: Wavelength conversion component (light guide component); 50a: First surface; 50b: Second surface; 50c: Third surface; 50d: Fourth surface; 50e: Fifth surface; 50f: Sixth surface; 70, 370, 470: Light source; 54: Support component; 55a: First top surface; 56: First notch (notch); 57a: Second top surface; 58: Second notch (notch); 71, 371, 471: Substrate; 72, 372, 427, 472: Light-emitting element; 72a 372a, 472a: Light-emitting surface; 74: Metal wire; 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600: Light source device; 141: First sidewall; 142, 242: Second sidewall; 154: Support groove; 154a: First wall surface; 154b, 254b: Second wall surface; 154s: Support surface; 301: Insulating layer; 373: Electrode part; 54a1: First part; 54a2: Second part; 54b3: Third part; 54b4: Fourth part; KM: Imaginary plane; E: Excitation light (first light); Y: Fluorescence (second light). Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following describes one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The projector in this embodiment is an example of a projector that uses a liquid crystal panel as a light modulation device.

[0021] In the following figures, the scale of the dimensions is sometimes different depending on the constituent elements so as to facilitate observation of each constituent element.

[0022] Figure 1This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the projector 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the projector 1 of this embodiment is a projection-type image display device that displays color images on a screen SCR, which serves as the projection surface. The projector 1 has three light modulation devices corresponding to each color of light: red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB.

[0024] The projector 1 has a first illumination device 20, a second illumination device 21, a color separation optical system 3, a light modulation device 4R, a light modulation device 4G, a light modulation device 4B, a light combining element 5, and a projection optical device 6.

[0025] The first illumination device 20 emits yellow fluorescence Y towards the color separation optical system 3. The second illumination device 21 emits blue light LB towards the light modulation device 4B. The detailed structure of the first illumination device 20 and the second illumination device 21 will be described later.

[0026] The following description, in the accompanying drawings, will use an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system as needed. The Z-axis is the axis along the top and bottom of the projector 1. The X-axis is the axis parallel to the optical axis AX1 of the first illumination device 20 and the optical axis AX2 of the second illumination device 21. The Y-axis is the axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis. The optical axis AX1 of the first illumination device 20 is the central axis of the fluorescence Y emitted from the first illumination device 20. The optical axis AX2 of the second illumination device 21 is the central axis of the blue light LB emitted from the second illumination device 21. One direction along the X-axis is called the +X direction, and its opposite direction is called the -X direction; one direction along the Y-axis is called the +Y direction, and its opposite direction is called the -Y direction; one direction along the Z-axis is called the +Z direction, and its opposite direction is called the -Z direction. Furthermore, without distinguishing between the two directions along the X-axis, they are collectively referred to as the X-axis direction; without distinguishing between the two directions along the Y-axis, they are collectively referred to as the Y-axis direction; and without distinguishing between the two directions along the Z-axis, they are collectively referred to as the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The color separation optical system 3 separates the yellow fluorescent Y emitted from the first illumination device 20 into red light LR and green light LG. The color separation optical system 3 has a dichroic mirror 7, a first reflecting mirror 8a, and a second reflecting mirror 8b.

[0028] Dichroic mirror 7 separates the fluorescent Y light into red light LR and green light LG. Dichroic mirror 7 allows red light LR to pass through and reflects green light LG. A second reflector 8b is positioned in the optical path of the green light LG. The second reflector 8b reflects the green light LG reflected by dichroic mirror 7 towards the optical modulation device 4G. A first reflector 8a is positioned in the optical path of the red light LR. The first reflector 8a reflects the red light LR that has passed through dichroic mirror 7 towards the optical modulation device 4R.

[0029] On the other hand, the blue light LB emitted from the second lighting device 21 is reflected by the reflector 9 toward the light modulation device 4B.

[0030] The second lighting device 21 includes a second light source 81, a condenser lens 82, a diffuser plate 83, a rod lens 84, and a relay lens 85. The second light source 81 is composed of at least one semiconductor laser. The second light source 81 emits blue light LB composed of laser light. Alternatively, the second light source 81 is not limited to a semiconductor laser, but may also be composed of an LED that emits blue light.

[0031] The condenser lens 82 is a convex lens. The condenser lens 82 causes the blue light LB emitted from the second light source 81 to be incident on the diffuser plate 83 in a substantially convergent state. The diffuser plate 83 diffuses the blue light LB emitted from the condenser lens 82 with a predetermined diffusion degree, generating blue light LB having a substantially uniform light distribution distribution similar to the fluorescence Y emitted from the first illumination device 20. For example, frosted glass made of optical glass can be used as the diffuser plate 83.

[0032] Blue light LB, diffused by diffuser 83, is incident on rod lens 84. Rod lens 84 has a prismatic shape extending along the optical axis AX2 of the second illumination device 21. Rod lens 84 has a light incident end face 84a at one end and a light emitting end face 84b at the other end. Diffuser 83 is fixed to the light incident end face 84a of rod lens 84 by optical adhesive (not shown). Preferably, the refractive index of diffuser 83 is as similar as possible to the refractive index of rod lens 84.

[0033] Blue light LB undergoes total internal reflection inside the rod lens 84 and propagates, thus exiting from the light exiting end face 84b in a state with improved uniformity of illuminance distribution. The blue light LB exiting from the rod lens 84 is incident on the relay lens 85. The relay lens 85 causes the blue light LB, with improved uniformity of illuminance distribution after passing through the rod lens 84, to be incident on the reflecting mirror 9.

[0034] The shape of the light-emitting end face 84b of the rod lens 84 is rectangular, roughly similar in shape to the image-forming area of ​​the light modulation device 4B. Thus, the blue light LB emitted from the rod lens 84 is efficiently incident on the image-forming area of ​​the light modulation device 4B.

[0035] Optical modulation device 4R modulates the red light LR according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the red light LR. Optical modulation device 4G modulates the green light LG according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the green light LG. Optical modulation device 4B modulates the blue light LB according to the image information to form an image light corresponding to the blue light LB.

[0036] The optical modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B each use, for example, transmissive liquid crystal panels. Furthermore, polarizers (not shown) are disposed on the incident and emission sides of the liquid crystal panels. The polarizers allow only linearly polarized light in a specific direction to pass through.

[0037] A field lens 10R is disposed on the incident side of the optical modulation device 4R. A field lens 10G is disposed on the incident side of the optical modulation device 4G. A field lens 10B is disposed on the incident side of the optical modulation device 4B. The field lens 10R parallelizes the principal ray of the red light LR incident on the optical modulation device 4R. The field lens 10G parallelizes the principal ray of the green light LG incident on the optical modulation device 4G. The field lens 10B parallelizes the principal ray of the blue light LB incident on the optical modulation device 4B.

[0038] The light combining element 5 combines the image light corresponding to the red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB by incident on the image light emitted from the light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, and then emits the combined image light toward the projection optical device 6. The light combining element 5 may be, for example, a cross-shaped dichroic prism.

[0039] The projection optics 6 consists of multiple projection lenses. The projection optics 6 magnifies and projects the image light synthesized by the light-combining element 5 toward the SCR screen. Thus, a color image is displayed on the SCR screen.

[0040] Next, the structure of the first lighting device 20 will be described.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first lighting device 20.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the first illumination device 20 includes a light source device 100, a parallel optical system 63, an integrating optical system 80, a polarization conversion element 102, and an overlapping optical system 103.

[0043] The light source device 100 includes a wavelength conversion component 50, a light source unit 70, an angle conversion component 52, a reflector 53, a support component 54, a position limiting component 65, and a pair of pressing components 90. The wavelength conversion component 50 in this embodiment corresponds to the "light guide component" in the claims.

[0044] The wavelength conversion member 50 has a quadrangular prism shape extending along the X-axis and has six faces. The side of the wavelength conversion member 50 extending along the X-axis is longer than the sides extending along the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Therefore, the X-axis corresponds to the longer side of the wavelength conversion member 50. The length of the side extending along the Y-axis is equal to the length of the side extending along the Z-axis. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the wavelength conversion member 50 cut along the YZ plane perpendicular to the X-axis is square. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the wavelength conversion member 50 cut along the YZ plane may also be rectangular. In this embodiment, the X-axis direction of the wavelength conversion member 50 corresponds to the "long side direction of the wavelength conversion member" in the claims.

[0045] The wavelength conversion component 50 has a first surface 50a, a second surface 50b, a third surface 50c, a fourth surface 50d, a fifth surface 50e, and a sixth surface 50f. The first surface 50a and the second surface 50b intersect the X-axis along the long side of the wavelength conversion component 50 and are located on opposite sides of each other on the X-axis. In this embodiment, the first surface 50a is located on the +X side along the X-axis direction, and the second surface 50b is located on the -X side in the opposite direction along the X-axis direction.

[0046] The third surface 50c intersects with the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, and the fourth surface 50d intersects with the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b. Furthermore, the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d are located on opposite sides of each other on the Y-axis, which intersects the X-axis along the long side of the wavelength conversion member 50 and is perpendicular to the X-axis in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the third surface 50c is located on one side of the Y-axis direction, i.e., the -Y side, and the fourth surface 50d is located on the other side of the Y-axis direction, i.e., the +Y side.

[0047] The fifth surface 50e intersects the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, and also intersects the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d. The sixth surface 50f intersects the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, and also intersects the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d. The fifth surface 50e and the sixth surface 50f intersect the X-axis and the Y-axis, and in this embodiment, they are located on opposite sides of each other on the Z-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fifth face 50e is located on one side of the Z-axis direction, i.e., the +Z direction, and the sixth face 50f is located on the other side of the Z-axis direction, i.e., the -Z direction.

[0049] In the following description, without distinguishing between the third side 50c, the fourth side 50d, the fifth side 50e, and the sixth side 50f, they are sometimes simply referred to as side 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f.

[0050] The wavelength conversion component 50 contains at least a phosphor, which converts the excitation light E, having a first wavelength band, emitted from the light source 70 into a fluorescence Y having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The excitation light E is incident on the wavelength conversion component 50 from the third surface 50c. The fluorescence Y is guided inside the wavelength conversion component 50 and then emitted from the first surface 50a. The excitation light E in this embodiment corresponds to the "first light" in the claims. The fluorescence Y in this embodiment corresponds to the "second light" in the claims.

[0051] The wavelength conversion component 50 contains a ceramic phosphor composed of a polycrystalline phosphor that converts the wavelength of the excitation light E into fluorescence Y. The second wavelength band of fluorescence Y is, for example, the yellow band of 490 nm to 750 nm. That is, fluorescence Y is a yellow fluorescence containing both red and green light components.

[0052] The wavelength conversion component 50 may also contain a single-crystal phosphor instead of a polycrystalline phosphor. Alternatively, the wavelength conversion component 50 may be made of fluorescent glass. Alternatively, the wavelength conversion component 50 may be made of a material in which multiple phosphor particles are dispersed in a binder made of glass or resin. The wavelength conversion component 50 made of such a material converts the excitation light E into fluorescence Y.

[0053] Specifically, the material of the wavelength conversion component 50 may include, for example, a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) phosphor. Taking YAG:Ce containing cerium (Ce) as an activator as an example, the material of the wavelength conversion component 50 may be a material obtained by mixing raw material powders containing constituent elements such as Y2O3, Al2O3, and CeO3 and carrying out a solid-phase reaction; Y-Al-O amorphous particles obtained by wet methods such as co-precipitation and sol-gel methods; or YAG particles obtained by gas-phase methods such as spray drying, flame thermal decomposition, and thermal plasma methods.

[0054] The light source unit 70 has a substrate 71 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 72. The substrate 71 includes a front side 71a and a back side 71b opposite to the front side 71a.

[0055] Multiple light-emitting elements 72 are disposed on the front side 71a of the substrate 71. The light source unit 70 of this embodiment has multiple light-emitting elements 72, but the number of light-emitting elements 72 is not particularly limited.

[0056] Each light-emitting element 72 has a light-emitting surface 72a, which is opposite to the third surface 50c of the wavelength conversion component 50, and emits excitation light E of a first wavelength band toward the third surface 50c. The first wavelength band is, for example, a blue to violet band of 400nm to 480nm, with a peak wavelength of, for example, 445nm.

[0057] In this way, each light-emitting element 72 of the light source unit 70 is configured such that the light-emitting surface 72a is opposite to one of the four sides 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f along the long side direction of the wavelength conversion member 50, namely the third side 50c.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the general structure of the light source section 70. Figure 3 This is a top view of the front side 71a of the substrate 71 of the light source section 70.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the substrate 71 has a generally rectangular shape. A plurality of light-emitting elements 72 are arranged on the front side 71a of the substrate 71. Each light-emitting element 72 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0060] Each light-emitting element 72 has a light-emitting surface 72a, two anode electrodes 72b, and one cathode electrode 72c. In each light-emitting element 72, the light-emitting surface 72a and the two anode electrodes 72b are disposed on the front side facing the side opposite to the substrate 71, and the cathode electrode 72c is disposed on the back side facing the substrate 71, opposite to the front side. In this embodiment, each light-emitting element 72 has two anode electrodes 72b sandwiching the light-emitting surface 72a, thus ensuring a stable current density supplied to the light-emitting surface 72a and enabling uniform light emission from the light-emitting surface 72a. Therefore, each light-emitting element 72 can emit uniform and bright light from the light-emitting surface 72a.

[0061] A terminal portion 73 electrically connected to each light-emitting element 72 is provided on the front side 71a of the substrate 71. The terminal portion 73 includes a first conductive portion 73a electrically connected to the anode electrode 72b of each light-emitting element 72 and a second conductive portion 73b electrically connected to the cathode electrode 72c of each light-emitting element 72. Although detailed description is omitted, the first conductive portion 73a and the second conductive portion 73b are configured to connect the light-emitting elements 72 in series. Therefore, current flows sequentially through each light-emitting element 72 along the X-axis direction.

[0062] Specifically, each anode electrode 72b of each light-emitting element 72 is connected to the first conductive portion 73a of the terminal portion 73 via a metal wire 74. Furthermore, the metal wire 74 is provided by a wire bonding device. Additionally, each light-emitting element 72 is mounted with its cathode electrode 72c placed on the second conductive portion 73b of the terminal portion 73. Furthermore, a solder layer is provided, for example, between the cathode electrode 72c and the second conductive portion 73b.

[0063] The terminal 73 is connected to a wiring section (not shown), and each light-emitting element 72 is electrically connected to an external device via a metal wire 74, the terminal 73, and the wiring section, and can be supplied with driving power, etc.

[0064] In this way, each light-emitting element 72 can be easily and accurately connected to the substrate 71 via the metal line 74.

[0065] return Figure 2 The support member 54 has a support groove 154 extending along the X-axis direction of the long side of the wavelength conversion member 50 and supporting the wavelength conversion member 50. The support member 54 allows heat generated by the wavelength conversion member 50 supported in the support groove 154 to diffuse and be released to the outside. Therefore, the support member 54 is preferably made of a material with a specified strength and high thermal conductivity. As a material for the support member 54, metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are used, and aluminum alloys such as 6061 series are particularly preferred.

[0066] The wavelength conversion component 50 of this embodiment includes a first protrusion 151 protruding from the support groove 154 in the +X direction and a second protrusion 152 protruding from the support groove 154 in the -X direction. That is, the wavelength conversion component 50 of this embodiment is in a state in which a part of it protrudes outward from the support groove 154.

[0067] The position limiting part 65 holds the first protrusion 151 and the second protrusion 152 in the wavelength conversion member 50. The position limiting part 65, together with a pair of pressing members 90, limits the position of the wavelength conversion member 50 relative to the support member 54.

[0068] A pair of pressing members 90 are arranged opposite to the support surface 154s of the support groove 154. Thus, the pair of pressing members 90 restricts the movement of the wavelength conversion member 50 within the support groove 154 along the Y-axis. The pair of pressing members 90 are made of a material capable of elastic deformation. As an example, the pair of pressing members 90 are made of a leaf spring made of a metal material, such as stainless steel like SUS304.

[0069] A pair of pressing members 90 are disposed between the wavelength conversion member 50 and the substrate 71, pressing the wavelength conversion member 50 against the support surface 154s of the support groove 154 of the support member 54. The pair of pressing members 90 are fixed to the support member 54. In a top view, the pair of pressing members 90 are configured to overlap with the gap S of the light-emitting elements 72 arranged in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the pair of pressing members 90 do not overlap with the light-emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting elements and do not block the excitation light E emitted from the light-emitting elements 72.

[0070] A reflector 53 is disposed on the second surface 50b of the wavelength conversion component 50. The reflector 53 guides light into the interior of the wavelength conversion component 50, causing the fluorescent Y light reaching the second surface 50b to be reflected. The reflector 53 is composed of a metal film or a dielectric multilayer film formed on the second surface 50b of the wavelength conversion component 50.

[0071] In the first illumination device 20, when excitation light E emitted from the light source 70 is incident on the wavelength conversion member 50, the phosphor contained inside the wavelength conversion member 50 is excited, emitting fluorescence Y from any light-emitting point. The fluorescence Y travels in all directions from the arbitrary light-emitting point, and the fluorescence Y toward the four sides 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f undergoes repeated total internal reflection at multiple locations on the sides 50c, 50d, 50e, and 50f, and travels toward either the first surface 50a or the second surface 50b. The first surface 50a emits fluorescence Y that is propagated by total internal reflection and guided within the wavelength conversion member 50. In this embodiment, the fluorescence Y traveling toward the first surface 50a is incident on the angle conversion member 52 provided on the first surface 50a. The fluorescence Y traveling toward the second surface 50b is reflected by the reflector 53 and travels toward the first surface 50a.

[0072] A portion of the excitation light E incident on the wavelength conversion member 50 that is not used for phosphor excitation is reflected by components surrounding the wavelength conversion member 50, including the light source section 70, or by a reflector 53 disposed on the second surface 50b. Therefore, a portion of the excitation light E is enclosed within the wavelength conversion member 50 and reused for fluorescence conversion.

[0073] An angle conversion component 52 is disposed on the first surface 50a of the wavelength conversion component 50. The angle conversion component 52 is, for example, constructed of a tapered rod. The angle conversion component 52 has a light incident surface 52a for the fluorescence Y emitted from the wavelength conversion component 50 to be incident, a light emitting surface 52b for emitting the fluorescence Y, and a side surface 52c for reflecting the incident fluorescence Y toward the light emitting surface 52b. The angle conversion component 52 has a frustum-shaped quadrangular pyramid, and its cross-sectional area perpendicular to the optical axis J extends along the direction of light propagation. Therefore, the area of ​​the light emitting surface 52b is larger than the area of ​​the light incident surface 52a. An axis passing through the center of the light emitting surface 52b and the light incident surface 52a and parallel to the X-axis is defined as the optical axis J of the angle conversion component 52. Furthermore, the optical axis J of the angle conversion component 52 coincides with the optical axis AX1 of the first illumination device 20.

[0074] During its journey inside the angle conversion member 52, the fluorescence Y incident on the angle conversion member 52 changes direction approximately parallel to the optical axis J whenever total internal reflection occurs at the side surface 52c. In this way, the angle conversion member 52 converts the emission angle distribution of the fluorescence Y emitted from the first surface 50a of the wavelength conversion member 50. Specifically, the angle conversion member 52 makes the maximum emission angle of the fluorescence Y on the light emission surface 52b smaller than the maximum incident angle of the fluorescence Y on the light incident surface 52a.

[0075] Typically, the optical spread of light is preserved by the product of the area of ​​the light-emitting region and the maximum emission angle, which is the solid angle of the light. Therefore, the optical spread of fluorescence Y is also preserved before and after transmission through the angle conversion member 52. As described above, the angle conversion member 52 has a structure in which the area of ​​the light-emitting surface 52b is larger than the area of ​​the light-incident surface 52a. Therefore, from the viewpoint of preserving optical spread, the angle conversion member 52 can make the maximum emission angle of fluorescence Y on the light-emitting surface 52b smaller than the maximum incident angle of fluorescence Y on the light-incident surface 52a.

[0076] Angle conversion component 52 is fixed to wavelength conversion component 50 via an optical adhesive (not shown) with light incident surface 52a facing the first surface 50a of wavelength conversion component 50. That is, angle conversion component 52 and wavelength conversion component 50 are in contact via the optical adhesive, and no gap, such as an air layer, is provided between them. If a gap exists between angle conversion component 52 and wavelength conversion component 50, fluorescence Y reaching the light incident surface 52a at an angle greater than the critical angle will be totally reflected by the light incident surface 52a and will not be able to reach angle conversion component 52. In contrast, as in this embodiment, without a gap between angle conversion component 52 and wavelength conversion component 50, the loss of fluorescence Y that cannot reach angle conversion component 52 due to total internal reflection can be reduced. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the refractive index of angle conversion component 52 is as similar as possible to the refractive index of wavelength conversion component 50.

[0077] As the angle conversion component 52, a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) can be used instead of a tapered rod. Even when using a CPC as the angle conversion component 52, the same effect as when using a tapered rod can be obtained. Alternatively, the light source device 100 may not need to have an angle conversion component 52.

[0078] The parallelizing optical system 63, composed of a collimating lens and the like, is positioned between the light source device 100 and the integrating optical system 80. The parallelizing optical system 63 further reduces the angular distribution of the fluorescence Y emitted from the light source device 100, ensuring that the fluorescence Y with high parallelism is incident on the integrating optical system 80. Alternatively, if the parallelism of the fluorescence Y emitted from the angle conversion member 52 is sufficiently high, the parallelizing optical system 63 may not be necessary.

[0079] The integrating optical system 80 includes a first lens array 61 and a second lens array 101. Together with the overlapping optical system 103, the integrating optical system 80 functions as a uniform illumination optical system that homogenizes the intensity distribution of fluorescence Y emitted from the light source device 100 within the respective light modulation devices 4R and 4G, which are the illuminated areas. Fluorescence Y emitted from the parallelization optical system 63 is incident on the first lens array 61. The first lens array 61, together with the second lens array 101 disposed after the light source device 100, constitutes the integrating optical system 80.

[0080] The first lens array 61 has a plurality of first microlenses 61a. The plurality of first microlenses 61a are arranged in a matrix in a plane parallel to the YZ plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1 of the first illumination device 20. The plurality of first microlenses 61a divide the fluorescence Y emitted from the angle conversion member 52 into multiple partial beams. Each of the first microlenses 61a has a rectangular shape that is approximately similar in shape to the image forming areas of the light modulation devices 4R and 4G. Thus, the partial beams emitted from the first lens array 61 are efficiently incident on the image forming areas of the light modulation devices 4R and 4G, respectively.

[0081] The fluorescence Y emitted from the first lens array 61 travels toward the second lens array 101. The second lens array 101 is positioned opposite the first lens array 61. The second lens array 101 has a plurality of second microlenses 101a corresponding to the plurality of first microlenses 61a of the first lens array 61. Together with the overlapping optical system 103, the second lens array 101 images the images of the plurality of first microlenses 61a of the first lens array 61 onto the vicinity of the image forming regions of the light modulation devices 4R and 4G, respectively. The plurality of second microlenses 101a are arranged in a matrix in a plane parallel to the YZ plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX1 of the first illumination device 20.

[0082] In this embodiment, each first microlens 61a of the first lens array 61 and each second microlens 101a of the second lens array 101 have the same size as each other, but they may also have different sizes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first microlens 61a of the first lens array 61 and the second microlens 101a of the second lens array 101 are arranged at positions aligned with each other's optical axes, but they may also be arranged in an off-center state.

[0083] The polarization conversion element 102 converts the polarization direction of the fluorescence Y emitted from the second lens array 101. Specifically, the polarization conversion element 102 converts the portions of the fluorescence Y beam that are divided by the first lens array 61 and emitted from the second lens array 101 into linearly polarized light.

[0084] The polarization conversion element 102 includes: a polarization separation layer (not shown) that allows one of the linearly polarized light components of the phosphor Y emitted from the light source device 100 to pass directly through, and reflects the other linearly polarized light component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis AX1; a reflection layer (not shown) that reflects the other linearly polarized light component reflected by the polarization separation layer in a direction parallel to the optical axis AX1; and a phase difference plate (not shown) that converts the other linearly polarized light component reflected by the reflection layer into one linearly polarized light component.

[0085] Fluorescent Y, passing through polarization conversion element 102, is incident on overlapping optical system 103. Overlapping optical system 103 and integrating optical system 80 cooperate to form a uniform illumination optical system that homogenizes the intensity distribution of fluorescent Y in light modulation devices 4R and 4G, which are the illuminated areas.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a top view of the light source device 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV-line light source device 100. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In order to facilitate observation of the accompanying drawings, only the outline of the light source unit 70 is shown; detailed structural details are omitted from the drawings. Figure 5 The middle image shows the light source section 70. Additionally, in... Figure 5 In order to make it easier to observe the accompanying drawings, the position limiting part 65 and the pressing part 90 are omitted from the illustration.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the support member 54 has a support groove 154, a spring fixing part 540, a first storage part 541, a second storage part 542, a third storage part 543, a fourth storage part 544, a fifth storage part 545 and a sixth storage part 546, and is a plate-shaped member with a rectangular planar shape.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the support groove 154 of the support member 54 has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The support groove 154 is formed by machining a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, which is the constituent material of the support member 54.

[0089] The support member 54 has a bottom wall 140, a first side wall 141, and a second side wall 142. The bottom wall 140 has a support surface 154s that forms the bottom surface of the support groove 154. In this embodiment, the support surface 154s is a surface parallel to the XZ plane, supporting the fourth surface 50d of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0090] The first sidewall 141 has a first wall surface 154a that forms one side of the support groove 154. The first wall surface 154a is opposite to and separate from the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion component 50. That is, a gap is provided between the first wall surface 154a and the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion component 50.

[0091] The first sidewall 141 has a first top 55 that forms the upper part of the support groove 154. The first top surface 55a, which is the top of the first top 55, is a surface parallel to the XZ plane and is the surface farthest from the support surface 154s in the Y-axis direction.

[0092] The second sidewall 142 has a second wall surface 154b that forms the other side of the support groove 154. The second wall surface 154b is opposite to and separate from the sixth surface 50f of the wavelength conversion member 50. That is, a gap is provided between the second wall surface 154b and the sixth surface 50f of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0093] The second sidewall 142 has a second top 57 that forms the upper part of the support groove 154. The second top surface 57a, which is the top of the second top 57, is a surface parallel to the XZ plane and is the surface farthest from the support surface 154s in the Y-axis direction.

[0094] The support groove 154 in this embodiment is composed of a support surface 154s, a first wall surface 154a of a first side wall 141, and a second wall surface 154b of a second side wall 142.

[0095] The first top 55 of the first sidewall 141 has a first cutout 56 at the corner of the support groove 154. That is, the first cutout 56 is formed by cutting away a portion of the first top surface 55a and the first wall surface 154a. The first cutout 56 forms a storage space for housing the metal wire 74 connected to one side of the light-emitting element 72. That is, the first cutout 56 suppresses interference between the metal wire 74 and the support member 54.

[0096] In this embodiment, the support groove 154 expands its width in the Z-axis direction by forming a first cutout 56 on the upper part of the first wall surface 154a of the first side wall 141.

[0097] At a position closer to the support surface 154s than the first cutout 56, the first wall surface 154a has a first portion 54a1 located on the side of the third surface 50c and a second portion 54a2 located on the side of the support surface 154s. The first portion 54a1 extends parallel to the direction perpendicular to the support surface 154s, i.e., the XY plane. The second portion 54a2 is inclined in such a way that it approaches the fifth surface 50e as it moves from the side of the first portion 54a1 toward the side of the support surface 154s. In other words, the distance between the second portion 54a2 on the support surface 154s side and the fifth surface 50e is less than the distance between the second portion 54a2 on the side of the first portion 54a1 and the fifth surface 50e.

[0098] The second top 57 of the second sidewall 142 has a second cutout 58 at the corner of the support groove 154. That is, the second cutout 58 is formed by cutting away a portion of the second top surface 57a and the second wall surface 154b. The second cutout 58 constitutes a storage space for housing the metal wire 74 connected to the other side of the light-emitting element 72. In other words, the second cutout 58 suppresses interference between the metal wire 74 and the support member 54.

[0099] In this embodiment, the support groove 154 expands its width in the Z-axis direction by forming a second cutout 58 on the upper part of the second wall surface 154b of the second side wall 142.

[0100] At a position closer to the support surface 154s than the second cutout 58, the second wall surface 154b has a third portion 54b3 on the side of the third surface 50c and a fourth portion 54b4 on the side of the support surface 154s. The third portion 54b3 extends parallel to the direction perpendicular to the support surface 154s, i.e., the XY plane. The fourth portion 54b4 is inclined in such a way that it approaches the sixth surface 50f as it moves from the side of the third portion 54b3 toward the side of the support surface 154s. In other words, the distance between the fourth portion 54b4 on the support surface 154s side and the sixth surface 50f is less than the distance between the fourth portion 54b4 on the side of the third portion 54b3 and the sixth surface 50f.

[0101] The first wall surface 154a and the second wall surface 154b are each formed from the surface of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, which is the constituent material of the support member 54. More specifically, the first wall surface 154a and the second wall surface 154b are each formed from a mirror-finished surface of the aforementioned metal. Therefore, the first wall surface 154a and the second wall surface 154b are both light-reflective, reflecting the incident excitation light E. Furthermore, the first wall surface 154a and the second wall surface 154b may also be formed from other metal films or dielectric multilayer films formed on the surface of metals such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0102] The dimension W1 of the light-emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting element 72 along the Z-axis is larger than the width B2 of the wavelength conversion member 50 along the Z-axis. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width of the wavelength conversion member 50 along the Z-axis is equal throughout its entire long side.

[0103] Therefore, in the Z-axis direction, both ends of the emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting element 72 extend outwards from the third surface 50c of the wavelength conversion component 50. Specifically, both ends of the emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting element 72 extend to positions overlapping with the gap between the fifth surface 50e and the first wall surface 154a, and the gap between the sixth surface 50f and the second wall surface 154b. In other words, when the emitting surface 72a is viewed from the support surface 154s along the Y-axis direction, a portion of the emitting surface 72a overlaps with the third surface 50c, and another portion of the emitting surface 72a overlaps with the gap between the fifth surface 50e and the first wall surface 154a, and the gap between the sixth surface 50f and the second wall surface 154b.

[0104] The width D2 of the support surface 154s of the support member 54 along the Z-axis is larger than the width B2 of the wavelength conversion member 50 along the Z-axis. Therefore, in the Z-axis direction, both ends of the support surface 154s extend outwards from the fourth surface 50d of the wavelength conversion member 50. In other words, when the support surface 154s is viewed from the light-emitting surface 72a along the Y-axis, a portion of the support surface 154s overlaps with the fourth surface 50d, while another portion of the support surface 154s is exposed outwards from the fourth surface 50d. Thus, the support surface 154s has an exposed portion 54r that protrudes outwards from the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0105] According to the light source device 100 of this embodiment, a portion of the excitation light E2 emitted from the light-emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting element 72 travels through the gap between the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion member 50 and the first portion 54a1, and then enters the second portion 54a2, which is inclined relative to the support surface 154s. At this time, the excitation light E2 is reflected by the second portion 54a2 and enters the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0106] In this way, the excitation light E2 passing through the gap between the fifth surface 50e and the first wall surface 154a of the wavelength conversion member 50 can easily enter the fifth surface 50e, thus reducing the amount of excitation light E reflected back to the light source section 70 by the support surface 154s. Furthermore, a portion of the excitation light E is reflected by the first portion 54a1 extending perpendicularly to the support surface 154s and enters the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0107] Thus, a light source device 100 is achieved that enables high utilization efficiency of excitation light E and easy acquisition of fluorescence Y with desired intensity.

[0108] return Figure 4 The spring fixing part 540 is disposed on both sides of the support groove 154 in the Z-axis direction along the short side of the wavelength conversion member 50. The spring fixing part 540 is fixed by screws 96 to the two ends of a pair of pressing members 90 disposed in a state that spans the wavelength conversion member 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0109] The first receiving portion 541 is a recess that communicates with the support groove 154 in the +X direction. The first receiving portion 541 extends to the outer edge 54d of the support member 54. The first receiving portion 541 receives the first protrusion 151 of the wavelength conversion member 50 that protrudes from the support groove 154. In addition, the first receiving portion 541 holds the angle conversion member 52 that is fixed to the first surface 50a of the wavelength conversion member 50. In this embodiment, the angle conversion member 52 that is fixed to the first surface 50a of the first protrusion 151 is held in the support member 54.

[0110] The light-emitting surface 52b of the angle conversion member 52 housed in the first storage part 541 is coplanar with the outer edge 54d of the support member 54 when viewed from above.

[0111] The second receiving portion 542 is a recess that communicates with the support groove 154 in the -X direction. The second receiving portion 542 extends to the outer edge 54d of the support member 54. The second receiving portion 542 receives the second protrusion 152 of the wavelength conversion member 50 that protrudes from the support groove 154. The second receiving portion 542 is configured not to communicate with the outer edge 54d of the support member 54. The second receiving portion 542 receives the second protrusion 152 of the wavelength conversion member 50 that protrudes from the support groove 154. In this embodiment, a reflector 53 is disposed on the second surface 50b of the second protrusion 152. The second receiving portion 542 receives the reflector 53 disposed on the second surface 50b of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0112] The third storage portion 543 is a recess that communicates with the first storage portion 541 in the +Z direction. The third storage portion 543 houses the position limiting portion 65 that holds the wavelength conversion component 50 on the +Z side of the first protrusion 151 housed in the first storage portion 541.

[0113] The fourth storage portion 544 is a recess that communicates with the first storage portion 541 in the -Z direction. The fourth storage portion 544 houses the position limiting portion 65 of the wavelength conversion component 50, which is held on the -Z side of the first protrusion 151 housed in the first storage portion 541.

[0114] The fifth storage portion 545 is a recess that communicates with the second storage portion 542 in the +Z direction. The fifth storage portion 545 houses the position limiting portion 65 of the wavelength conversion component 50, which is held on the +Z side of the second protrusion 152 housed in the second storage portion 542.

[0115] The sixth storage portion 546 is a recess that communicates with the second storage portion 542 in the -Z direction. The sixth storage portion 546 houses the position limiting portion 65 of the wavelength conversion component 50, which is held on the -Z side of the second protrusion 152 housed in the second storage portion 542.

[0116] The position limiting part 65 retains either a first protrusion 151 or a second protrusion 152 protruding from the support groove 154 of the support member 54, and limits the position of the first protrusion 151 or the second protrusion 152 relative to the support groove 154. The position limiting part 65 includes a pair of limiting members 651, 652 for retaining the first protrusion 151 and a pair of limiting members 653, 654 for retaining the second protrusion 152.

[0117] One of the retaining members 651 holding the first protrusion 151 is fixed to the third storage portion 543 by screws 97, and the other retaining member 652 is fixed to the fourth storage portion 544 by screws 97. One of the retaining members 653 holding the second protrusion 152 is fixed to the fifth storage portion 545 by screws 97, and the other retaining member 654 is fixed to the sixth storage portion 546 by screws 97.

[0118] Furthermore, the Z-axis positions of the pair of limiting members 651 and 652 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown). Similarly, the Z-axis positions of the pair of limiting members 653 and 654 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown).

[0119] Thus, the wavelength conversion member 50 of this embodiment is held in the support groove 154 with the position limiting part 65 restricting the movement of the first protrusion 151 and the second protrusion 152 protruding outward of the support groove 154 in the Z-axis direction.

[0120] In this embodiment, the light source 70 is arranged relative to the support member 54 such that the substrate 71 faces the first top surface 55a of the first sidewall 141 and the second top surface 57a of the second sidewall 142.

[0121] Here, the imaginary surface that connects the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a and is parallel to the XZ plane is defined as the imaginary plane KM.

[0122] For example, a comparative example will be described where the light-emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 is arranged on the opposite side of the wavelength conversion member 50 relative to the imaginary plane KM.

[0123] Excitation light E is emitted radially from the emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72. Therefore, the component of the excitation light E emitted from the emitting surface 72a at a large radiation angle travels approximately parallel to the emitting surface 72a. At this time, the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142 are not arranged in the optical path of the excitation light E emitted in a direction approximately parallel to the emitting surface 72a and perpendicular to the long side direction of the wavelength conversion member 50. Therefore, the excitation light E is emitted to the outside through the gap between the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142 and the substrate 71. As a result, the amount of excitation light E incident on the wavelength conversion member 50 may be reduced.

[0124] In contrast, in the light source device 100 of this embodiment, the emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 is located on the third surface 50c side of the wavelength conversion member 50 relative to the imaginary plane KM. That is, the emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 is configured such that it enters the support surface 154s side of the support groove 154 compared to the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a. Therefore, a first sidewall 141 and a second sidewall 142 are arranged in the optical path of the excitation light E emitted in the Z-axis direction, which is approximately parallel to the emitting surface 72a and perpendicular to the long side direction of the wavelength conversion member 50. As a result, the excitation light E is reflected by the first sidewall 141 or the second sidewall 142 and returns to the support groove 154, thereby incident on the wavelength conversion member 50. Therefore, the excitation light E is less likely to escape from the gap between the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142 and the substrate 71, thus suppressing the reduction in the amount of excitation light E incident on the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0125] In the case of the light source device 100 of this embodiment, the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 of the light source section 70 abuts against the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a. With this structure, the support groove 154 can be closed in the Z-axis direction using the substrate 71, thus preventing the excitation light E from leaking through the gap between the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142 and the substrate 71 in the Z-axis direction. The excitation light E, enclosed within the support groove 154, is reflected by the wall surfaces 154a and 154b of the support groove 154 and ultimately incident on the wavelength conversion member 50 for fluorescence conversion. Therefore, the light source device 100 of this embodiment can improve the light utilization efficiency of the excitation light E.

[0126] As described above, the light source device 100 of this embodiment includes: a light source section 70 having a light-emitting element 72 that emits excitation light E from a light-emitting surface 72a and a substrate 71 that supports the light-emitting element 72; a wavelength conversion member 50 to which the excitation light E emitted from the light-emitting element 72 is incident; and a support member 54 having a support groove 154 that supports the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0127] The wavelength conversion component 50 has: a first surface 50a and a second surface 50b, which are located on opposite sides of each other in the X-axis direction, which is the long side direction of the wavelength conversion component 50; a third surface 50c and a fourth surface 50d, the third surface 50c intersecting the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, the fourth surface 50d intersecting the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b, the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d being located on opposite sides of each other; and a fifth surface 50e and a sixth surface 50f, the fifth surface 50e intersecting the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b and intersecting the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d, the sixth surface 50f intersecting the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b and intersecting the third surface 50c and the fourth surface 50d, the fifth surface 50e and the sixth surface 50f being located on opposite sides of each other.

[0128] The light-emitting element 72 is configured such that its light-emitting surface 72a is opposite to the third surface 50c of the wavelength conversion component 50. The wavelength conversion component 50 emits fluorescence Y from its first surface 50a.

[0129] The support groove 154 of the support member 54 is composed of the following parts: a support surface 154s that supports the fourth surface 50d of the wavelength conversion member 50; a first wall surface 154a of the first sidewall 141 that intersects with the support surface 154s and is opposite to the fifth surface 50e of the wavelength conversion member 50; and a second wall surface 154b of the second sidewall 142 that intersects with the support surface 154s and is opposite to the sixth surface 50f of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0130] The light source unit 70 is arranged relative to the support member 54 with the substrate 71 facing the first top surface 55a of the first sidewall 141 and the second top surface 57a of the second sidewall 142.

[0131] When an imaginary plane KM is set to connect the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a, the light-emitting surface 72a of the light-emitting element 72 is located on the third surface 50c side of the wavelength conversion component 50 relative to the imaginary plane KM.

[0132] According to the light source device 100 of this embodiment, leakage of excitation light E emitted from each light-emitting element 72 of the light source section 70 from the gap between the substrate 71 and the support member 54 can be suppressed, so that the excitation light E can be efficiently incident on the wavelength conversion member 50. Therefore, the light utilization efficiency of the excitation light E emitted from the light source section 70 can be improved.

[0133] The projector 1 of this embodiment has a small light source device 100 that efficiently extracts bright fluorescence Y from the wavelength conversion unit 50, thus providing a small projector with excellent light utilization efficiency.

[0134] Furthermore, the technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the spirit of this utility model.

[0135] (First variation)

[0136] In the above embodiment, the case where the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 abuts against the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The difference between this modified example and the above embodiment is that the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 is separated from the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a.

[0137] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 200 in this modified example.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown, in the light source device 200 of this modified example, the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 is separated from the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a. In addition, the light-emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 is located on the third surface 50c side of the wavelength conversion member 50 relative to the imaginary plane KM.

[0139] According to the structure of this modified example, a gap can be provided between the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 and the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a. The heat generated by the wavelength conversion member 50 heats the air in the support groove 154. The heated air in the support groove 154 is discharged to the outside of the support groove 154 through the aforementioned gap, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the wavelength conversion member 50. In addition, since the high-temperature air is not easily retained in the support groove 154, damage caused by the light-emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 facing the wavelength conversion member 50 being exposed to the high-temperature air can be suppressed.

[0140] Furthermore, regarding the structure of the first embodiment in which the substrate 71 abuts against the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a, or the structure of the first modified embodiment in which the substrate 71 is separated from the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a, the appropriate choice can be made based on whether the reduction in the light utilization efficiency of the excitation light E or the reduction in the fluorescence conversion efficiency caused by heat is preferred.

[0141] (Second variation)

[0142] In the above embodiment, the case where the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 abuts against the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The difference between this modified example and the above embodiment is that the front surface 71a of the substrate 71 is indirectly connected to the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a.

[0143] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 300 in this modified example.

[0144] like Figure 7 As shown, in the light source device 300 of this modified example, the substrate 71 abuts against the first top surface 55a and the second top surface 57a via the insulating layer 301. The insulating layer 301 is made of ceramics such as aluminum nitride and aluminum oxide.

[0145] According to the light source device 300 of this modified example, an insulating layer 301 made of ceramic is provided, thereby more reliably preventing short circuits caused by contact between wiring, electrodes, etc. formed on the front side 71a of the substrate 71 and the support member 54. In addition, since the insulating layer 301 made of ceramic has high thermal conductivity, the substrate 71 and the support member 54 can be connected in a state in which heat transfer can be well carried out.

[0146] In this modified example, ceramic is used as the insulating layer 301, but a dielectric multilayer film can also be used. By using a dielectric multilayer film, the thickness of the insulating layer can be reduced. Therefore, by increasing the height of the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142, the leakage of the excitation light E can be effectively suppressed.

[0147] (Third variation)

[0148] In the light source section 70 of the above embodiment, each light-emitting element 72 is electrically connected to the substrate 71 via a metal wire 74, but the structure of the light source section in this utility model is not limited to this.

[0149] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 400 in this modified example.

[0150] like Figure 8 As shown, the light source device 400 of this modified example has a light source section 370. The light source section 370 has a substrate 371 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 372 mounted on the substrate 371. Each light-emitting element 372 has: a light-emitting surface 372a, which emits light; and an electrode section 373, which is disposed on a back surface 372b opposite to the light-emitting surface 372a and opposite to the substrate 371, and is electrically connected to the substrate 371.

[0151] In this modified example, the light source section 370 does not use wire bonding with metal wire 74, but instead uses flip chip bonding, which allows the electrode section 373 on the back surface 372b of each light-emitting element 372 to be directly connected to the terminal section (not shown) of the substrate 371.

[0152] According to the light source device 400 of this modification, there is no interference between the metal wire 74 and the support member 54. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide cutouts on the walls of the first sidewall 141 and the second sidewall 142. As a result, the excitation light E emitted from each light-emitting element 372 will not be incident on the cutouts, but will be reflected by the inner wall surfaces of each sidewall 141, 142 and efficiently incident on the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0153] Furthermore, since there is no contact between the metal wire 74 and the support member 54, the emitting surface 372a of each light-emitting element 372 can be arranged closer to the wavelength conversion member 50. By bringing the emitting surface 372a of each light-emitting element 372 closer to the wavelength conversion member 50, the excitation light E emitted from the emitting surface 372a can be efficiently incident on the wavelength conversion member 50. Therefore, a light source device 400 that generates bright fluorescence Y can be achieved by miniaturizing the device structure.

[0154] (Fourth variation)

[0155] In the light source section 70 of the above embodiment, a structure in which metal wires 74 are led out from both sides of each light-emitting element 72 is exemplified, but the structure of the light source section in this utility model is not limited to this.

[0156] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 500 in this modified example.

[0157] like Figure 9 As shown, the light source device 500 of this modified example has a light source section 470. The light source section 470 has a substrate 471 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 472 mounted on the substrate 471. Each light-emitting element 472 has a light-emitting surface 472a, an anode electrode 472b, and a cathode electrode 472c. In this modified example, each light-emitting element 472 has a structure different from that of the light-emitting elements 72 in the above-described embodiment in that each light-emitting element 472 has an anode electrode 472b on one side of the light-emitting surface 472a.

[0158] In this modified example, the anode electrode 472b of each light-emitting element 472 has a strip-shaped extension along the X-axis direction of the light-emitting surface 472a. According to each light-emitting element 472 of this modified example, multiple electrodes (in...) can be used when electrically connecting the anode electrode 472b to the terminal portion 73 of the substrate 471. Figure 9 (There are 3 metal wires 74 in the middle). In this modified example, the metal wires 74 are disposed on the first sidewall 141 side of the light-emitting element 472, but not on the second sidewall 142 side of the light-emitting element 472.

[0159] According to the light source unit 470 of this modification, current can be supplied to the light-emitting surface 472a of each light-emitting element 472 via three metal wires 74. Therefore, the current density supplied to the light-emitting surface 472a is stable, and excitation light E can be emitted uniformly from the light-emitting surface 472a. Thus, each light-emitting element 472 can emit uniform and bright excitation light E from the light-emitting surface 472a.

[0160] According to the light source device 500 of this modified example, since there is no interference between the metal line 74 and the second sidewall 142, only the first cutout 56 of the first sidewall 141 needs to be provided, and there is no need to provide a cutout on the second sidewall 142. Therefore, compared with the case where cutouts are provided on both sidewalls, the excitation light E emitted from each light-emitting element 472 can be efficiently incident on the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0161] (Fifth variation)

[0162] In the fourth variation described above, an example is given where the second wall surface 154b of the second sidewall 142 without a cutout has a third portion 54b3 perpendicular to the support surface 154s and an inclined fourth portion 54b4. However, the shape of the support groove of the support member can be changed according to the structure of the light source.

[0163] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the light source device 600 in this modified example.

[0164] like Figure 10 As shown, the support member 54 of the light source device 600 in this modified example has a bottom wall 140, a first side wall 141, and a second side wall 242. The second side wall 242 has a second wall surface 254b that forms another side of the support groove 254. The second wall surface 254b extends vertically from the support surface 154s and abuts against the sixth surface 50f of the wavelength conversion member 50.

[0165] According to the light source device 600 of this modified example, the wavelength conversion member 50 abuts not only with the support surface 154s but also with the sixth surface 50f. Therefore, compared with the structure of the above-described embodiment and modified example, the contact area between the wavelength conversion member 50 and the support groove 154 can be increased. Therefore, by efficiently releasing heat from the wavelength conversion member 50 to the support member 54 side, the cooling performance of the wavelength conversion member 50 can be improved.

[0166] In addition, in the above embodiment, CPC is used as the angle conversion component, but a four-cornered hammer-shaped conical rod with an injection end face area larger than the incident end face area can also be used instead of CPC.

[0167] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate the application of this invention to a light source device with a wavelength conversion component, this invention can also be applied to a light source device where incident light propagates without wavelength conversion and is emitted, for example, by controlling the angular distribution. In this case, the wavelength conversion component of the above embodiments replaces the light guide component, and the light emitted from the light-emitting element is emitted from the angle conversion component as light of the original wavelength band.

[0168] Furthermore, the specific descriptions regarding the shape, quantity, arrangement, and materials of the various components of the light source device and projector are not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified. Additionally, the above embodiments show an example of mounting the light source device of this invention on a projector using a liquid crystal panel, but this is not a limitation. The light source device of this invention can also be applied to a projector using a digital micromirror device as a light modulation device. Furthermore, the projector may not have multiple light modulation devices, or it may have only one light modulation device.

[0169] The above embodiments illustrate an example of applying the light source device of this invention to a projector, but are not limited thereto. The light source device of this invention can also be applied to lighting fixtures, automotive headlights, etc.

[0170] [Summary of this disclosure]

[0171] The following is a summary published in this note.

[0172] (Postscript 1)

[0173] A light source device includes: a light source section having a light-emitting element that emits light from a light-emitting surface and a substrate supporting the light-emitting element; a light guide member to which the light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident; and a support member having a support groove for supporting the light guide member. The light guide member has: a first surface and a second surface located opposite to each other in the long side direction of the light guide member; a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface, the fourth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface located opposite to each other; and a fifth surface and a sixth surface, the fifth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the sixth surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface and intersecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the fifth surface and the sixth surface intersecting each other. Located on the opposite side, the light-emitting element is arranged such that its light-emitting surface faces the third surface of the light-guiding member. The light-guiding member emits light from the first surface. The support groove of the support member has: a support surface that supports the fourth surface of the light-guiding member; a first wall surface of the first sidewall that intersects the support surface and faces the fifth surface of the light-guiding member; and a second wall surface of the second sidewall that intersects the support surface and faces the sixth surface of the light-guiding member. The light source is arranged relative to the support member such that the substrate faces the first top surface of the first sidewall and the second top surface of the second sidewall. When an imaginary plane connecting the first top surface and the second top surface is provided, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located on the third surface side of the light-guiding member relative to the imaginary plane.

[0174] According to this light source device, leakage of light emitted from the light-emitting element of the light source from the gap between the substrate and the support member can be suppressed, allowing light to be efficiently incident on the light guide member. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of light emitted from the light source can be improved.

[0175] (Postscript 2)

[0176] According to the light source device described in Appendix 1, the substrate of the light source portion abuts against the first top surface and the second top surface.

[0177] According to this structure, the support groove can be sealed off in the depth direction of the groove using a substrate, thus preventing light leakage from the gap between the first and second sidewalls and the substrate. Therefore, light utilization efficiency can be further improved.

[0178] (Note 3)

[0179] According to Appendix 1 or 2, in the light source device, the substrate of the light source portion is separated from the first top surface and the second top surface.

[0180] According to this structure, gaps can be provided between the substrate and the first and second top surfaces. As a result, heated air within the support groove is discharged to the outside of the support groove through these gaps, thus suppressing the temperature rise of the light guide component. Furthermore, since hot air is less likely to remain within the support groove, damage caused by exposure of the light-emitting surface 72a of each light-emitting element 72 to the wavelength conversion component 50 to hot air can be prevented.

[0181] (Postscript 4)

[0182] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, the light source device wherein at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a cutout at the corner of the support groove side.

[0183] According to this structure, space can be ensured between the light-emitting element and the sidewall through the cutout. Therefore, contact between the light-emitting element and the sidewall of the support component can be suppressed.

[0184] (Note 5)

[0185] According to the light source device described in Appendix 4, the light source section further includes a metal wire electrically connecting the light-emitting element to the substrate, the metal wire being disposed in the cutout portion.

[0186] According to this structure, the substrate and the light-emitting element can be easily and accurately connected via a metal wire. Furthermore, since the metal wire is housed within the cutout, contact between the metal wire and the supporting component can be suppressed.

[0187] (Note 6)

[0188] According to Appendix 1 or 2, the light-emitting element has an electrode portion disposed on a surface opposite to the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate.

[0189] According to this structure, a flip-chip bonding method can be used to directly connect the electrode portions of each light-emitting element to the substrate. Therefore, metal wires are unnecessary, thus avoiding interference between the metal wires and the support components, and eliminating the need for unnecessarily large support grooves. Consequently, light emitted from the light-emitting elements can be efficiently incident on the light guide component.

[0190] (Note 7)

[0191] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, the light source device comprises, wherein the first wall has a first portion located on the third surface side and a second portion located on the support surface side, the first portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the support surface, and the second portion inclined in such a way as it approaches the fifth surface from the first portion side toward the support surface side; the second wall has a third portion located on the third surface side and a fourth portion located on the support surface side, the third portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the support surface, and the fourth portion inclined in such a way as it approaches the sixth surface from the third portion side toward the support surface side.

[0192] According to this structure, a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element travels through the gap between the fifth surface of the light guide member and the first part, and then enters the second part, which is inclined relative to the support surface. At this point, the light is reflected by the second part and enters the fifth surface of the light guide member. Thus, light passing through the gap between the fifth surface of the light guide member and the first wall surface easily enters the fifth surface, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected back to the light-emitting element side by the support surface. Additionally, a portion of the light is reflected by the first part, which extends perpendicularly to the support surface, and enters the fifth surface of the light guide member.

[0193] Similarly, a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element travels through the gap between the sixth surface and the third portion of the light guide member before entering the fourth portion, which is inclined relative to the support surface. At this point, the light is reflected by the fourth portion and enters the sixth surface of the light guide member. Thus, light passing through the gap between the sixth surface and the second wall surface of the light guide member easily enters the sixth surface, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected back to the light-emitting element side by the support surface. Additionally, a portion of the light is reflected by the third portion, which extends perpendicularly to the support surface, and enters the sixth surface of the light guide member.

[0194] Therefore, a light source device is needed to achieve high light utilization efficiency and easily obtain light with the desired intensity.

[0195] (Note 8)

[0196] According to the light source device described in Appendix 5, wherein,

[0197] The metal wire is disposed on the first sidewall side of the light-emitting element, but not on the second sidewall side of the light-emitting element.

[0198] The second wall surface of the second sidewall extends vertically from the support surface and abuts against the sixth surface of the light guide component.

[0199] This structure increases the contact area between the wavelength conversion component and the support groove. Therefore, by efficiently releasing heat from the light guide component to the support component, the cooling performance of the light guide component can be improved.

[0200] (Note 9)

[0201] According to the light source device described in Appendix 2, the substrate abuts against the first top surface and the second top surface via an insulating layer made of ceramic.

[0202] According to this structure, by having an insulating layer made of ceramic, short circuits caused by contact between the substrate and the support member can be prevented more reliably. Furthermore, due to the high thermal conductivity of the ceramic insulating layer, the substrate and the support member can be connected in a manner that allows for good heat transfer.

[0203] (Postscript 10)

[0204] According to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, the light source device emits a first light having a first wavelength band, and the light guide component is a wavelength conversion component containing a phosphor, which converts the first light emitted from the light source into a second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and emits the second light.

[0205] Based on this structure, a light source device can be realized that can emit a second light obtained by wavelength conversion of the first light.

[0206] (Postscript 11)

[0207] A projector comprising: a light source device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 10; a light modulation device for modulating light emitted from the light source device according to image information; and a projection optics device for projecting light modulated by the light modulation device.

[0208] Based on this structure, a projector capable of projecting and displaying images of excellent quality can be realized.

Claims

1. A light source device, characterized in that, The light source device has: The light source unit has a light-emitting element that emits light from a light-emitting surface and a substrate that supports the light-emitting element; A light guide component, to which the light emitted from the light-emitting element is incident; as well as A support component having a support groove for supporting the light guide component. The light guide component has: The first and second surfaces are located on opposite sides of each other along the long side of the light guide component; The third and fourth faces, the third face intersects with the first and second faces, the fourth face intersects with the first and second faces, and the third and fourth faces are located on opposite sides of each other; as well as The fifth and sixth faces are located on opposite sides of each other. The fifth face intersects the first and second faces and also intersects the third and fourth faces. The light-emitting element is arranged such that its light-emitting surface faces the third surface of the light-guiding component. The light guide component emits light from the first surface. The support groove of the support member has: A support surface that supports the fourth surface of the light guide component; The first wall surface of the first sidewall intersects with the supporting surface and faces the fifth surface of the light guide component; as well as The second sidewall has a second wall surface that intersects with the supporting surface and faces the sixth surface of the light guide component. The light source is arranged relative to the support member such that the substrate faces the first top surface of the first sidewall and the second top surface of the second sidewall. When an imaginary plane is defined to connect the first top surface and the second top surface, The light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element is located on the third side of the light guide component relative to the imaginary plane.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate of the light source unit abuts against the first top surface and the second top surface.

3. The light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate of the light source section is separated from the first top surface and the second top surface.

4. The light source device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The top of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall has a cutout at the corner of the support groove side.

5. The light source device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The light source section also includes metal wires that electrically connect the light-emitting element to the substrate. The metal wire is disposed at the cut portion.

6. The light source device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-emitting element has an electrode portion disposed on a surface opposite to the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate.

7. The light source device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first wall surface has a first portion located on the third surface side and a second portion located on the supporting surface side. The first portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the supporting surface, and the second portion is inclined in a manner that it approaches the fifth surface from the first portion side towards the supporting surface side. The second wall has a third portion located on the third surface side and a fourth portion located on the support surface side, the third portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the support surface, and the fourth portion inclined in such a way that it approaches the sixth surface from the third portion side toward the support surface side.

8. The light source device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metal wire is disposed on the first sidewall side of the light-emitting element, but not on the second sidewall side of the light-emitting element. The second wall surface of the second sidewall extends vertically from the support surface and abuts against the sixth surface of the light guide component.

9. The light source device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The substrate abuts against the first top surface and the second top surface via an insulating layer made of ceramic.

10. The light source device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The light-emitting element emits first light with a first wavelength. The light guide component is a wavelength conversion component containing a phosphor, which converts the first light emitted from the light-emitting element into a second light having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and then emits the second light.

11. A projector, characterized in that, The projector has: The light source device according to claim 1 or 2; A light modulation device that modulates light emitted from the light source device according to image information; as well as A projection optical device that projects light modulated by the light modulation device.

Images