Projection system

Abstract

To provide a projection system capable of increasing the flexibility of arrangement while securing the efficiency of exhausting and suctioning air.SOLUTION: A projection system includes: a projector body that projects modulated light forward; a channel that guides air exhausted from the projector body; a fan that causes the air inside the channel; and a housing that houses the projector body, the channel, and the fan. The channel has an outflow port via which the air is discharged to the outside. The housing has a projection section through which the light projected from the projector body passes, an intake section that takes in air outside the housing, and an exhaust section that overlaps with the outflow port when viewed in an air delivering direction of the fan and exhausts the air exhausted from the outflow port out of the housing. The projection section, the intake section, and the exhaust section are all provided at a surface facing forward of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a case for a projection device that houses a projection device such as a projector. This case for a projection device is provided with a ventilation port for guiding air into the case and an exhaust port for exhausting the air inside the case to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional case for a projection device, the ventilation port and the exhaust port are provided on the left and right side surfaces with the projection direction being forward. In this case, if the left and right side surfaces of the case for a projection device are placed close to a wall surface, or if other devices are placed on the left and right sides of the case for a projection device, the wall surface or other devices may cover the ventilation port or the exhaust port, which may reduce the heat dissipation efficiency of the case for a projection device. Therefore, when adopting a conventional case for a projection device, there is a problem that the projection system cannot be placed close to a wall surface or other devices, and there are restrictions on the installation position of the projection system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the projection system of the present invention includes a projector body that projects modulated light forward, a flow path that guides air exhausted from the projector body, a fan that circulates the air inside the flow path, and a housing that houses the projector body, the flow path, and the fan. The housing has a projection part through which the light projected from the projector body passes, an intake part that takes in outside air of the housing into the interior, and an exhaust part that exhausts the air discharged from the flow path to the outside of the housing. The projection part, the intake part, and the exhaust part are all provided on a surface facing the front of the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the projection system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the scale and number, etc. of each structure may be different from those in the actual structure.

[0008] Each figure shows an XYZ coordinate system as appropriate. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are horizontal directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the Z-axis direction is referred to as the vertical direction Z, the direction parallel to the X-axis direction is referred to as the front-rear direction X, and the direction parallel to the Y-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction Y. Also, the +Z direction is referred to as the upward direction, the -Z direction is referred to as the downward direction, the +X direction is referred to as the front direction, the -X direction is referred to as the rear direction, the +Y direction is referred to as the left direction, and the -Y direction is referred to as the right direction.

[0009] In this specification, the direction in which the projection system 100 projects the modulated light is defined as the front. In the projection system 100 of the embodiment, the +X direction is the front and the -X direction is the rear. Note that the posture of the projection system 100 during use is not limited. Regardless of the posture in which the projection system 100 is used, the direction in which the projection system 100 projects light is the front, and the opposite direction is the rear.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the installation state of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment. The projection system 100 of the present embodiment is installed on a ceiling surface C facing downward (-Z direction). On the ceiling surface C, for example, a pedestal portion 19 is installed, and the projection system 100 is fixed to the pedestal portion 19. Also, the projection system 100 projects light toward a wall surface W orthogonal to the ceiling surface C. The pedestal portion 19 is a mechanism having a function of attaching and fixing the projection system 100 to an installation target such as the ceiling surface C or the wall surface W, and may be, for example, a ceiling suspension device for attaching the projection system 100 to the ceiling surface C. Also, in cases where the installation state is stabilized by placing the projection system 100 on a placement surface described later, the pedestal portion 19 may be omitted. Furthermore, the projection system may have the function of the pedestal portion 19.

[0011] Note that the projection system 100 does not necessarily have to be fixed to the ceiling surface C. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the projection system 100 may be fixed to the wall surface W. Further, the projection system 100 may be used in a flat state placed on a placement surface such as a table.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the internal structure of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing the internal structure of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the projection system 100 includes a projector main body 1, a heat generating portion 30, a circulation portion 40, a fan 50, and a housing 60. The projector main body 1, the heat generating portion 30, the circulation portion 40, and the fan 50 are housed in the internal space A of the housing 60.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the projector main body 1 of the present embodiment. The projector main body 1 projects the modulated light forward (in the +X direction). The projector main body 1 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 60 and supported by the housing 60.

[0015] The projector main body 1 includes a light source 2, a light guide system 3, a projection optical device 6, a power supply device 20, a control device 25, a first internal fan 21, a second internal fan 22, and an inner case 10. The light source 2, the light guide system 3, the projection optical device 6, the power supply device 20, the control device 25, the first internal fan 21, and the second internal fan 22 are housed in the inner case 10.

[0016] The light source 2 emits illumination light WL adjusted to have a substantially uniform illuminance distribution toward the color separation optical system 3a. The light source 2 is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The light guide system 3 guides the light emitted from the light source 2 to the projection optical device 6. The light guide system 3 includes a color separation optical system 3a, a light modulation unit 4R, a light modulation unit 4G, a light modulation unit 4B, and a light combining optical system 5. The light modulation unit 4R includes a light modulation device 4RP. The light modulation unit 4G includes a light modulation device 4GP. The light modulation unit 4B includes a light modulation device 4BP.

[0017] The color separation optical system 3a separates the illumination light WL from the light source 2 into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3a includes a first dichroic mirror 7a, a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflection mirror 8a, a second reflection mirror 8b, a third reflection mirror 8c, and a relay lens 8d.

[0018] The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL emitted from the light source 2 into red light LR and light in which green light LG and blue light LB are mixed. The first dichroic mirror 7a has the property of reflecting red light LR and transmitting green light LG and blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b separates the light in which green light LG and blue light LB are mixed into green light LG and blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b has the property of reflecting green light LG and transmitting blue light LB.

[0019] The first reflection mirror 8a is disposed in the optical path of the red light LR and reflects the red light LR reflected by the first dichroic mirror 7a toward the light modulation device 4RP. The second reflection mirror 8b and the third reflection mirror 8c are disposed in the optical path of the blue light LB and guide the blue light LB transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 7b to the light modulation device 4BP.

[0020] Each of the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP is composed of a liquid crystal panel. The light modulation device 4RP modulates the red light LR among the light emitted from the light source 2 in accordance with an image signal. The light modulation device 4GP modulates the green light LG among the light emitted from the light source 2 in accordance with an image signal. The light modulation device 4BP modulates the blue light LB among the light emitted from the light source 2 in accordance with an image signal. Thus, each of the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP forms image light corresponding to each color light. Although illustration is omitted, polarizing plates are arranged on the light incident side and the light emission side of each of the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP.

[0021] A field lens 9R for parallelizing the red light LR incident on the light modulation device 4RP is arranged on the light incident side of the light modulation device 4RP. A field lens 9G for parallelizing the green light LG incident on the light modulation device 4GP is arranged on the light incident side of the light modulation device 4GP. A field lens 9B for parallelizing the blue light LB incident on the light modulation device 4BP is arranged on the light incident side of the light modulation device 4BP.

[0022] The light combining optical system 5 is composed of a substantially cubic cross dichroic prism. The light combining optical system 5 combines the image lights of each color from the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP. The light combining optical system 5 emits the combined image light toward the projection optical device 6. In the present embodiment, the light combining optical system 5 emits light forward (+X direction).

[0023] In the present embodiment, the projection optical device 6 is located forward (+X direction) with respect to the light combining optical system 5. The projection optical device 6 enlarges and projects the light emitted from the light guide system 3 forward. The projection optical device 6 has, for example, a plurality of lenses. In the present embodiment, the light emitted from the light guide system 3 is the image light combined by the light combining optical system 5, that is, the light modulated by the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, and 4BP. When light is projected from the projection optical device 6, an enlarged color image (video) is displayed on the projection target of the projection system 100.

[0024] The power supply device 20 supplies the power supplied from an external power supply connected to the projector main body 1 to each part of the projector main body 1. The control device 25 is constituted by a computer or an integrated circuit having, as a program, the processing of each driving device for driving the light source 2, the light modulation devices 4RP, 4GP, 4BP, the power supply device 20, the first internal fan 21, the second internal fan 22, etc., and is constituted by, for example, a processor. The control device 25 processes a signal input to the projector main body 1 from the outside and transmits it to each part of the projector main body 1.

[0025] The first internal fan 21 and the second internal fan 22 send air to the cooling target housed inside the inner case 10 to cool the cooling target. The first internal fan 21 and the second internal fan 22 may be any of an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, or a sirocco fan, or may be other types of fans. The cooling targets of the projector main body 1 of the present embodiment are, for example, the power supply device 20, the control device 25, and the light modulation units 4R, 4G, 4B. Note that a duct-shaped flow portion (not shown) may be provided inside the inner case 10. In this case, the wind generated by the first internal fan 21 and the second internal fan 22 is sent to the cooling target through the flow portion.

[0026] The inner case 10 constitutes the exterior of the projector main body 1. The inner case 10 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box formed by a plurality of wall portions. Inside the inner case 10, a case inner space B surrounded by these plurality of wall portions is formed. The outer surface of the inner case 10 has a first side surface 10a, a second side surface 10b, a third side surface 10c, and a fourth side surface 10d. The first side surface 10a is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the left (+Y direction), and faces the right (-Y direction). The second side surface 10b is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the right (-Y direction), and faces the left (+Y direction). The third side surface 10c is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the front (+X direction), and faces the front (+X direction). The fourth side surface 10d is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the rear (-X direction), and faces the rear (-X direction). The inner case 10 further has, as an outer surface, a top surface provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from below (-Z direction) and faces upward (+Z direction), and a bottom surface provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from above (+Z direction) and faces downward (-Z direction).

[0027] In the inner case 10 of the present embodiment, a first intake port 11, a second intake port 12, and an exhaust port 13 are provided. The first intake port 11, the second intake port 12, and the exhaust port 13 communicate the case inner space B with the external space of the inner case 10.

[0028] The first intake port 11 is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the left (+Y direction) among the plurality of wall portions of the inner case 10. Therefore, the first intake port 11 opens on the second side surface 10b. In the case inner space B, the first intake port 11 faces the first internal fan 21 in the left - right direction Y. The first internal fan 21 guides the air outside the inner case 10 into the case inner space B through the first intake port 11.

[0029] The second intake port 12 is provided on the wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the front (+X direction). Therefore, the second intake port 12 opens on the third side surface 10c. In the case inner space B, the second intake port 12 faces the second internal fan 22 in the front - rear direction X. The second internal fan 22 guides the air outside the inner case 10 into the case inner space B through the second intake port 12.

[0030] The exhaust port 13 is provided in a wall portion that covers the case inner space B from the right side (-Y direction) among a plurality of wall portions of the inner case 10. Therefore, the exhaust port 13 opens to the third side surface 10c. The exhaust port 13 discharges the air introduced into the case inner space B from the first intake port 11 and the second intake port 12 by the first internal fan 21 and the second internal fan 22 to the outside of the inner case 10.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the projector main body 1 is disposed inside the housing 60. Therefore, the air introduced into the inner case 10 from the first intake port 11 and the second intake port 12 is the air in the internal space A of the housing 60. Also, the air inside the inner case 10 is discharged into the internal space A of the housing 60 through the exhaust port 13.

[0032] The projector main body 1 is disposed substantially at the center of the internal space A of the housing 60 in the left - right direction Y. Also, the projector main body 1 is disposed biased forward (+X direction) in the internal space A of the housing 60 in the front - rear direction X.

[0033] The housing 60 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that surrounds the internal space A with a plurality of wall portions. The housing 60 of the present embodiment has a base plate 61, a main cover 62, a front cover 63, and a rear cover 64. The main cover 62, the front cover 63, and the rear cover 64 are fixed to the base plate 61.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the base plate 61 is in a rectangular plate shape extending along a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The base plate 61 covers the internal space A from above (+Z direction). The base plate 61 is fixed to the ceiling surface C via the pedestal portion 19. For this reason, the base plate 61 extends along the ceiling surface C which is the installation target of the projection system 100. The upper surface of the base plate 61 faces the ceiling surface C with a gap therebetween. The projector main body 1, the fan 50, and the circulation portion 40 are fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 61.

[0035] Although illustration is omitted, the rear cover 64 is provided with a connector for connecting the projection system 100 to an external power source. Note that the connector may be provided on the first side wall portion 62a or the second side wall portion 62b of the main cover 62, the front cover 63, or the rear cover 64.

[0036] The base plate 61 is provided with an intake hole 61a. The intake hole 61a penetrates the base plate 61 in the thickness direction (i.e., the vertical direction Z). The intake hole 61a guides the air outside the housing 60 into the internal space A. The intake hole 61a of the present embodiment is located to the left (+Y direction) of the first intake port 11 of the projector main body 1 when viewed in the vertical direction Z. The air flowing out from the intake hole 61a into the internal space A is mainly guided into the projector main body 1 from the first intake port 11.

[0037] The intake hole 61a of the present embodiment is provided in the base plate 61 extending along the ceiling surface C. Therefore, the intake hole 61a is difficult to be visually recognized by the occupants in the room where the projection system 100 is installed. That is, according to the present embodiment, the intake hole 61a is less likely to impair the design of the projection system 100. Note that the housing 60 of the present embodiment is provided with an intake portion 63a that guides air from the front of the housing 60 into the internal space A of the housing 60. Therefore, the housing 60 does not necessarily have the intake hole 61a.

[0038] The main cover 62 has a lower wall portion 62c, a first side wall portion 62a, and a second side wall portion 62b. The lower wall portion 62c is a rectangular plate shape extending along a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. Both the first side wall portion 62a and the second side wall portion 62b are rectangular plate shapes extending along a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction Y.

[0039] The lower wall portion 62c is located below (-Z direction) the base plate 61. The lower wall portion 62c faces the base plate 61 in the vertical direction Z via the internal space A. The lower wall portion 62c covers the internal space A from below (-Z direction). The upper surface of the lower wall portion 62c faces the lower surface of the inner case 10 via the gap G. As shown in FIG. 4, the gap G extends along the front-rear direction X.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the first side wall portion 62a and the second side wall portion 62b face each other in the left-right direction Y via the internal space A. The first side wall portion 62a extends upward (+Z direction) from the right (-Y direction) edge of the lower wall portion 62c. The first side wall portion 62a covers the internal space A from the right. The second side wall portion 62b extends upward (+Z direction) from the left (+Y direction) edge of the lower wall portion 62c. The second side wall portion 62b covers the internal space A from the left.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the first side wall portion 62a and the first side surface 10a of the projector body 1 face each other via a gap. A flow-through portion 40 is arranged between the first side wall portion 62a and the first side surface 10a.

[0042] The second side wall portion 62b and the second side surface 10b of the projector body 1 face each other via a gap. A part of the air supply path R described later is formed between the second side wall portion 62b and the second side surface 10b.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the rear cover 64 covers the internal space A from the rear (-X direction). The rear cover 64 is in the shape of a rectangular plate extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction X. The rear cover 64 is attached to the rear end of the base plate 61 and the rear end of the main cover 62. Further, the heat generating portion 30 is fixed to the rear cover 64.

[0044] The rear cover 64 and the fourth side surface 10d of the projector body 1 face each other via a gap. A part of the air supply path R described later is formed between the rear cover 64 and the fourth side surface 10d.

[0045] The front cover 63 covers the internal space A from the front (+X direction). The front cover 63 is in the shape of a rectangular plate extending along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction X. The front cover 63 is attached to the front end of the base plate 61 and the front end of the main cover 62. The front cover 63 has a front face 63f facing the front (+X direction). That is, the housing 60 has a front face 63f facing the front.

[0046] An opening 63h is provided in the front cover 63. The opening 63h opens to the front face 63f. The opening 63h penetrates the front cover 63 in the thickness direction (i.e., the front-rear direction X).

[0047] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 3, the opening 63h of the present embodiment is rectangular with the left-right direction Y as the longitudinal direction. An intake part 63a, an exhaust part 63b, and a projection part 63c are provided in the opening 63h. That is, the housing 60 has an intake part 63a, an exhaust part 63b, and a projection part 63c.

[0048] The intake part 63a is a region in the opening 63h that takes in the air outside the housing 60 into the internal space A. Among the opening 63h of the present embodiment, the regions other than the exhaust part 63b function as the intake part 63a.

[0049] The exhaust part 63b is a region in the opening 63h that discharges the air in the internal space A to the outside. The exhaust part 63b exhausts the air discharged from the outlet 42 of the flow-through part 40 to the outside of the housing 60. Also, the exhaust part 63b exhausts the air passing through the gap G between the inner surface of the housing 60 and the projector body 1 to the outside. The exhaust part 63b of the present embodiment is a region that overlaps the fan 50 when viewed from the front-rear direction. Further, the exhaust part 63b of the present embodiment overlaps the outlet 42 of the flow-through part 40 when viewed from the front-rear direction or the blowing direction of the fan 50 described later.

[0050] The projection part 63c is an area within the opening 63h through which the light projected from the projector main body 1 passes. The projection part 63c overlaps with the projection optical device 6 when viewed in the front-rear direction X. Note that the projection part 63c of the present embodiment also functions as an intake part 63a.

[0051] The heat generating part 30 is a component for adding functions to the projector main body 1 in the projection system 100. The heat generating part 30 is, for example, an audio device, a battery, or a light source. The heat generating part 30 generates heat during operation. The heat generating part 30 is located behind the projector main body 1 (-X direction). The heat generating part 30 is disposed substantially at the center of the internal space A of the housing 60 in the left-right direction Y.

[0052] When the heat generating part 30 is an audio device, the heat generating part 30 has, for example, a plurality of speakers that cover various sound ranges. When the heat generating part 30 is a battery, the heat generating part 30 is connected to the projector main body 1 and supplies power to the projector main body 1. When the heat generating part 30 is a light source, the heat generating part 30 emits light to the outside of the projection system 100 to notify the outside of the state of the projection system 100 or to illuminate the surroundings of the projection system 100.

[0053] The flow-through part 40 is a member that forms an air passage F for guiding air in one direction (the front-rear direction X in the present embodiment). The flow-through part 40 of the present embodiment is a duct composed of a plurality of side plate parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d. The flow-through part 40 extends along the front-rear direction X. The flow-through part 40 is located between the first side surface 10a of the projector main body 1 and the first side wall part 62a in the internal space A of the housing 60.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the flow-through portion 40 has a first side plate portion 40a, a second side plate portion 40b, a third side plate portion 40c, and a fourth side plate portion 40d. The first side plate portion 40a, the second side plate portion 40b, the third side plate portion 40c, and the fourth side plate portion 40d are combined in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction X. The first side plate portion 40a, the second side plate portion 40b, the third side plate portion 40c, and the fourth side plate portion 40d surround the air passage F from above, below, left, and right.

[0055] The first side plate portion 40a and the second side plate portion 40b extend along a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The first side plate portion 40a and the second side plate portion 40b face each other in the vertical direction Z. The first side plate portion 40a is located above the second side plate portion 40b. The first side plate portion 40a is arranged along the base plate 61 of the housing 60. The second side plate portion 40b faces the lower wall portion 62c of the housing 60 with a gap in the vertical direction Z.

[0056] The third side plate portion 40c and the fourth side plate portion 40d extend along a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction Y. The third side plate portion 40c and the fourth side plate portion 40d face each other in the left-right direction Y. The third side plate portion 40c is located to the left (+Y direction) of the fourth side plate portion 40d. The third side plate portion 40c is arranged along the first side surface 10a of the projector main body 1. The fourth side plate portion 40d is arranged along the first side wall portion 62a of the housing 60.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow-through portion 40 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and a side hole portion 43. The inlet 41 is located at the rear (-X direction) end of the flow-through portion 40. The inlet 41 opens the air passage F to the rear. The outlet 42 is located at the front (+X direction) end of the flow-through portion 40. The outlet 42 opens the air passage F to the front. The outlet discharges air to the outside. The outlet 42 of the present embodiment is located in front (+X direction) of the projector main body 1. Therefore, the air flowing through the air passage F and flowing out forward from the outlet 42 is less likely to hit the projector main body 1.

[0058] The side hole portion 43 is provided in the third side plate portion 40c. The side hole portion 43 penetrates the third side plate portion 40c in the thickness direction (i.e., the left - right direction Y). As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed from the left - right direction Y, the side hole portion 43 overlaps with the exhaust port 13 of the projector main body 1. Thereby, the side hole portion 43 is connected to the exhaust port 13. Also, the side hole portion 43 and the exhaust port 13 communicate the case inner space B of the projector main body 1 and the air passage F. The air in the case inner space B discharged from the exhaust port 13 is guided to the air passage F through the side hole portion 43.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the fan 50 generates an air flow inside the housing 60. The fan 50 is connected to, for example, the projector main body 1 and is driven in synchronization with the driving of the projector main body 1.

[0060] The fan 50 sucks air from the rear (-X direction) and blows air forward (+X direction). That is, the blowing direction of the fan 50 is forward (+X direction). The fan 50 has a suction portion 55 that sucks air and a blowing portion 56 that blows air. The suction portion 55 of the present embodiment is provided on the surface facing the rear of the fan 50. Also, the blowing portion 56 of the present embodiment is provided on the surface facing the front of the fan 50.

[0061] The fan 50 of the present embodiment is an axial - flow fan in which the rotation axis J of the rotating blades extends in the front - rear direction X. Note that the fan 50 may be a centrifugal fan or a sirocco fan. The fan 50 is located inside the housing 60, behind the projector main body 1 and the distribution portion 40.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from the blowing direction of the fan 50 (forward in the present embodiment), the fan 50 overlaps with the inlet 41 of the distribution portion 40. Thereby, the fan 50 sends air to the inlet 41 of the distribution portion 40 and forms an air flow in the air passage F that flows forward from the inlet 41 to the outlet 42. That is, the fan 50 circulates air inside the distribution portion 40 (i.e., in the air passage F). The air flowing forward in the air passage F is blown out forward from the outlet 42.

[0063] Further, the fan 50 of the present embodiment overlaps with the projector main body 1 when viewed from the air blowing direction of the fan 50 (frontward in the present embodiment). Thereby, the fan 50 blows air not only onto the air passage F but also onto the outer surface of the projector main body 1 to cool the outer surface of the projector main body 1. Note that a through hole for guiding the air blown out from the fan 50 into the case internal space B may be provided in the inner case 10 of the projector main body 1. In this case, the air of the fan 50 can be guided into the case internal space B of the inner case 10, and the case internal space B can be directly cooled by the fan 50.

[0064] Furthermore, the fan 50 of the present embodiment overlaps with a gap G provided between the projector main body 1 and the inner surface of the housing 60 when viewed from the air blowing direction of the fan 50 (frontward in the present embodiment). As shown in FIG. 4, the air blown out from the fan 50 passes through the gap G. That is, the fan 50 causes air to flow not only inside the circulation part 40 but also along the outer surface of the projector main body 1 outside the circulation part 40. The air blown out from the fan 50 absorbs heat from the outer surface of the projector main body 1 when passing through the gap G to cool the projector main body 1.

[0065] Next, the air flow in the internal space A of the housing 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. When the projector main body 1 is driven, the projector main body 1 takes in air from the first air intake 11 and the second air intake 12 into the case internal space B, and discharges the air heated by each device to be cooled of the projector main body 1 from the exhaust port 13.

[0066] The first air intake 11 guides the air flowing from the opening 63h into the internal space A of the housing 60 and along the second side surface 10b of the projector main body 1, and the air flowing out from the air intake hole 61a into the internal space A, into the projector main body 1.

[0067] The second air intake 12 faces the opening 63h. Therefore, the second air intake 12 directly guides the air flowing from the opening 63h into the internal space A of the housing 60 into the projector main body 1.

[0068] The exhaust port 13 is connected to the side hole portion 43 of the flow-through portion 40. Therefore, the air exhausted from the exhaust port 13 flows into the air passage F of the flow-through portion 40.

[0069] The fan 50 is driven together with the projector main body 1. When the fan 50 is driven, the air blown out from the fan 50 flows into the inlet 41 and the gap G of the flow-through portion 40. The air flowing into the inlet 41 forms a forward air flow in the air passage F of the flow-through portion 40. As a result, the exhaust air flowing from the projector main body 1 into the air passage F flows forward from the outlet 42 together with the air flow formed by the fan 50. Since the outlet 42 faces the opening 63h in the front-rear direction X, the air flowing out from the outlet 42 is discharged to the outside of the housing 60 through the opening 63h of the housing 60.

[0070]

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, when the projection system is viewed from the front-rear direction, most of the opening 63h overlaps with the projector main body 1 or the flow-through portion 40. Therefore, it is widely open forward near the left (+Y direction) end of the opening 63h, and this portion mainly functions as the intake portion 63a. That is, the inflow of air in the opening 63h of the present embodiment is dominant near the left (+Y direction) end of the opening 63h.

[0072] ​As shown in FIG. 2, the air flowing in from the intake portion 63a located at the left end of the opening 63h flows rearward between the second side surface 10b of the projector main body 1 and the second side wall portion 62b of the housing 60. Further, this air flows rightward (-Y direction) between the projector main body 1 and the rear cover 64, and is sucked into the fan 50 from the suction portion 55 of the fan 50.

[0073] Here, the path of the air from the intake portion 63a to the suction portion 55 of the fan 50 is called the air supply path R. That is, the air supply path R is provided inside the housing 60. The air supply path R extends along the outer surface (the second side surface 10b and the fourth side surface 10d) of the projector main body 1. In the present embodiment, the heat generating portion 30 is disposed in the air supply path R. The heat generating portion 30 is cooled by the air flowing through the air supply path R. Note that the air supply path R is not limited to the outer surface of the projector main body 1, and may also extend along the top surface or the bottom surface of the projector main body 1.

[0074] Next, the operation and effect of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment will be described. The projection portion 63c of the housing 60 allows the light projected from the projector main body 1 to pass through. In order not to obstruct the progress of the light passing through the projection portion 63c, the surface on which the projection portion 63c is provided is disposed at a distance from other devices or the wall surface. Further, the intake portion 63a guides air from the outside of the housing 60 into the internal space A, and the exhaust portion 63b exhausts the air in the internal space A of the housing 60 to the outside. In order not to obstruct the intake from the intake portion 63a and the exhaust from the exhaust portion 63b, the surfaces on which the intake portion 63a and the exhaust portion 63b are provided are disposed at a distance from other devices or the wall surface. In the conventional housing, the projection portion, the intake portion, and the exhaust portion were provided on different surfaces of the outer surface of the housing 60. For this reason, in the conventional housing, it was necessary to separate three surfaces of the outer surface from other devices or the wall surface, and there were significant restrictions on the installation position of the projection system.

[0075] On the other hand, according to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projection unit 63c, the intake unit 63a, and the exhaust unit 63b are all provided on the front surface 63f of the housing 60. According to the present embodiment, the surfaces of the housing 60 other than the front surface 63f can be brought close to other devices or a wall surface. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the projection system 100 while maintaining the efficiency of intake and exhaust to the internal space A of the housing 60 and suppressing a reduction in the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body 1.

[0076] Examples of other devices arranged adjacent to the projection system 100 include other projection systems 100, light emitting devices, or audio devices. In particular, as an example of arranging another projection system 100 adjacent to one projection system 100, cases of performing stack projection, multi-projection, or blending projection can be considered. In stack projection, a plurality of projection systems 100 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction Z, and projection is performed on a projection target from the plurality of projection systems 100. In multi-projection or blending projection, a plurality of projection systems 100 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction Y, and projection is performed on a projection target from the plurality of projection systems 100. According to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of projection systems 100 are arranged adjacent to each other vertically or horizontally and stack projection, multi-projection, or blending projection is performed, the intake unit 63a and the exhaust unit 63b of each projection system 100 do not face each other. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the air exhausted from the exhaust unit 63b of one of the plurality of projection systems 100 from being taken in by another projection system 100, and it is easy to maintain the heat dissipation efficiency of each projector main body 1.

[0077] Further, according to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projection unit 63c, the intake unit 63a, and the exhaust unit 63b are concentratedly provided on one surface (front surface 63f) of the housing 60. According to the present embodiment, compared with the case where the projection unit, the intake unit, and the exhaust unit are provided on a plurality of surfaces of the outer surface of the housing 60, the range in which the occupant cannot visually recognize the projection unit 63c, the intake unit 63a, and the exhaust unit 63b can be widened in the room where the projection system 100 is installed. Thereby, the design property of the projection system 100 can be enhanced.

[0078] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment includes a circulation part 40 that guides the air exhausted from the projector main body 1, and a fan 50 that circulates the air inside the circulation part 40. Further, the housing 60 has an exhaust part 63b that overlaps with the outlet 42 when viewed from the blowing direction of the fan 50 and exhausts the air discharged from the circulation part 40 to the outside of the housing 60. According to the present embodiment, the exhaust of the projector main body 1 guided to the circulation part 40 can be exhausted to the outside of the housing 60 by the fan 50. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the exhaust of the projector main body 1 from staying in the internal space A of the housing 60, and it is possible to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body 1.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, the fan 50 of the present embodiment overlaps with the gap G between the projector main body 1 and the inner surface of the housing 60 in addition to the inlet 41 of the circulation part 40 when viewed from the blowing direction (forward in the present embodiment) of the fan 50. According to the present embodiment, the fan 50 can circulate the air not only inside the circulation part 40 but also along the outer surface of the projector main body 1 outside the circulation part 40. Therefore, the outer surface of the projector main body 1 can be cooled by the air blown out from the fan 50.

[0080] In this embodiment, the fan 50 overlaps the projector main body 1 when viewed from the air blowing direction of the fan 50. According to this embodiment, the air blown out from the fan 50 can be applied to the outer surface of the projector main body 1, and the outer surface of the projector main body 1 can be directly cooled.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, the projection system 100 of this embodiment includes a heat generating part 30 that is housed in the housing 60 and is different from the projector main body. Further, inside the housing 60 of this embodiment, an air blowing path R is provided that extends along the outer surface of the projector main body 1 from the intake part 63a to the suction part 55 of the fan 50. The heat generating part 30 of this embodiment is arranged in the air blowing path R. According to this embodiment, the heat generating part 30 can be cooled by the air flowing through the air blowing path R, and the reliability of the operation of the heat generating part 30 can be improved.

[0082] The front end (i.e., the outlet 42) of the flow-through part 40 of this embodiment is located in front (+X direction) of the first intake port 11 and the second intake port 12 of the projector main body 1. For this reason, the exhaust blown forward from the outlet 42 is less likely to flow into the inside of the projector main body 1 from the first intake port 11 or the second intake port 12. According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to guide low-temperature air into the inside of the projector main body 1 through the first intake port 11 and the second intake port 12, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body 1 can be improved.

[0083] <Modification example> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the installation state of a modification example of the projection system 100 of the above-described embodiment. In the installation state of this modification example, the upper side (+Z direction) corresponds to the front of the projection system 100 and the projector main body 1.

[0084] In the installed state of this modified example, the projection system 100 is installed on the wall surface W. In this modified example, the projection system 100 is attached to the wall surface W in a state rotated 90° around an axis extending in the left-right direction Y as compared with the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the installed state of this modified example, the projection system 100 emits image light upward (+Z direction). In this modified example, the light emitted from the projector main body 1 is projected onto the ceiling surface C orthogonal to the wall surface W.

[0085] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following configurations and methods can also be adopted. In the above-described embodiment, the case where two air inlets 11 and 12 and one air outlet 13 are provided in the projector main body 1 has been described, but the number of the air inlets and the air outlet 13 of the projector main body 1 is not limited to this. Further, the air inlets 11 and 12 and the air outlet 13 of the projector main body 1 may be provided on any outer surface of the projector main body 1 as long as they can perform their respective functions.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the projection system 100 has a duct-shaped flow-through portion 40 that surrounds the air passage F by combining plate-like members. However, the projection system 100 may constitute a flow-through portion 40 that guides air in one direction by using a plurality of members arranged in the housing 60. As an example, the space surrounded by the outer surface of the projector main body 1 and the inner surface of the housing 60 may be used as the air passage F. In this case, the outer surface of the projector main body 1 and the inner surface of the housing 60 constitute the flow-through portion 40. That is, the "flow-through portion" in this specification does not necessarily have to be a specific member as long as it constitutes the air passage F that guides air in one direction.

[0087] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the flow-through portion 40 extends linearly in the front-rear direction X. However, the flow-through portion 40 may extend obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction X or may be bent in the middle.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the fan 50 blows air toward the inlet 41 of the flow-through portion 40 has been illustrated. However, the fan 50 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment as long as it can form an air flow inside the flow-through portion 40. For example, the fan 50 may be arranged to suck air from the outlet 42 of the flow-through portion 40. In this case, the fan 50 is located in front of the flow-through portion 40 (+X direction), and the suction portion 55 is opposed to the outlet 42.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the intake portion 63a, the exhaust portion 63b, and the projection portion 63c are each regions of one opening 63h has been described. That is, the opening 63h of the above-described embodiment does not have a partition or the like that partitions the intake portion 63a, the exhaust portion 63b, and the projection portion 63c. However, the intake portion 63a, the exhaust portion 63b, and the projection portion 63c may be regions partitioned from each other. Further, the projection portion 63c may be provided with a light-transmitting cover formed of glass or the like. The intake portion 63a and the exhaust portion 63b may be provided with filters for removing dust and the like from the passing air.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the intake portion 63a, the exhaust portion 63b, and the projection portion 63c were provided on the front surface 63f of the housing 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the intake portion, the exhaust portion, and the projection portion may be configured to extend not only over the front surface 63f of the housing 60 but also over at least one of the first side wall portion 62a, the second side wall portion 62b, the lower wall portion 62c, and the base plate 61 connected to the front surface 63f. That is, a part of each of the intake portion, the exhaust portion, and the projection portion may be provided on at least one of the first side wall portion 62a, the second side wall portion 62b, the lower wall portion 62c, and the base plate 61.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the housing 60 has the front cover 63 and the window-shaped opening 63h is provided in the front cover 63 has been described. However, in the housing 60, the front cover 63 may be omitted, and the entire internal space A may be opened forward to form the opening 63h.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, an example of applying the present disclosure to a transmissive projector has been described. However, the present disclosure can also be applied to a reflective projector. Here, "transmissive" means a type in which a light modulation device including a liquid crystal panel or the like transmits light. "Reflective" means a type in which the light modulation device reflects light. Note that the light modulation device is not limited to a liquid crystal panel or the like, and may be, for example, a light modulation device using a micromirror.

[0093] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of the projector main body 1 using three light modulation units 4R, 4G, and 4B has been given. However, the present disclosure is also applicable to a projector main body using only one light modulation device and a projector main body using four or more light modulation devices. In addition, each configuration and each method described in this specification can be appropriately combined within a range that does not conflict with each other.

[0094] [Summary of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, a summary of the present disclosure will be appended.

[0095] (Appended Note 1) A projector main body that projects modulated light forward, A flow path portion that guides air exhausted from the projector main body, A fan that circulates air inside the flow path portion, A housing that houses the projector main body, the flow path portion, and the fan, The flow path portion has an outlet for discharging air to the outside, The housing, A projection portion through which light projected from the projector main body passes, An intake portion that takes in outside air of the housing into the inside, An exhaust portion that overlaps with the outlet as viewed from the air blowing direction of the fan and exhausts the air discharged from the outlet to the outside of the housing, The projection unit, the intake unit, and the exhaust unit are all provided on a surface facing the front of the housing. A projection system characterized by this.

[0096] According to this configuration, since the projection unit, the intake unit, and the exhaust unit are concentratedly arranged on the front surface of the housing, the surfaces other than the front surface of the housing can be brought close to other devices or a wall surface. For this reason, while maintaining the efficiency of intake and exhaust to the internal space of the housing and suppressing a reduction in the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body, the degree of freedom in arranging the projection system can be increased. Furthermore, compared with the case where the projection unit, the intake unit, and the exhaust unit are provided on a plurality of surfaces of the outer surface of the housing, the projection unit, the intake unit, and the exhaust unit can be made less visible, and the design property of the projection system can be enhanced. Also, according to this configuration, the exhaust of the projector main body guided to the flow-through portion can be exhausted to the outside of the housing by the fan. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the exhaust of the projector main body from staying in the internal space of the housing, and it is possible to enhance the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body.

[0097] (Appendix 2) The projection system according to Appendix 1, wherein the fan circulates air along the outer surface of the projector main body outside the flow-through portion in addition to inside the flow-through portion.

[0098] According to this configuration, the outer surface of the projector main body can be cooled by the air blown out from the fan.

[0099] (Appendix 3) The projection system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the fan overlaps the projector main body when viewed from the air blowing direction of the fan.

[0100] According to this configuration, the air blown out from the fan or the air sucked into the fan can be applied to the outer surface of the projector main body to directly cool the outer surface of the projector main body.

[0101] (Appendix 4) It is provided with a heat generating part different from the projector main body and housed in the housing, Inside the housing, an air blowing path is provided that extends along the outer surface of the projector main body and reaches the suction part of the fan from the intake part. The heat generating part is arranged in the air blowing path, and is the projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0102] According to this configuration, the heat generating part can be cooled by the air flowing through the air blowing path, and the reliability of the operation of the heat generating part can be improved.

[0103] (Appendix 5) The front end of the outflow port is located in front of the intake port of the projector main body, and is the projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0104] According to this configuration, the exhaust air blown forward from the front end of the flow-through part is less likely to flow into the inside of the projector main body from the intake port of the projector main body. According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to guide low-temperature air into the inside of the projector main body, and the heat dissipation efficiency of the projector main body can be improved.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0105] 1... Projector main body, 11, 12... Intake ports, 30... Heat generating part, 40... Flow-through part, 50... Fan, 55... Suction part, 60... Housing, 63a... Intake part, 63b... Exhaust part, 63c... Projection part, 100... Projection system, R... Air blowing path

Claims

1. A projector body that projects modulated light forward, A flow-through section that guides air exhausted from the projector body, A fan that circulates air inside the flow-through section, A housing that houses the projector body, the flow-through section, and the fan, characterized in that: The flow-through section has an outlet for discharging air to the outside, The housing includes: A projection section through which the light projected from the projector body passes, An intake section that takes in air from the outside of the housing into the housing, An exhaust section that overlaps with the outlet when viewed from the air-blowing direction of the fan and exhausts the air discharged from the outlet to the outside of the housing, The projection section, the intake section, and the exhaust section are all provided on a surface facing the front of the housing. A projection system.

2. The fan, in addition to inside the flow-through section, circulates air along the outer surface of the projector body outside the flow-through section. The projection system according to Claim 1.

3. The fan overlaps with the projector body when viewed from the air-blowing direction of the fan. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The housing is provided with a heat-generating section different from the projector body housed therein, Inside the housing, an air-blowing path is provided that extends along the outer surface of the projector body and reaches the suction section of the fan from the intake section, The heat-generating section is disposed in the air-blowing path. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The outlet is located in front of the intake port of the projector body. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

Images