Projector

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of disconnection of a wire connecting a light-emitting device of a light source and an electrode and a short circuit in the light source, while preventing a reduction in light utilization efficiency in a projector.SOLUTION: A projector of the present embodiment comprises: a first light source that has a first light-emitting device emitting first light in a first wavelength range, a first conduction line supplying power to the first light-emitting device, and a base material supporting the first light-emitting device and the first conduction line; a first light guide element that has a first incident end on which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident, and a first emission end for emitting the first light, and makes the in-plane luminance of the first light uniform; a first collimation element that collimates the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulation element that modulates the first light emitted from the first collimation element on the basis of image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulation element. The first light guide element is arranged separate from the first conduction line, and a first distance between the first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, there has been known a projector that includes a light source that emits colored light, a light modulation device that modulates the colored light emitted from the light source in accordance with image information to generate image light, and a projection optical system that enlarges and projects the image light emitted from the light modulation device onto a projection surface such as a screen. The projector includes, for example, a light source device that includes a blue light source that emits blue light, an excitation light source that is provided separately from the blue light source and also emits blue light, and a phosphor that is excited by the blue light emitted from the excitation light source and emits yellow light. In such a projector, white light containing blue light and yellow light is emitted from the light source device, and each colored light contained in the white light is converted into image light by a common light modulation device or a light modulation device provided for each colored light.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a projector that uses multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emitting elements of the light source. In the projector disclosed in Patent Document 1, colored light emitted from each LED passes through a block, is superimposed on a path in the same direction, modulated by a light modulation element, and enlarged and projected by a projection lens. The block has a parabolic side surface, and the angular distribution of the colored light emitted from the exit end surface is within a range of 0° to 90°. The colored light emitted from the multiple blocks is incident on a dichroic prism that is arranged to superimpose the light from the multiple LEDs on each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 10-361256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Typically, light-emitting elements such as LEDs are mounted on a support member such as a substrate and connected by wire bonding to electrodes, such as lead frames or pads, separately formed on the support member. In the technology disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the light source and the block are in close contact with each other, which can lead to direct contact between the wires connecting the light-emitting elements and electrodes in the light source and the block, as described above, resulting in short circuits or wire breakage. One solution to this problem is to space the light source and the block apart. However, depending on the distance between the light source and the block, the efficiency with which the light emitted from the light source is captured by the block may be reduced, potentially resulting in insufficient light utilization efficiency in the projector. In other words, there is a need for a projector that can prevent wire breakage connecting the light-emitting elements and electrodes in the light source and short circuits in the light source while minimizing the reduction in light utilization efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A projector according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first light source including a first light-emitting element that emits first light in a first wavelength band, a first current wire that supplies power to the first light-emitting element, and a substrate that supports the first light-emitting element and the first current wire; a first light guide element that has a first incident end into which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident and a first exit end from which the first light is emitted and that homogenizes in-plane illuminance of the first light; a first collimating element that collimates the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulation element that modulates the first light emitted from the first collimating element based on image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulation element. The first light guide element is disposed at a distance from the first current wire, and a first distance between the first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a projector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view of a blue light emitting section of the projector in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view of a blue light emitting section of the projector in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view of a green light emitting section of the projector in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view of a red light emitting section of the projector in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of a blue light output section of a first modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is another side view of the blue light output section of the first modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view of a green light output section of a second modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a green light output section of a second modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 9 is a side view of a blue light output section of a third modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 10 is a side view of a blue light output section of a fourth modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 12] 1. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blue light output section of a fourth modified example of the projector of FIG. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 11 is a side view of a blue light output section of a fifth modified example of the projector of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the scale of the dimensions of some components may be changed to make the components easier to see.

[0009] First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a projector 301 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The projector 301 is an image display device equipped with three liquid crystal panels as light modulation devices, and is a so-called three-panel projector. As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 301 includes a blue light output unit 101, a green light output unit 102, a red light output unit 103, incident-side polarizing elements 171, 172, and 173, light modulation elements 181, 182, and 183, exit-side polarizing elements 175, 176, and 177, a light combining element 200, and a projection optical system 250.

[0010] The blue light output unit 101 outputs blue light LB. In the following description, the direction of an axis parallel to the optical axis of the blue light LB output from the blue light output unit 101 is referred to as the D1 direction. One side of the D1 direction is referred to as the -D1 side, and the side opposite the -D1 side of the D1 direction is referred to as the +D1 side. The direction perpendicular to the D1 direction in a plane including the optical axis of the blue light LB is referred to as the D2 direction. One side of the D2 direction is referred to as the -D2 side, and the side opposite the -D2 side of the D2 direction is referred to as the +D2 side. The direction perpendicular to the D1 direction and the D2 direction is referred to as the D3 direction. The blue light LB output from the blue light output unit 101 travels toward the +D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0011] The blue light output unit 101 includes a light source 401, a light guide element 141, and a collimating element 161. The light source 401 corresponds to a first light source. The light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is supported by a substrate 111. The light emitting element 121 is provided on a +D1 side surface of the substrate 111 that is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The substrate 111 corresponds to a base material. The light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121 is disposed substantially parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and is the surface of the light emitting element 121 on the opposite side in the D1 direction from the surface of the light emitting element 121 that faces the +D1 side surface of the substrate 111. The light emitting element 121 corresponds to a first light emitting element and emits blue light LB in a blue wavelength band in the visible wavelength band. The blue wavelength band corresponds to a first wavelength band. The blue light LB corresponds to the first light. The blue light LB diverges from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121 at a predetermined radiation angle around an axis that passes through the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121 and is parallel to the D1 direction, and is emitted to the +D1 side. The blue wavelength band is, for example, a wavelength band of 420 nm to 500 nm.

[0012] The light emitting element 121 is configured, for example, by an LED that emits blue light LB. The light emitting element 121 may be configured by one LED or may be configured by a plurality of LEDs. When the light emitting element 121 is configured by a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged in an area occupied by the light emitting element 121 in a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction.

[0013] The substrate 111 is made of, for example, metal, and also functions as a heat dissipation member that receives heat from the light emitting elements 121 that emit blue light LB and dissipates the heat to the external space.

[0014] The light guide element 141 is provided on the optical path of the blue light LB emitted from the light source 401, and is disposed on the +D1 side of the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401, and at a position overlapping with the light emitting element 121 in the D2 and D3 directions. The light guide element 141 corresponds to a first light guide element, and has an incident end 141a on the −D1 side in the D1 direction, an exit end 141b on the +D1 side, and a side surface 141s and a reflecting surface 141r extending between the incident end 141a and the exit end 141b in the D1 direction.

[0015] The incident end 141a corresponds to a first incident end and extends parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The shape of the incident end 141a when viewed from the D1 direction is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 when viewed from the same direction, and is, for example, rectangular. The size of the incident end 141a in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions may be equal to the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions, but is preferably appropriately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions.

[0016] The exit end 141b corresponds to a first exit end, extends parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and is larger than the entrance end 141a. The shape of the exit end 141b when viewed from the D1 direction is the same as the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181, e.g., rectangular. The size of the exit end 141b in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The side surface 141s and the reflecting surface 141r connect the peripheral portion of the entrance end 141a to the peripheral portion of the exit end 141b in the D1 direction.

[0017] Blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 enters the light guide element 141 from the incident end 141a. In the light guide element 141, the area surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r is the area through which the blue light LB propagates. The size of the area surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions increases as the area progresses from the −D1 side to the +D1 side in the D1 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the area surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 as viewed from the D1 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 as the area progresses from the −D1 side to the +D1 side.

[0018] A side surface 141s of the light guide element 141 and a reflecting surface 141r provided on the side surface 141s as described below form a predetermined angle with respect to a virtual line perpendicular to the incident end 141a and the optical axis, and move away from the virtual line within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions as the light moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side. The blue light LB incident on the light guide element 141 propagates from the -D1 side to the +D1 side within an area surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r.

[0019] When the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 is rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, the shape of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121 when viewed along the D1 direction is substantially similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 181 and is also rectangular. In this case, the predetermined angle α formed by the side surface 141s and the reflecting surface 141r including the short sides of the rectangle with respect to the virtual line and the optical axis, i.e., the taper angle, is preferably within a range of 7° to 22°. The predetermined angle β formed by the side surface 141s and the reflecting surface 141r including the long sides of the rectangle with respect to the virtual line and the optical axis, i.e., the taper angle, is preferably within a range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of the angles α and β have been confirmed by numerical simulations based on the configuration of the blue light emitting unit 101 and ray tracing.

[0020] A portion of the blue light LB incident on the light guide element 141 propagates directly from the incident end 141a to the exit end 141b along a direction that forms an angle smaller than a predetermined angle with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, without ever entering the reflecting surface 141r. The remaining portion of the blue light LB incident on the light guide element 141 forms an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, enters the reflecting surface 141r from the incident end 141a one or more times, is reflected by the reflecting surface 141r, and then reaches the exit end 141b. The path of the blue light LB within the region surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r varies depending on the angle of incidence on the incident end 141a, and follows multiple paths that are reflected by the reflecting surface 141r a different number of times. As a result, the illuminance distribution of the blue light LB propagating through the region surrounded by the incident end 141a, the exit end 141b, and the reflecting surface 141r is uniform within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. That is, the light-guiding element 141 uniforms the illuminance distribution of the incident blue light LB within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The blue light LB with its uniform illuminance distribution is emitted from the exit end 141b to the +D1 side.

[0021] The light guide element 141 is a reflector made of a transparent material such as optical glass. The reflector has a frame and is formed as a hollow member. When viewed along the D1 direction, the end of the reflector's frame on the -D1 side has the same shape as the incident end 141a and the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121, is larger than the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 121, and is formed, for example, in a rectangular frame shape. The end of the reflector's frame on the +D1 side has the same shape and size as the exit end 141b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181, and is formed, for example, in a rectangular frame shape with a different size from the end on the -D1 side.

[0022] The reflector is formed, for example, by plate-like members made of a transparent material. As described above, if the shape of the incident end 141a and the exit end 141b when viewed from the D1 direction is rectangular, the reflector is formed by four trapezoidal plate-like members. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D2 or D3 direction on the -D1 side corresponding to the upper base of each of the four plate-like members are set according to the size of the incident end 141a and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 121 in the D2 or D3 direction. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D2 or D3 direction on the +D1 side corresponding to the lower base of each of the four plate-like members are set according to the size of the exit end 141b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 in the D2 or D3 direction. Of the four plate-like members, the side corresponding to one leg of one of two plate-like members is connected to the side corresponding to the other leg of the other plate-like member.

[0023] As described above, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 is configured using a plate-like member made of a transparent material, the side surface 141s, i.e., the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector, acts as a reflective surface. To increase the reflectance of blue light LB incident on the light-guiding element 141 from the incident end 141a near the side surface 141s, the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 has a reflective film 251 made of a dielectric multilayer film or the like on the plate surface opposite the side surface 141s, i.e., the plate surface facing the internal space SP141. In this case, the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the internal space SP141 of the reflector acts as a reflective surface 141r. A portion of the blue light LB incident on the incident end 141a into the internal space SP141 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 is reflected by the reflective film 251 and travels toward the +D1 side.

[0024] The intensity of the blue light LB reflected by and emitted from the reflective film 251 may depend on the angle of incidence of the blue light LB incident on the reflective film 251. When the reflective film 251 is made of a dielectric multilayer film, the incidence angle dependency of the intensity of the blue light LB emitted from the reflective film 251 changes depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films of the multiple films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, the reflective film 251 is designed and the parameters of the dielectric multilayer film are appropriately determined so that, for example, when the angle α is within a range of 7° to 22° and the angle β is within a range of 14° to 36°, the angle of incidence of the blue light LB at which the intensity of the blue light LB emitted from the reflective surface 141r and the reflective film 251 is highest is within a range of 60° to 90°. The relationship between the angle of incidence of blue light LB on reflecting surface 141r and reflecting film 251 and the intensity of blue light LB emitted from reflecting surface 141r and reflecting film 251 is obtained by a numerical simulation based on the configuration of blue light emitting unit 101 and ray tracing.

[0025] In addition, when the reflector is composed of a plate-like member made of a transparent material and the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector acts as a reflective surface, a portion of the blue light LB incident from the incident end 141a into the internal space SP141 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 enters the plate-like member from the plate surface facing the internal space SP141 of the reflector, is refracted, is reflected by the plate surface facing the external space of the reflector, propagates through the plate-like member again, is refracted by the plate surface facing the internal space SP141 of the reflector, is emitted into the internal space SP141 of the reflector, and proceeds toward the +D1 side.

[0026] The collimating element 161 is provided on the optical path of the blue light LB emitted from the light guide element 141, and is disposed on the +D1 side of the light guide element 141 and at a position overlapping with the light guide element 141 in the D2 and D3 directions. The collimating element 161 corresponds to a first collimating element, and collimates the blue light LB emitted from the light guide element 141 along the D1 direction.

[0027] The collimating element 161 is, for example, a plano-convex lens having an incident surface formed of a flat surface perpendicular to the D1 direction and an exit surface formed of a convex curved surface protruding toward the exit side of the blue light LB. The incident surface of the plano-convex lens of the collimating element 161 is in contact with the exit end 141b of the light-guiding element 141. By having the collimating element 161 in contact with the exit end 141b, the blue light LB exiting from the exit end 141b of the light-guiding element 141 is taken in to the collimating element 161 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing loss of the blue light LB. However, the collimating element 161 may be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can collimate the incident blue light LB. Furthermore, the collimating element 161 may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light-guiding element 141 in the D1 direction.

[0028] The incident-side polarizing element 171 is provided on the optical path of the blue light LB emitted from the collimating element 161, and is disposed on the +D1 side of the collimating element 161 and at a position overlapping with the collimating element 161 in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident-side polarizing element 171 is in contact with the light modulation element 181 from the -D1 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light modulation element 181 in the D1 direction. The incident-side polarizing element 171 corresponds to a first polarizing element, and emits a predetermined polarized light of the blue light LB emitted from the collimating element 161 to the +D1 side along the D1 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to a first polarization component, such as S-polarized light.

[0029] The incident-side polarizing element 171 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. Note that, if it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to upstream optical elements including the collimating element 161, it is desirable to use an absorptive polarizing plate as the incident-side polarizing element 171. The incident-side polarizing element 171 transmits a portion of the incident blue light LB that has a predetermined polarization to the +D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the blue light LB to the -D1 side.

[0030] Light modulation element 181 is provided on the optical path of blue light LB emitted from incident-side polarizing element 171, and is disposed on the +D1 side of incident-side polarizing element 171 at a position where it overlaps with incident-side polarizing element 171 in the D2 and D3 directions. Light modulation element 181 corresponds to a first light modulation element, and modulates blue light LB emitted from incident-side polarizing element 171 based on image information input from an external image forming device such as a computer (not shown) connected to light modulation element 181.

[0031] The light modulation element 181 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel constituting the light modulation element 181 has a plurality of pixels (not shown). Each pixel has a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a polysilicon thin film transistor (TFT). An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of red light at the relative position of each pixel on the modulation surface of the light modulation element 181 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of blue light LB incident from the incident-side polarizing element 171 by the operation of the switching element in response to the electrical signal, thereby generating blue image light IB. The image light IB corresponds to the first light. The light modulation element 181 emits the image light IB generated by the liquid crystal panel toward the +D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0032] The exit-side polarizing element 175 is provided on the optical path of the image light IB exiting from the light modulation element 181, and is disposed on the +D1 side of the light modulation element 181 and at a position overlapping with the light modulation element 181 in the D2 and D3 directions. The exit-side polarizing element 175 is in contact with the light modulation element 181 from the +D1 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light modulation element 181 in the D1 direction. The exit-side polarizing element 175 corresponds to a fourth polarizing element, and emits a predetermined polarized light of the image light IB exiting from the light modulation element 181 to the +D1 side along the D1 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to the fourth polarized light component, and is, for example, P-polarized light.

[0033] The exit-side polarizing element 175 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction. Note that, when it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to the light modulation element 181, it is desirable to employ an absorptive polarizing plate as the exit-side polarizing element 175. The exit-side polarizing element 175 transmits a portion of the incident image light IB that includes a predetermined polarization to the +D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the image light IB to the -D1 side.

[0034] The green light emitting portion 102 is disposed on the +D1 side and the -D2 side of the blue light emitting portion 101, and is disposed in a region overlapping with the blue light emitting portion 101 in the D3 direction. The green light emitting portion 102 emits green light LG. The green light LG emitted from the green light emitting portion 102 travels toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0035] The green light emitting unit 102 includes a light source 402, a light-guiding element 142, and a collimating element 162. The light source 402 corresponds to a second light source. The light emitting element 122 of the light source 402 is supported by the substrate 112. The light emitting element 122 is provided on a +D2-side plate surface of the substrate 112 that is parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The light emitting surface of the light emitting element 122 is disposed approximately parallel to the plane including the D1 and D3 directions, and is the surface of the light emitting element 122 on the opposite side in the D2 direction from the surface of the light emitting element 122 that is in contact with the +D2-side plate surface of the substrate 112. The light emitting element 122 corresponds to a second light emitting element and emits green light LG in a green wavelength band in the visible wavelength band. The green wavelength band corresponds to a second wavelength band. The green light LG corresponds to the second light. The green light LG diverges from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 122 at a predetermined radiation angle around an axis that passes through the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 122 and is parallel to the D2 direction, and is emitted to the +D2 side. The green wavelength band is, for example, a wavelength band of 500 nm to 600 nm.

[0036] As will be described later, the light-emitting element 122 has, for example, a light-emitting body that emits excitation light and a phosphor that is excited by the excitation light emitted from the light-emitting body and emits green light LG. Note that the light-emitting body of the light-emitting element 122 may be composed of one LED, as with the light-emitting element 121, or may be composed of a plurality of LEDs as a whole. When the light-emitting body of the light-emitting element 122 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged in an area occupied by the light-emitting element 122 in a plane including the D1 direction and the D3 direction.

[0037] The substrate 112 is made of, for example, metal, and also functions as a heat dissipation member that receives heat from the light emitting elements 122 that emit green light LG and dissipates the heat to the external space.

[0038] The light guide element 142 is provided on the optical path of the green light LG emitted from the light source 402, and is disposed on the +D2 side of the light emitting element 122 of the light source 402, and at a position overlapping with the light emitting element 122 in the D1 and D3 directions. The light guide element 142 corresponds to a second light guide element, and has an incident end 142a on the −D2 side in the D2 direction, an exit end 142b on the +D2 side, and a side surface 142s and a reflecting surface 142r extending between the incident end 142a and the exit end 142b in the D2 direction.

[0039] The incident end 142a corresponds to a second incident end and extends parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The shape of the incident end 142a when viewed from the D2 direction is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 when viewed from the same direction, and is, for example, rectangular. The size of the incident end 142a in the plane including the D1 and D3 directions may be equal to the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 in the plane including the D1 and D3 directions, but is preferably appropriately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 in the plane including the D1 and D3 directions.

[0040] The exit end 142b corresponds to a second exit end, extends parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions, and is larger than the entrance end 142a. The shape of the exit end 142b when viewed from the D2 direction is the same as the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182, e.g., rectangular. The size of the exit end 142b in the plane including the D1 and D3 directions is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 in the plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The side surface 142s and the reflecting surface 142r connect the peripheral edge of the entrance end 142a to the peripheral edge of the exit end 142b in the D2 direction.

[0041] Green light LG emitted from the light source 402 enters the light guide element 142 from the incident end 142a. In the light guide element 142, the area surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r is the area through which the green light LG propagates. The size of the area surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r in a plane including the D1 and D3 directions increases as the area progresses from the −D2 side to the +D2 side in the D2 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the area surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r in a plane including the D1 and D3 directions changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 when viewed from the D2 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 as the area progresses from the −D2 side to the +D2 side.

[0042] A side surface 142s of the light-guiding element 142 and a reflecting surface 142r provided on the side surface 142s as described below form a predetermined angle with respect to a virtual line perpendicular to the incident end 142a and the optical axis, and move away from the virtual line within a plane including the D1 and D3 directions as the light moves from the -D2 side to the +D2 side. The green light LG incident on the light-guiding element 142 propagates from the -D2 side to the +D2 side within the area surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r.

[0043] When the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 is rectangular when viewed along the D2 direction, the shape of the light emitting surface 122a of the light emitting element 122 when viewed along the D2 direction is substantially similar to the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 and is also rectangular. In this case, the predetermined angle α formed by the side surface 142s and the reflecting surface 142r, including the short sides of the rectangle, with respect to the virtual line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 7° to 22°. The predetermined angle β formed by the side surface 142s and the reflecting surface 142r, including the long sides of the rectangle, with respect to the virtual line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of the angles α and β have been confirmed by numerical simulations based on the configuration of the green light output unit 102 and ray tracing.

[0044] A portion of the green light LG incident on the light-guiding element 142 propagates directly from the incident end 142a to the exit end 142b along a direction that forms an angle smaller than the angle α or the angle β with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, without ever entering the reflecting surface 142r. The remaining portion of the green light LG incident on the light-guiding element 142 forms an angle equal to or larger than the angle α or the angle β with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, enters the reflecting surface 142r from the incident end 142a one or more times, is reflected by the reflecting surface 142r, and then reaches the exit end 142b.

[0045] The path of the green light LG within the region surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r varies depending on the angle of incidence at the incident end 142a, and extends over multiple paths with different numbers of reflections at the reflecting surface 142r. As a result, the illuminance distribution of the green light LG propagating through the region surrounded by the incident end 142a, the exit end 142b, and the reflecting surface 142r is homogenized within a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. In other words, the light-guiding element 142 homogenizes the illuminance distribution of the incident green light LG within a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The green light LG with its homogenized illuminance distribution is emitted from the exit end 142b toward the +D2 side.

[0046] Like the light guide element 141, the light guide element 142 is a hollow reflector configured of a plate-like member made of a transparent material such as optical glass. When viewed along the D2 direction, the end on the -D2 side of the frame of the reflector has the same shape as the incident end 142a and the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 122, is appropriately larger than the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 122, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. The end on the +D2 side of the frame of the reflector has the same shape and size as the exit end 142b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame of a different size from the end on the -D2 side.

[0047] The reflector of the light guide element 142 is configured by connecting the sides corresponding to the legs of four trapezoidal plate-like members. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D1 or D3 direction on the -D2 side corresponding to the upper bases of the four plate-like members are set according to the incident end 142a and the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 122 in the D1 or D3 direction. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D1 or D3 direction on the +D2 side corresponding to the lower bases of the four plate-like members are set according to the exit end 142b and the size of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 in the D1 or D3 direction.

[0048] As described above, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 is configured using a plate-like member made of a transparent material, the side surface 142s, i.e., the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector, acts as a reflective surface. To increase the reflectance of the green light LG incident on the light-guiding element 142 from the incident end 142a near the side surface 142s, the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 also has a reflective film 252 such as a dielectric multilayer film provided on the plate surface opposite the side surface 142s, i.e., the plate surface facing the internal space SP142 of the plate-like member. In this case, the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the internal space SP142 of the reflector acts as a reflective surface 142r. A portion of the green light LG incident on the incident end 142a into the internal space SP142 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 is reflected by the reflective film 252 and travels toward the +D2 side.

[0049] The intensity of the green light LG reflected by and emitted from the reflective film 252 may depend on the angle of incidence of the green light LG incident on the reflective film 252. When the reflective film 252 is made of a dielectric multilayer film, the incidence angle dependency of the intensity of the green light LG emitted from the reflective film 252 changes depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films of the multiple films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, the reflective film 252 is designed and the parameters of the dielectric multilayer film are appropriately determined so that, for example, when the angle α is within a range of 7° to 22° and the angle β is within a range of 14° to 36°, the angle of incidence of the green light LG at which the intensity of the green light LG emitted from the reflective surface 142r and the reflective film 252 is highest is within a range of 60° to 90°. The relationship between the angle of incidence of the green light LG on the reflecting surface 142r and the reflecting film 252 and the intensity of the green light LG emitted from the reflecting surface 142r and the reflecting film 252 is obtained by a numerical simulation based on the configuration of the green light emitting unit 102 and ray tracing.

[0050] In addition, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 is composed of a plate-like member made of a transparent material, and the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector acts as a reflective surface, a portion of the green light LG incident from the incident end 142a into the internal space SP142 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 enters the plate-like member from the plate surface facing the internal space SP142 of the reflector, is refracted, is reflected by the plate surface facing the external space of the reflector, propagates through the plate-like member again, is refracted by the plate surface facing the internal space SP142 of the reflector, is emitted into the internal space SP142 of the reflector, and proceeds toward the +D2 side.

[0051] The collimating element 162 is provided on the optical path of the green light LG emitted from the light guide element 142, and is disposed on the +D2 side of the light guide element 142 and at a position overlapping with the light guide element 142 in the D1 and D3 directions. The collimating element 162 corresponds to a second collimating element, and collimates the green light LG emitted from the light guide element 142 along the D2 direction.

[0052] The collimating element 162 is, for example, a plano-convex lens, and has an incident surface formed of a flat surface perpendicular to the D2 direction and an exit surface formed of a convex curved surface protruding toward the exit side of the green light LG. The incident surface of the collimating element 162 is in contact with the exit end 142b of the light-guiding element 142. By having the collimating element 162 in contact with the exit end 142b, the green light LG exiting from the exit end 142b of the light-guiding element 142 is taken in to the collimating element 162 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing loss of the green light LG. However, the collimating element 162 may be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can collimate the incident green light LG. Furthermore, the collimating element 162 may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light-guiding element 142 in the D2 direction.

[0053] The incident-side polarizing element 172 is provided on the optical path of the green light LG emitted from the collimating element 162, and is disposed on the +D2 side of the collimating element 162, and at a position overlapping with the collimating element 162 in the D1 and D3 directions. The incident-side polarizing element 172 is in contact with the light modulation element 182 from the +D2 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light modulation element 182 in the D2 direction. The incident-side polarizing element 172 corresponds to a second polarizing element, and emits a predetermined polarized light of the green light LG emitted from the collimating element 162 to the +D2 side along the D2 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to the second polarized light component, for example, S-polarized light.

[0054] Incident-side polarizing element 172 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. Note that, when it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to optical elements upstream of incident-side polarizing element 172, including collimating element 162, it is desirable to use an absorptive polarizing plate as incident-side polarizing element 172. Incident-side polarizing element 172 transmits a portion of the incident green light LG that has a predetermined polarization to the +D2 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the green light LG to the -D2 side.

[0055] Light modulation element 182 is provided on the optical path of green light LG emitted from incident-side polarizing element 172, and is disposed on the +D2 side of incident-side polarizing element 172 and at a position where it overlaps with incident-side polarizing element 172 in the D1 and D3 directions. Light modulation element 182 corresponds to a second light modulation element, and modulates green light LG emitted from incident-side polarizing element 172 based on image information input from an image forming device such as a computer (not shown) connected to light modulation element 182 from the outside.

[0056] The light modulation element 182 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel constituting the light modulation element 182 has a plurality of pixels (not shown). Each pixel is equipped with a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a TFT. An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of green light at the relative position of each pixel on the modulation surface of the light modulation element 182 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of the green light LG incident from the incident-side polarizing element 172 by the operation of the switching element in response to the electrical signal, thereby generating green image light IG. The image light IG corresponds to the second light. The light modulation element 182 emits the image light IG generated by the liquid crystal panel toward the +D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0057] The exit-side polarizing element 176 is provided on the optical path of the image light IG exiting from the light modulation element 182, and is disposed on the +D2 side of the light modulation element 182 and at a position overlapping with the light modulation element 182 in the D1 direction and the D3 direction. The exit-side polarizing element 176 is in contact with the light modulation element 182 from the +D2 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light modulation element 182 in the D2 direction. The exit-side polarizing element 176 corresponds to a fifth polarizing element, and emits a predetermined polarized light of the image light IG exiting from the light modulation element 182 to the +D2 side along the D2 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to the fifth polarization component, and is, for example, P-polarized light.

[0058] The exit-side polarizing element 176 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D1 direction and the D3 direction. If it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to the light modulation element 182, it is desirable to employ an absorptive polarizing plate as the exit-side polarizing element 176. The exit-side polarizing element 176 transmits a portion of the incident image light IG that contains a predetermined polarization to the +D2 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the image light IG to the -D2 side.

[0059] The red light emitting portion 103 is disposed on the +D1 side of the green light emitting portion 102, and is disposed in a region overlapping with the blue light emitting portion 101 in the D2 and D3 directions. The red light emitting portion 103 emits red light LR. The red light LR emitted from the red light emitting portion 103 travels toward the -D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0060] The red light emitting unit 103 includes a light source 403, a light guide element 143, and a collimating element 163. The light source 403 corresponds to a third light source. The light emitting element 123 of the light source 401 is supported by the substrate 113. The light emitting element 123 is provided on a -D1 side surface of the substrate 113 that is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123 is disposed approximately parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and is the surface of the light emitting element 123 on the opposite side in the D1 direction from the surface of the light emitting element 123 that is in contact with the -D1 side surface of the substrate 113. The light emitting element 123 corresponds to a third light emitting element and emits red light LR in a red wavelength band in the visible wavelength band. The red wavelength band corresponds to a third wavelength band. The red light LR corresponds to the third light. The red light LR diverges from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123 at a predetermined radiation angle around an axis that passes through the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123 and is parallel to the D1 direction, and is emitted to the -D1 side. The red wavelength band is, for example, a wavelength band of 610 nm to 700 nm.

[0061] The light emitting element 123 is composed of, for example, an LED that emits red light LR. Note that the light emitting element 123 may be composed of one LED or a plurality of LEDs as a whole, similar to the light emitting elements 121 and 122. When the light emitting element 123 is composed of a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs are arranged in an area occupied by the light emitting element 123 in a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction.

[0062] The substrate 113 is made of, for example, metal, and also functions as a heat dissipation member that receives heat from the light emitting element 123 that emits the red light LR and dissipates the heat to the external space.

[0063] The light guide element 143 is provided on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the light source 403, and is disposed on the −D1 side of the light emitting element 123 of the light source 403, and at a position overlapping with the light emitting element 123 in the D2 and D3 directions. The light guide element 143 corresponds to a third light guide element, and has an incident end 143a on the +D1 side in the D1 direction, an exit end 143b on the −D1 side, and a side surface 143s and a reflecting surface 143r extending between the incident end 143a and the exit end 143b in the D1 direction.

[0064] The incident end 143a corresponds to a third incident end and extends parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The shape of the incident end 143a when viewed from the D1 direction is the same as the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 123 when viewed from the same direction, and is, for example, rectangular. The size of the incident end 143a in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions may be equal to the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 123 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions, but is preferably appropriately larger than the size of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 123 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions.

[0065] The exit end 143b corresponds to a third exit end, extends parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and is larger than the entrance end 143a. The shape of the exit end 143b when viewed from the D1 direction is the same as the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 when viewed from the same direction, and is similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 183, e.g., rectangular. The size of the exit end 143b in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions is equal to the size of the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 in the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The side surface 143s and the reflecting surface 143r connect the peripheral portion of the entrance end 143a to the peripheral portion of the exit end 143b in the D1 direction.

[0066] Red light LR emitted from the light source 403 enters the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a. In the light-guiding element 143, the area surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r is the area through which the red light LR propagates. The size of the area surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions increases as the area progresses from the +D1 side to the -D1 side in the D1 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the area surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions changes from the shape of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 123 as viewed from the D1 direction to the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulation element 183 as the area progresses from the +D1 side to the -D1 side.

[0067] A side surface 143s of the light-guiding element 143 and a reflecting surface 143r provided on the side surface 143s as described below form a predetermined angle with respect to a virtual line perpendicular to the incident end 143a and the optical axis, and move away from the virtual line within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions as the light moves from the +D1 side to the -D1 side. The red light LR incident on the light-guiding element 142 propagates from the +D1 side to the -D1 side within an area surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r.

[0068] When the shape of the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 is rectangular when viewed along the D1 direction, the shape of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123 when viewed along the D1 direction is substantially similar to the modulation surface of the light modulator 183 and is also rectangular. In this case, the predetermined angle α that the side surface 143s and the reflecting surface 143r, including the short sides of the rectangle, make with the virtual line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 7° to 22°. The predetermined angle β that the side surface 143s and the reflecting surface 143r, including the long sides of the rectangle, make with the virtual line and the optical axis is preferably within a range of 14° to 36°. The preferred ranges of the angles α and β have been confirmed by a numerical simulation based on the configuration of the red light emitting unit 103 and ray tracing.

[0069] A portion of the red light LR incident on the light-guiding element 143 propagates directly from the incident end 143a to the exit end 143b along a direction that forms an angle smaller than angle α or angle β with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, without ever entering the reflecting surface 143r. The remaining portion of the red light LR incident on the light-guiding element 143 forms an angle equal to or larger than angle α or angle β with respect to the virtual axis and the optical axis, enters the reflecting surface 143r from the incident end 143a one or more times, is reflected by the reflecting surface 143r, and then reaches the exit end 143b. The path of the red light LR within the region surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r varies depending on the angle of incidence on the incident end 143a, and follows multiple paths that are reflected by the reflecting surface 143r a different number of times. As a result, the illuminance distribution of the red light LR propagating through the region surrounded by the incident end 143a, the exit end 143b, and the reflecting surface 143r is uniform within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. That is, the light-guiding element 143 uniforms the illuminance distribution of the incident red light LR within a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The red light LR with its uniform illuminance distribution is emitted from the exit end 143b to the -D1 side.

[0070] Like the light guide elements 141 and 142, the light guide element 143 is a hollow reflector configured of a plate-like member made of a transparent material such as optical glass. When viewed along the D1 direction, the +D1 side end of the frame of the reflector has the same shape as the incident end 143a and the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123, is appropriately larger than the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 123, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. The -D1 side end of the frame of the reflector has the same shape as the exit end 143b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 183, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame of a different size from the +D1 side end.

[0071] The reflector of the light guide element 143 is configured by connecting the sides corresponding to the legs of four trapezoidal plate-like members. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D2 or D3 direction on the +D1 side corresponding to the upper bases of the four plate-like members are set according to the size of the incident end 143a and the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 123 in the D2 or D3 direction. The lengths of the sides parallel to the D2 or D3 direction on the -D1 side corresponding to the lower bases of the four plate-like members are set according to the size of the exit end 143b and the modulation surface of the light modulation element 183 in the D2 or D3 direction.

[0072] As described above, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 is configured using a plate-like member made of a transparent material, the side surface 143s, i.e., the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector, acts as a reflective surface. In order to increase the reflectance of the red light LR incident on the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a near the side surface 143s, the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 also has a reflective film 253 made of a dielectric multilayer film or the like on the plate surface opposite the side surface 143s, i.e., the plate surface facing the internal space SP143 of the plate-like member. In this case, the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the internal space SP143 of the reflector acts as a reflective surface 143r. A portion of the red light LR incident on the incident end 143a into the internal space SP143 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 is reflected by the reflective film 253 and travels toward the -D1 side.

[0073] The intensity of the red light LR reflected by the reflective film 253 and emitted from the reflective film 253 may depend on the angle of incidence of the red light LR incident on the reflective film 253. When the reflective film 253 is made of a dielectric multilayer film, the incidence angle dependency of the intensity of the red light LR emitted from the reflective film 253 changes depending on parameters such as the refractive index, thickness, and number of films of the multiple films included in the dielectric multilayer film. As described above, the reflective film 253 is designed and the parameters of the dielectric multilayer film are appropriately determined so that, for example, when the angle α is within a range of 7° to 22° and the angle β is within a range of 14° to 36°, the angle of incidence of the red light LR at which the intensity of the red light LR emitted from the reflective surface 143r and the reflective film 253 is highest is within a range of 60° to 90°. The relationship between the angle of incidence of the red light LR on the reflecting surface 143r and the reflecting film 253 and the intensity of the red light LR emitted from the reflecting surface 143r and the reflecting film 253 is obtained by a numerical simulation based on the configuration of the red light emitting unit 103 and ray tracing.

[0074] In addition, when the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 is composed of a plate-like member made of a transparent material, and the plate surface of the plate-like member facing the external space of the reflector acts as a reflective surface, a portion of the red light LR incident from the incident end 143a into the internal space SP143 of the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 enters the plate-like member from the plate surface facing the internal space SP143 of the reflector, is refracted, is reflected by the plate surface facing the external space of the reflector, propagates through the plate-like member again, is refracted by the plate surface facing the internal space SP143 of the reflector, is emitted into the internal space SP143 of the reflector, and proceeds toward the -D1 side.

[0075] The collimating element 163 is provided on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the light guide element 143, and is disposed on the -D1 side of the light guide element 143 and at a position overlapping with the light guide element 143 in the D2 and D3 directions. The collimating element 163 corresponds to a third collimating element, and collimates the red light LR emitted from the light guide element 143 along the D1 direction.

[0076] The collimating element 163 is, for example, a plano-convex lens, and has an incident surface formed of a flat surface perpendicular to the D1 direction and an exit surface formed of a convex curved surface protruding toward the exit side of the red light LR. The incident surface of the collimating element 163 is in contact with the exit end 143b of the light-guiding element 143. By having the collimating element 163 in contact with the exit end 143b, the red light LR emitted from the exit end 143b of the light-guiding element 143 is taken in to the collimating element 163 to the maximum extent, thereby suppressing loss of the red light LR. However, the collimating element 163 may be an optical lens other than a plano-convex lens that can collimate the incident red light LR. Furthermore, the collimating element 163 may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light-guiding element 143 in the D1 direction.

[0077] The incident-side polarizing element 173 is provided on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the collimating element 163, and is disposed on the -D1 side of the collimating element 163 and at a position overlapping with the collimating element 163 in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident-side polarizing element 173 is in contact with the light modulation element 183 from the +D1 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate interval from the light modulation element 183 in the D1 direction.

[0078] The incident-side polarizing element 173 corresponds to a third polarizing element and emits a predetermined polarized light of the red light LR emitted from the collimating element 163 toward the -D1 side along the D1 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to the third polarized light component, for example, S-polarized light. The incident-side polarizing element 173 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. Note that, if it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to optical elements upstream of the incident-side polarizing element 173 including the collimating element 163, it is desirable to use an absorptive polarizing plate as the incident-side polarizing element 173. The incident-side polarizing element 173 transmits a portion of the incident red light LR containing the predetermined polarized light toward the -D1 side and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the red light LR toward the +D1 side.

[0079] The light modulation element 183 is provided on the optical path of the red light LR emitted from the incident-side polarizing element 173, and is disposed on the -D1 side of the incident-side polarizing element 173 and at a position where it overlaps with the incident-side polarizing element 173 in the D2 and D3 directions. The light modulation element 183 corresponds to a third light modulation element, and modulates the red light LR emitted from the incident-side polarizing element 173 based on image information input from an external image forming device such as a computer (not shown) connected to the light modulation element 183.

[0080] The light modulation element 183 is, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel constituting the light modulation element 183 has a plurality of pixels (not shown). Each pixel is equipped with a switching element. The switching element is, for example, a TFT. An electrical signal corresponding to the brightness of red light at the relative position of each pixel on the modulation surface of the light modulation element 183 in the image projected by the projector 301 is supplied to the switching element of each pixel. Each pixel modulates the vibration direction of the red light LR incident from the incident-side polarizing element 173 by the operation of the switching element in response to the electrical signal, thereby generating red image light IR. The image light IR corresponds to the third light. The light modulation element 183 emits the image light IR generated by the liquid crystal panel toward the -D1 side along the D1 direction.

[0081] The exit-side polarizing element 177 is provided on the optical path of the image light IR exiting from the light modulation element 183, and is disposed on the -D1 side of the light modulation element 183 and at a position overlapping with the light modulation element 183 in the D2 direction and the D3 direction. The exit-side polarizing element 177 is in contact with the light modulation element 183 from the -D1 side, for example, but may be disposed at an appropriate distance from the light modulation element 183 in the D1 direction. The exit-side polarizing element 177 corresponds to a sixth polarizing element, and emits a predetermined polarized light of the image light IR exiting from the light modulation element 183 to the -D1 side along the D1 direction. The predetermined polarized light corresponds to the sixth polarized light component, and is, for example, P polarized light.

[0082] The exit-side polarizing element 177 is, for example, a reflective polarizing plate or an absorptive polarizing plate having a plate surface parallel to a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction. Note that, if it is desired to suppress return light and stray light to the light modulation element 183, it is desirable to employ an absorptive polarizing plate as the exit-side polarizing element 177. The exit-side polarizing element 177 transmits a portion of the incident image light IR that includes a predetermined polarization to the -D1 side, and reflects or absorbs the other portion of the image light IR to the +D1 side.

[0083] Light combining element 200 is disposed in a region where the optical path of blue image light IB emitted from emission-side polarizing element 175, the optical path of green image light IG emitted from emission-side polarizing element 176, and the optical path of red image light IR emitted from emission-side polarizing element 177 intersect. Light combining element 200 combines image light IB, IG, and IR emitted from emission-side polarizing elements 175, 176, and 177, and emits the generated image light IM to the +D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0084] The light combining element 200 is, for example, a cross dichroic prism 210. The cross dichroic prism 210 has an incident surface 210c facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 175, an incident surface 210d facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 176, an incident surface 210e facing the exit surface of the exit-side polarizing element 177, an exit surface 210b, and two reflective films 211 and 212. The incident surfaces 210c and 210e are parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions and overlap each other in the D2 and D3 directions. The incident surface 210d and the exit surface 210b are parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions and overlap each other in the D1 and D3 directions.

[0085] The reflective film 211 is disposed such that, when viewed along the D3 direction, the reflective film 211 changes from +D2 side to -D2 side as it moves from -D1 side to +D1 side. The reflective film 212 is disposed such that, when viewed along the D3 direction, the reflective film 212 changes from -D2 side to +D2 side as it moves from -D1 side to +D1 side. The reflective films 211 and 212 overlap with the incident surfaces 210c and 210e in the D2 direction, with the incident surface 210d and the exit surface 210b in the D1 direction, and with the incident surfaces 210c, 210d, 210e and the exit surface 210b in the D3 direction. The reflective film 211 reflects light in the red wavelength band and transmits light in the blue and green wavelength bands. The reflective film 212 reflects light in the blue wavelength band and transmits light in the green and red wavelength bands.

[0086] When viewed from the D3 direction, the cross dichroic prism 210 is configured by four right-angle prisms bonded together at their right-angle surfaces, with their right-angle vertices aligned at the center of the light combining element 200. The four right-angle prisms of the cross dichroic prism 210 are formed of a transparent material that transmits light in the visible wavelength range. The reflective film 211 is disposed on one of the right-angle surfaces of the four right-angle prisms, which moves from the +D2 side to the -D2 side as one moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side, as described above, and is made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film. The reflective film 212 is disposed on one of the right-angle surfaces of the four right-angle prisms, which moves from the -D2 side to the +D2 side as one moves from the -D1 side to the +D1 side, as described above, and is made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film.

[0087] The P-polarized light of blue image light IB emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 175 enters the inside of the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210c along the D1 direction toward the +D1 side, passes through the reflective film 211, is reflected by the reflective film 212, and travels toward the +D2 side. The P-polarized light of green image light IG emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 176 enters the inside of the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210d along the D2 direction toward the +D2 side, passes through the reflective films 211 and 212, and travels straight toward the +D2 side. The P-polarized light of red image light IR emitted from the emission-side polarizing element 177 enters the inside of the cross dichroic prism 210 from the incident surface 210e along the D1 direction toward the −D1 side, passes through the reflective film 212, is reflected by the reflective film 211, and travels toward the +D2 side. The image light beams IB, IG, and IR emitted from the reflective films 211 and 212 of the cross dichroic prism 210 to the +D2 side are combined to generate full-color image light IM. The cross dichroic prism 210 emits the full-color image light IM from the emission surface 210b to the +D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0088] The projection optical system 250 is disposed on the optical path of the image light IM emitted from the light combining element 200. The projection optical system 250 projects the image light IM onto a screen SCR disposed on the +D2 side of the projection optical system 250, and an image input from the image forming device to the light modulation elements 181, 182, and 183 is enlarged and displayed on the screen SCR.

[0089] The projection optical system 250 is configured, for example, by one or more optical lenses arranged along the direction D2. The optical lenses include, for example, a plano-convex lens, a plano-concave lens, a biconvex lens, a biconcave lens, a meniscus lens, an aspherical lens, a free-form lens, etc.

[0090] Next, a detailed configuration of a portion of each of the blue light emitting section 101, the green light emitting section 102, and the red light emitting section 103 will be described.

[0091] Fig. 2 is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 101 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 101 in the projector 301 of this embodiment, as viewed from the +D2 side to the -D2 side along the D2 direction.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the light source 401, the plate surface 111a on the +D1 side of the substrate 111 is parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions as described above. Electrodes 411 and 412 are provided on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111. The electrodes 411 and 412 are arranged in different regions on the plate surface 111a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and are appropriately set according to the specifications, shape, etc. of the light emitting element 121. Two electrodes 411 and 412 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Electrodes including the electrodes 411 and 412 provided on the plate surface 111a are included in the base material of the light source 401. The electrodes 411 and 412 are formed on the plate surface 111a by, for example, a microelectrode patterning technique using printing.

[0093] The light emitting element 121 is disposed on, for example, a surface 411a on the +D1 side of the electrode 411 and is electrically connected to the electrode 411. The light emitting element 121 and the electrode 412 are electrically connected by a current carrying wire 451, for example, by wire bonding. The current carrying wire 451 corresponds to a first current carrying wire and is, for example, a wire used in wire bonding. The current carrying wire 451 supplies the light emitting element 121 with power based on a desired voltage or current supplied from a power source (not shown) electrically connected to the electrodes 411 and 412.

[0094] The current-carrying wire 451 connects the light-emitting surface 121e on the +D1 side of the light-emitting element 121 and the surface 412a on the +D1 side of the electrode 412, and protrudes and curves toward the +D1 side beyond the light-emitting surface 121e and the surface 412a. The number and arrangement of the current-carrying wires 451 in the light source 401 are appropriately set depending on the specifications and shape of the light-emitting element 121, the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting element 121 and the electrode, and the number and shape of the electrodes. Three current-carrying wires 451 are shown as an example in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0095] Light-emitting surface 121e of light-emitting element 121 is located on the +D1 side of surface 412a of electrode 412. The +D1 side end of current-carrying wire 451 is located on the +D1 side of light-emitting surface 121e of light-emitting element 121. A distance DT between the +D1 side end of current-carrying wire 451 and light-emitting surface 121e in the D1 direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the optical axis of blue light LB emitted from light-emitting element 121, is equal to or greater than 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm.

[0096] In the blue light output unit 101, the distance DS between the +D1 end of one or more current-carrying wires 451 and the incident end 141a on the -D1 side of the light-guiding element 141 in the D1 direction is at least less than the distance DT, and is 0.0 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The distance DS of the blue light output unit 101 corresponds to a first distance. More specifically, the distances DT and DS are positive when the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141 is located on the +D1 side with respect to the light-emitting surface 121a of the light-emitting element 121, and negative when the incident end 141a is located on the -D1 side. That is, the distance DS is -0.7 mm or more and +0.7 mm or less, and the absolute value of the distance DS is 0.0 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. In the configuration of the blue light output unit 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and +0.7 mm or less.

[0097] In the blue light output unit 101, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and equal to or less than +0.7 mm at a portion of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 facing the current-carrying wire 451 in the D1 direction. The portion of the incident end 141a facing the current-carrying wire 451 in the D1 direction is a portion on the +D1 side of the current-carrying wire 451 and a portion that overlaps with the current-carrying wire 451 in the D2 and D3 directions. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7 mm, contact between the light guide element 141 and the current-carrying wire 451 is prevented, but the utilization efficiency of the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121 and taken into the light guide element 141 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is less than −0.7 mm, the illuminance distribution of the blue light LB at the output end 141b of the light guide element 141 may be insufficiently uniform.

[0098] 4 is a side view of the light source 402 and the light guide element 142 of the green light output unit 102 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. The green light output unit 102 has the same configuration as the blue light output unit 101, except for the configuration of the light emitting element.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4, in the light source 402, electrodes 421 and 422 are provided on a plate surface 112a on the +D2 side of the substrate 112. The electrodes 421 and 422 are arranged in different regions on the plate surface 112a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 112a of the substrate 112 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and are appropriately set according to the specifications, shape, etc. of the light emitting element 122. Two electrodes 421 and 422 are illustrated in FIG. 4. Electrodes including the electrodes 421 and 422 provided on the plate surface 112a are included in the base material of the light source 402. The electrodes 421 and 422 are formed on the plate surface 112a by, for example, a fine electrode patterning technique using printing.

[0100] The light emitting element 122 is disposed, for example, on the surface 421a on the +D2 side of the electrode 421. The light emitting element 122 includes a light emitting body 125 and a phosphor 126. The light emitting body 125 has a light emitting surface 125e that emits excitation light toward the +D2 side. The light emitting surface 125e is a surface parallel to a plane including the D1 direction and the D3 direction on the +D2 side of the light emitting body 125. The excitation light emitted from the light emitting body 125 is, for example, blue light in the blue wavelength band.

[0101] The light emitter 125 is electrically connected to the electrode 421. The light emitter 125 and the electrode 422 of the light emitting element 122 are electrically connected by a current carrying wire 452, for example, by wire bonding. The current carrying wire 452 corresponds to a second current carrying wire, for example, a wire used in wire bonding. The current carrying wire 452 supplies power to the light emitter 125 of the light emitting element 122 based on a desired voltage or current supplied from a power source (not shown) electrically connected to the electrodes 421, 422.

[0102] The current-carrying wire 452 connects the light-emitting surface 125e on the +D2 side of the light-emitting body 125 and the surface 422a on the +D2 side of the electrode 422, and protrudes and curves toward the +D2 side beyond the light-emitting surface 125e and the surface 422a. The number and arrangement of the current-carrying wires 452 in the light source 402 are appropriately set depending on the specifications and shape of the light-emitting body 125 of the light-emitting element 122, the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting body 125 and the electrode, and the number and shape of the electrodes.

[0103] The phosphor 126 is disposed on the +D2 side of the light-emitting body 125 and overlaps with the light-emitting body 125 in the D1 and D3 directions. The phosphor 126 is, for example, stacked on the +D2 side of the light-emitting body 125. The phosphor 126 is excited by excitation light emitted from the light-emitting body 125 and emits green light LG as fluorescence from the light-emitting surface 126e. The type and material of the phosphor 126 are appropriately selected so that the phosphor 126 excited by the excitation light emitted from the light-emitting body 125 emits green light LG in a green wavelength band. The phosphor 126 that is excited by excitation light in a blue wavelength band and emits green light LG is, for example, a ceramic phosphor formed by firing phosphor particles, and is a YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) phosphor containing cerium (Ce) ions.

[0104] The phosphor 126 emits green light LG from a surface on the +D2 side parallel to the D1 and D3 directions, a side surface parallel to the D1 and D2 directions, and a side surface parallel to the D2 and D3 directions. In the green light emitting unit 102, the size of the phosphor 126 in the D1 and D3 directions is greater than the thickness in the D2 direction, so the light emitting surface 126e of the phosphor 126 is regarded as the surface on the +D2 side of the phosphor 126 parallel to the D1 and D3 directions. The light emitting surface 126e of the phosphor 126 constitutes the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122.

[0105] The light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting body 125 of the light-emitting element 122 is located on the +D2 side of the surface 422a of the electrode 422. The light-emitting surface 122e of the light-emitting element 122 is located further on the +D2 side of the light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting body 125. The +D2 side end of the current-carrying wire 452 is located on the +D2 side of the light-emitting surface 125e of the light-emitting body 125, and is located, for example, on the +D2 side of the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121. A distance DT between the +D2 side end of the current-carrying wire 452 and the light-emitting surface 122e in the D2 direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the green light LG emitted from the light-emitting element 122, is equal to or greater than 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm, and may be shorter than the distance DT of the blue light output unit 101.

[0106] In the green light output unit 102, the distance DS between the +D2 end of one or more current-carrying wires 452 and the incident end 142a of the light-guiding element 142 on the -D2 side in the D2 direction is at least less than the distance DT, and is 0.0 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The distance DS of the green light output unit 102 corresponds to a second distance. More specifically, the distances DT and DS are positive when the incident end 142a of the light-guiding element 142 is located on the +D2 side with respect to the light-emitting surface 122a of the light-emitting element 122, and negative when the incident end 141a is located on the -D2 side. In the configuration of the green light output unit 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and equal to or less than +0.7 mm. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7 mm, the utilization efficiency of the green light LG output from the light-emitting element 122 and taken into the light-guiding element 142 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is smaller than −0.7 mm, the illuminance distribution of the green light LG at the exit end 142b of the light-guiding element 142 may not be sufficiently uniform.

[0107] In the green light output unit 102, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and equal to or less than +0.7 mm at a portion of the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 that faces the current-carrying wire 452 in the D2 direction. The portion of the incident end 142a that faces the current-carrying wire 452 in the D2 direction is a portion on the +D2 side of the current-carrying wire 452 and that overlaps with the current-carrying wire 452 in the D1 and D3 directions.

[0108] 5 is a side view of the light source 403 and the light guide element 143 of the red light output unit 103 in the projector 301 of this embodiment. The red light output unit 103 has the same configuration as the blue light output unit 101.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 5, in the light source 403, electrodes 431 and 432 are provided on a plate surface 113a on the -D1 side of the substrate 113. The electrodes 431 and 432 are arranged in different regions on the plate surface 113a. The number and shape of the electrodes provided on the plate surface 113a of the substrate 113 are not limited to a specific number and shape, and are appropriately set according to the specifications, shape, etc. of the light emitting element 123. Two electrodes 431 and 432 are illustrated in FIG. 5. Electrodes including the electrodes 431 and 432 provided on the plate surface 113a are included in the base material of the light source 403. The electrodes 431 and 432 are formed on the plate surface 113a by, for example, a fine electrode patterning technique using printing.

[0110] The light emitting element 123 is disposed, for example, on a surface 431a on the -D1 side of the electrode 431 and is electrically connected to the electrode 431. The light emitting element 123 and the electrode 432 are electrically connected by a current carrying wire 453, for example, by wire bonding. The current carrying wire 453 corresponds to a third current carrying wire and is, for example, a wire used in wire bonding. The current carrying wire 453 supplies the light emitting element 121 with power based on a desired voltage or current supplied from a power source (not shown) electrically connected to the electrodes 431 and 432.

[0111] The current-carrying wire 453 connects the light-emitting surface 123e on the -D1 side of the light-emitting element 123 and the surface 432a on the -D1 side of the electrode 432, and protrudes and curves toward the +D1 side beyond the light-emitting surface 123e and the surface 432a. The number and arrangement of the current-carrying wires 453 in the light source 403 are appropriately set depending on the specifications and shape of the light-emitting element 123, the relative positional relationship between the light-emitting element 123 and the electrode, and the number and shape of the electrodes.

[0112] Light-emitting surface 123e of light-emitting element 123 is located on the -D1 side of surface 432a of electrode 432. The -D1 side end of current-carrying wire 453 is located on the -D1 side of light-emitting surface 123e of light-emitting element 123. A distance DT between the -D1 side end of current-carrying wire 453 and light-emitting surface 123e in the D1 direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the optical axis of red light LR emitted from light-emitting element 123, is equal to or greater than 0.0 mm and less than 0.7 mm.

[0113] In the red light output unit 103, the distance DS between the −D1 end of one or more current-carrying wires 453 and the +D1 incident end 143a of the light-guiding element 143 in the D1 direction is at least less than the distance DT, and is 0.0 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. The distance DS of the red light output unit 103 corresponds to a third distance. More specifically, the distances DT and DS are positive when the incident end 143a of the light-guiding element 143 is located on the −D1 side relative to the light-emitting surface 123e of the light-emitting element 123, and negative when the incident end 143a is located on the +D1 side. In the configuration of the red light output unit 103 illustrated in FIG. 5, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and equal to or less than +0.7 mm. If the distance DS is greater than +0.7 mm, the utilization efficiency of the red light LR output from the light-emitting element 123 and taken into the light-guiding element 143 may be insufficient. If the distance DS is smaller than −0.7 mm, the illuminance distribution of the red light LR at the exit end 143b of the light guide element 143 may not be sufficiently uniform.

[0114] In the red light output unit 103, the distance DS is greater than 0.0 mm and equal to or less than +0.7 mm at a portion of the incident end 143a of the light guide element 143 that faces the current-carrying wire 453 in the D1 direction. The portion of the incident end 143a that faces the current-carrying wire 453 in the D1 direction is a portion on the -D1 side of the current-carrying wire 453 and that overlaps with the current-carrying wire 453 in the D2 and D3 directions.

[0115] In the projector 301 of the present embodiment, the light-emitting element 122 of the green light emission unit 102 has the light-emitting body 125 and the phosphor 126, but at least one of the light-emitting element 121 of the blue light emission unit 101 and the light-emitting element 123 of the red light emission unit 103 may have a light-emitting body that emits excitation light and a phosphor that is excited by the excitation light and emits colored light as fluorescence. Also, the light-emitting element 122 of the green light emission unit 102 may have only a light-emitting body such as an LED without having a phosphor.

[0116] In this embodiment, by setting the absolute value of the distance DS to 0.7 mm or less, a decrease in light utilization efficiency can be suitably suppressed, and disconnection of the wire connecting the light-emitting element and the electrode in the light source and short-circuiting in the light source can be prevented. However, by setting the absolute value of the distance DS to 0.5 mm or less, a light utilization efficiency of 80% or more can be obtained. Therefore, it is more preferable to set the absolute value of the distance DS to 0.5 mm or less. The dimensions of 0.7 mm and 0.5 mm, which are given as examples of suitable upper limits of the absolute value of the distance DS, are calculated by numerical calculation taking into account the dimensions and relative positions of the light source and light-guiding element in each color light emitting section.

[0117] The projector 301 of the present embodiment described above includes a light source (first light source) 401, a light guide element (first light guide element) 141, a collimating element (first collimating element) 161, a light modulation element (first light modulation element) 181, and a projection optical system 250. The light source 401 includes a light emitting element (first light emitting element) 121, a current carrying wire (first current carrying wire) 451, and a substrate (base material) 111. The light emitting element 121 emits blue light (first light) LB in a blue wavelength band (first wavelength band). The current carrying wire 451 supplies power to the light emitting element 121. The substrate 111 and electrodes (base materials) 411, 412 support the light emitting element 121 and the current carrying wire 451 from the -D1 side. The light guide element 141 has an incident end (first incident end) 141a and an exit end (first exit end) 141b, and uniforms the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident blue light LB in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 enters the incident end 141a and enters the light guide element 141 from the incident end 141a. The blue light LB guided in the light guide element 141 toward the +D1 side in the D1 direction is emitted from the exit end 141b. That is, the exit end 141b emits the blue light LB. The collimating element 161 collimates the blue light LB emitted from the light guide element 141. The light modulation element 181 modulates the blue light LB emitted from the collimating element 161 based on image information. The projection optical system 250 projects the image light (light) IB emitted from the light modulation element 181. In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the light guide element 141 is disposed apart from the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401 in the D1 direction. In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the distance (first distance) DS between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and the light-emitting surface 121a of the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is not less than −0.7 mm and not more than 0.7 mm, and specifically, is not more than 0.0 mm and not more than +0.7 mm.

[0118] In projector 301 of this embodiment, incident end 141a of light guide element 141 and light-emitting surface 121a of light-emitting element 121 of light source 401 are spaced an appropriate distance apart in direction D1, thereby preventing contact between light guide element 141 and current-carrying wire 451 and preventing short circuits and disconnections in light source 401. Furthermore, since incident end 141a of light guide element 141 and light-emitting surface 121a of light-emitting element 121 of light source 401 are spaced an appropriate distance apart in direction D1, the amount of blue light LB emitted from light source 401 and leaking outside on a plane including directions D2 and D3 beyond incident end 141a of light guide element 141 is reduced, and the amount of blue light LB taken into light guide element 141 from incident end 141a is obtained. Therefore, according to the projector 301 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent disconnection of the current-carrying wire 451 connecting the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 and the electrode 412 and the occurrence of a short circuit in the light source 401 while suppressing a decrease in light use efficiency.

[0119] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the light guide element 141 intersecting the D1 direction, that is, the shape of the light guide element 141 on a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, is rectangular.

[0120] According to the projector 301 of this embodiment, rectangular blue light LB with a uniform illuminance distribution in a plane including the D2 direction and the D3 direction is emitted from the emission end 141b of the light-guiding element 141, so that rectangular illumination light with a uniform illuminance distribution can be easily generated.

[0121] In the projector 301 of this embodiment, the green light output section 102 and the red light output section 103 are configured in the same manner as the blue light output section 101. The projector 301 of this embodiment further includes a light source (second light source) 402, a light source (third light source) 403, a light guide element (second light guide element) 142, a light guide element (third light guide element), a collimating element (second collimating element) 162, a collimating element (third collimating element) 163, a light modulation element (second light modulation element) 182, and a light modulation element (third light modulation element) 183.

[0122] The light source 402 includes a light-emitting element (second light-emitting element) 122, a current-carrying wire (second current-carrying wire) 452, and a substrate (base material) 112. The light-emitting element 122 emits green light (second light) LG in a green wavelength band (second wavelength band). The current-carrying wire 452 supplies power to the light-emitting element 122. The substrate 112 and electrodes (base materials) 421, 422 support the light-emitting element 122 and the current-carrying wire 452 from the -D2 side. The light-guiding element 142 includes an incident end (second incident end) 142a and an exit end (second exit end) 142b, and homogenizes the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident green light LG in a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The green light LG emitted from the light source 402 enters the incident end 142a and enters the light-guiding element 142 from the incident end 142a. The green light LG guided toward the +D2 side in the D2 direction in the light-guiding element 142 is emitted from the emission end 142b. That is, the emission end 142b emits the green light LG. The collimating element 162 collimates the green light LG emitted from the light-guiding element 142. The light modulation element 182 modulates the green light LG emitted from the collimating element 162 based on image information.

[0123] The light source 403 includes a light-emitting element (third light-emitting element) 123, a current-carrying wire (third current-carrying wire) 453, and a substrate (base material) 113. The light-emitting element 123 emits red light (third light) LR in a red wavelength band (third wavelength band). The current-carrying wire 453 supplies power to the light-emitting element 123. The substrate 113 and electrodes (base materials) 431, 432 support the light-emitting element 123 and the current-carrying wire 453 from the +D1 side. The light-guiding element 143 includes an incident end (third incident end) 143a and an exit end (third exit end) 143b, and homogenizes the illuminance (in-plane illuminance) of the incident red light LR in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The red light LR emitted from the light source 403 enters the incident end 143a and enters the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a. The red light LR guided toward the -D1 side in the D1 direction in the light guide element 143 is emitted from the emission end 143b. That is, the emission end 143b emits the red light LR. The collimating element 163 collimates the red light LR emitted from the light guide element 143. The light modulation element 183 modulates the red light LR emitted from the collimating element 163 based on image information. The projection optical system 250 projects the image light (light) IB, IG, IR emitted from the light modulation element 181.

[0124] In the three-plate projector 301 of this embodiment, disconnection of the current-carrying wires 451, 452, and 453 and short-circuiting of the light sources 401, 402, and 403 can be prevented while suppressing a decrease in light use efficiency in the light emission sections of the three primary colors of light.

[0125] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described. In each of the following modified examples, components common to the blue light output unit 101, green light output unit 102, and red light output unit 103 of the projector 301 of the embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and only differences in the configuration of the output units for each color light will be described. Furthermore, in each modified example, a light output unit for one color, either the blue light output unit 101, green light output unit 102, or red light output unit 103, will be exemplified, and the configuration common to the light output units for each color light will be described.

[0126] [First Modification] Fig. 6 is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 501 of the first modified example of this embodiment, as viewed in the direction D3. Fig. 7 is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 501, as viewed in the direction D2.

[0127] 6 and 7, in the blue light emitting unit 501, when viewed along the D1 direction, the electrode 411 overlaps with the light emitting element 121 in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions, and has substantially the same shape and size as the light emitting element 121. The total height of the electrode 411 and the light emitting element 121 in the D1 direction is 0.7 mm or less. The electrode 412 is disposed on the -D2 side of the electrode 411.

[0128] In the blue light output unit 501, a notch A141 is formed in a side wall having a side surface 141s that overlaps with a region occupied by the current-carrying wire 451 in the D1 direction among the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141. The notch A141 opens at the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141, is recessed from a position on the −D1 side of the incident end 141a toward the +D1 side in the D1 direction, and is formed to a depth equivalent to the distance DS. That is, in the blue light output unit 501, the notch A141 is formed at a position facing the current-carrying wire 451 in the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141.

[0129] Because the depth of the notch A141 in the D1 direction is equal to the distance DS, the incident end 141a of the portion not facing the current-carrying line 451 is in contact with the plate surface 111a on the +D1 side of the substrate 111. The incident end 141a of the portion not facing the current-carrying line 451 is disposed at a position smaller than 0 mm and larger than −0.7 mm from the plate surface 111a. When viewed along the D1 direction, the electrode 411 overlaps the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141, is included in the incident end 141a, and is surrounded by the side wall of the light-guiding element 141. When viewed along the D1 direction, the notch A141 intersects with the current-carrying line 451. The current-carrying line 451 passes through the notch A141 in the D2 direction.

[0130] The depth of the notch A141 in the D1 direction is equal to the distance DS and is 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. The size and width of the notch A141 in the D3 direction are such that the notch A141 is spaced more than 0 mm and 0.7 mm from the area occupied by one or more current-carrying wires 451 on the -D3 side and +D3 side. This allows the plate-like members forming the side walls of the light-guiding element 141 and facing the current-carrying wires 451 to be spaced apart from the current-carrying wires 451.

[0131] The projector of the first modified example of this embodiment described above provides the same advantageous effects as those of the projector of this embodiment due to the configuration that is common to the projector of this embodiment.

[0132] In the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the light guide element 141 is in contact with the light source 401 while being spaced apart from the current-carrying wire 451. That is, a part of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting unit 501 is spaced apart from the current-carrying wire 451 and the substrate 111 of the light source 401 and a base material other than the substrate 111, and the remaining part of the incident end 141a is in contact with the substrate 111.

[0133] In the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the distance DS in the D1 direction between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 other than the portion where the notch A141 is formed and the light emitting surface 121a of the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is not less than −0.7 mm and less than 0 mm. According to the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the shortest distance DS between the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and the light emitting surface 121a of the light emitting element 121 is shorter than in the projector 301 of this embodiment, and therefore the efficiency with which blue light LB emitted from the light emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is taken into the light guide element 141 can be increased.

[0134] In the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, a notch A141 is formed in the light guide element 141 at a portion (position) facing the current-carrying wire 451. The current-carrying wire 451 is inserted in the D2 and D3 directions from an area (exterior) in the substrate 111 outside the incident end 141a through the notch A141 to an area (interior) inside the incident end 141a.

[0135] In the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the cutout A141 prevents contact between the light guide element 141 and the current-carrying wire 451, and minimizes a reduction in the light guide element 141 around the light emitting element in the light source 401 and the amount of blue light LB leaking outside the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141. According to the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the efficiency with which the blue light LB emitted from the light emitting element 121 is taken into the light guide element 141.

[0136] In the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the dimension of the notch A141 in the emission direction of the blue light LB from the light source 401, that is, in the D1 direction, is 0.1 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.

[0137] According to the projector of the first modified example of this embodiment, the dimensions of the notch A141 can be minimized to avoid the current-carrying wire 451, and the loss of the blue light LB can be minimized.

[0138] Although not shown, if the incident end 141a of the portion of the plate-like member of the light guide element 141 that extends parallel to the D3 direction of the notch A141 is spaced from the current-carrying wire 451 as described above, the incident end 141a of the portion of the plate-like member of the light guide element 141 where the notch A141 is not formed may be spaced from the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 and positioned on the +D1 side of the plate surface 111a. In that case, the depth of the notch A141 in the D1 direction may be reduced from the distance DS by the distance in the D1 direction between the plate surface 111a and the incident end 141a of the portion where the notch A141 is not formed.

[0139] Furthermore, a through hole that is not open to the -D1 side, like the notch A141, may be formed in a portion of the plate-like member of the light guide element 141 that faces the current-carrying wire 451. Even in this case, the current-carrying wire 451 passes through the through hole along the D3 direction to connect the light-emitting element 121 and the electrode 412.

[0140] In the projector of the first variant of this embodiment, if notches are formed in the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section, similar to the notch A141 of the light-guiding element 141 of the blue light emitting section 501, the same effects as those of the blue light emitting section 501 can be obtained in the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section.

[0141] When viewed along direction D1, in the blue light output unit 501, the light emitting element 121, the electrodes 411 and 412, and the one or more current-carrying wires 451 may all be surrounded by the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 and may not be in contact with the incident end 141a. In that case, the notch A141 may not be formed in the light guide element 141. Even in that case, the light guide element 141 is in contact with the substrate 111 of the light source 401 while being spaced apart from the current-carrying wires 451. That is, the entire incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 501 is in contact with the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111.

[0142] According to the projector having the above-described configuration, the distance DS between the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141 and the light-emitting surface 121a of the light-emitting element 121 is greater than or equal to -0.7 mm and less than 0 mm, and is appropriately secured as in the projector 301 of this embodiment, so that the efficiency with which the blue light LB emitted from the light-emitting element 121 of the light source 401 is taken into the light-guiding element 141 can be increased.

[0143] [Second Modification] Fig. 8 is a side view of the light source 402 and the light guide element 142 of the green light output unit 502 of a second modified example of this embodiment, as viewed in the D3 direction. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the light source 402 and the light guide element 142 of the green light output unit 502, as viewed in the D2 direction. In the second modified example of this embodiment, the light source 402 of the green light output unit 502 corresponds to the first light source, the light emitting element 122 corresponds to the first light emitting element, the green light LG corresponds to the first light, the current carrying wire 452 corresponds to the first current carrying wire, and the light guide element 142 corresponds to the first light guide element.

[0144] 8 and 9, in the green light emission unit 502, a sidewall 456 is provided on the outer periphery of the plate surface 112a of the substrate 112. The sidewall 456 extends from the plate surface 112a toward the +D2 side and is formed outside the light emitting element 122, the electrodes 421 and 422, and the current-carrying wire 452 when viewed along the D2 direction. The end face on the +D2 side of the sidewall 456 is located on the +D2 side of the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122. In a plane including the D1 and D3 directions, an encapsulating member 460 is filled in a region inside the sidewall 456 and outside the light emitting element 122. The encapsulating member 460 is included in the base material of the light source 402.

[0145] The surface on the +D2 side of the encapsulating member 460 is at the same position in the D2 direction as the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122. The surfaces and side surfaces on the +D2 side of each of the electrodes 421, 422, the side surfaces of the light emitting body 125, and the current carrying wire 452 are covered with the encapsulating member 460. The electrodes 421, 422 and the current carrying wire 452 are embedded in the encapsulating member 460. The light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 is exposed from the encapsulating member 460. The encapsulating member 460 has insulating properties and is formed of an insulator, for example, a resin that transmits visible light including blue light LB, green light LG, and red light LR.

[0146] In the green light emission unit 502, the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 is in contact with the encapsulating member 460. The distance DS in the D2 direction between the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 and the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 is not less than 0 mm and not more than 0.7 mm, and more specifically, is approximately 0 mm. Because the incident end 142a is in contact with the surface on the +D2 side of the encapsulating member 460, the light guide element 142 is supported by the encapsulating member 460 from the -D2 side.

[0147] The projector of the second modified example of this embodiment described above provides the same advantageous effects as those of the projector of this embodiment due to the configuration that is common to the projector of this embodiment.

[0148] In the projector according to the second modification of this embodiment, the base material of the light source (first light source) 402 of the green light output unit 102 has an encapsulating member 460 that covers the current-carrying wire (first current-carrying wire) 452. The encapsulating member 460 has insulating properties. The incident end 142a of the light-guiding element 142 contacts the encapsulating member 460 in the direction D2.

[0149] In the projector of the second modified example of this embodiment, an insulating encapsulating member 460 is interposed between the light-emitting element (first light-emitting element) 122 and the light-guiding element (first light-guiding element) 142. According to the projector of the second modified example of this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent disconnection of the current-carrying wire 452 and improve the utilization efficiency of the green light LG.

[0150] In the projector of the second modified example of this embodiment, the light source 402 has a light diverging section 482 that diverges green light LG. The light diverging section 482 is disposed on the +D2 side of the light emitting element 122, i.e., on the emission side of the green light (first light) LG. Specifically, the light diverging section 482 includes an end face on the +D2 side parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions of the phosphor 126 of the light emitting element 122, i.e., the light emitting surface 122e, a side face of the phosphor 126 parallel to the plane including the D1 and D2 directions, and a side face of the phosphor 126 parallel to the plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The encapsulating member 460 supports the periphery of the light diverging section 482 when viewed from the D2 direction. Specifically, in a plane including the D1 and D3 directions, the encapsulating member 460 surrounds each side surface of the light-emitting body 125 and the phosphor 126 of the light-emitting element 122 and contacts each side surface of the light-emitting body 125 and the phosphor 126 from the outer periphery.

[0151] According to the projector of the second modified example of this embodiment, the light diverging section 482 is simply configured, and the durability of the light emitting element 122 can be increased by supporting the light emitting element 122 and the light diverging section 482 with the encapsulating member 460. Furthermore, according to the projector of the second modified example of this embodiment, the light emitting surface 122e of the light emitting element 122 is disposed near the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142 in the D2 direction, and therefore the utilization efficiency of the green light LG can be increased.

[0152] In the projector of the second variant of this embodiment, if a blue light emitting section and a red light emitting section are configured similarly to the green light emitting section 502, the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section can achieve the same effects as those of the green light emitting section 502.

[0153] [Third Modification] FIG. 10 is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light emitting unit 503 of the third modified example of this embodiment, as viewed along the D3 direction.

[0154] 10 , in the blue light emitting unit 503, the entire incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is parallel to the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 of the light source 401 and the light emitting surface 121a of the light emitting element 121, and is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. When viewed along the D1 direction, all of the electrodes including the electrodes 411 and 412, the light emitting element 121, and the current-carrying wire 451 are surrounded by the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141.

[0155] In the blue light output unit 503, the angles formed by the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 with respect to an axis parallel to the D1 direction may differ from one another depending on the relative arrangement of the electrodes 411, 412 on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111. For example, the light guide element 141 narrows from the emission end 141b toward the incidence end 141a, and when viewed along the D1 direction, the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 approach the center of the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 as they move from the emission end 141b toward the incidence end 141a. Of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141, two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D3 direction form the same angles with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction, while the angles formed by the remaining two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction with respect to the axis parallel to the D1 direction are different from one another. Of the two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction, the angle formed by the side surface 141s on the -D2 side relative to an axis parallel to the D1 direction is smaller than the angle formed by the side surface 141s on the +D2 side relative to an axis parallel to the D1 direction.

[0156] The projector of the third modified example of this embodiment described above provides the same advantageous effects as those of the configuration common to the projector of this embodiment.

[0157] In the projector of the third variant of this embodiment, when viewed in a plane along the emission direction of blue light LB from light source 401, i.e., direction D1, the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141 includes the light-emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401, and surrounds the light-emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401.

[0158] In the projector of the third modified example of this embodiment, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is large enough to surround the light emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451, and therefore even if an external impact is applied and the light guide element 141 vibrates, contact between the current-carrying wire 451 and the light guide element 141 is avoided. According to the projector of the third modified example of this embodiment, breakage of the current-carrying wire 451 and short-circuiting in the light source 401 can be more reliably prevented.

[0159] In the projector of the third variant of this embodiment, if a blue light emitting section and a red light emitting section are configured similarly to the blue light emitting section 503, the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section can achieve the same effects as those of the green light emitting section 502.

[0160] In the projectors of this embodiment and the first to third modifications, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 are hollow members. The light guide element 141 has an internal space SP141 that narrows from the exit end 141b toward the entrance end 141a. The light guide element 142 has an internal space SP142 that narrows from the exit end 142b toward the entrance end 142a. The light guide element 143 has an internal space SP143 that narrows from the exit end 143b toward the entrance end 143a.

[0161] According to the projectors of this embodiment and the first to third variants, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the utilization efficiency of blue light LB taken in by the light-guiding element 141, to suppress a decrease in the utilization efficiency of green light LG taken in by the light-guiding element 142, and to suppress a decrease in the utilization efficiency of red light LR taken in by the light-guiding element 143.

[0162] In the projector of the third variant of this embodiment, if a blue light emitting section and a red light emitting section are configured similarly to the green light emitting section 502, the blue light emitting section and the red light emitting section can achieve the same effects as those of the green light emitting section 502.

[0163] [Fourth Modification] Fig. 11 is a side view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 504 of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, as viewed in the direction D3. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the light source 401 and the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit 504, as viewed in the direction D1.

[0164] 11 and 12 , in the blue light output unit 504, similarly to the blue light output unit 503, the entire incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is parallel to the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 of the light source 401 and the light emitting surface 121a of the light emitting element 121, and is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. When viewed along the D1 direction, all of the electrodes including the electrodes 411 and 412, the light emitting element 121, and the current-carrying wire 451 are surrounded by the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141.

[0165] In the blue light output unit 504, the light guide element 141 tapers from the output end 141b toward the input end 141a, and when viewed along the D1 direction, the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 approach the center of the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111 as they move from the output end 141b toward a predetermined position on the +D1 side of the input end 141a. Regardless of the relative arrangement of the electrodes 411, 412 on the plate surface 111a of the substrate 111, the angles that two of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141 that face each other in the D3 direction form with respect to an axis parallel to the D1 direction from the output end 141b to the input end 141a are equal to each other.

[0166] Of the four side surfaces 141s of the light guide element 141, two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction form an angle from the exit end 141b to the incident end 141a of the +D2 side surface 141s with respect to an axis parallel to the D1 direction, and an angle from the exit end 141b to a predetermined position on the +D1 side of the incident end 141a of the -D2 side surface 141s with respect to an axis parallel to the D1 direction are equal to each other. The predetermined position in the D1 direction from the incident end 141a is within a distance DS from the position of the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121. The plate-like member having the -D2 side surface 141s of the two side surfaces 141s facing each other in the D2 direction has a protrusion 247 that protrudes from a predetermined position toward the -D2 side along the -D2 side portion of the current-carrying wire 451 and the electrode 412. The reflective surface 141r of the protrusion 247 is located on the +D1 side, a distance DS away from the light-emitting surface 121e of the light-emitting element 121 in the D1 direction, and is located a distance DS away from the area occupied by one or more current-carrying wires 451 and the electrode 412 in a plane including the D2 and D3 directions.

[0167] The reflection surface 141r of the protrusion 247 of the light guide element 141 facing the current conducting wire 451 in the D1 direction is parallel to a plane including the D2 and D3 directions. The reflection surface 141r of the protrusion 247 facing the current conducting wire 451 in the D2 direction and disposed on the -D2 side of the current conducting wire 451 is parallel to a plane including the D1 and D3 directions. The reflection surfaces 141r of the protrusion 247 facing the current conducting wire 451 in the D3 direction and disposed on the -D3 and +D3 sides of the current conducting wire 451 are parallel to a plane including the D1 and D2 directions. In the blue light output unit 504, the light guide element 141 has the protrusion 247 facing the current conducting wire 451, thereby preventing disconnection of the current conducting wire 451 and short circuiting of the light source 401.

[0168] 12, the light guide element 141 is a hollow member and has a first side surface 141S1 facing an internal space SP141 into which blue light LB is guided, a second side surface 141S2, a third side surface 141S3, and a fourth side surface 141S4. The first side surface 141S1 is formed by the reflective surface 141r on the −D3 side of the reflective surfaces 141r of the main body and the protrusion 247 facing each other in the D3 direction, extends along the D2 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The second side surface 141S2 is formed by the reflective surface 141r on the −D2 side of the reflective surfaces 141r facing each other in the D2 direction, extends along the D3 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The third side surface 141S3 is formed by the reflective surface 141r on the +D3 side of the reflective surfaces 141r facing each other in the D3 direction, extends along the D2 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The fourth side surface 141S4 is formed by the reflecting surface 141r on the +D2 side of the reflecting surfaces 141r facing each other in the D2 direction, extends along the D3 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB.

[0169] The distance DP3 in the D3 direction between the area occupied by one or more conductive wires 451 and the first side surface 141S1 is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance DP2 in the D2 direction between the area occupied by the conductive wires 451 and the second side surface 141S is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance DP3 in the D3 direction between the area occupied by the conductive wires 451 and the third side surface 141S3 is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0170] The projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment described above provides the same advantageous effects as those of the projector of this embodiment due to the configuration that is common to the projector of this embodiment.

[0171] In the projector of the fourth variant of this embodiment, when viewed in a plane along the emission direction of blue light LB from light source 401, i.e., direction D1, the incident end 141a of the light-guiding element 141 includes the light-emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401, and surrounds the light-emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401.

[0172] In the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141 is large enough to surround the light emitting element 121 and the current-carrying wire 451, and therefore even if an external impact is applied and the light guide element 141 vibrates, contact between the current-carrying wire 451 and the light guide element 141 is avoided. According to the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent breakage of the current-carrying wire 451 and short-circuiting of the light source 401.

[0173] In the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the internal space SP141 of the light guide element 141 narrows in the D1 direction from the exit end 141b to a predetermined position between the exit end 141b and the incident end 141a.

[0174] According to the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the loss in the efficiency of use of the blue light LB taken in by the light guide element 141 can be reduced compared to the projector of the third modified example.

[0175] In the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the light guide element 141 has a first side surface 141S1, a second side surface 141S2, a third side surface 141S3, and a fourth side surface 141S4. The first side surface 141S1 extends parallel to the D2 direction and reflects the incident blue light LB. The second side surface 141S2 is connected perpendicular to the first side surface 141S1, extends parallel to the D3 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The third side surface 141S3 is connected perpendicular to the second side surface 141S2, extends parallel to the D2 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The fourth side surface 141S4 is connected perpendicular to the third side surface 141S3, extends parallel to the D3 direction, and reflects the incident blue light LB. The current-carrying wire 451 faces the first side surface 141S1, the second side surface 141S2, and the third side surface 141S3. The distance DP3 between the current-carrying wire 451 and the first side surface 141S1 in the direction D3 is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance DP2 between the current-carrying wire 451 and the second side surface 141S2 in the direction D2 is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance DP3 between the area occupied by the current-carrying wire 451 and the third side surface 141S3 in the direction D3 is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0176] According to the projector of the fourth modified example of this embodiment, the utilization efficiency of the blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 and taken into the light guide element 141 can be increased, and the reliability of the light source 401 can be improved.

[0177] In the projector of the fourth variant of this embodiment, if a green light emitting section and a red light emitting section are configured similarly to the blue light emitting section 504, the green light emitting section and the red light emitting section can achieve the same effects as those of the green light emitting section.

[0178] [Fifth Modification] 13 is a side view of the light guide element 141 of the blue light output unit of the fifth modified example of this embodiment, as viewed along the D3 direction. As shown in FIG. 13, an insulating layer 480 is provided on the −D1 side of the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141. The insulating layer 480 suppresses electrical conduction between the light guide element 141 and the current-carrying wire 451 of the light source 401. The insulating layer 480 may be formed by directly insulating the incident end 141a using a known method, or a layer or thin film made of an insulating material such as rubber may be attached to the incident end 141a.

[0179] An insulating layer 480 may be provided at the incident end 141a of the light guide element 141, the incident end 142a of the light guide element 142, and the incident end 143a of the light guide element 143 of the projector 301 of this embodiment and each of the projectors of the first to fourth variants of this embodiment.

[0180] According to the projector of the fifth variant of this embodiment, an insulating layer 480 is interposed between the current carrying wire 451 and the light guide element 141, so that even in the event of an external impact, breakage of the current carrying wire 451 and short circuiting of the light source 401 can be more reliably prevented.

[0181] [Sixth Modification] Although not shown, in the projector according to the sixth modified example of this embodiment, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 may be solid members made of a transparent insulating material such as optical glass. In this case, the plate surfaces of the reflectors constituting the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 that face the external space, i.e., the side surfaces 141s, 142s, and 143s, act as the reflecting surfaces 141r, 142r, and 143r.

[0182] Blue light LB emitted from the light source 401 enters the reflector of the light-guiding element 141 from the incident end 141a. A portion of the blue light LB entering the light-guiding element 141 is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 141r of the reflector facing the external space, and travels in the D1 direction and along the optical axis. Green light LG emitted from the light source 402 enters the reflector of the light-guiding element 142 from the incident end 142a. A portion of the green light LG entering the light-guiding element 142 is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 142r of the reflector facing the external space, and travels in the D2 direction and along the optical axis. Red light LR emitted from the light source 403 enters the reflector of the light-guiding element 143 from the incident end 143a. A portion of the red light LR entering the light-guiding element 143 is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 143r of the reflector facing the external space, and travels in the D1 direction and along the optical axis.

[0183] Alternatively, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 may be solid and made of a transparent material such as optical glass, and the reflective films 251, 252, and 253 may be provided on the side surfaces 141s, 142s, and 143s.

[0184] In the projector according to the sixth modified example of this embodiment, the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 are made of an insulating material.

[0185] According to the projector of the sixth modified example of this embodiment, the loss of the blue light LB, the green light LG, and the red light LR inside the light guide elements 141, 142, and 143 can be reduced.

[0186] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the configuration of the embodiment and the configuration of each modification may be combined as appropriate.

[0187] For example, the projector of this embodiment may be a so-called single-panel projector. In this case, the light emitting element (first light emitting element) of the light source (first light source) emits white light in the visible wavelength band including blue light LB, green light LG, and red light LR, and may be configured, for example, by a white LED.

[0188] Summary of this disclosure A summary of this disclosure is provided below. (Appendix 1): A projector comprising: a first light source having a first light-emitting element that emits first light in a first wavelength band, a first current wire that supplies power to the first light-emitting element, and a base that supports the first light-emitting element and the first current wire; a first light-guiding element that has a first incident end into which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident and a first exit end that emits the first light, and that homogenizes in-plane illuminance of the first light; a first collimating element that collimates the first light emitted from the first light-guiding element; a first light modulation element that modulates the first light emitted from the first collimating element based on image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulation element, wherein the first light-guiding element is disposed at a distance from the first current wire, and a first distance between the first incident end of the first light-guiding element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less.

[0189] The configuration of Supplementary Note 1 makes it possible to prevent disconnection of the first conducting wire and short circuit in the first light source while suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of use of colored light.

[0190] (Supplementary Note 2) The projector according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the first light guide element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the second light guide element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the third light guide element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0191] The configuration of Supplementary Note 2 makes it possible to easily generate rectangular illumination light with a uniform illuminance distribution.

[0192] (Supplementary Note 3) The projector according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the first light guide element is in contact with the first light source.

[0193] The configuration of Supplementary Note 3 can increase the efficiency with which the first light is taken into the first light guide element.

[0194] (Appendix 4) A projector according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein a notch is formed in the first light-guiding element at a position opposite the first current wire, and the first current wire is inserted from the outside of the first incident end through the notch into the inside of the first incident end.

[0195] The configuration of Supplementary Note 4 makes it possible to prevent contact between the first light guide element and the first current-carrying wire by the cutout, minimize reduction in the area of ​​the first light emitting element, and increase the utilization efficiency of the first light.

[0196] (Supplementary Note 5) The projector according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the dimension of the notch in the emission direction of the first light of the first light source is 0.1 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.

[0197] The configuration of Supplementary Note 5 makes it possible to minimize the size of the notch to avoid contact between the first light guide element and the first current-carrying wire, thereby minimizing loss of the first light.

[0198] (Appendix 6) A projector according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the base material has an encapsulating member that covers the first conductive wire, the encapsulating member has insulating properties, and the first incident end is in contact with the encapsulating member.

[0199] According to the configuration of Supplementary Note 6, an insulating encapsulating member is interposed between the first light guide element and the first light source, so that it is possible to prevent the first current-carrying wire from being broken and to increase the utilization efficiency of the first light.

[0200] (Appendix 7) A projector according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the first light source has a light diverging section arranged on the emission side of the first light of the first light-emitting element and diverging the first light, and the encapsulating member supports the periphery of the first light-emitting element and the light diverging section.

[0201] The configuration of Supplementary Note 7 makes it possible to easily configure the light diverging portion and increase the durability of the first light emitting element. Furthermore, the configuration of Supplementary Note 7 brings the light emitting surface of the first light emitting element closer to the first incident end of the first light guide element, thereby increasing the efficiency of capturing and using the first light.

[0202] (Appendix 8) A projector according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein, in a planar view along the emission direction of the first light of the first light source, the first incident end surrounds the first light-emitting element and the first current-carrying wire.

[0203] The configuration of Appendix 8 makes the first incident end large enough to surround the first light-emitting element and the first current-carrying wire, and even if an external impact is applied and the light-guiding element vibrates, contact between the first light-guiding element and the first current-carrying wire can be prevented.

[0204] (Appendix 9) The projector of Appendix 8, wherein the first light guide element is a hollow member, and the internal space of the first light guide element narrows from the first exit end to a position between the first exit end and the first entrance end.

[0205] The configuration of Supplementary Note 9 can reduce loss of the first light emitted from the first light guide element.

[0206] (Appendix 10) The projector of Appendix 8 or Appendix 9, wherein the first light-guiding element has a first side surface that reflects the first light, a second side surface that is connected perpendicular to the first side surface and reflects the first light, a third side surface that is connected perpendicular to the second side surface and reflects the first light, and a fourth side surface that is connected perpendicular to the third side surface and reflects the first light, the first current-carrying wire faces the first side surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface, the distance between the first current-carrying wire and the first side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, the distance between the first current-carrying wire and the second side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and the distance between the first current-carrying wire and the third side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0207] The configuration of Supplementary Note 10 can improve the efficiency of use of the first light and the reliability of the first light source.

[0208] (Supplementary Note 11) The projector according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the first light guide element has an insulating layer at the first incident end that suppresses electrical conduction between the first light guide element and the first current-carrying wire.

[0209] With the configuration of Supplementary Note 11, an insulating layer is interposed between the first light-guiding element and the first current-carrying wire, so that even if an external impact is applied, breakage of the first current-carrying wire and short circuiting of the first light source can be reliably prevented.

[0210] (Supplementary Note 12) The projector according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the first light guide element is made of an insulating material.

[0211] The configuration of Supplementary Note 12 can reliably prevent a short circuit from occurring in the first light source even if an external impact is applied and the first light guide element and the first current-carrying wire come into contact with each other.

[0212] (Supplementary Note 13) A second light source including a second light-emitting element that emits second light in a second wavelength band, a second current-carrying wire that supplies power to the second light-emitting element, and a base material that supports the second light-emitting element and the second current-carrying wire; a third light source including a third light-emitting element that emits third light in a third wavelength band, a third current-carrying wire that supplies power to the third light-emitting element, and a base material that supports the third light-emitting element and the third current-carrying wire; a second light-guiding element that has a second incident end into which the second light emitted from the second light source is incident and a second exit end that emits the second light, and that uniforms in-plane illuminance of the second light; a third light-guiding element that has a third incident end into which the third light emitted from the third light source is incident and a third exit end that emits the third light, and that uniforms in-plane illuminance of the third light; a second collimating element that collimates the second light emitted from a light guide element; a third collimating element that collimates the third light emitted from the third light guide element; a second light modulation element that modulates the second light emitted from the second collimating element based on image information; and a third light modulation element that modulates the third light emitted from the third collimating element based on image information, wherein the second light guide element is disposed at a distance from the second current-carrying wire, the third light guide element is disposed at a distance from the third current-carrying wire, a second distance between the second incident end of the second light guide element and the second light source is 0.7 mm or less, and a third distance between the third incident end of the third light guide element and the third light source is 0.7 mm or less.

[0213] The configuration of Supplementary Note 13 can prevent disconnection of the first conductive wire and short circuit in the first light source while suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of use of colored light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0214] 121...light-emitting element (first light-emitting element), 122...light-emitting element (second light-emitting element), 123...light-emitting element (third light-emitting element), 141...light-guiding element (first light-guiding element), 142...light-guiding element (second light-guiding element), 143...light-guiding element (third light-guiding element), 161...parallelizing element (first parallelizing element), 162...parallelizing element (second parallelizing element), 163...parallelizing element (third parallelizing element), 18 1...light modulation element (first light modulation element), 182...light modulation element (second light modulation element), 183...light modulation element (third light modulation element), 200...light combining element, 301...projector, 401...light source (first light source), 402...light source (second light source), 403...light source (third light source), 451...electrical wire (first electric wire), 452...electrical wire (second electric wire), 453...electrical wire (third electric wire).

Claims

1. a first light source including a first light-emitting element that emits first light in a first wavelength band, a first current-carrying wire that supplies power to the first light-emitting element, and a base that supports the first light-emitting element and the first current-carrying wire; a first light guide element having a first incident end into which the first light emitted from the first light source is incident and a first exit end from which the first light is emitted, the first light guide element making an in-plane illuminance of the first light uniform; a first collimating element that collimates the first light emitted from the first light guide element; a first light modulation element that modulates the first light emitted from the first collimating element based on image information; a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the first light modulation element; Equipped with the first light guide element is disposed at a distance from the first current-carrying wire; a first distance between the first incident end of the first light guide element and the first light source is 0.7 mm or less; projector.

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

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

4. a notch is formed in the first light guide element at a position facing the first current-carrying wire; the first current-carrying wire is inserted from the outside of the first incident end through the notch into the inside of the first incident end; The projector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a dimension of the notch in the emission direction of the first light of the first light source is 0.1 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less; The projector according to claim 4 .

6. the base material has an encapsulating member that covers the first conducting wire, the encapsulating member has insulating properties, the first input end contacts the encapsulation member; The projector according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the first light source has a light diverging portion disposed on the first light emission side of the first light emitting element and diverging the first light, the encapsulating member supports the first light emitting element and the light diverging portion around the first light emitting element and the light diverging portion. The projector according to claim 6 .

8. In a plan view along the emission direction of the first light of the first light source, the first incident end surrounds the first light-emitting element and the first current-carrying wire. The projector according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the first light guide element is a hollow member, an internal space of the first light guide element narrows from the first exit end to a position between the first exit end and the first incident end; The projector according to claim 8 .

10. The first light guide element is a first side surface that reflects the first light; a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface and reflecting the first light; a third side surface that is perpendicular to the second side surface and reflects the first light; a fourth side surface perpendicular to the third side surface and reflecting the first light; and the first conductive wire faces the first side surface, the second side surface, and the third side surface; a distance between the first conductive wire and the first side surface is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 1.0 mm; a distance between the first conducting wire and the second side surface is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 1.0 mm; a distance between the first conductive wire and the third side surface is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less; The projector according to claim 8 .

11. the first light guide element has an insulating layer at the first incident end that suppresses electrical conduction between the first light guide element and the first current-carrying wire; The projector according to claim 1 or 2.

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

13. a second light source including a second light-emitting element that emits second light in a second wavelength band, a second current-carrying wire that supplies power to the second light-emitting element, and a base that supports the second light-emitting element and the second current-carrying wire; a third light source including a third light emitting element that emits third light in a third wavelength band, a third current wire that supplies power to the third light emitting element, and a base that supports the third light emitting element and the third current wire; a second light guide element having a second incident end into which the second light emitted from the second light source is incident and a second exit end from which the second light is emitted, the second light guide element making an in-plane illuminance of the second light uniform; a third light guide element having a third incident end into which the third light emitted from the third light source is incident and a third exit end from which the third light is emitted, the third light guide element making an in-plane illuminance of the third light uniform; a second collimating element that collimates the second light emitted from the second light guide element; a third collimating element that collimates the third light emitted from the third light guide element; a second light modulation element that modulates the second light emitted from the second collimating element based on image information; a third light modulation element that modulates the third light emitted from the third collimating element based on image information; Equipped with the second light guide element is disposed at a distance from the second current-carrying wire; the third light guide element is disposed at a distance from the third current-carrying wire, a second distance between the second incident end of the second light guide element and the second light source is 0.7 mm or less; a third distance between the third incident end of the third light guide element and the third light source is 0.7 mm or less; The projector according to claim 1 or 2.

Images