JP7743766B2 - Light source device and image projection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a light source device and an image projection device.

Conventionally, light source devices have been known that are detachably attached to a support member that supports a light-emitting unit and have a fan mechanism that blows air onto an object to be cooled. These light source devices are used in optical devices such as projectors.

In order to simplify the wiring process for the cable connecting the cooling fan and the control unit in the above-mentioned light source device, a relay unit is provided that electrically relays the fan mechanism located in the sealed space and the control unit located outside the sealed space, and a configuration has been disclosed in which the fan mechanism located in the sealed space can be removed by disassembling the light source device so that the connecting member located on the inner surface of the relay unit is exposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the light source device cannot be used while the fan mechanism is detached from the light source device.

The present invention aims to provide a light source device that can be used even when the fan mechanism is detached from the light source device.

A light source device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to supplied power, a support member that supports the light-emitting unit, a fan mechanism that is detachably attached to the support member and blows air onto a cooling object, a detection unit that detects attachment or detachment of the fan mechanism to the support member, a control unit that controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit in response to the detection result by the detection unit, and a cooling member that cools the light-emitting unit, wherein the control unit supplies a predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting unit when the fan mechanism is attached to the support member, and supplies an amount of power less than the predetermined amount to the light-emitting unit when the fan mechanism is detached from the support member, the predetermined amount being an amount of power that is determined in accordance with the cooling capacity of the cooling member and will not cause the light-emitting unit to malfunction or break .

This invention provides a light source device that can be used even when the fan mechanism is detached from the light source device.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a light source device according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a light source device according to a first embodiment. 2 is a front view illustrating the light source device of FIG. 1 with a fan mechanism removed; FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a fan holding member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of an example of processing by a control unit of the light source device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the control-side connector according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an intake and exhaust port of the fan holding member according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sealed state of an image projection device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a light source device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a light source device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a fan holding member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a light source device according to a third embodiment. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating an example of an open state of the fan holding member of the light source device of FIG. 13. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image projection device according to a fourth embodiment.

A light source device and an image projection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are intended to exemplify light source devices and image projection devices that embody the technical concepts of the present embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Note that the size and positional relationships of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols indicate components that are the same or of the same quality, and detailed descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

In the figures below, directions may be indicated by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, but the Z direction along the Z-axis indicates the direction in which the light source device and image projection device according to the embodiment emit light, the X direction along the X-axis indicates the direction intersecting with the Z direction, and the Y direction along the Y-axis indicates the direction intersecting with both the X and Z directions.

The direction in which the arrow points in the X direction is referred to as the +X direction, and the direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction. The direction in which the arrow points in the Y direction is referred to as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the arrow points in the Z direction is referred to as the +Z direction, and the direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction. However, these do not limit the orientation of the light source device and image projection device when in use, and the orientation of the light source device and image projection device is arbitrary.

[First embodiment]
<Configuration example of light source device 100>
The overall configuration of a light source device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figures 1 and 2 show an example of the overall configuration of the light source device 100, with Figure 1 being a front view and Figure 2 being a block diagram. Figure 3 is a front view illustrating the light source device 100 with the fan mechanism removed. Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a fan holding member.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light source device 100 has a light-emitting unit 1, a support member 2, a heat pipe 3, a fan mechanism 4, a fan holding member 5, a detection unit 6, and a control unit 7.

Light source device 100 is attached to an image projection device such as a projector and is used to generate image light to be projected from the image projection device. However, the use of light source device 100 is not limited to image projection devices, and it can be applied to various optical devices that use light. In particular, light source device 100 is suitable for optical devices that require strong irradiation light and generate a lot of heat from the light-emitting unit 1.

The light-emitting unit 1 emits light in response to the power supplied. The light-emitting unit 1 can be an LED (Light Emitting Diode), LD (Laser Diode), halogen lamp, xenon lamp, or metal halide lamp. The light-emitting unit 1 emits light and generates heat in response to the power supplied. The light-emitting unit 1 may include multiple light-emitting units that emit light of different colors.

The support member 2 is a member that supports the light-emitting unit 1. The support member 2 is made of a material such as a metal material or a resin material. In this embodiment, the support member 2 contains a metal material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, is configured to have a large area in contact with the surrounding air, and is a heat sink that supports the light-emitting unit 1 while dissipating and exhausting heat generated by the light-emitting unit 1 to cool the light-emitting unit. The support member 2 also functions as a cooling member that cools the light-emitting unit. However, the support member 2 does not necessarily have to be a heat sink as long as it can support the light-emitting unit 1.

The heat pipe 3 is an example of a cooling member that cools the light-emitting unit 1. The heat pipe 3 is a heat transport member that uses the latent heat of evaporation and condensation, and cools the light-emitting unit 1 by transporting the heat generated by the light-emitting unit 1. In this embodiment, the heat generated by the light-emitting unit 1 is transferred to the support member 2 through the heat pipe 3, and is radiated and exhausted from the support member 2. The light source device 100 does not necessarily have to have a cooling member such as the heat pipe 3, but it is preferable to have a cooling member in order to increase the cooling efficiency of the light-emitting unit 1.

The fan mechanism 4 is detachably attached to the support member 2 and blows air onto the object to be cooled. The fan mechanism 4 has one or more blade members, and blows air by rotating the blade members to impart flow energy to the air. Various types of fans can be used for the fan mechanism 4, such as an axial fan, a multi-blade fan, or a cross-flow fan.

In this embodiment, the fan mechanism 4 includes a first fan mechanism 41 and a second fan mechanism 42. The first fan mechanism 41 and the second fan mechanism 42 are provided in different positions and blow air towards the cooling object from different positions. However, the fan mechanism 4 is not limited to a configuration including two fan mechanisms, and may include one fan mechanism, or three or more fan mechanisms. In this embodiment, the cooling object is the light-emitting unit 1, the support member 2, the heat pipe 3, etc. The fan mechanism 4 blows air towards these cooling objects to cool them.

The fan holding member 5 holds the fan mechanism 4 and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the support member 2 together with the fan mechanism 4. As shown in Figure 4, the fan holding member 5 has a tubular structure, and the air blown by the fan mechanism 4 flows inside the tubular structure. The tubular structure can also be referred to as a duct structure. In Figure 4, the air blown by the fan mechanism 4 can flow along the Z direction. By having a tubular structure, the fan holding member 5 can force air to convect along the Z direction in which the tube extends.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fan mechanism 4 is attached to and detached from the support member 2 by attaching and detaching the fan holding member 5 to and from the support member 2. The fan mechanism 4 receives power via a control-side connector 70 included in the control unit 7 and a fan-side connector 50 provided on the fan holding member 5. The fan-side connector 50 is attached to the fan holding member 5 via a support member or the like.

The light source device 100 can easily attach and detach the fan mechanisms 4 by integrating multiple mechanisms and components, such as multiple fan mechanisms 4 and fan-side connectors 50, into the support member 2. However, the light source device 100 does not necessarily have to have a fan holding member 5, and the fan mechanisms 4 may be attached and detached directly to the support member 2. The fan mechanisms 4 may also be attached and detached indirectly to the support member 2 via a housing or the like.

The detector 6 detects the attachment and detachment of the fan mechanism 4 to and from the support member 2. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, in this embodiment, the detector 6 is a push button provided on the support member 2. However, the detector 6 does not necessarily have to be provided on the support member 2, as long as it is provided on the support member 2 side and not on the fan holding member 5 side. The detector 6 may be provided on the light-emitting unit 1, or, if the light source device 100 has a housing that houses the light-emitting unit 1, support member 2, etc., the detector 6 may be provided on this housing, etc.

On the other hand, the fan holding member 5 is provided with a boss 61, which is a columnar member with its longitudinal axis in the Y-axis direction.

When the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, the detection unit 6 detects that the end of the boss 61 is pressing against the detection unit 6, thereby detecting the attachment of the fan mechanism 4. Furthermore, when the fan mechanism 4 is removed from the support member 2, the detection unit 6 detects that the end of the boss 61 is no longer pressing against the detection unit 6, thereby detecting the removal of the fan mechanism 4. The detection unit 6 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 7 that indicates the attachment/detachment status of the fan mechanism 4 or that is related to the attachment/detachment status.

However, the detection method used by the detection unit 6 is not limited to the above. For example, the detection unit 6 may be a sensor that detects electrical conduction instead of a push button, and may detect the installation of the fan mechanism 4 by using the sensor to detect electrical conduction through contact with the boss 61, which is configured to include a conductive member. Alternatively, the detection unit 6 may include an optical or capacitance proximity sensor, and may detect the installation of the fan mechanism 4 by detecting the proximity of the fan holding member 5.

The control unit 7 controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 based on the detection results from the detection unit 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 7 has a control-side connector 70. When the fan holding member 5 is attached to the support member 2, the fan-side connector 50 fits into the control-side connector 70, electrically connecting the control unit 7 and the fan mechanism 4.

The control unit 7 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), electrical circuits, memory, etc., mounted on an electrical mounting board. The electrical mounting board having the control unit 7 may be placed in any position in the light source device 100, as long as the control-side connector 70 and the fan-side connector 50 can be mated when the fan holding member 5 is attached to the support member 2.

<Example of functional configuration of control unit 7>
5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 7. The control unit 7 has an attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 71, a selection reception unit 72, and a supply power control unit 73. The control unit 7 realizes these functions by the CPU executing a predetermined program stored in memory or by an electric circuit.

The attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 71 receives the detection signal from the detection unit 6 and acquires attachment/detachment information indicating whether the fan mechanism 4 is attached to or detached from the support member 2.

The selection receiving unit 72 receives a user selection regarding the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1. For example, the selection receiving unit 72 can receive a user selection regarding the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 via an operation unit provided in the light source device 100. By selecting the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1, the user can select the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1.

The power supply control unit 73 controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1. For example, the power supply control unit 73 controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit by modulating the power supplied from the commercial power source 200 using a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method or the like. However, the power supply source is not limited to the commercial power source 200, and the power supply control unit 73 may control the power supplied from another power supply device and control the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1.

In this embodiment in particular, the supply power control unit 73 controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 in accordance with the detection result from the detection unit 6. More specifically, the supply power control unit 73 determines whether the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2 based on the attachment/detachment information acquired by the attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 71 in response to the detection signal from the detection unit 6. If the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, the supply power control unit 73 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting unit 1, and if the fan mechanism 4 has been detached from the support member 2, the supply power control unit 73 supplies an amount of power less than the predetermined amount to the light-emitting unit 1.

If the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2, the fan mechanism 4 cannot blow air, reducing the efficiency of suppressing heat generation by the light-emitting unit 1. As a result, the light-emitting unit 1 may malfunction or be damaged due to heat generation. Furthermore, if the light emission by the light-emitting unit 1 is stopped to prevent malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit 1, the user will be unable to use the light source device 100 while the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2.

In this embodiment, the light source device 100 supplies less power than the above-mentioned predetermined amount to the light-emitting unit 1 while the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2. As a result, the light source device 100 reduces the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1 compared to when the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, and suppresses heat generation by the light-emitting unit 1. As a result, the light source device 100 can be used while the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2, preventing malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit 1. While the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2, heat generation by the light-emitting unit 1 is suppressed by the cooling action of the heat pipe 3 and the support member 2.

The amount of power to be supplied that will not cause the light-emitting unit 1 to malfunction or be damaged is predetermined according to the cooling capacity of the heat pipe 3 and support member 2. The power supply control unit 73 supplies this predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting unit 1 while the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2, thereby suppressing heat generation by the light-emitting unit 1. Note that if the light source device 100 does not have a cooling member such as a heat pipe 3, the amount of power to be supplied that will not cause the light-emitting unit 1 to malfunction or be damaged is predetermined according to the natural cooling capacity.

When the detection unit 6 detects that the fan mechanism 4 has been installed, the light source device 100 may accept a user's selection for the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 via the selection acceptance unit 72, and supply the selected amount of power via the supply power control unit 73.

<Example of processing by control unit 7>
6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 7. The control unit 7 starts the operation of FIG.

First, in step S61, the control unit 7 inputs a detection signal from the detection unit 6 via the attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 71, and acquires attachment/detachment information indicating whether the fan mechanism 4 is attached to or detached from the support member 2.

Next, in step S62, the control unit 7 determines, via the power supply control unit 73, whether the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2 based on the attachment/detachment information acquired by the attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 71.

If it is determined in step S62 that the fan mechanism 4 is attached (step S62, Yes), in step S63, the control unit 7 causes the power supply control unit 73 to supply to the light-emitting unit 1 a predetermined amount of power that is supplied when the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2. The control unit 7 then proceeds to step S66.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S62 that the light-emitting unit 1 is not attached (step S62, No), in step S64, the control unit 7 receives, via the selection receiving unit 72, a user selection for the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1. The selected amount of power is less than the predetermined amount.

Next, in step S65, the control unit 7 causes the supply power control unit 73 to supply the amount of power received by the selection receiving unit 72 to the light-emitting unit 1. However, the supply power control unit 73 may supply an amount of power to the light-emitting unit 1 that is less than the predetermined amount, but is predetermined according to the cooling capacity of the light source device 100 when the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2.

Next, in step S66, the control unit 7 determines whether to terminate the processing. For example, the control unit 7 determines to terminate the processing when the power supply from the commercial power source 200 to the light source device 100 is stopped, or when an end instruction is received from the user via an operation unit provided in the light source device 100.

If it is determined in step S66 that the processing should be terminated (step S66, Yes), the control unit 7 terminates the processing; if it is determined that the processing should not be terminated (step S66, No), the control unit 7 performs the processing from step S61 onwards again.

In this way, the control unit 7 can supply power to the light-emitting unit 1 to cause it to emit light.

<Example of detailed configuration of each part of light source device 100>
7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the control connector 70 and its vicinity in the control unit 7. As shown in FIG.

The terminal 702 is held by the exterior member 701 so that its end is positioned in a recessed position relative to the outer surface 701a of the exterior member 701. As shown in Figure 7, the exterior member 701 holds the terminal 702 by inserting it into a gap of width W along the Z direction. The end 702a on the -Y direction side of the terminal 702 is positioned in a recessed position by a depth D relative to the outer surface 701a on the -Y direction side of the exterior member 701.

When the fan holding member 5 is removed from the support member 2, the terminal 702 of the control-side connector 70 of the control unit 7 is exposed, and anyone who touches the exposed terminal 702 may receive an electric shock. The light source device 100 positions the end 702a of the terminal 702 on the -Y direction side at a position recessed by a depth D from the outer surface 701a on the -Y direction side of the exterior member 701, thereby preventing electric shock from occurring when a person touches the terminal 702. To prevent people from touching the terminal 702, the width W is preferably set to a width that prevents a person's fingers from entering.

Next, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the air intake port 51 and exhaust port 52 of the fan holding member 5. As shown in Figure 8, the fan holding member 5 has an air intake port 51 that draws air into the interior of the fan holding member 5, an exhaust port 52 that exhausts air from the interior of the fan holding member 5, and a mesh member 53 provided in at least one of the air intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52.

The air intake vent 51 is provided facing the first fan mechanism 41 along the airflow direction of the first fan mechanism 41. The air exhaust vent 52 is provided facing the second fan mechanism 42 along the airflow direction of the second fan mechanism 42. The fan holding member 5 has the air intake vent 51 and the air exhaust vent 52, allowing the air inside the fan holding member 5 to be ventilated.

The mesh member 53 is a plate-like member with multiple openings arranged in a mesh pattern. The mesh member 53 blocks the air intake vent 51 and the air exhaust vent 52 while allowing air to flow between the inside and outside of the fan holding member 5.

If a person's fingers or other objects come into contact with the first fan mechanism 41 and the second fan mechanism 42 through the intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52, the person may be injured. By including the mesh member 53, the fan holding member 5 can prevent a person from coming into contact with the first fan mechanism 41 and the second fan mechanism 42 through the intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52 and being injured.

Next, Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sealed state of the light source device 100. In the example of Figure 9, the light source device 100 has a housing 8 and a sealing member 81 for sealing the inside of the housing 8.

The housing 8 is a box-shaped member that houses at least the light-emitting unit 1 and the support member 2. The sealing member 81 is a member that prevents dust and other particles from entering the interior of the housing 8. The sealing member 81 can be composed of a resin tape member or the like.

In FIG. 9 , the exterior and cooling member 9 is, for example, a heat sink, and is provided so as to be in contact with the housing 8. By bringing the exterior and cooling member 9 into contact with the housing 8, the cooling efficiency of the light-emitting unit 1 and the support member 2 can be increased. The projection lens 10 is a lens that projects light from the light-emitting unit 1 provided inside the housing 8. However, the light source device 100 does not necessarily have to have the housing 8, the exterior and cooling member 9, and the projection lens 10.

<Functions and Effects of Light Source Device 100>
The effects of the light source device 100 will be described.

In order for users to use optical devices such as projectors equipped with light source devices for extended periods of time, optical device service technicians may perform maintenance work such as repairing or replacing optical device components. In particular, as light source devices have become more commonly used in recent years and are now made up of solid-state light sources such as LEDs, the lifespan of light source devices has significantly increased, resulting in longer maintenance periods for optical devices. Furthermore, when optical devices are used for signage purposes or to display process information in factories, many users are concerned about downtime, which is the period during which the optical device cannot be used.

Light source devices used in optical equipment often have fan mechanisms that can malfunction if they become entangled with dust or dirt. Therefore, there is a demand for light source devices with fan mechanisms that can be easily detached and replaced.

Patent Document 1 discloses a light source device configuration that allows for easy attachment and detachment of a fan mechanism. However, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, heat generation from the light-emitting section of the light source device cannot be suppressed while the fan mechanism is detached from the light source device, making the light source device unusable. This results in extended downtime for the light source device.

The light source device 100 according to this embodiment includes a light-emitting unit 1 that emits light in response to the power supplied, a support member 2 that supports the light-emitting unit 1, a fan mechanism 4 that is detachably attached to the support member 2 and blows air onto an object to be cooled, a detection unit 6 that detects whether the fan mechanism 4 is attached to or detached from the support member 2, and a control unit 7 that controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 in response to the detection result by the detection unit 6.

By controlling the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit 1 in response to the attachment or detachment of the fan mechanism 4 to the support member 2, it is possible to vary the amount of power supplied, for example, when the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2 and when the fan mechanism 4 is not attached to the support member 2. This allows control to be performed to suppress heat generation in the light-emitting unit 1, preventing malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit 1. As a result, this embodiment provides a light source device 100 that can be used even when the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the light source device 100.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 7 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting unit 1 when the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, and supplies an amount of power less than the predetermined amount to the light-emitting unit 1 when the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the support member 2. As a result, the light source device 100 can dim the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1 compared to when the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, suppress heat generation by the light-emitting unit 1, and prevent malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit 1. As a result, this embodiment can provide a light source device 100 that can be used even when the fan mechanism 4 is detached from the light source device 100.

In this embodiment, the light source device 100 also has a heat pipe 3 (cooling member) that cools the light-emitting unit 1, and a support member 2 (cooling member) that functions as a heat sink. By having a cooling member, the light source device 100 increases the cooling efficiency of the light-emitting unit 1 even when the fan mechanism 4 is detached, making the light source device 100 usable. Furthermore, the light source device 100 can alleviate restrictions on the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1 compared to when the light source device 100 does not have a cooling member. Furthermore, the light source device 100 increases the cooling efficiency of the light-emitting unit 1 by using the cooling member even when the fan mechanism 4 is attached, making it possible to prevent malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit 1.

This embodiment also includes a selection receiving unit 72 that receives a user's selection regarding the amount of power to be supplied to the light-emitting unit 1. This allows the user to select the brightness of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 1 while the fan mechanism 4 is detached.

In addition, in this embodiment, the light source device 100 has a housing 8 that houses at least the light-emitting unit 1 and the support member 2, and a sealing member 81 for sealing the inside of the housing 8. This prevents dust and other particles from entering the inside of the housing 8, and can prevent malfunctions or performance degradation caused by dust and other particles adhering to the light-emitting unit 1, support member 2, etc.

In this embodiment, the light source device 100 also includes a fan holding member 5 that holds the fan mechanism 4 and is detachable from the support member 2 together with the fan mechanism 4. The fan mechanism 4 is attached to and detached from the support member 2 by attaching and detaching the fan holding member 5 to and from the support member 2, and is supplied with power via a control-side connector 70 included in the control unit 7 and a fan-side connector 50 provided on the fan holding member 5. At least one of the control-side connector 70 and the fan-side connector 50 has an exterior member 701 and a terminal 702 held by the exterior member 701, and the terminal 702 is held by the exterior member 701 so that its end 702a is positioned in a position recessed from the outer surface 701a of the exterior member 701. This configuration prevents electric shock if a person touches the terminal 702 when the fan holding member 5 is detached from the support member 2.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fan holding member 5 has an intake port 51 that draws air into the interior of the fan holding member 5, an exhaust port 52 that exhausts air from the interior of the fan holding member 5, and a mesh member 53 provided on each of the intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52. By including the mesh member 53, the fan holding member 5 can prevent people from coming into contact with the first fan mechanism 41 and the second fan mechanism 42 through the intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52 and being injured.

In this embodiment, the fan holding member 5 has a tubular structure, and the air blown by the fan mechanism 4 flows inside the tubular structure. The fan holding member 5 has a tubular structure, which allows for forced convection of air along the tube, improving the cooling efficiency of the object to be cooled. The fan holding member 5 has at least one of an air intake port 51 and an exhaust port 52, and may have a mesh member 53 provided in at least one of the air intake port 51 and the exhaust port 52.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 6 is provided on the support member 2 side. This prevents bosses and other protrusions from protruding from the support member 2 when the fan holding member 5 is removed from the support member 2, making it easier to handle the light source device 100 with the fan holding member 5 removed.

Second Embodiment
A light source device 100a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Note that the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the following embodiments.

Figures 10 and 11 show an example of the overall configuration of the light source device 100, with Figure 10 being a front view and Figure 11 being a block diagram. Figure 12 is a front view illustrating the configuration of the fan holding member 5a.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the light source device 100a has a fan holding member 5a. The detection unit 6 is provided on the fan holding member 5a. However, the detection unit 6 does not necessarily have to be provided on the fan holding member 5a, as long as it is provided on the fan holding member 5a side rather than the support member 2 side. The boss 61 is provided on the support member 2.

When the fan mechanism 4 is attached to the support member 2, the detection unit 6 detects that the end of the boss 61 on the support member 2 presses against the detection unit 6 on the fan holding member 5a, thereby detecting the attachment of the fan mechanism 4. Furthermore, when the fan mechanism 4 is removed from the support member 2, the detection unit 6 detects that the end of the boss 61 no longer presses against the detection unit 6 on the fan holding member 5a, thereby detecting the removal of the fan mechanism 4. The detection unit 6 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 7 that indicates the attachment/detachment state of the fan mechanism 4 or that is related to the attachment/detachment state. Other functions and operations of the light source device 100a are the same as those of the first embodiment.

By including a detector 6 on the fan holding member 5a, the light source device 100a can reduce the number of components on the support member 2 side, and the light source device 100a can be made more compact when the fan holding member 5a is removed. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
A light source device 100b according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a front view illustrating the configuration of the light source device 100b. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the light source device 100b of Fig. 13 in a state where the fan holding member 5b is opened.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the light source device 100b has a fan holding member 5b. The fan holding member 5b can be opened and closed while a portion of it is attached to the support member 2. The fan mechanism 4 can be attached and detached to the open fan holding member 5b.

The fan holding member 5b is opened by rotating it approximately 90 degrees in the direction of arrow 56 in Figure 14 (counterclockwise) around the rotating shaft member 55 provided on the fan holding member 5b as the rotation axis. The fan holding member 5b is closed by rotating it from the state shown in Figure 14 in the opposite direction to arrow 56 (clockwise) around the rotating shaft member 55 as the rotation axis. However, the rotation angle when opening and closing the fan holding member 5b does not necessarily have to be approximately 90 degrees and can be changed as appropriate.

Figure 13 shows the fan holding member 5b in a closed state, while Figure 14 shows it in an open state. When the fan holding member 5b is in an open state, the control-side connector 70 and the fan-side connector 50 are not mated. Furthermore, because the boss 61 is not pressing against the detection unit 6, the detection unit 6 outputs a signal to the control unit 7 indicating that the fan holding member 5b has been removed from the support member 2.

The fan mechanism 4 can be removed from the fan holding member 5b when the fan holding member 5b is in the open position.

In the light source device 100b, the fan holding member 5b can be opened and closed while a portion of it is attached to the support member 2, and the fan mechanism 4 can be attached and detached to the open fan holding member 5b. This makes it easier to attach and detach the fan mechanism 4, improving maintenance workability. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image projection device 300 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the image projection device 300 includes a light source device 100d, an exterior/cooling member 9, a projection lens 10, and an image generation unit 11. The image projection device 300 is, for example, a projector.

Light source device 100d has a red light-emitting unit 1R that emits red light, a green light-emitting unit 1G that emits green light, and a blue light-emitting unit 1B that emits blue light. The function of light source device 100d is the same as that of light source device 100, except that it is capable of emitting light of three colors. Note that image projection device 300 may have any one of light source devices 100a, 100b, or 100c instead of light source device 100d.

The image generation unit 11 generates image light based on the light emitted from the light source device 100d. Image light refers to light that forms an image. The image generation unit 11 includes, for example, a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device), and generates image light by controlling the tilt of the micromirrors that make up each pixel of the DMD and modulating the reflected light of light that enters the micromirrors. Light emitted by each of the red light-emitting unit 1R, green light-emitting unit 1G, and blue light-emitting unit 1B enters the image generation unit 11, and the image generation unit 11 can generate image light of each color.

The projection lens 10 projects the image light generated by the image generation unit 11. For example, the projection lens 10 can project the image light onto a screen, a wall, etc., allowing the user of the image projection device 300 to view the image projected onto the screen or wall.

By including the light source device 100d, the image projection device 300 can use the light source device 100d even when the fan mechanism is detached from the light source device 100d, eliminating or shortening downtime for the image projection device 300.

The above describes one example embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In other words, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Each function of the embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to perform each function by software, such as processors implemented as electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to perform each of the functions described above.

1 Light-emitting unit 1R Red light-emitting unit 1G Green light-emitting unit 1B Blue light-emitting unit 2 Support member (an example of a cooling member)
3. Heat pipe (an example of a cooling member)
4 Fan mechanism 41 First fan mechanism 42 Second fan mechanism 5 Fan holding member 50 Fan side connector 51 Air intake 52 Air exhaust 53 Mesh member 55 Rotating shaft member 6 Detection unit 61 Boss 7 Control unit 70 Control side connector 701 Exterior member 702 Terminal 71 Attachment/detachment information acquisition unit 72 Selection reception unit 73 Supply power control unit 8 Housing 81 Sealing member 9 Exterior/cooling member 10 Projection lens 11 Image generation unit 100 Light source device 200 Commercial power supply 300 Image projection device D Depth W Width

Patent No. 6651862

Claims (10)

a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to supplied power;
a support member that supports the light emitting unit;
a fan mechanism detachably provided on the support member and configured to blow air onto an object to be cooled;
a detection unit that detects attachment/detachment of the fan mechanism to/from the support member;
a control unit that controls the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting unit in accordance with a detection result by the detection unit;
a cooling member that cools the light-emitting unit ,
the control unit supplies a predetermined amount of power to the light-emitting unit when the fan mechanism is attached to the support member, and supplies an amount of power less than the predetermined amount to the light-emitting unit when the fan mechanism is detached from the support member;
The predetermined amount is an amount of power that does not cause a malfunction or damage to the light-emitting unit and is determined according to the cooling capacity of the cooling member . The light source device according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection receiving unit that receives a user's selection of an amount of power to be supplied to the light emitting unit. a housing that accommodates at least the light emitting unit and the support member;
The light source device according to claim 1 , further comprising a sealing member for sealing the inside of the housing. a fan holding member that holds the fan mechanism and is detachable from the support member integrally with the fan mechanism;
the fan mechanism is attached to and detached from the support member by attaching and detaching the fan holding member to and from the support member, and the power is supplied to the fan mechanism via a control-side connector included in the control unit and a fan-side connector provided on the fan holding member;
At least one of the control-side connector and the fan-side connector has an exterior member and a terminal held by the exterior member,
The light source device according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal is held by the exterior member such that an end of the terminal is positioned at a position recessed from an outer surface of the exterior member. The fan holding member is
at least one of an intake port for drawing air into the interior of the fan holding member and an exhaust port for discharging air from the interior of the fan holding member;
The light source device according to claim 4 , further comprising a mesh member provided in at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port. the fan holding member has a tubular structure;
6. The light source device according to claim 4 , wherein the air blown by the fan mechanism flows inside the tubular structure. the fan holding member is openable and closable with a portion of the fan holding member attached to the support member,
The light source device according to claim 4 , wherein the fan mechanism is detachable from the fan holding member when the fan holding member is opened. The light source device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is provided on the support member side. The light source device according to claim 4 , wherein the detection unit is provided on the fan holding member. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ;
an image generating unit that generates image light based on light emitted from the light source device;
a projection lens that projects the image light generated by the image generation unit.