Projector

A projector includes a projector body that enlarges and projects image light and an image reproducing device that reproduces an image relating to the image light. The projector body and the image reproducing device are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body is above the image reproducing device. A partition member is formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device, and the projector body is placed on the partition member.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-256170, filed Sep. 2, 2004. The entire disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The exemplary embodiments relate to a complex projector into which a projector body and an image reproducing device such as a digital versatile disc (hereinafter, referred to as DVD) are integrated.

In the related art, a projector modulates a light beam emitted from a light source and projects the modulated light beam via a projection lens on to a screen. This projector is widely used for presentations, in, for example, a conference, or the like, along with a personal computer (PC).

In such a projector, a color-separating optical system such as a dichroic mirror separates the light beam from a light source into three light components, and three optical modulators composed of liquid crystal panels, or the like, modulate the respective color light components according to image information thereof. Further, in the related art, a projector has a three-plate structure in which a color-combining optical device, such as a cross dichroic prism, combines the respective color components after the modulation to form an optical image, and a projection optical device such as a projection lens enlarges and projects the formed optical image.

Further, with the recent multi-functionality of a projector, the projector can output sound as well as project an image. Therefore, the number of projectors having a built-in sound reproducing device such as a speaker is increasing. With regard to the speaker, a stereo speaker is frequently used in order to give realistic sensation (for example, see JP-A-6-138433 (Paragraph [0021], FIG. 5)).

Moreover, with the recent multi-functionality of projectors, there has been widely provided with a home-theater system which can easily and conveniently reproduce pictures with the same image quality as pictures shown in theaters. Thus, a complex projector in which a projector body and an image reproducing device are integrated can be used as a home theater (for example, see JP-A-7-113996 (Claim 1, FIG. 4). Although DVD players, video cassette recorders, or the like are often used as image reproducing devices, DVD players are prevailingly used because of excellent image quality or easy handling of image sources.

However, generally, the projector generates a large amount of heat. When such a projector is integrated with an image reproducing device such as the DVD player, the image reproducing device also generates heat. Therefore, there are problems in that studies on arrangements for integrating the DVD player and the image reproducing device are needed, efficient cooling cannot be performed, and the reduction in size of the projector becomes difficult.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments provide a projector capable of efficiently cooling a projector body and an image reproducing device, and capable of facilitating a reduction in size by dwarfing an occupying area.

According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiments, a projector is provided which includes a projector body including , ea light source, a color-separating optical system that separates a light beam emitted from the light source into a plurality of color light components, a plurality of optical modulators that modulate the separated color light components according to image information, a color-combining optical device that combines the beams modulated by the plurality of optical modulators, and a projection optical device that enlarges and projects image light combined by the color-combining optical device; and an image reproducing device that reproduces an image relating to the image light. The projector body and the image reproducing device are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body is above the image reproducing device. A partition member is formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device, and the projector body is placed on the partition member.

The image reproducing device includes, for example, DVD players, video cassette recorders, etc.

According to the above structure, since the projector body and the image reproducing device are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body is above the image reproducing device, the occupying area of the whole product can be made small, so that the size of the projector can be reduced.

Further, since the projector body is above the image reproducing device, the projector becomes suitable for upward projection. Moreover, since the projector body generates a much larger amount of heat than the image reproducing device, the projector body is disposed above the image reproducing device, so that the heat of the projector body can be kept from affecting the image reproducing device.

Since the partition member is formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device, and the projector body is placed on the top surface of the partition member, both devices can be reliably separated from each other. Further, since the projector body is also placed on the partition member, the projector can be placed stably.

Further, the partition member may be integrally formed with at least one of a part of or all of a duct in the projector body and the image reproducing device.

Since the partition member formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device may be integrally formed with at least one of a part of or all of a duct in the projector body and the image reproducing device, suction or exhaust of air in the projector body or the image reproducing device can be enhanced and performed well. Further, since it is unnecessary to separately provide the duct, the number of members can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce cost.

Further, the partition member may be formed with an introducing port that introduces heat from the image reproducing device.

Since the partition member formed between the projector body and the image reproducing device may be formed with the introducing port which introduces heat from the image reproducing device, the heat of the image reproducing device existing below the partition member is delivered to the projector placed on the partition member, so that cooling of the image reproducing device can be efficiently implemented.

Further, a heat generating portion in the image reproducing device may be disposed right below or around the introducing port, and a portion of the partition member facing the projector body may be provided with a duct that communicates with the introducing port by air flow.

Since the heat generating portion in the image reproducing device may be disposed right below or around the introducing port formed in the partition member, the heat generated in the image reproducing device passes through the introducing port. Further, since the duct communicating with the introducing port is disposed at a portion of the partition member facing the projector body, the heat which has passed through the introducing port is discharged through the duct to the outside, so that heat radiation or cooling can be more efficiently performed.

The heat generating portion may include, for example, a driving unit of a DVD player that is the image reproducing device, a pickup that is an optical component which reads digital video signals recorded on a loaded DVD, and/or the like.

Further, the partition member may be integrally formed with a lateral side that surrounds the projector body, and the lateral side may be formed with a peripheral rib that surrounds a front end of the projection optical device.

Since the partition member may be integrally formed with the lateral side that surrounds the projector body, and the lateral side may be formed with the peripheral rib that surrounds the front end of the projection optical device (projection lens), the projection direction can be made correct, and the projection efficiency can be enhanced or optimized.

Further, since the peripheral rib is integrally formed with the lateral side integrated with partition member, the number of parts can be reduced so that the cost can be further reduced.

Further, an exhaust unit of the projector body and an exhaust unit of the image reproducing device may be arranged adjacent to each other.

Since the exhaust unit of the projector body and the exhaust unit of the image reproducing device are arranged adjacent to each other, the exhaust of both of the exhaust units can be performed in the same direction, and the exhaust efficiency of the apparatus can be enhanced or improved.

Further, the image reproducing device may be a digital versatile disc (DVD) player.

The DVD player may be employed as the image reproducing device to be disposed in the projector, whereby it is possible to provide an integrated projector body-DVD player projector which exhibits the above-mentioned advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

(I) External Structure of Projector

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a projector10according to the present exemplary embodiment, as seen from the front side, andFIG. 2is a perspective view of the projector10, as seen from the back side.

The projector10accommodates a projector body1composed of an optical system4(seeFIG. 3), which will be described later, within an exterior case15that is a housing that may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The projector body1modulates a light beam emitted from a light source according to image information, and magnifies image light combined after the light modulation to project the enlarged image light onto a projection surface, such as a screen, from a projection lens3.

Further, the projector10of the present exemplary embodiment, which will be described in detail below, is a complex projector including a DVD player30(seeFIG. 4) that is an image reproducing device, which reproduces images relating to image light. The projector body1and the DVD player30are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body1is above the DVD player30within the external case15.

Although it will be described in detail below, within the external case15, a partition member50is formed between the projector body1and the DVD player30, and the projector body1is placed on the top surface of the partition member50(seeFIG. 5).

In addition, in the projector10, a speaker that is a sound generating unit, which generates sound relating to image light, is disposed inside two cover members20(seeFIG. 2). When the projector body1projects image light, the speaker is also driven to reproduce sound corresponding to the image light. The speaker is also accommodated in the external case15along with the above-mentioned projector body1and the DVD player30.

The external case15which accommodates the projector body1and the DVD player30is a housing made of a synthetic resin and having a substantially rectangular plane. As shown inFIG. 1, the projection lens3is exposed at a front face15A. The projection lens3may serve as an optical projection unit (an optical projection system), which magnifies and projects an optical image which is modulated and formed by a liquid crystal panel serving as an optical modulator. The projection lens3is constructed as a group of lenses in such a way that a plurality of lenses is accommodated in a lens holding barrel (not shown).

As shown inFIG. 1, the front face15A (the surface at which the projection lens3is exposed) of the external case15of the projector1, and a left lateral side15B as seen from the front face15A, are formed with exhaust openings151A,151B1, and151B2. The exhaust openings151A,151B1, and151B2are openings which discharges heat generated from the projector body1or the DVD player30within the external case15to the outside. In the present exemplary embodiment, several elongated and substantially rectangular air gaps are juxtaposed horizontally to form the exhaust openings151A,151B1, and151B2.

Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the front face15A of the external case15of the projector1is formed with a power switch301which supplies power, and an inlet connector302for attachment to an AC power cord.

In addition,FIG. 1illustrates an example in which the front face15A of the external case15is formed with one exhaust opening151A, and the left lateral side of the external case15is formed with two exhaust openings151B1and151B2. Among the two exhaust openings151B1and151B2of the left lateral side15B, the upper exhaust opening151B1communicates with the exhaust unit73of the projector body1, and the lower exhausting opening151B2communicates with an exhaust unit of the DVD player30(seeFIG. 4).

Further, although not shown, several elongated and substantially rectangular air gaps are vertically juxtaposed at a right side of the case15, as seen from the front face of the external case15, to form two suction openings. Among the two suction openings of the right side, the upper suction opening communicates with a suction unit72of the projector body1, and the lower suction opening communicates with a suction unit74of the DVD player30(seeFIG. 4). The upper suction opening is an opening which introduces outside air for cooling the projector body1disposed within the external case15.

As shown inFIG. 2, two planar cover members20are arranged on the right and left lateral sides of a rear face15cof the external case15. The inside of the cover member20is formed with a sound emitting port in which a speaker (not shown) serving as a sound reproducing device is disposed. The cover member20is provided for covering the sound emitting port. Further, the sound emitting port of the speaker is an opening into which a speaker (not shown) is assembled and positioned. Conforming to the shape of the speaker, a rectangular opening or a square opening is formed as the sound emitting port.

In addition, the two sound emitting ports (two in total) are formed one by one at each of the right and left lower portions of the rear face15C of the external case. These two sound emitting ports are covered with the cover members20.

The speakers (not shown) serving as sound reproducing devices which are arranged inside the two cover members20shown inFIG. 2, may be cone-shaped speakers, each including a substantially rectangular parallelepiped speaker cabinet composed of a conical vibrating plate and an outer package member of the speaker.

Further, the speakers of the projector10of the present exemplary embodiment may be stereo-type speakers. Although not shown, the speakers may be disposed one by one at each of the sound emitting ports formed on the right and left lateral sides of the rear face15C of the external case15.

(II) Structure of Optical System

FIG. 3is a schematic showing the structure of the optical system4of the projector body1of the present exemplary embodiment.

The projector body1of the present exemplary embodiment includes an integrator illumination optical system41, a color-separating optical system42, a relay optical system43, an optical device44into which an optical modulator and a color-combining optical device are integrated, and a projection lens3serving as a projection optical device.

The integrator illumination optical system41is an optical system which keeps the illumination of the light beam emitted from the light source at a uniform intensity in the plane orthogonal to an illumination light axis. The integrator illumination optical system4includes a light source unit411, a first lens array412, a second lens array413, a polarization conversion element414, and a superposed lens415.

The light source unit411includes a light source lamp416serving as a radiating light source, and a reflector417. The radiant rays emitted from the light source lamp416are reflected by the reflector417to be substantially collimated rays, and are emitted to the outside. Although a high-voltage mercury lamp is employed as the light source lamp416in the present exemplary embodiment, a metal halide lamp or a halogen lamp other than the mercury lamp may be employed. Further, although a parabolic mirror is employed as the reflector417in the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to employ a structure in which a collimating concave lens is disposed on a projection surface of a reflector composed of an ellipsoidal mirror.

The first lens array412has a structure in which small lenses having a substantially rectangular outline as seen from the direction of the illumination light axis are arranged in a matrix. Each small lens splits a light beam emitted from the light source lamp416into partial light beams to project in the direction of the illumination light axis. The outline of each of the small lenses is set to have almost the same shape as the shape of an image forming region of the liquid crystal panel441which will be described later.

The second lens array413has almost the same structure as the first lens array412, and has a structure in which small lenses are arranged in a matrix. The second lens array413focuses images of the small lenses of the first lens array412on the liquid crystal panel441together with the superposed lens415.

The polarization conversion element414is to convert the light from the second lens array413into one type of polarized light. This makes it possible to improve or enhance utilization efficiency of light in the optical device44.

Specifically, each partial light beam converted into one type of polarized light by the polarization conversion element414is approximately superimposed finally on the liquid crystal panel441of the optical device44by the superposed lens414. Since only one type of polarized light can be utilized in the projector using the liquid crystal panel441of type which modulates polarized light, almost half of the light beam from the light source lamp416, which emits randomly polarized light, is not utilized.

Therefore, the polarization conversion element414is used to convert the light beam from the light source lamp416into substantially one type of polarized light, thereby improving the utilization efficiency in the optical device44. In addition, such a polarization conversion element414is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-304739.

The color-separating optical system42includes two dichroic mirrors421and422, and a reflecting mirror423, and has a function to separate a plurality of partial light beams emitted from the integrator illumination optical system41by the dichroic mirrors421and422into three color light components of red (R), green (G) and blue (B).

The relay optical system43includes an incident-side lens431, a relay lens433, and reflecting mirrors432and434, and guides red light components, separated by the color-separating optical system42, to the liquid crystal panel441R.

Accordingly, in the dichroic mirror421of the color-separating optical system42, among the light beams emitted from the integrator illumination optical system41, the red light component and the green light component are transmitted, and the blue light component is reflected. The blue light component reflected by the dichroic mirror421is reflected by the reflecting mirror423, and reaches a liquid crystal panel441B for blue light component through a field lens418. The field lens418converts respective partial light beams emitted from the second lens array413into light fluxes parallel to its center axis (principal ray). This is true of field lenses418provided on the light incidence side of other liquid crystal panels441G and441R.

Further, among the red light component and the green light component transmitted through the dichroic mirror421, the green light component is reflected by the dichroic mirror422, and reaches the liquid crystal panel441G for green light component through the field lens418. The red light component is transmitted through the dichroic mirror422, and reaches the liquid crystal panel441R for red light component through the field lens418.

The relay lens43is used for red light component so that the length of an optical path of the red light component is larger than that of other color light components. This prevents the degradation of utilization efficiency of light caused by light divergence. In other words, this makes the partial light beams incident on the incident-side lens431transmitted to the field lens418intact. Moreover, the relaying optical lens43is constructed to transmit red light component of the three color light components. However, the relaying optical lens is not limited to such a construction, and may be configured to, for example, a blue light component.

The optical device44modulates incident light beams to form a color image, and includes three incident-side polarizing plates442on which respective color light components separated by the color-separating optical system42are incident, liquid crystal panels441(441R,441G, and441B) serving as light modulation elements which are arranged at rear stages of the respective incident-side polarizing plates442, and emitting-side polarizing plates443which are arranged at rear stages of the respective liquid crystal panels (441R,441G, and441B), and cross dichroic prisms444serving as color-synthesizing optical systems.

The liquid crystal panels (441R,441G, and441B) are obtained by enclosing liquid crystal serving as an electro-optical material between a pair of transparent glass substrates. For example, the liquid crystal panels modulate the polarization direction of polarized light beams emitted from the incident-side polarizing plates442according to given image signals by using poly-silicon TFTs as switching elements. The image forming region where the modulation of the liquid crystal panels441R,441G, and441B are performed is rectangular, and its diagonal dimension is, for example, about 0.7 inches.

Also, the respective color light components separated by the color-separating optical system42are modulated according to image information by the three liquid crystal panels441R,441G, and441B, the incident-side polarizing plates442, and the emitting-side polarizing plates443, to form an optical image.

The incident-side polarizing plate442transmits unidirectional polarized light alone, among the respective color light components separated by the color-separating optical system42, and absorbs the other light beams. The incident-side polarizing plates are constructed, for example, as a polarizing film is attached to a substrate such as sapphire glass. Further, a polarizing film may be attached to the field lens418without using a substrate.

The emitting-side polarizing plates443are also constructed almost in the same manner as the incident-side polarizing plates442, and transmit only polarized light having a predetermined direction, among the light beams emitted from the liquid crystal panels441(441R,441G, and441B), and absorbs the other light beams. Further, a polarizing film may be attached to the cross dichroic prisms444without using a substrate.

The incident-side polarizing plates442and the emitting-side polarizing plates443are set such that the direction of polarization axes thereof are orthogonal to each other.

The cross dichroic prism444combines an optical image which is emitted from the emitting-side polarizing plates443and modulated by every color light component, thereby forming a color image.

In the cross dichroic prism444, a dielectric multilayer film which reflects a red light component and a dielectric multilayer film which reflects a blue light component are provided substantially in an X-shape along interfaces of the four rectangular prisms. The three color light components are combined by these dielectric multilayer films.

Moreover, the color image combined by the prism444is emitted from the projection lens3, and is enlarged and projected onto a screen.

Also, the optical system having such a structure is accommodated in, for example, a substantially L-shaped (in plan view) housing45for the optical system, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

(III) Internal Structure of Projector10

FIGS. 4 and 5are perspective views showing an internal structure of the projector10,FIG. 4is a perspective view as seen from the front side, andFIG. 5is a perspective view as seen from the back side. Both of these drawings show a state where the external case15is detached from the projector10.

FIG. 6is a plan view of the projector body1, andFIG. 7is a plan view of the DVD player30.

(III-a) Structure of Projector Body1

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, the projector body1is disposed at the upper portion with the partition member50interposed between the projector body and the DVD player, and accommodated in the substantially L-shaped (in plan view) optical component housing45. The optical component housing45is made of synthetic resin by injection molding, etc., and includes a box-shaped component accommodating member47B in which optical components are accommodated, and a lid member47A which covers an opening in the top surface of the component accommodating member47B. Specifically, the optical component housing45includes a light source accommodating portion48which accommodates the light source unit411, and a component accommodating portion49which is formed in the shape of a container and which accommodates components other than the light source accommodating portion411.

The light source accommodating portion48is substantially box-shaped. An end face of the light source accommodating portion, at the component accommodating portion49, is formed with an opening. An end face of the light source accommodating portion opposite to the above end face is also formed with an opening. The opening formed in the end face of the light source accommodating portion at the component accommodating portion49is for transmitting light beams emitted from the light source unit411. Further, the opening formed in the end face of the light source accommodating portion opposite to its end face at the component accommodating portion49is an opening for accommodating the light source unit411, for example, by inserting the light source unit from the lateral side of the light source accommodating portion48.

The component accommodating portion49has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose top surface is open, and has its one end connected to the light source accommodating portion48.

Although specific illustration is omitted herein, the component accommodating portion49is formed with a plurality of grooves which allows the optical components412to415,419,421to423, and431to435to be slidably fitted from the top. Further, the optical device44is installed at a portion adjacent to the projection lens3of the component accommodating portion49.

The lid member47A, constituting the optical component housing45, covers an upper end opening, except the upper side of the optical device44, in the component accommodating portion49of the component accommodating member47B. The lid member47A is formed with a plurality of openings46which passes through both of its sides. The air which has cooled the interior of the optical component housing45is discharged through the openings46.

A circuit board5is disposed above the aforementioned optical component housing45(In addition, the illustration of the circuit board is omitted inFIG. 4).

The circuit board is constructed as a circuit board on which a calculation processing unit such as a CPU (central processing unit) is mounted, and controls the whole projector body1. The circuit board5controls driving of the liquid crystal panels (441R,441G, and441B) based on the signals output from interfaces (not shown). Also, the liquid crystal panels441R,441G, and441B implement light modulation to form an optical image.

Further, the circuit board5inputs operating signals output from a circuit board of an operating panel (not shown), and from a remote control light-receiving module (not shown), and properly outputs control commands to the components of the projector10based on the operating signals.

The power unit6supplies power to the light source unit411, circuit board5, etc. The power unit6includes a power block61having a power circuit, and a lamp driving block62disposed above the power block61.

The power block61supplies the power supplied from the outside through an AC power cord connected to an inlet connecter (not shown), to the lamp driving block, the circuit board5, etc. The power block61includes a circuit board on one side of which a transformer to convert an inputted alternating current into a low-voltage direct current, and a converting circuit to convert output from the transformer into a predetermined voltage, etc. are mounted. The power block61also includes a box member611serving as a shielding member which covers the circuit board. The box member611is made of aluminum, and is formed substantially in the shape of a box whose both opposite ends are open.

The lamp driving block62is a converting circuit to supply power with a stable voltage to the aforementioned power source unit411. A commercial alternating current input from the power block61is rectified and converted into a direct current or an alternating rectangular wave current by the lamp driving block, and is supplied to the power source unit411.

In addition, the lateral side of such a power unit6is provided with an exhaust fan731serving as the exhaust unit73of the projector body1. The exhaust fan731discharges the air which has cooled the power unit6through an exhaust opening732.

Further, the suction fan721serving as the suction unit72of the projector body1, which is disposed at the lateral side of the projection lens3, introduces air outside of the projector body1from a suction opening722formed in a lateral side502of the partition member50. The suction fan721implements cooling of the respective optical components.

(III-b) Structure of DVD Player30

The DVD player30of the projector10is disposed in the lower portion of the projector10with the partition member50interposed between the DVD player30and the projector body1. As shown inFIG. 4, the front surface (the side where the projection lens3is disposed) of the projector10, is provided with a power switch301to input power and an inlet connector302for an AC power cord, as also shown inFIG. 1.

Further, the left lateral side of the DVD player30, as seen from the front side, is formed with an exhaust opening751as the exhaust unit75. An exhaust fan (not shown) is disposed within the exhaust opening751. In addition, the exhaust opening751of the DVD player30and the aforementioned exhaust opening732of the projector body1are arranged adjacent to each other on a same plane of the projector10.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, the rear surface of the DVD player30is formed with a DVD insertion slot303to load and unload a DVD on which digital video signals related to an image are recorded. The DVD is loaded into and unloaded from the DVD player30through the DVD insertion slot303.

The right lateral side of the DVD player30is formed with a suction opening741serving as a suction unit74, and a suction fan (not shown) is arranged inside the suction opening741. The suction opening741of the DVD player30and the above-mentioned suction opening722of the projector body1are arranged on an equal surface to the projector10. This is also true of the exhaust openings732and751.

FIG. 7is a plan view of the DVD player30. The power unit310of the DVD player30supplies the power supplied from the outside to a DVD driving unit320, a circuit board330, and the like through an AC power cord connected to the inlet connector302, as also shown inFIG. 4.

In addition, a pickup (not shown) that is an optical component which reads digital signals recorded on a loaded DVD is mounted on the DVD driving unit320.

The circuit board330controls the whole DVD player30, and outputs digital video signals recorded on the DVD and read by the pickup to the projector body1. Further, the projector body1drives the optical system4based on the digital video signals to reproduce an image corresponding the digital video signals on a liquid crystal panel and then to implement light modulation to form an optical image. Additionally, when the digital video signals are output, a speaker (not shown) is also driven to form an optical image and simultaneously generate sound.

As described above, one lateral side of the DVD player30is provided with the suction opening741serving as the suction unit74and the suction fan (not shown). The suction opening and suction fan are disposed adjacent to the power source unit310. Further, another lateral side of the DVD player is provided with the exhaust opening751serving as the exhaust unit75and the exhaust fan (not shown). The suction unit74and the exhaust unit75are formed adjacent to the suction unit72or exhaust unit73which are provided in the projector body1.

(III-c) Structure of Partition Member50

As shown inFIGS. 4 to 6, the projector body1and the DVD player30are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body1is above the DVD player30. Further, the partition member50is formed between the projector body1and the DVD player30, and the projector body1is placed on the partition member50.

FIG. 8is a perspective view showing a state in which the projector body1is detached from the projector inFIG. 4. Hereinafter, the structure of the partition member50will be described with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 8.

The partition member50is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin. A planer portion501having the projector body1placed thereon and the lateral sides502surrounding the projector body1are integrally formed with each other.

In addition, inFIG. 8, a recessed portion501A is formed in the planar portion501is to mount the suction fan721. (SeeFIG. 4). Further, the suction opening722is formed adjacent to one of the lateral sides502. Similarly, ribs501B formed in the planar portion501are provided to position and fix the aforementioned power unit6.

Although the partition member50is disposed on the top surface of the DVD player30with the projector body1placed thereon, the bottom surface of the partition member50(the surface of the planar portion501facing the DVD player30) is formed with a supporting member (not shown), thereby the partition member50can be stably placed on the top surface of the DVD player30.

In the partition member50including the projector10of the present exemplary embodiment, a substantially rectangular introducing port510which introduces heat of the DVD player30disposed substantially at the lower center of the planar portion501.

Further, the planar portion501of the partition member50is integrally formed with a duct520. Thereby, the introducing port510and the duct520are in communication with each other by air flow (a state which allows free passage of air from the introducing port510to the duct520). The partition member50may be integrally formed with the duct520in the projector body1or DVD player30, whereby suction or exhaust of air in the projector body1or the DVD player30can be performed well.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the projector10of the present exemplary embodiment, when the projector body1is placed on the partition member50, a fan530is disposed adjacent to the duct520.

Specifically, the above structure allows the heat generated in the DVD player30disposed below the partition member50to be delivered from the introducing port510to the duct520which communicates with the introducing port510by air flow. Accordingly, the heat which has past through the introducing port510is discharged through the duct520to the projector body1that is the outside of the DVD player30. As a result, heat radiation of the DVD player30can be efficiently performed.

Moreover, if the fan530disposed adjacent to the duct520is operated, the heat transferred toward the projector body1is properly radiated by the fan530.

If a heat generating portion in the DVD player30is disposed right below the introducing port510or therearound, the heat generated in the heat generating portion of the DVD player30passes through the introducing port510efficiently.

Here, the heat generating portion includes the driving unit320of the DVD player30, specifically, a pickup that is an optical component which reads digital video signals recorded on a loaded DVD.

FIG. 9shows the flow of the heat generated by the DVD player30in the projector10. InFIG. 9, the arrows indicate the flow of heat.

InFIG. 9, the driving unit320(a heat generating portion of the DVD player30) of the DVD player30disposed below the partition member50is right below the substantially rectangular introducing port510formed in the partition member50.

Further, when the driving unit320is operated, and the fan530disposed in the projector body1placed on the partition member50is also operated, the heat generated by the operation of the driving unit320is moved toward the introducing port510which exists right above the driving unit, and is delivered to the duct520which communicates with the introducing port510by air flow. Then, the heat is properly radiated by the aforementioned fan530disposed adjacent to the duct520.

(IV) Advantages of First Exemplary Embodiment

According to the projector of the aforementioned first exemplary embodiment, the following advantages can be properly attained.

(1) In the projector10including the projector body1, and the DVD player30that is an image reproducing device30, the projector body1and the DVD player30are integrally formed in a vertical direction such that the projector body1is above the DVD player30. Therefore, the occupying area of the whole product can be made small, so that the size of the projector10can be reduced.

(2) Moreover, since the projector body1generates a much larger amount of heat than the DVD player30, the projector body1is disposed above the DVD player, so that the heat of the projector body1can be kept from affecting the DVD player30.

(3) Since the partition member50is formed between the projector body1and the DVD player30, and the projector body1is placed on the top surface of the partition member50, both devices can be reliably separated. Further, since the projector body1is also placed on the partition member50, the projector can be placed stably.

(4) Since the partition member50formed between the projector body1and the DVD player30is integrally formed with the duct520in the projector body1or the DVD player30, suction or exhaust of air in the projector body1or the DVD player30can be performed well.

Further, since it is unnecessary to separately provide for the duct520, the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce cost.

(5) Since the partition member50formed between the projector body1and the DVD player30is formed with the introducing port510, which introduces heat from the DVD player30, and a heat generating portion (for example, the driving unit320in the DVD player30) is disposed right below the introducing port510formed in the partition member50, the heat generated in the heat generating portion of the DVD player30passes through the introducing port510. Further, since the duct520communicating with the introducing port510is disposed at a portion of the partition member50facing the projector body1, the heat which has passed through the introducing port510is discharged through the duct520to the outside, so that heat radiation or cooling of the DVD player30can be efficiently performed.

(6) Since the exhaust unit73formed in the projector body1and the exhaust unit75of the DVD player30are arranged adjacent to each other in the same direction, the exhaust of both of the exhaust units can be performed in the same direction, thus the exhaust efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

(V) Modifications of Exemplary Embodiment

The invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and it is envisioned that other modifications and improvements are included in the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, specific structures, shapes, and the like, at the time of practice of the exemplary embodiments can be modified or changed to another structure or shape so long as the spirit and scope of the invention can be achieved.

For example, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the partition member50is constructed such that the projector body1is placed on the planer portion501, the planar portion501and the lateral sides502are integrally formed with each other, and the lateral sides502surrounds the projector body.

On the other hand, although a portion of the lateral sides502corresponding to a front end of the projection lens3that is a projection optical device is flat, such a portion may be formed with a peripheral rib540which surrounds the front end of the projection lens3.

In the following description, the same structure and members as those of the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 10is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of the projector10.FIG. 11is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of the projector10. In the lateral sides502of the partition member50of the projector10of these exemplary embodiments, a peripheral rib540is formed, and the peripheral rib540surrounds the front end of the projection lens3.

In addition,FIGS. 10 and 11show a state in which the DVD player serving as an image reproducing device is detached.

According to the structure shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, since the lateral side502surrounding the projector body1of the partition member50is formed with the peripheral rib540, which surrounds the front end of the projection lens3that is a projection optical lens constituting the projector body1, in addition to the advantages of the aforementioned (1) to (6), the projection direction can be made correct, and the projection efficiency of the projection lens3can be optimized.

Further, since the peripheral rib540is integrated with the lateral side502of the partition member50, the number of components can be reduced, and the reduction in cost can be attained.

Further, even though the aforementioned exemplary embodiments have described the DVD player as an example of an image reproducing device, an image reproducing device is not limited to the DVD player. For example, the image reproducing device may be a videocassette recorder or the like.

Further, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the substantially rectangular introducing port510, which introduces heat of the DVD player30, is disposed substantially at the lower center of the planar portion501in the partition member50. However, the position where the introducing port510is formed is not at all restricted to the aforementioned descriptions, thus the introducing port510can be formed at any position of the partition member50.

Accordingly, for example, the introducing port510, which introduces heat, is desirably formed right above or around the position where a heat generating portion of an image reproducing device, such as the DVD player30. The introducing port510may be formed distant from the aforementioned position that is right above or around the heat generating portion. Moreover, the shape of the introducing port510is not limited to the rectangular shape, and the optimal shape thereof can be properly determined.

Although the aforementioned exemplary embodiments have been described in conjunction with the aspect in which the suction unit72and the exhaust unit73of the projector body1, and the suction unit74and the exhaust unit75of the DVD player30that is an image reproducing device, are respectively arranged adjacent to each other, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the suction unit72(or exhaust unit73) of the projector body1, and suction unit74(or exhaust unit75) of the DVD player30that is an image reproducing device, may be formed at positions separated from each other.

In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, only the projector of front type which performs projection from the direction that observes a screen is exemplified, but the exemplary embodiments can be applied to a projector of rear type which performs projection from the direction opposite to the direction that observes a screen.

Although the best configuration for implementing the exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the described configuration. In other words, a person skilled in the art can modify the described specific configurations such as shape, material, quantity of the above-described exemplary embodiments as long as a technical idea and spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments can be achieved.

For example, the terminology used to describe various elements of the invention should not be construed to limit such elements, such as the shape and the material of such elements. In other words, the exemplary embodiments cover any useable variation of all of the elements described above, and such elements are not limited by terminology used to describe such elements.

The projector of the exemplary embodiments include an image reproducing device such as a DVD player, which can be used for multiple purposes as a projector applied to multimedia representations in, for example, conventions, academic conferences, exhibitions, etc.