Abstract:
The present invention provides a laser light source module thereby providing better prevention against actions taken to use the laser light for purposes other than the intended purpose, and a laser light source module according to the present invention provides a laser light source module including a laser element that emits laser light, the laser light source module being formed by a combination of a plurality of members, the laser light source module including: a laser element drive circuit including a memory that stores a password, said laser element drive circuit making said laser element emit laser light if an input password that has been input matches the password stored in said memory; and a laser element destruction mechanism that, if the plurality of members are separated, destroys said laser element.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a laser light source module used as a light source for, e.g., a projector, a laser scalpel or a laser process apparatus, the laser light source being arranged in the casing of an apparatus, and specifically relates to a laser light source module using a semiconductor device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Laser light is used in various apparatuses because of its characteristics such as a constant wavelength, high movement linearity and efficient obtaining of linearly-polarized light. In recent years, semiconductor lasers that emit high-power visible light have been used, and use of such semiconductor lasers to manufacture a small-size and high-luminance projector has been proposed. 
     Since laser light emitted from a laser light source has high energy per unit area, if a laser light source is removed from various apparatuses and laser light is used for a purpose other than its intended purpose, there is a high risk that an accident will occur. Thus, various proposals have been made to prevent a laser light source from being removed from various apparatuses with the laser light source remaining in a condition in which the laser light source laser can emit light. 
     Patent Literature 1 (JP2008-171657A) discloses a light source module including a light source section that supplies light, a support section that supports the light source section, a covering section that covers the light source section, a wiring section that connects a current supply section that supplies current to the light source section and the light sources section, and a blade section arranged at a position on the support section side of the wiring section so as to extend through the covering section. 
     Patent Literature 1 describes that with the configuration described above, if the covering section is removed in order to remove the light source module from the light source section, since the blade section is arranged at a position on the support section side of the wiring section so as to extend through the covering section, the wiring section is cut by a blade section along with the removal of the covering section, whereby power supply to the light source section is shut off. 
     Patent Literature 2 (JP2007-01 9476A) discloses an apparatus including a laser light source section including a light emission section that emits light, a support section that supports the laser light source section, a fixing member that fixes the laser light source section to the support section, and disconnection means for disconnecting a current channel through which current is supplied to the light emission section in the laser light source section in conjunction together with a step of ending the fixed state of the laser light source section provided by the fixing member when the laser light source section is removed from the support section. 
     Patent Literature 2 describes that with the configuration described above, if an attempt is made to end the fixed state of the laser light source section provided by the fixing member in order to remove the laser light source section from the support section such as a casing, the current channel in the laser light source section is disconnected by the disconnection means in conjunction with such motion, thereby reliably making it impossible for the laser light source section to emit light, and thus, it is possible to prevent a laser light source section from being removed from, e.g., a display apparatus for misuse. 
     Patent Literature 3 (JP2008-135508A) discloses an apparatus including a light emitting element that emits laser light, a support member that supports the light emitting element, a substrate fixed to the support member and electrically connected to the light emitting element, a wiring that electrically connects the light emitting element and the support member and supplies current, a cover member that covers the light emitting element fixed to the substrate, at least a part of the cover member being capable of transmitting light, and a fixing member that fixes the substrate and the cover member to each other, wherein the fixing force that a fixing member exerts between the substrate and the cover member is larger than the force that is exerted between the support member and the substrate. 
     Patent Literature 3 describes that with the configuration as described above, if an attempt is made to remove the cover member that covers the light emitting element in order to remove the light emitting element, since a force of adherence between the cover member and the substrate that is exerted by the fixing member is larger than a force of adherence between the substrate and the fixing member, the cover member is separated from the support member together with the substrate, whereby the wiring that connects the light emitting element and the substrate is disconnected, enabling reliable prevention of laser light emission from the light emitting element. 
     Patent Literature 4 (JP2009-164443A) discloses an apparatus including a light source section that emits light, a wavelength conversion element that converts a wavelength of light emitted from the light source section, a light source casing that houses at least the light source section and the wavelength conversion element, and a temperature adjuster that adjusts the temperature of the wavelength conversion element, wherein the temperature adjuster is provided outside the light source casing. 
     Patent Literature 4 describes that with the configuration as described above, if the body section including the light source casing is removed from the temperature adjuster, conduction of heat between the temperature adjuster and the wavelength conversion element is shut off, whereby temperature adjustment for the wavelength conversion element is stopped, resulting in lowering of wavelength conversion efficiency in the wavelength conversion element. The lowering of wavelength conversion efficiency decreases light emission from the body section, enabling a satisfactory decrease in the likelihood that it will be misused or used for purposes other than the intended purpose. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         Patent Literature 1: JP2008-171657A 
         Patent Literature 2: JP2007-01 9476A 
         Patent Literature 3: JP2008-135508A 
         Patent Literature 4: JP2009-164443A 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     In each of the apparatuses described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3, although a power source for a laser apparatus provided in the apparatus itself and the laser apparatus are separated, if the laser apparatus is driven by a power source that is different from the power source for the laser apparatus, laser light is emitted. 
     In the apparatus described in Patent Literature 4, if the body section including the light source casing is separated from the temperature adjuster, laser light is emitted in a condition in which the wavelength conversion efficiency is lowered. As described above, since laser light has high energy per unit area, even in a condition in which the wavelength conversion efficiency is lowered, laser light is very dangerous if it enters a human body, in particular, eyes. 
     Furthermore, none of the apparatuses described in Patent Literatures 1 to 4 can provide measures to counter efforts to alter the laser element itself in order to use laser light for a purpose other than its intended purpose such as cutting a part of the casing of the apparatus and removing the laser element to make the laser element emit laser light. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a laser light source module that can better prevent the use of laser light for purposes other than the intended purpose by means of a password to activate a laser element at a time when it is used as a laser light source module, and by means of a mechanism by which, if the laser element is removed from the laser light source module to the outside, the laser element will be destroyed. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A laser light source module according to the present invention provides a laser light source module including a laser element that emits laser light, the laser light source module being formed by combination of a plurality of members, the laser light source module including: 
     a laser element drive circuit including a memory that stores a password, said laser element drive circuit making said laser element emit laser light if an input password that has been input matches with the password stored in said memory; and 
     a laser element destruction mechanism that if the plurality of members are separated, destroys said laser element. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     In the invention according to the present application, which includes the above configuration, no operation is performed unless the password is the right one. Furthermore, in a situation in which a laser element is removed to the outside, the laser element itself is destroyed by the laser element mechanism, thereby providing better prevention against actions taken to use the laser light for purposes other than the intended purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating a configuration of laser array unit  101  used in a laser light source module according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a basic structure of laser array unit  101 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an exemplary embodiment of projector  301  using laser array unit  101  as a light source. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of password determination circuit  103 . 
         FIG. 5(   a ) is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 ; and FIG  5 ( b ) is a diagram indicating a current-luminance characteristic of a laser element. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of another exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of another exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  2 . 
         FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) are cross-sectional diagrams for describing the manner of destruction of laser element  201  by destruction needle  803 . 
         FIG. 10  includes cross-sectional diagrams each illustrating a configuration of disengagement section  807  in FIG  8 : FIG  10 ( a ) illustrates a state before lower cover  207  is attached; FIG  10 ( b ) illustrates a state in which lower cover  207  is attached, and FIG  10 ( c ) illustrates a state where lower cover  207  is removed and destruction needle  803  moves. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional diagram for describing a structure that, at the time of setting a laser element destruction mechanism in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  8 , prevents the destruction mechanism from operating. 
         FIG. 12(   a ) is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  2 ; and FIG  12 ( b ) is a perspective diagram illustrating the inside of a dashed line in FIG  12 ( a ) and illustrates the standby state of destruction needles. 
         FIGS. 13(   a ) and ( b ) are cross-sectional diagrams for describing a manner of destruction of laser element  201  by destruction needles  1204 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  1 . 
         FIG. 15  includes cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a mechanism that destroys laser elements  201  according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG  14 : FIG  15 ( a ) illustrates a state in which upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are combined; and FIG  15 ( b ) illustrates a state in which upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are separated, whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed. 
         FIG. 16  includes diagrams illustrating a detailed configuration of trap set section  1507  in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG  14 :  FIGS. 16(   a ) and  16 ( b ) are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a state before upper cover  1406  is attached;  FIGS. 16(   c ) and  16 ( d ) are cross-sectional diagrams after attachment of upper cover  1406 , FIG  16 ( e ) is a top view illustrating a state before upper cover  1406  is attached, and FIG  16 ( f ) is a top view illustrating a state after attachment of upper cover  1406 . 
         FIG. 17  includes cross-sectional diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  1 : FIG  17 ( a ) is a top view illustrating a state in which upper cover  1801  is not attached; and  FIGS. 17(   b ),  17 ( c ) and  17 ( d ) are a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′, a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ and a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ in FIG  17 ( a ). 
         FIGS. 18(   a ) to  18 ( d ) are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Next, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     FIG  1  is a perspective diagram illustrating a configuration of laser array unit  101  used in a laser light source module according to the present invention. Collimating lenses  102  are formed at a surface of laser array unit  101  that serves as a surface from which laser light is emitted, and laser light is emitted by laser elements provided inside via collimating lenses  102 . Wirings  103  for supplying power to, and/or performing control of the laser elements, are provided on a side surface of laser array unit  101 . 
     FIG  2  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a basic structure of laser array unit  101 . 
     Laser elements  201  are arranged on laser element fixing substrate  204  in a state in which laser elements  201  are pressed by holding plate  205 . An upper surface of laser array unit  101  is covered by upper cover  206  and a lower surface of laser array unit  101  is covered by lower cover  207 . Collimating lenses  102  are disposed in parts of upper cover  206  that correspond to laser elements  201 , and laser light emitted by laser elements  201  exits to the outside through collimating lenses  102 . 
     In lower cover  207 , circuit substrate  208  for driving laser elements  201  is housed. Circuit substrate  208  drives laser elements  201  according to a control signal sent via wirings  103 . Laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  2  is installed on, and thereby cooled by, cooling unit  209  for water cooling or air cooling, and in lower cover  207 , protrusions  210  protruding toward respective laser elements  201  are provided, and holes through which protrusions  210  are inserted are provided in laser element fixing substrate  204  and circuit substrate  208 . Consequently, protrusions  210  are in contact with laser elements  201  and heat generated in laser elements  201  is conducted to cooling unit  209 , whereby efficient cooling is achieved. 
     FIG  3  is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of an exemplary embodiment of projector  301  using laser array unit  101  as a light source. The configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment is a configuration of a general projector except for the light source, and thus, only the laser light source module is illustrated, and illustration and description of parts other than the laser light source module will be omitted. 
     Circuit substrate  208  that drives laser elements  201  includes password reception circuit  302 , password determination circuit  303  and laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
     FIG  4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of password determination circuit  103 . 
     Password determination circuit  303  includes password storage non-volatile memory  401 , password temporary storage memory  402 , switch count counter  403 , comparison circuit  404  and determination circuit  405 . 
     Password storage non-volatile memory  401  is intended to store a password, and the stored password to be stored is set and stored at the time of shipment in a factory in which laser array unit  101  was manufactured. 
     A control signal via wiring  103  contains a password, and password generation circuit  302  provides password output S 1  to password temporary storage memory  402  every time a new password is input. Also, password generation circuit  302  outputs switch signal S 2  to password &amp; switch count counter  403  every time password output S 1  is provided. 
     Password temporary storage memory  402  stores an input password, and password &amp; switch count counter  403  counts up every time password output S 1  is provided, and thus, the number of times that password output S 1  was provided can be checked by checking the count value in password &amp; switch count counter  403 . 
     Every time password temporary storage memory  402  stores an input password, comparison circuit  404  compares the input password stored in password temporary storage memory  402  and the password stored in password storage non-volatile memory  401  and outputs a comparison result indicating whether or not these passwords match each other to determination circuit  405 . 
     If the output of comparison circuit  404  indicates that the input password and the stored password match each other, determination circuit  405  outputs determination signal S 3  indicating that power supply to laser elements  105  is provided, to laser element disabling circuit  304 . Consequently, laser element disabling circuit  304  provides power supply to laser elements  201 . 
     Also, if the output of comparison circuit  404  indicates that the input password and the stored password do not match each other, determination circuit  405  checks the count value in password &amp; switch count counter  403  to determine whether or not the count value is equal or smaller than a predetermined number of times, for example, three times. If the count value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number of times, determination signal S 3  indicating that no power supply to laser elements  201  is provided, to laser element disabling circuit  404 . Consequently, laser element disabling circuit  404  provides no power supply to laser elements  201 . 
     Also, if the output of comparison circuit  404  indicates that the input password and the stored password match each other and it is determined that the count value in password &amp; switch count counter  403  exceeds the predetermined number of times, determination circuit  405  outputs determination signal S 3  indicating that power supply to laser elements  201  is disabled, to laser element disabling circuit  404 . Consequently, laser element disabling circuit  404  performs processing for disabling the power supply to laser elements  201 . 
     FIG  5 ( a ) is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
     Laser element disabling circuit  304  according to the present exemplary embodiment includes ordinary use current source  501  that supplies current to laser elements  201 , laser element destruction current source  502 , and drive controller  503  that orders current supply by ordinary use current source  501  or by laser element destruction current source  502  according to the content of determination signal S 3 . 
     As indicated in the current-luminance characteristic in FIG  5 ( b ), laser elements are ones whose luminance is determined according to the current value if the current is equal to or exceeds a certain value, but the elements are destroyed if the current becomes destruction current that exceeds an absolute maximum rating. 
     If drive controller  503  receives determination signal  53  indicating that power supply to laser elements  201  is provided, from determination circuit  405  (see FIG  4 ), drive controller  503  causes current supply to be provided by ordinary use current source  501  that supplies current equal to or lower than the absolute maximum rating, and if drive controller  503  receives determination signal S 3  indicating that power supply to laser elements  201  is disabled, from determination circuit  405 , drive controller  503  causes current supply to be provided by laser element destruction current source  502  that supplies destruction current, thereby destroying laser elements  201 . 
     FIG  6  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of another exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
     Laser element disabling circuit  304  in the present exemplary embodiment includes heating element drive circuit  602  provided in parallel to laser elements  201 , conductive material  604 , drive controller  601  that makes heating element drive circuit  602  operate according to determination signal S 3 , and heating element  603  that generates heat by means of drive current from heating element drive circuit  602  to heat conductive material  604 . 
     Upon receipt of determination signal S 3  indicating that power supply to laser element  201  is disabled, from determination circuit  405 , drive controller  601  makes heating element drive circuit  602  operate to make heating element  603  generate heat. Consequently, conductive material  604  is heated and melts, whereby opposite ends of laser elements  201  are shorted and no current flows in laser element  201 . 
     FIG  7  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of another exemplary embodiment of laser element disabling circuit  304 . 
     Laser element disabling circuit  704  in the present exemplary embodiment includes resistor  703  provided in a channel of current supply to laser element  201 , resistor destruction current source  702  connected to opposite ends of resistor  703  and capable of current supply only to resistor  703 , and drive controller  701  that controls the operation of resistor destruction current source  702 . 
     Upon receipt of determination signal S 3  indicating that current supply to laser element  201  is disabled from determination circuit  405 , drive controller  701  causes resistance destruction current source  702  to operate and generate heat to burn off resistor  703 . Consequently, no current flows in laser element  201 . 
     As described above, where laser array unit  101 , which is a laser light source module, is used, a password is used as well for driving laser elements  201 , and if a password that is different from a password that is stored in advance, laser elements  201  are not driven, and also if a password that is different from the stored password is successively input a number of times equal to or exceeding a predetermined number of times, the laser elements are disabled. 
     Next, a mechanism that, if laser elements are removed to the outside, destroys the laser elements according to the present invention, will be described. In the below description, only those structures in laser element destruction structures and structures being assembled, that can be easily understood, will be illustrated and described. 
     FIG  8  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  2 . 
     In laser array unit  101  according to the present exemplary embodiment, beam  804  positioned between laser elements  201  and upper cover  06  is provided. At parts of beam  804  that correspond to laser elements  201  in the used state illustrated in FIG  8 , holes  808  are formed, and consequently, laser light emitted from laser elements  201  exits via holes  808  and collimating lenses  102 . 
     Beam  804  is pressed toward upper cover  206  via connector  805  and disengagement section  807 , by protrusion  809  provided in lower cover  207 . Conical holder  802  with its apex on the upper cover  206  side is formed on beam  804 , and in upper cover  206 , recess  801  that receives holder  802  is formed. Connector  805  pivotably supports a part of beam  804  and a part of disengagement section  807  at its respective ends thereof, and where upper cover  206  and lower cover  207  are closed, recess  801  and holder  802  are engaged and thus the state illustrated in FIG  8  is maintained. 
     If upper cover  206  or lower cover  207  is removed, the engagement between recess  801  and holder  802  is not maintained. Between holding plate  205  and beam  804  (or between holding plate  205  and connector  805 ), spring  806  is provided as biasing means for restricting the direction of pivoting of connector  805 . As a result of the providing the biasing means, if upper cover  206  or lower cover  207  is removed, beam  804  moves in the direction indicated by the arrows in the Figure to cover laser elements  201 , resulting in a disengaged state. At positions in beam  804  that correspond to respective laser elements  201  in the disengaged state, respective destruction needles  803  that protrude toward respective laser elements  201  are provided, and in the disengaged state, respective laser elements  201  are destroyed by respective destruction needles  803 . 
     FIG  9  is a cross-sectional diagram for describing the manner of destruction of laser elements  201  by destruction needles  803 . 
     As illustrated in FIG  9 ( a ), each laser element  201  is a can-type one, and semiconductor laser  901  is connected to terminals  903  via wire bonding  902 , and sealed by glass  904 . As illustrated in FIG  9 ( b ), glass  904 , semiconductor laser  901  and wire bonding  901  are destroyed by destruction needles  803  that move due to the removal of upper cover  206  or lower cover  207 . 
     FIG  10  includes cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a configuration of disengagement section  807  in FIG  8 . FIG  10 ( a ) is a state before lower cover  207  is attached, FIG  10 ( b ) illustrates a state after lower cover  207  is attached, and FIG  10 ( c ) illustrates a state in which lower cover  207  is removed and destruction needle  803  moves. 
     As illustrated in FIG  10 ( a ), disengagement section  807  includes connector  1001  supported so as to pivot relative to connector  805 , housing chambers  1002  formed in laser element fixing substrate  204 , stoppers  1003 , pressing member  1004 , spring  1005  provided between connecting member  1001  and pressing member  1004 , and springs  1006  provided between housing chamber  1002  and stoppers  1003 . 
     Two housing chambers  1002 , two stoppers  1003  and two springs  1006  are respectively provided symmetrically with pressing member  1004  as a center. 
     Pressing member  1004  includes a flange and in stoppers  1003 , protrusions that can fit in the flange of pressing member  1004  are provided, and in the state before lower cover  207  is attached, which is illustrated in FIG  10 ( a ), the protrusions and the flange are fitted each other. 
     In the state illustrated in FIG  10 ( a ), spring  1005  is compressed relative to its natural length, and spring  1006  is extended relative to its natural length. Because pressing member  1004  is fitted into stopper  1003 , pressing member  1004  is prevented from moving in the upward and downward directions in the Figure. Thus, connector  1001  is biased upward in the Figure by spring  1005 , and the engagement between recess  801  and holder  802 , which is illustrated in FIG  8 , is maintained, whereby beam  804  is not rotated and laser elements  201  are thus not destroyed. 
     In the state in which lower cover  207  is attached, which is illustrated in FIG  10 ( b ), pressing member  1004  is pushed by protrusion  809  upward in the Figure. Thus, pressing member  1004  and stoppers  1003  are released from the fit state, enabling compression of springs  1006 , whereby stoppers  1003  are housed in housing chamber  1002 . 
     As illustrated in FIG  10 ( c ), upon removal of lower cover  207 , pressing member  1004  moves downward in the Figure. Thus, the engagement between recess  801  and holder  802 , which is illustrated in FIG  8 , is cancelled, whereby beam  804  rotates and thereby laser elements  201  are destroyed. 
     FIG  11  is a cross-sectional diagram for describing a structure that, at the time of setting a laser element destruction mechanism in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  8 , prevents the laser element destruction mechanism from operating. 
     In beam  804 , laser element fixing substrate  204  and holding plate  205 , holes for inserting holding bars  1101  therethrough are formed. Until upper cover  206  is attached to laser element fixing substrate  204  to cause recess  801  and holder  802  engage with each other, holding bars  1101  are inserted through the respective holes to prevent beam  804  from rotating. 
     Once upper cover  206  is attached to laser element fixing substrate  204 , holding bars  1101  are pulled out, whereby the laser element destruction mechanism provided by rotation of beam  804  enters the operable state. 
     FIG  12 ( a ) is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  2 , and FIG  12 ( b ) is a perspective diagram that illustrates the inside of a dashed line in FIG  12 ( a ) and illustrates a standby state of destruction needles. 
     While the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG  8  provides a structure that, if either of upper cover  206  or lower cover  207  is removed, destroys laser elements by means of the same mechanism, in the present exemplary embodiment, if upper cover  206  or lower cover  207  is removed, laser elements are destroyed by means of respective mechanisms that are different from each other. 
     In laser array unit  101  according to the present exemplary embodiment, beams  1202  for destroying laser elements  201 , if upper cover  206  is removed, are provided, and beam  1205  for destroying laser elements  201 , if lower cover  207  is removed, is provided. 
     Each beam  1202  having destruction needles  1203 , that are provided on one end thereof, is pivotable, and is biased by spring  1207  so as to rotate in a direction in which destruction needle  1203  is directed to laser element  201 . In the state in which upper cover  206  is attached, which is illustrated in FIG  12 ( a ), holding bars  1201  provided at upper cover  206  are locked by respective other ends of beams  1202  to prevent rotation of beams  1202 . 
     Upon removal of upper cover  206 , holding bars  1201  are also removed, beams  202  rotate toward laser element  201 , whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed by destruction needles  1203 . In laser element fixing substrate  204  and holding plate  205 , holes for inserting holding bars  1206  therethrough are formed. Holding bars  1206  are intended to prevent rotation of beams  1202  by holding respective ends of beams  1202  before upper cover  206  is attached to laser element fixing substrate  204 , that is, rotation of beams  1202  is prevented by holding bars  1201 . Holding bars  1206  are pulled out after upper cover  206  is attached to laser element fixing substrate  204 . 
     In T-shaped beam  1205 , destruction needles  1204  that protrude toward laser elements  201  are formed at parts corresponding to respective laser elements  201 . Although beam  1205  is biased toward laser elements  201  by springs  1208 , beam  1205  is locked by protrusion  809  and disengagement section  807 , and thus, in the state in which lower cover  207  is attached, laser elements  201  are not destroyed. 
     Upon removal of lower cover  207 , beam  1205  becomes movable, and moves toward laser elements  201 , whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed by destruction needles  1204 . 
     FIG  13  is a cross-sectional diagram for describing the way in which laser elements  201  are destroyed by destruction needles  1204 . 
     As illustrated in FIG  13 ( a ), cuts (see FIG  12 ( b )) for allowing laser light emitted by laser elements  201  to pass through are formed in beam  1205 , and destruction needles  1204  are disposed in the peripheries of the respective cuts. Thus, as illustrated in FIG  13 ( b ), even if beam  1204  moves toward laser elements  201 , destruction needles  1204  do not directly hit semiconductor lasers  901 , but glasses  904  are destroyed, whereby first, the sealed state of can-type laser elements  201  is lost. Furthermore, pieces of broken glasses  904  damage semiconductor lasers  901 , whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed. 
     FIG  14  is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  1 . In the present exemplary embodiment, laser element fixing substrate  1404  is housed in lower cover  1407 , and upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are directly combined, forming laser array unit  101 . 
     In lower cover  1407 , circuit substrate  1408 , laser element substrate  1404 , laser elements  201  and holding plate  1405  are housed. Configurations and operations of circuit substrate  1408 , laser element fixing substrate  1404  and holding plate  1405  are similar to those of circuit substrate  208 , laser element fixing substrate  204  and holding plate  205  illustrated in FIG  2 . 
     In upper cover  1406 , collimating lenses  102  are housed. In the present exemplary embodiment, a mechanism that, if upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are separated, destroys laser elements  201  is incorporated, and in upper cover  1406 , projections  1409  for preventing the destruction mechanism from operating in a state in which upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are combined are provided. 
     FIG  15  includes cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a destruction mechanism that destroys laser elements  201 : FIG  15 ( a ) illustrates a state in which upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are combined; FIG  15 ( b ) illustrates a state in which upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are separated, whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed. A mechanism that destroys laser elements  201  will be described with reference to FIG  15  as well as FIG  14 . 
     The mechanism that destroys laser elements  201  includes support substrate  1413 , the pair of supports  1410  standing on support substrate  1413 , beam  1401  placed between supports  1410 , springs  1412  provided between beam  1401  and support substrate  1413 , springs  1412  that bias beam  1401  toward laser elements  201 , and guide bars  1411  that restrict the direction of movement of beam  1401 . 
     In parts of beam  1401  that correspond to laser elements  201 , destruction needles  1501  that destroy laser elements  201  and laser beam passage holes  502  for allowing laser light to pass through are formed. Beam  1401  is placed (positioned) between supports  1410  by placing (positioning) trap set sections  1507 , that are formed at respective ends, on respective bars  1601  that are attached to respective supports  1504 . 
     In support substrate  1413 , holes  1503  for laser elements for allowing laser elements  201  to protrude therethrough, and stop receiving holes  1402  for receiving respective trap set sections  1507  in a state in which laser elements  201  are destroyed, which is illustrated in FIG  15 ( b ). 
     FIG  16  includes diagrams illustrating a detailed configuration of trap set section  1507 :  FIGS. 16(   a ) and  16 ( b ) are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating the state before upper cover  1406  is attached;  FIGS. 16(   c ) and  16 ( d ) are cross-sectional diagrams after attachment of upper cover  1406 , FIG  16 ( e ) is a top view illustrating the state before upper cover  1406  is attached, and FIG  16 ( f ) is a top view illustrating the state after attachment of upper cover  1406 . 
     As illustrated in FIG  16 ( e ), at each of ends of beam  1401 , initial holding stop  1601  formed at a center thereof, and at each of both sides of initial holding stop  1601 , trap set stop  1602  is found. As illustrated in  FIGS. 16(   a ) and  16 ( b ), each of trap set stops  1602  and initial holding stop  1601  includes a flexure formed by flexing an end thereof in a V-shape and an edge that protrudes outward. 
     The edge of each trap set stop  1602  does not reach corresponding bar  1601  in the free state illustrated in FIG  16 ( a ), but when upper cover  1406  is closed, as illustrated in FIG  16 ( c ), protrusion  1409  enters the flexure, whereby the flexure extends by pressure and the edge thereof is put on bar  1601 . 
     The edge of each of initial holding stops  1601  is put on corresponding bar  1601  in the free state. The edge of initial holding stop  1601  can rotate clockwise from the state illustrated in FIG  16 ( b ), and locked so as not to rotate counterclockwise. At an inner wall on the end side of the flexure of initial holding stop  1601 , a protrusion that protrudes inward is provided. 
     When upper cover  1406  is closed, as illustrated in FIG  16 ( d ), protrusion  1409  enters the flexure and thereby presses the protrusion, whereby initial holding stop  1601  rotates toward the inside of the flexure, whereby the edge comes off from bar  1601 , and the edge rotates clockwise, resulting in the state illustrated in FIG  16 ( f ). 
     In the laser element destruction mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment, which is configured as described above, operation of the laser element destruction mechanism is prevented by initial holding stops  1601  before attachment of upper cover  1406 , and operation of the laser element destruction mechanism is prevented by trap set stops  1602  after attachment of upper cover  1406 . Subsequently, if upper cover  1406  and lower cover  1407  are separated, trap set stops  1602  come off from respective bars  1601  and beam  1401  falls, resulting in the state illustrated in FIG  15 ( b ), whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  include cross-sectional diagrams illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a structure that, if laser array unit  101  is disassembled or destroyed, destroys laser elements  201  in laser array unit  101  illustrated in FIG  1 . In the present exemplary embodiment, upper cover  1801  and lower cover  1708  are directly combined, forming laser array unit  101 . 
     FIG  17 ( a ) is a top view illustrating a state in which upper cover  1801  is not attached, and  FIGS. 17(   b ),  17 ( c ) and  17 ( d ) are a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′, a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ and a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ in FIG  17 ( a ). 
     As illustrated in FIG  17 ( b ), in lower cover  1708 , circuit substrate  1710  is housed. A configuration and an operation of circuit substrate  1710  are similar to those of circuit substrate  208  illustrated in FIG  2 . 
     In the present exemplary embodiment, laser elements  201  are destroyed by needles  1703  formed at roller  1704 . Opposite ends of roller  1704  are pivotably supported by respective spring holders  1704 , and at a part of each of the opposite ends, gear  1702  is circumferentially provided. As illustrated in FIG  17 ( d ), each spring holder  1706  biased by respective spring  1707  moves in parallel to a surface on which laser elements  201  are arranged along corresponding guide  1709  inserted through the inside. 
     As a mechanism for locking spring holders  1706 , stoppers  1705  are provided. FIG  18  is a diagram illustrating a set state and the way in which laser elements in the present exemplary embodiment are destroyed. A protrusion amount of each protruding stopper  1706  changes between two different states each time stopper  1705  is pressed, in the state illustrated in  FIGS. 17(   a ) and  18 ( a ), the protrusion amount is large and stopper  1705  locks corresponding spring holder  1706 . 
     At each of parts of upper cover  1801  that correspond to stoppers  1705 , as illustrated in FIG  18 ( b ), a gentle protrusion is formed, and when upper cover  1801  is closed, stoppers  1705  are pushed toward respective parts from which stoppers  1705  protrude, and illustrated in FIG  18 ( c ), stoppers  1705  change to a state in which the protrusion amount is small, and spring holders  1706  are locked only by protrusions of upper cover  1801 . Subsequently, if upper cover  1801  is removed, spring holders  1706  enter a free state, spring holders  1706  and roller  1704  are pushed by springs  1707  and thereby move upward from the bottom in FIG  17 ( a ). 
     As illustrated in FIG  17 ( c ), gears  1702  engage with respective racks  1701 , and thus, as illustrated in FIG  18 ( d ), at the time of movement by release of spring holders  1706 , roller  1704  moves while rotating, whereby laser elements  201  are destroyed by needles  1703 . 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, a laser array unit using a plurality of laser elements has been described as an example of a laser unit used for a laser light source module. Such laser array unit is often used for an increase in power; however, even a single laser element can be used for a laser array unit as long as such single laser element has high power, and it can be understood that the present invention is applicable to such a case. 
     Also, although the description has been provided taking needles as an example of those that destroy laser elements, destruction elements are not limited to needles and may be any destruction elements that can destroy laser elements, for example, blades. 
     The present invention claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-001.866 filed on Jan. 7, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           101  laser array unit 
           102  collimating lens 
           103  wiring 
           201  laser element 
           204  laser element fixing substrate 
           205  holding plate 
           206  upper cover 
           207  lower cover 
           208  circuit substrate 
           209  cooling unit 
           210  protrusion 
           301  projector 
           302  password reception circuit 
           303  password determination circuit 
           304  laser element disabling circuit 
           401  password storage non-volatile memory 
           402  password temporary storage memory 
           403  password &amp; switch count counter 
           404  comparison circuit 
           405  determination circuit