Patent Publication Number: US-7216989-B2

Title: Projector

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/198,282, filed on Aug. 8, 2005, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-256170, filed Sep. 2, 2004. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by reference herein in their 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, a 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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a projector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the front side; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the projector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the back side; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic showing the structure of an optical system of a projector body in an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the projector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the front side; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the projector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, as seen from the back side; 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of the projector body in an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of a DVD player that is an image reproducing device in an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a structure of a partition member in an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic showing the flow of heat which is generated by the DVD player in an exemplary embodiment; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing another aspect of the internal structure of the projector of the exemplary embodiments; and 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing still another aspect of the internal structure of the projector of the exemplary embodiments. 
   

   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. 1  is a perspective view of a projector  10  according to the present exemplary embodiment, as seen from the front side, and  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the projector  10 , as seen from the back side. 
   The projector  10  accommodates a projector body  1  composed of an optical system  4  (see  FIG. 3 ), which will be described later, within an exterior case  15  that is a housing that may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The projector body  1  modulates 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 lens  3 . 
   Further, the projector  10  of the present exemplary embodiment, which will be described in detail below, is a complex projector including a DVD player  30  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is an image reproducing device, which reproduces images relating to image light. The projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body  1  is above the DVD player  30  within the external case  15 . 
   Although it will be described in detail below, within the external case  15 , a partition member  50  is formed between the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30 , and the projector body  1  is placed on the top surface of the partition member  50  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
   In addition, in the projector  10 , a speaker that is a sound generating unit, which generates sound relating to image light, is disposed inside two cover members  20  (see  FIG. 2 ). When the projector body  1  projects image light, the speaker is also driven to reproduce sound corresponding to the image light. The speaker is also accommodated in the external case  15  along with the above-mentioned projector body  1  and the DVD player  30 . 
   The external case  15  which accommodates the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  is a housing made of a synthetic resin and having a substantially rectangular plane. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the projection lens  3  is exposed at a front face  15 A. The projection lens  3  may 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 lens  3  is 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 in  FIG. 1 , the front face  15 A (the surface at which the projection lens  3  is exposed) of the external case  15  of the projector  1 , and a left lateral side  15 B as seen from the front face  15 A, are formed with exhaust openings  151 A,  151 B 1 , and  151 B 2 . The exhaust openings  151 A,  151 B 1 , and  151 B 2  are openings which discharges heat generated from the projector body  1  or the DVD player  30  within the external case  15  to the outside. In the present exemplary embodiment, several elongated and substantially rectangular air gaps are juxtaposed horizontally to form the exhaust openings  151 A,  151 B 1 , and  151 B 2 . 
   Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the front face  15 A of the external case  15  of the projector  1  is formed with a power switch  301  which supplies power, and an inlet connector  302  for attachment to an AC power cord. 
   In addition,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example in which the front face  15 A of the external case  15  is formed with one exhaust opening  151 A, and the left lateral side of the external case  15  is formed with two exhaust openings  151 B 1  and  151 B 2 . Among the two exhaust openings  151 B 1  and  151 B 2  of the left lateral side  15 B, the upper exhaust opening  151 B 1  communicates with the exhaust unit  73  of the projector body  1 , and the lower exhausting opening  151 B 2  communicates with an exhaust unit of the DVD player  30  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
   Further, although not shown, several elongated and substantially rectangular air gaps are vertically juxtaposed at a right side of the case  15 , as seen from the front face of the external case  15 , to form two suction openings. Among the two suction openings of the right side, the upper suction opening communicates with a suction unit  72  of the projector body  1 , and the lower suction opening communicates with a suction unit  74  of the DVD player  30  (see  FIG. 4 ). The upper suction opening is an opening which introduces outside air for cooling the projector body  1  disposed within the external case  15 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , two planar cover members  20  are arranged on the right and left lateral sides of a rear face  15   c  of the external case  15 . The inside of the cover member  20  is formed with a sound emitting port in which a speaker (not shown) serving as a sound reproducing device is disposed. The cover member  20  is 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 face  15 C of the external case. These two sound emitting ports are covered with the cover members  20 . 
   The speakers (not shown) serving as sound reproducing devices which are arranged inside the two cover members  20  shown in  FIG. 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 projector  10  of 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 face  15 C of the external case  15 . 
   (II) Structure of Optical System 
     FIG. 3  is a schematic showing the structure of the optical system  4  of the projector body  1  of the present exemplary embodiment. 
   The projector body  1  of the present exemplary embodiment includes an integrator illumination optical system  41 , a color-separating optical system  42 , a relay optical system  43 , an optical device  44  into which an optical modulator and a color-combining optical device are integrated, and a projection lens  3  serving as a projection optical device. 
   The integrator illumination optical system  41  is 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 system  4  includes a light source unit  411 , a first lens array  412 , a second lens array  413 , a polarization conversion element  414 , and a superposed lens  415 . 
   The light source unit  411  includes a light source lamp  416  serving as a radiating light source, and a reflector  417 . The radiant rays emitted from the light source lamp  416  are reflected by the reflector  417  to be substantially collimated rays, and are emitted to the outside. Although a high-voltage mercury lamp is employed as the light source lamp  416  in 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 reflector  417  in 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 array  412  has 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 lamp  416  into 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 panel  441  which will be described later. 
   The second lens array  413  has almost the same structure as the first lens array  412 , and has a structure in which small lenses are arranged in a matrix. The second lens array  413  focuses images of the small lenses of the first lens array  412  on the liquid crystal panel  441  together with the superposed lens  415 . 
   The polarization conversion element  414  is to convert the light from the second lens array  413  into one type of polarized light. This makes it possible to improve or enhance utilization efficiency of light in the optical device  44 . 
   Specifically, each partial light beam converted into one type of polarized light by the polarization conversion element  414  is approximately superimposed finally on the liquid crystal panel  441  of the optical device  44  by the superposed lens  414 . Since only one type of polarized light can be utilized in the projector using the liquid crystal panel  441  of type which modulates polarized light, almost half of the light beam from the light source lamp  416 , which emits randomly polarized light, is not utilized. 
   Therefore, the polarization conversion element  414  is used to convert the light beam from the light source lamp  416  into substantially one type of polarized light, thereby improving the utilization efficiency in the optical device  44 . In addition, such a polarization conversion element  414  is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-304739. 
   The color-separating optical system  42  includes two dichroic mirrors  421  and  422 , and a reflecting mirror  423 , and has a function to separate a plurality of partial light beams emitted from the integrator illumination optical system  41  by the dichroic mirrors  421  and  422  into three color light components of red (R), green (G) and blue (B). 
   The relay optical system  43  includes an incident-side lens  431 , a relay lens  433 , and reflecting mirrors  432  and  434 , and guides red light components, separated by the color-separating optical system  42 , to the liquid crystal panel  441 R. 
   Accordingly, in the dichroic mirror  421  of the color-separating optical system  42 , among the light beams emitted from the integrator illumination optical system  41 , 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 mirror  421  is reflected by the reflecting mirror  423 , and reaches a liquid crystal panel  441 B for blue light component through a field lens  418 . The field lens  418  converts respective partial light beams emitted from the second lens array  413  into light fluxes parallel to its center axis (principal ray). This is true of field lenses  418  provided on the light incidence side of other liquid crystal panels  441 G and  441 R. 
   Further, among the red light component and the green light component transmitted through the dichroic mirror  421 , the green light component is reflected by the dichroic mirror  422 , and reaches the liquid crystal panel  441 G for green light component through the field lens  418 . The red light component is transmitted through the dichroic mirror  422 , and reaches the liquid crystal panel  441 R for red light component through the field lens  418 . 
   The relay lens  43  is 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 lens  431  transmitted to the field lens  418  intact. Moreover, the relaying optical lens  43  is 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 device  44  modulates incident light beams to form a color image, and includes three incident-side polarizing plates  442  on which respective color light components separated by the color-separating optical system  42  are incident, liquid crystal panels  441  ( 441 R,  441 G, and  441 B) serving as light modulation elements which are arranged at rear stages of the respective incident-side polarizing plates  442 , and emitting-side polarizing plates  443  which are arranged at rear stages of the respective liquid crystal panels ( 441 R,  441 G, and  441 B), and cross dichroic prisms  444  serving as color-synthesizing optical systems. 
   The liquid crystal panels ( 441 R,  441 G, and  441 B) 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 plates  442  according to given image signals by using poly-silicon TFTs as switching elements. The image forming region where the modulation of the liquid crystal panels  441 R,  441 G, and  441 B 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 system  42  are modulated according to image information by the three liquid crystal panels  441 R,  441 G, and  441 B, the incident-side polarizing plates  442 , and the emitting-side polarizing plates  443 , to form an optical image. 
   The incident-side polarizing plate  442  transmits unidirectional polarized light alone, among the respective color light components separated by the color-separating optical system  42 , 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 lens  418  without using a substrate. 
   The emitting-side polarizing plates  443  are also constructed almost in the same manner as the incident-side polarizing plates  442 , and transmit only polarized light having a predetermined direction, among the light beams emitted from the liquid crystal panels  441  ( 441 R,  441 G, and  441 B), and absorbs the other light beams. Further, a polarizing film may be attached to the cross dichroic prisms  444  without using a substrate. 
   The incident-side polarizing plates  442  and the emitting-side polarizing plates  443  are set such that the direction of polarization axes thereof are orthogonal to each other. 
   The cross dichroic prism  444  combines an optical image which is emitted from the emitting-side polarizing plates  443  and modulated by every color light component, thereby forming a color image. 
   In the cross dichroic prism  444 , 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 prism  444  is emitted from the projection lens  3 , 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) housing  45  for the optical system, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
   (III) Internal Structure of Projector  10   
     FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective views showing an internal structure of the projector  10 ,  FIG. 4  is a perspective view as seen from the front side, and  FIG. 5  is a perspective view as seen from the back side. Both of these drawings show a state where the external case  15  is detached from the projector  10 . 
     FIG. 6  is a plan view of the projector body  1 , and  FIG. 7  is a plan view of the DVD player  30 . 
   (III-a) Structure of Projector Body  1   
   As shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the projector body  1  is disposed at the upper portion with the partition member  50  interposed between the projector body and the DVD player, and accommodated in the substantially L-shaped (in plan view) optical component housing  45 . The optical component housing  45  is made of synthetic resin by injection molding, etc., and includes a box-shaped component accommodating member  47 B in which optical components are accommodated, and a lid member  47 A which covers an opening in the top surface of the component accommodating member  47 B. Specifically, the optical component housing  45  includes a light source accommodating portion  48  which accommodates the light source unit  411 , and a component accommodating portion  49  which is formed in the shape of a container and which accommodates components other than the light source accommodating portion  411 . 
   The light source accommodating portion  48  is substantially box-shaped. An end face of the light source accommodating portion, at the component accommodating portion  49 , 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 portion  49  is for transmitting light beams emitted from the light source unit  411 . Further, the opening formed in the end face of the light source accommodating portion opposite to its end face at the component accommodating portion  49  is an opening for accommodating the light source unit  411 , for example, by inserting the light source unit from the lateral side of the light source accommodating portion  48 . 
   The component accommodating portion  49  has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose top surface is open, and has its one end connected to the light source accommodating portion  48 . 
   Although specific illustration is omitted herein, the component accommodating portion  49  is formed with a plurality of grooves which allows the optical components  412  to  415 ,  419 ,  421  to  423 , and  431  to  435  to be slidably fitted from the top. Further, the optical device  44  is installed at a portion adjacent to the projection lens  3  of the component accommodating portion  49 . 
   The lid member  47 A, constituting the optical component housing  45 , covers an upper end opening, except the upper side of the optical device  44 , in the component accommodating portion  49  of the component accommodating member  47 B. The lid member  47 A is formed with a plurality of openings  46  which passes through both of its sides. The air which has cooled the interior of the optical component housing  45  is discharged through the openings  46 . 
   A circuit board  5  is disposed above the aforementioned optical component housing  45  (In addition, the illustration of the circuit board is omitted in  FIG. 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 body  1 . The circuit board  5  controls driving of the liquid crystal panels ( 441 R,  441 G, and  441 B) based on the signals output from interfaces (not shown). Also, the liquid crystal panels  441 R,  441 G, and  441 B implement light modulation to form an optical image. 
   Further, the circuit board  5  inputs 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 projector  10  based on the operating signals. 
   The power unit  6  supplies power to the light source unit  411 , circuit board  5 , etc. The power unit  6  includes a power block  61  having a power circuit, and a lamp driving block  62  disposed above the power block  61 . 
   The power block  61  supplies 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 board  5 , etc. The power block  61  includes 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 block  61  also includes a box member  611  serving as a shielding member which covers the circuit board. The box member  611  is made of aluminum, and is formed substantially in the shape of a box whose both opposite ends are open. 
   The lamp driving block  62  is a converting circuit to supply power with a stable voltage to the aforementioned power source unit  411 . A commercial alternating current input from the power block  61  is 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 unit  411 . 
   In addition, the lateral side of such a power unit  6  is provided with an exhaust fan  731  serving as the exhaust unit  73  of the projector body  1 . The exhaust fan  731  discharges the air which has cooled the power unit  6  through an exhaust opening  732 . 
   Further, the suction fan  721  serving as the suction unit  72  of the projector body  1 , which is disposed at the lateral side of the projection lens  3 , introduces air outside of the projector body  1  from a suction opening  722  formed in a lateral side  502  of the partition member  50 . The suction fan  721  implements cooling of the respective optical components. 
   (III-b) Structure of DVD Player  30   
   The DVD player  30  of the projector  10  is disposed in the lower portion of the projector  10  with the partition member  50  interposed between the DVD player  30  and the projector body  1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the front surface (the side where the projection lens  3  is disposed) of the projector  10 , is provided with a power switch  301  to input power and an inlet connector  302  for an AC power cord, as also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   Further, the left lateral side of the DVD player  30 , as seen from the front side, is formed with an exhaust opening  751  as the exhaust unit  75 . An exhaust fan (not shown) is disposed within the exhaust opening  751 . In addition, the exhaust opening  751  of the DVD player  30  and the aforementioned exhaust opening  732  of the projector body  1  are arranged adjacent to each other on a same plane of the projector  10 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the rear surface of the DVD player  30  is formed with a DVD insertion slot  303  to 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 player  30  through the DVD insertion slot  303 . 
   The right lateral side of the DVD player  30  is formed with a suction opening  741  serving as a suction unit  74 , and a suction fan (not shown) is arranged inside the suction opening  741 . The suction opening  741  of the DVD player  30  and the above-mentioned suction opening  722  of the projector body  1  are arranged on an equal surface to the projector  10 . This is also true of the exhaust openings  732  and  751 . 
     FIG. 7  is a plan view of the DVD player  30 . The power unit  310  of the DVD player  30  supplies the power supplied from the outside to a DVD driving unit  320 , a circuit board  330 , and the like through an AC power cord connected to the inlet connector  302 , as also shown in  FIG. 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 unit  320 . 
   The circuit board  330  controls the whole DVD player  30 , and outputs digital video signals recorded on the DVD and read by the pickup to the projector body  1 . Further, the projector body  1  drives the optical system  4  based 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 player  30  is provided with the suction opening  741  serving as the suction unit  74  and the suction fan (not shown). The suction opening and suction fan are disposed adjacent to the power source unit  310 . Further, another lateral side of the DVD player is provided with the exhaust opening  751  serving as the exhaust unit  75  and the exhaust fan (not shown). The suction unit  74  and the exhaust unit  75  are formed adjacent to the suction unit  72  or exhaust unit  73  which are provided in the projector body  1 . 
   (III-c) Structure of Partition Member  50   
   As shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  are integrally arranged in a vertical direction such that the projector body  1  is above the DVD player  30 . Further, the partition member  50  is formed between the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30 , and the projector body  1  is placed on the partition member  50 . 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a state in which the projector body  1  is detached from the projector in  FIG. 4 . Hereinafter, the structure of the partition member  50  will be described with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 8 . 
   The partition member  50  is an integrally molded product made of synthetic resin. A planer portion  501  having the projector body  1  placed thereon and the lateral sides  502  surrounding the projector body  1  are integrally formed with each other. 
   In addition, in  FIG. 8 , a recessed portion  501 A is formed in the planar portion  501  is to mount the suction fan  721 . (See  FIG. 4 ). Further, the suction opening  722  is formed adjacent to one of the lateral sides  502 . Similarly, ribs  50 B formed in the planar portion  501  are provided to position and fix the aforementioned power unit  6 . 
   Although the partition member  50  is disposed on the top surface of the DVD player  30  with the projector body  1  placed thereon, the bottom surface of the partition member  50  (the surface of the planar portion  501  facing the DVD player  30 ) is formed with a supporting member (not shown), thereby the partition member  50  can be stably placed on the top surface of the DVD player  30 . 
   In the partition member  50  including the projector  10  of the present exemplary embodiment, a substantially rectangular introducing port  510  which introduces heat of the DVD player  30  disposed substantially at the lower center of the planar portion  501 . 
   Further, the planar portion  501  of the partition member  50  is integrally formed with a duct  520 . Thereby, the introducing port  510  and the duct  520  are in communication with each other by air flow (a state which allows free passage of air from the introducing port  510  to the duct  520 ). The partition member  50  may be integrally formed with the duct  520  in the projector body  1  or DVD player  30 , whereby suction or exhaust of air in the projector body  1  or the DVD player  30  can be performed well. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the projector  10  of the present exemplary embodiment, when the projector body  1  is placed on the partition member  50 , a fan  530  is disposed adjacent to the duct  520 . 
   Specifically, the above structure allows the heat generated in the DVD player  30  disposed below the partition member  50  to be delivered from the introducing port  510  to the duct  520  which communicates with the introducing port  510  by air flow. Accordingly, the heat which has past through the introducing port  510  is discharged through the duct  520  to the projector body  1  that is the outside of the DVD player  30 . As a result, heat radiation of the DVD player  30  can be efficiently performed. 
   Moreover, if the fan  530  disposed adjacent to the duct  520  is operated, the heat transferred toward the projector body  1  is properly radiated by the fan  530 . 
   If a heat generating portion in the DVD player  30  is disposed right below the introducing port  510  or therearound, the heat generated in the heat generating portion of the DVD player  30  passes through the introducing port  510  efficiently. 
   Here, the heat generating portion includes the driving unit  320  of the DVD player  30 , specifically, a pickup that is an optical component which reads digital video signals recorded on a loaded DVD. 
     FIG. 9  shows the flow of the heat generated by the DVD player  30  in the projector  10 . In  FIG. 9 , the arrows indicate the flow of heat. 
   In  FIG. 9 , the driving unit  320  (a heat generating portion of the DVD player  30 ) of the DVD player  30  disposed below the partition member  50  is right below the substantially rectangular introducing port  510  formed in the partition member  50 . 
   Further, when the driving unit  320  is operated, and the fan  530  disposed in the projector body  1  placed on the partition member  50  is also operated, the heat generated by the operation of the driving unit  320  is moved toward the introducing port  510  which exists right above the driving unit, and is delivered to the duct  520  which communicates with the introducing port  510  by air flow. Then, the heat is properly radiated by the aforementioned fan  530  disposed adjacent to the duct  520 . 
   (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 projector  10  including the projector body  1 , and the DVD player  30  that is an image reproducing device  30 , the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  are integrally formed in a vertical direction such that the projector body  1  is above the DVD player  30 . Therefore, the occupying area of the whole product can be made small, so that the size of the projector  10  can be reduced. 
   (2) Moreover, since the projector body  1  generates a much larger amount of heat than the DVD player  30 , the projector body  1  is disposed above the DVD player, so that the heat of the projector body  1  can be kept from affecting the DVD player  30 . 
   (3) Since the partition member  50  is formed between the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30 , and the projector body  1  is placed on the top surface of the partition member  50 , both devices can be reliably separated. Further, since the projector body  1  is also placed on the partition member  50 , the projector can be placed stably. 
   (4) Since the partition member  50  formed between the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  is integrally formed with the duct  520  in the projector body  1  or the DVD player  30 , suction or exhaust of air in the projector body  1  or the DVD player  30  can be performed well. 
   Further, since it is unnecessary to separately provide for the duct  520 , the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce cost. 
   (5) Since the partition member  50  formed between the projector body  1  and the DVD player  30  is formed with the introducing port  510 , which introduces heat from the DVD player  30 , and a heat generating portion (for example, the driving unit  320  in the DVD player  30 ) is disposed right below the introducing port  510  formed in the partition member  50 , the heat generated in the heat generating portion of the DVD player  30  passes through the introducing port  510 . Further, since the duct  520  communicating with the introducing port  510  is disposed at a portion of the partition member  50  facing the projector body  1 , the heat which has passed through the introducing port  510  is discharged through the duct  520  to the outside, so that heat radiation or cooling of the DVD player  30  can be efficiently performed. 
   (6) Since the exhaust unit  73  formed in the projector body  1  and the exhaust unit  75  of the DVD player  30  are 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 member  50  is constructed such that the projector body  1  is placed on the planer portion  501 , the planar portion  501  and the lateral sides  502  are integrally formed with each other, and the lateral sides  502  surrounds the projector body. 
   On the other hand, although a portion of the lateral sides  502  corresponding to a front end of the projection lens  3  that is a projection optical device is flat, such a portion may be formed with a peripheral rib  540  which surrounds the front end of the projection lens  3 . 
   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. 10  is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of the projector  10 .  FIG. 11  is a plan view showing another exemplary embodiment of the projector  10 . In the lateral sides  502  of the partition member  50  of the projector  10  of these exemplary embodiments, a peripheral rib  540  is formed, and the peripheral rib  540  surrounds the front end of the projection lens  3 . 
   In addition,  FIGS. 10 and 11  show a state in which the DVD player serving as an image reproducing device is detached. 
   According to the structure shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , since the lateral side  502  surrounding the projector body  1  of the partition member  50  is formed with the peripheral rib  540 , which surrounds the front end of the projection lens  3  that is a projection optical lens constituting the projector body  1 , 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 lens  3  can be optimized. 
   Further, since the peripheral rib  540  is integrated with the lateral side  502  of the partition member  50 , 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 port  510 , which introduces heat of the DVD player  30 , is disposed substantially at the lower center of the planar portion  501  in the partition member  50 . However, the position where the introducing port  510  is formed is not at all restricted to the aforementioned descriptions, thus the introducing port  510  can be formed at any position of the partition member  50 . 
   Accordingly, for example, the introducing port  510 , 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 player  30 . The introducing port  510  may be formed distant from the aforementioned position that is right above or around the heat generating portion. Moreover, the shape of the introducing port  510  is 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 unit  72  and the exhaust unit  73  of the projector body  1 , and the suction unit  74  and the exhaust unit  75  of the DVD player  30  that is an image reproducing device, are respectively arranged adjacent to each other, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the suction unit  72  (or exhaust unit  73 ) of the projector body  1 , and suction unit  74  (or exhaust unit  75 ) of the DVD player  30  that 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.