Lens optics for flexible positioning of a light source

Abstract

A lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source mounted on a light source carrier, a projection optical device associated with the light source, the projection optical device being configured for deflecting light emitted by the light source into a predefined region or regions, wherein the projection optical device has a first focal point, the so-called inner focal point, on the side facing the light source, and a second focal point, the so-called outer focal point, on the side of the projection device facing away from the light source, wherein the light source is arranged on the side of the inner focal point of the projection optical device at a distance D1 relative to the inner focal point and at a distance D2 relative to the projection optical device, wherein the light source is at a greater distance relative to the inner focal point than the projection optical device, and wherein a transfer optical device is arranged between the light source and the inner focal point of the projection device, wherein the transfer optical device images the light source as a transfer image such that the inner focal point of the projection optical device is in the transfer image of the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source mounted on a light source carrier and a projection optics device associated with the light source, the projection optics device being configured to deflect light emitted by the light source to one or more predetermined areas, wherein the projection optics device has a first focal point (so-called inner focal point) on the side facing the light source and a second focal point (so-called outer focal point) on the side of the projection device away from the light source.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a lighting system for motor vehicles, comprising at least one such lighting device.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a license plate device for motor vehicles, comprising a vehicle license plate and the aforementioned lighting device.

[0004] Finally, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having at least one such license plate device. Background Technology

[0005] Typically, in a projection system for a lighting device used in a motor vehicle, the light source is arranged at a first focal point of the projection optics, and the light beam emitted by the light source is focused at a second focal point on the other side of the projection device or in a region around a second focal point on the other side of the projection device. In this manner, the light distribution is projected onto the area in front of or behind the motor vehicle or onto the side of the vehicle to which the lighting device is installed.

[0006] However, it is often desirable that such restrictions are not imposed when developing lighting devices for motor vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to illustrate a solution to this problem.

[0008] This objective is achieved using an illumination device as mentioned at the beginning, wherein, according to the invention, a light source is arranged on one side of the inner focal point of the projection optics in a distance D1 relative to the inner focal point and in a distance D2 relative to the projection optics, wherein the light source is in a larger distance than the inner focal point of the projection optics, and wherein a transfer optics is arranged between the light source and the inner focal point of the projection optics, wherein the transfer optics images the light source as a transfer image such that the inner focal point of the projection optics is in the transfer image of the light source.

[0009] It is feasible to use the present invention to position the light source outside the inner focal point of the projection optics, especially to be at a greater distance from the projection optics than those light sources in the inner focal point, and the light source is still clearly or as clearly as desired imaged by the projection optics, as if it were in the inner focal point of the projection optics.

[0010] Here, the light source is positioned at the focal point of the transmission optics and its image is imaged onto the second focal point of the transmission optics. Therefore, the image of the light source can be generated at the inner focal point of the projection optics, and this image is then imaged by the projection optics (as if the light source were at the inner focal point).

[0011] For example, the position of a light source is defined by the light emission center of the light source, so the statement "the light source is (approximately) in the focal point" is equivalent to "the light emission center of the light source is in the focal point".

[0012] Here, the spacing mentioned is measured along the optical axis of the light source or the main emission axis (the inner focal point is also on this axis) relative to the intersection of this axis and the projection optics.

[0013] For example, the transmission optical device is configured such that it includes two collimator optics and a column disposed between the two collimator optics. The column includes at least one cylindrical body, comprising two base surfaces (a first base surface and a second base surface) and at least one outer peripheral surface connecting the two base surfaces. Each collimator optic includes a transparent collimator body having a first end section (a so-called light-collecting section) and a second end section. The light-collecting section has a collimator focal point located outside the collimator body. The collimator body is constructed such that when a light beam originating from a light source disposed at the collimator focal point is incident on the light-collecting section, the light beam enters the collimator body, is oriented parallel to it, and propagates to the second end section. The second end section includes... A flat surface (end section surface) is oriented such that a parallel beam of light is incident perpendicularly onto the end section surface, wherein one of the two collimator optics (the first collimator optic) is arranged such that the light source is approximately at the collimator focal point of the light-collecting section of the first collimator body, and wherein the column is arranged immediately adjacent to the second end section surface of the first collimator optic, wherein the first base surface of the column is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface of the first collimator body, and wherein the second collimator optic is arranged immediately adjacent to at least one column such that the second base surface of the column is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface of the second collimator body, and the inner focal point of the projection optics substantially coincides with the collimator focal point of the light-collecting section of the second collimator body.

[0014] A light beam emitted by a light source and located at the focal point of a first collimator in a transmission optical device is focused onto or around the focal point of a second collimator, such that an image of the light source is formed, wherein the focal point of the second collimator is located within this image of the light source. After the focal point of the second collimator coincides with the inner focal point of the projection device, the projection device can image the image of the light source as if the light source were actually located at the focal point of the projection device.

[0015] For example, the column is configured such that it comprises exactly one cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body is constructed in the form of a straight column and the two bases extend parallel to each other.

[0016] Here, it is a technical solution that is simple in structure and easy to calculate.

[0017] In another embodiment, the column is configured such that the column body comprises two columnar bodies, wherein the columnar bodies, that is, the columnar axes of the two columnar bodies, are inclined to each other at an angle β not equal to 0º, and especially greater than 90º.

[0018] This more sophisticated solution allows for more flexible positioning of the light source; in particular, the light source does not need to be positioned opposite its projection optics in a straight line.

[0019] In this embodiment, it is preferably configured such that the angle β between the axes of the cylinders is greater than twice the critical angle for total internal reflection.

[0020] The critical angle for total internal reflection is derived from the refractive index of the transparent material.

[0021] Therefore, it can be ensured that the conditions for total internal reflection are met in the transition region between the two cylindrical bodies, resulting in as little light loss as possible, or even none, due to the light beam leaving the cylinder.

[0022] For example, the formula β > 2 arcsin(1 / n) applies, where n is the refractive index of the cylinder material. In the case of PMMA, n = 1.49, β ≥ 85º applies; in the case of PC, n = 1.585, β ≥ 80º applies.

[0023] For example, the two cylindrical bodies 40a and 40b form a planar total reflection surface in their transition region, which has an elliptical shape, the center of which is located at the intersection of the axes of the two inclined cylinders. Here, the length b of the minor axis of the ellipse corresponds to the cylinder radius r, while the length a of the major axis is obtained by a = r / (cos(β / 2)). The cylinder radii r of the two cylindrical bodies 40a and 40b are equal (that is, in the feed region and in the image region).

[0024] Advantageously, the end section surface of the first collimator optics and the first bottom surface of the column are adjacent to each other, especially fully abutting each other, and preferably the first collimator body and the column are constructed as a single piece.

[0025] In principle, the distance between the collimator optics that play a limiting role and the cylindrical surface can be >0. However, it is preferable that the first collimator optics and the cylinder are close to each other and particularly preferably constructed in one piece from the same material (or a material with the same refractive index), so that no undesirable deflection will occur when the beam leaves and / or enters the interface.

[0026] However, it is also feasible for the first collimator optics and the pillar to be made of materials with different refractive indices. In this embodiment, for example, the parallelism tolerance of the planes of the end section surface of the first collimator optics and the bottom surface of the pillar is better than 0.0125 mm. The second collimator optics is constructed of the same material as the first collimator optics; the associated planes preferably meet the same tolerances.

[0027] Similarly advantageously, the end section surface of the second collimator optics and the second bottom surface of the column are adjacent to each other, especially fully abutting each other, and preferably the second collimator body and the column are constructed as a single piece.

[0028] As already mentioned, it is probably appropriate in principle for the transparent collimator body and column to be made of the same material.

[0029] In a previously described one-piece embodiment of a transmission optics device made of a single material, the bottom surface of the column or the end section of the collimator body is merely a virtual, i.e. purely imaginary surface, rather than an actual material-constructed surface.

[0030] Each collimator body may be configured such that it has an optical axis, wherein the optical axis of the collimator body is perpendicular to its end section surface and preferably extends through the collimator focal point of the collimator body.

[0031] The optical axis coincides with the central principal radiation direction of the light source (e.g., an LED light source). This is achieved, for example, in the case of a flat light source carrier, where the surface normal to the light source carrier extends parallel to this axis. This optical axis then preferably coincides with the optical axis of the projection optics if the column comprises a cylindrical, particularly straight, body. In this case, the optical axis of the second collimator body also preferably coincides with the optical axis of the first collimator body.

[0032] However, it is also possible to configure the main radiation direction of the light source to be tilted about the optical axis, so that the main radiation direction extends relative to the optical axis at an angle not equal to 0º. In this case, the image of the light source is also imaged at an angle. This implementation is particularly useful for cases with small tilt angles (e.g., <10º).

[0033] Advantageously, at least one, preferably each collimator body, is constructed in a rotationally symmetrical manner about its optical axis.

[0034] The column has an "optical" axis or height if the column comprises exactly one cylindrical body and preferably the axis of the collimator body coincides with that axis.

[0035] Preferably, at least one, preferably each, collimator body's end section surface is aligned with the bottom surface of the column facing it.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the two collimator bodies are constructed identically.

[0037] In this regard, it is also preferable that the two collimator bodies are arranged such that they are mirror images of each other about the mirror plane, or if the mirror plane is an orthogonal plane relative to the optical axis of one of the two collimator bodies, and the optical axis of the other collimator body coincides with the optical axis of the other collimator body, or if they would coincide, such that the two collimator bodies are mirror images of each other about the mirror plane.

[0038] In this way, the image of the light source corresponds to the light source 1:1.

[0039] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention further relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one lighting device, wherein the lighting system further comprises a lighting unit configured to generate one or more light distributions, wherein the lighting unit comprises at least one lighting unit light source and lighting unit optics, wherein the lighting unit is generally arranged between the light source carrier and the cover plate of the lighting system, wherein at least one lighting unit light source is arranged on the light source carrier, and wherein the lighting unit has an extension from the light source carrier in the direction of the cover plate, the size of which is such that the at least one light source is not arranged in the focal point of its projection device, but is arranged in a distance greater than the distance between the inner focal point of the projection device and the projection device.

[0040] Here, for example, a flat light source carrier preferably supports not only at least one lighting unit light source but also one or more light sources of the lighting device, especially all light sources arranged on one side of the light source carrier.

[0041] For example, such lighting devices are used in taillights.

[0042] It can be configured such that at least one projection optics is arranged in the cover plate of the lighting system, for example, made as a single piece with the cover plate.

[0043] Typically, projection optics can be projection lenses. For example, the lens effect of a projection optics is achieved through the design of a cover plate, such as through corresponding local bends (one or more) on the inner and / or outer sides of the cover plate.

[0044] For example, the lighting unit can be configured as a ground projection device and the one or more light distributions can include one or more ground projections.

[0045] In addition, the present invention relates to a license plate lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle license plate and the lighting device described above, wherein the lighting device is arranged about the license plate such that light emitted by a projection device of at least one light source is radiated onto one or more areas of the license plate, such that when at least one light source is turned on, the license plate is at least partially, preferably completely, illuminated by the light of said at least one light source. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 The license plate device is shown in a view from above. Figure 2 Shown in perspective sectional view Figure 1 License plate device, Figure 3 An embodiment of the illumination device according to the invention, incorporating a transmission optics device, is shown. Figure 4 This shows another implementation of the transmission optical device. Figure 5 Another embodiment of the transmission optics for small tilt angles is shown. Figure 6 Showing the use of Figure 1 or Figure 2 The schematic ground projection generated by the license plate device. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following discussion, with reference to license plate device 200, provides an example of the lighting device according to the invention. However, this is only a particularly preferred application, and in principle, the lighting device according to the invention can also be used in other vehicle lights, such as taillights or vehicle headlights.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2A license plate device 200 for a motor vehicle is shown, comprising a vehicle license plate 300 and two lighting devices 100. Here, the lighting devices 100 are arranged about the license plate 300 such that light is radiated over one or more areas of the license plate 300, such that when the lighting devices 100 (or at least one of them) are turned on, the license plate 300 is at least partially, preferably completely, illuminated by light.

[0049] Specifically, the license plate device 200 includes an illumination system 400, which in the current example has two illumination devices 100. Additionally, the illumination system 400 includes an illumination unit 10 configured to generate one or more light distributions LV, wherein the illumination unit 10 includes at least one illumination unit light source 11 and illumination unit optics 12a, 12b, 12c, wherein the illumination unit 10 is generally arranged between the cover plate 5 of the illumination system 400 and the light source carrier 2.

[0050] In a specific example, three illumination units 10 are provided, each with a light source 11 (e.g., an LED or including one or more LEDs) and illumination unit optics 12, which in turn include an illumination unit collimator 12a, an MLA 12b (“Micro Lens Array”), and a deflector 12c.

[0051] Here, the deflecting mirror 12c and its MLA12b work together in such a way that, for example, the resulting light distribution or these resulting light distributions LV are ground projections BP, i.e., light distributions or light patterns imaged onto the ground, especially the lane, as in Figure 6 (It shows a motor vehicle 500 with a license plate device 200) as schematically illustrated.

[0052] The light source 11 of the lighting unit is arranged on a preferably flat light source carrier 1.

[0053] As mentioned above, the lighting system 400 or license plate device 200 includes two lighting devices 100 that illuminate the license plate 300. Preferably, the planar light source carrier 1 carries not only the light source 11 but also the light source 1.

[0054] Such details for motor vehicles are in Figure 3 The lighting device 100 shown includes a light source 2 (e.g., one LED or including one or more LEDs), which is mounted on a light source carrier 1, specifically on the light source carrier 1 for the lighting unit light source 11, particularly on the same side. The light source 2 is associated with a projection optics 3, which is configured to direct the light emitted by the light source 2 to a predetermined area or multiple predetermined areas.

[0055] In the example shown, the projection optics 3 of the lighting device 100 is arranged in the cover plate 5 of the lighting system 400, for example, made as a single piece with the cover plate 5 or constructed in the cover plate 5.

[0056] Typically, the projection optics can be projection lenses. For example, the lens effect of the projection optics is achieved through the design of the cover plate, such as through corresponding (one or more) local bends on the inner and / or outer sides of the cover plate, in order to preferably achieve the most uniform surface illumination of the license plate 300.

[0057] The projection optical device 3 has a first focal point PF1 (so-called inner focal point) on the side facing at least one light source 2, and a second focal point PF2 (so-called outer focal point) on the side of the projection device 3 away from at least one light source 2.

[0058] Typically, the light source 2 is positioned on the inner focal point PF1 of the projection device 3. Ideally, all the light sources 11,2 should be positioned on a common carrier 1. However, this creates a problem: due to the extensions of each lighting unit 10, the light source 2 of the lighting device 100 can no longer be positioned on the inner focal point PF1, but is instead located at a greater distance relative to the projection device 3.

[0059] Therefore, after the light source 2 is arranged on one side of the inner focal point PF1 of the projection optical device 3 in a distance D1 relative to the inner focal point PF1 and in a distance D2 relative to the projection optical device 3, wherein the inner focal point PF1 of the light source 2 is in a larger distance than the projection optical device 3 (D2>(D2-D1)), the transmission optical device 4 is arranged between the inner focal point PF1 of the light source 2 and the projection device 3, wherein the transmission optical device 4 images the light source 2 into a transmission image 2a such that the inner focal point PF1 of the projection optical device 3 is in the transmission image 2a of the light source 2.

[0060] Here, the spacing mentioned is measured along the optical axis of the light source or the main radiation axis (the inner focal point is also on this axis) relative to the intersection of this axis and the projection optics.

[0061] According to Figure 3 In a specific implementation, the transmission optical device 4 is configured to include two collimator optical elements 50 and 60 and a column 40 arranged between the two collimator optical elements 50 and 60, which is composed of a columnar body 40a. The column 40 or the columnar body 40a includes two bottom surfaces (first and second bottom surfaces 41 and 42) and at least one outer peripheral surface 43a connecting the two bottom surfaces 41 and 42.

[0062] Therefore, the cylindrical body 40a is constructed in the form of a straight column, with the two base surfaces 41 and 42 extending parallel to each other.

[0063] Collimator optics 50 and 60 respectively include transparent collimator bodies 510 and 610, which have a first end section (so-called light-collecting section 511 and 611) and a second end section 512 and 612, wherein the light-collecting section 511 and 611 have collimator focal points F1 and F2 located outside the collimator bodies 510 and 610, and wherein the collimator bodies 510 and 610 are constructed such that when light is drawn from a light source arranged in the collimator focal points F1 and F2... When the emitted light beams are incident on the light collecting sections 511 and 611, they enter the collimator bodies 510 and 610, where they are oriented parallel to each other and propagate as parallel beams PS to the second end sections 512 and 612, wherein the second end sections 512 and 612 include flat surfaces (end section surfaces 512a and 612a) that are oriented such that the parallel beams are incident perpendicularly on the end section surfaces 512a and 612a.

[0064] One of the two collimator optics (first collimator optic 50) is arranged such that the collimator focus F1 of its collimator body 510 is located on the light source 2.

[0065] The column 40 is arranged immediately adjacent to the end section surface 512a of the first collimator optical device 50, wherein the first bottom surface 41 of the column 40 is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface 512a of the first collimator body 51, and wherein the second collimator optical device 60 is arranged immediately adjacent to the column 40 such that the second bottom surface 42 of the column 40 is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface 612a of the second collimator body 61, and the inner focal point PF1 of the projection optical device 3 is approximately coincident with the collimator focal point F2 of the light collecting section 611 of the second collimator body 610.

[0066] "Approximately coincident" here generally (not limited to the current example) means that the two focal points actually coincide or are so far apart from each other that they are both in the image 2a produced by the light source 2.

[0067] The light beam emitted by the light source 2, located at the first collimator focus F1 of the transmission optical device 4, is focused at or around the second collimator focus F2 such that an image 2a of the light source 2 is formed, wherein the second collimator focus F2 is located within the image 2a of the light source 2. After the second collimator focus F2 substantially coincides with the inner focus PF1 of the projection device 3, the projection device 3 can image the image 2a of the light source 2 as if the light source 2 were actually located within the inner focus PF1 of the projection device 3.

[0068] As in accordance with Figure 3As shown in the example, the end section surface 512a of the first collimator optics 50 and the first bottom surface 41 of the column 40 are fully abutted against each other, and preferably the first collimator body 510 and the column 40 are constructed from the same material in one piece.

[0069] Similarly, it is advantageous to have the end section surface 612a of the second collimator optics 60 and the second bottom surface 42 of the column 40 adjacent to each other, especially fully abutting each other, and preferably the second collimator body 610 and the column 40 are constructed as one piece and made of the same material.

[0070] Here, the end section surfaces 512a and 612a of the collimator bodies 510 and 610 coincide with the bottom surfaces 41 and 42 of the column 40 facing it.

[0071] Therefore, the two collimators 50, 60 and the cylindrical body 40a are components made of a single material (especially a transparent material). In the described and shown one-piece embodiment of the transmission optics made of a single material, the bottom surface of the cylinder or the end section surface of the collimator body is only a virtual (i.e. purely imaginary) surface, rather than an actual surface constructed of the material.

[0072] Each collimator body 510, 610 has optical axes O1, O2, wherein the optical axes O1, O2 of the collimator body 510, 610 are perpendicularly located on their end section surfaces 512a, 612a and preferably extend through the collimator focal points F1, F2 of the collimator body 510, 610.

[0073] Typically, the optical axis O1 coincides with the central main radiation direction of the light source 2. The optical axis O2 preferably coincides with the optical axis OP of the projection optical device 3.

[0074] The column 40a has an "optical" axis O3 or height, and the propagation direction of the parallel beam PS corresponds to the direction of axis O3. In the present case, preferably, the axes O1 and O2 of the collimator body coincide with axis O3.

[0075] Advantageously, the collimator bodies 510, 610 are constructed in a rotationally symmetrical manner about their respective optical axes O1, O2, and it is particularly advantageous that the two collimator bodies 510, 610 are constructed identically.

[0076] Typically, it is preferred that the two collimator bodies 510, 610 are arranged such that they are mirror images of each other about the mirror plane, or if the mirror plane is an orthogonal plane relative to the optical axis O1 of one of the two collimator bodies 510 and the optical axis O2 of the other collimator body 610 coincides with the optical axis O1 of the other collimator body 510, or if they would coincide, such that the two collimator bodies are mirror images of each other about the mirror plane.

[0077] In this way, the image 2a1:1 of the light source corresponds to the shape of the light source 2, or the shape of the light source.

[0078] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of the transmission optical device 4 is shown, which, as in Figure 3 As shown, it includes two collimators 50 and 60, and a column 40. Above, and... Figure 3 The statements made in connection with Figure 4 The implementation shown in the document also applies in its entirety, except that the cylindrical bodies 40a, 40b (outer peripheral surfaces 43a, 43b), that is, the column axes or heights O3a, O3b of the two cylindrical bodies 40a, 40b, are inclined to each other at an angle β not equal to 0º, and especially greater than 90º.

[0079] The axes O1 and O3a preferably coincide, and the axes O2 and O3b also coincide with OP (the optical axis of the projection optical device).

[0080] This more sophisticated solution allows for more flexible positioning of the light source; in particular, the light source does not need to be positioned opposite its projection optics in a straight line.

[0081] Preferably, the angle β between the cylindrical axes O3a and O3b is greater than twice the critical angle for total internal reflection. This ensures that the conditions for total internal reflection are met in the transition region between the two cylindrical bodies, resulting in minimal to no light loss due to light beams leaving the cylinders.

[0082] For example, the formula β > 2arcsin(1 / n) applies, where n is the refractive index of the 40mm cylinder material. In the case of PMMA, n = 1.49, therefore β ≥ 85º, and in the case of PC, n = 1.585, therefore β ≥ 80º.

[0083] For example, the two cylindrical bodies 40a and 40b form a planar total reflection surface E in their transition region, which has an elliptical shape, the center of which is located at the intersection of the axes of the two mutually inclined cylinders. The total reflection surface E passes through the surface normal. It is determined that the normal to this surface is the same as the angular symmetry line of the cylinder axes O3a and O3b. Here, the length of the minor axis b of the ellipse corresponds to the cylinder radius r, while the length of the major axis a is obtained by a = r / (cos(β / 2)). The cylinder radii r of the two cylindrical bodies 40a and 40b are equal (that is, in the feed area and in the image area). Similar to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the main radiation direction of the light source may also coincide with the optical axis O1 of the collimator 50, or be tilted relative to each other at an angle greater than 0º.

[0084] In this regard, Figure 5 One embodiment is shown in which the principal radiation direction HR of the light source is tilted about the optical axis O1 of the collimator 50, such that the principal radiation direction extends to the optical axis O1 at an angle not equal to 0º. In this case, the image of the light source is also imaged at an angle. Furthermore, the optical axis O2 of the second collimator 60 is tilted relative to the optical axis OP of the projection device 3 (typically at the same angle as the angle between axis O1 and the principal radiation direction HR of the light source).

[0085] The preferred (tilt) angle γ between the main radiation direction HR and the optical axis O1 is greater than 165º. This tilt allows for greater freedom in selecting the position and condition of the light source circuit board; subsequently, this results in a reduction in the (axial) mounting depth / length, but an increase in the lateral mounting width.

Claims

1. A lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (2) mounted on a light source carrier (1), and a projection optics device (3) associated with the light source (2), the projection optics device being configured to deflect light emitted by the light source (2) to one or more predetermined areas, wherein, The projection optics (3) has an inner focal point (PF1) on the side facing the light source (2) and an outer focal point (PF2) on the side of the projection optics (3) away from the light source (2). in, The light source (2) is arranged on one side of the inner focal point (PF1) of the projection optical device (3) at a distance D1 relative to the inner focal point (PF1) and a distance D2 relative to the projection optical device (3), wherein D2>(D2-D1). Furthermore, the transmission optical device (4) is arranged between the inner focal point (PF1) of the light source (2) and the projection optical device (3), wherein the transmission optical device (4) images the light source (2) into a transmission image (2a) such that the inner focal point (PF1) of the projection optical device (3) is located in the transmission image (2a) of the light source (2), characterized in that the transmission optical device (4) has two collimator optics (50, 60) and a column (40) arranged between the two collimator optics (50, 60), the column comprising at least one cylindrical body (40a, 40b), wherein the column (40) comprises two bottom surfaces, first and second bottom surfaces (41, 42) and at least one outer peripheral surface (43a, 43b) connecting the two bottom surfaces (41, 42). The collimator optics (50, 60) include a transparent collimator body (510, 610), which has a light-collecting section (511, 611) and a second end section (512, 612). The light-collecting sections (511, 611) have collimator focal points (F1, F2) located outside the collimator bodies (510, 610), and the collimator bodies (510, 610) are constructed such that when light beams emitted from light sources arranged in the collimator focal points (F1, F2) are incident on the light-collecting sections (511, 611), these light beams enter the collimator bodies (510, 610), are oriented parallel to each other in the collimator bodies (510, 610), and propagate to the second end sections (512, 612), wherein the second end sections (512, 612) include flat surfaces and end section surfaces (512a, 612a), which are oriented such that the parallel light beams are incident perpendicularly on the end section surfaces (512a, 612a). The first collimator optics (50) are arranged such that the light source (2) is located at the collimator focal point (F1) of the light-collecting section (511) of the collimator body (510). Furthermore, the column (40) is arranged immediately adjacent to the second end section surface (512a) of the first collimator optical device (50), wherein the first bottom surface (41) of the column (40) is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface (512a) of the first collimator body (51). Furthermore, the second collimator optics (60) is arranged so closely adjacent to the at least one column (40) that the second bottom surface (42) of the column (40) is opposite to and extends parallel to the end section surface (612a) of the second collimator body (61), and The inner focal point (PF1) of the projection optical device (3) coincides with the collimator focal point (F2) of the light collection section (611) of the second collimator body (610).

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The column (40) includes exactly one columnar body (40a), wherein the columnar body (40a) is constructed in the form of a straight column and the two base surfaces (41, 42) extend parallel to each other.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The column (40) includes two columnar bodies (40a, 40b), wherein the column axes (O3a, O3b) of the two columnar bodies (40a, 40b) are inclined to each other at an angle β not equal to 0º.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein, The column axes (O3a, O3b) of the two columnar bodies (40a, 40b) are inclined to each other at an angle β greater than 90º.

5. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein, The angle β between the axes (O3a, O3b) of the column is greater than twice the critical angle for total internal reflection.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The end section surface (512a) of the first collimator optic (50) and the first bottom surface (41) of the column (40) are adjacent to each other.

7. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein, The end section surface (512a) of the first collimator optic (50) and the first bottom surface (41) of the column (40) are fully in contact with each other.

8. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein, The first collimator body (510) and the column (40) are constructed as a single piece.

9. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The end section surface (612a) of the second collimator optics (60) and the second bottom surface (42) of the column (40) are adjacent to each other.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein, The end section surface (612a) of the second collimator optics (60) and the second bottom surface (42) of the column (40) are fully in contact with each other.

11. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein, The second collimator body (610) and the column (40) are constructed as a single piece.

12. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The transparent collimator body (510, 610) and the column are made of the same material.

13. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each collimator body (510, 610) has an optical axis (O1, O2), wherein the optical axis (O1, O2) of the collimator body (510, 610) is perpendicular to its end section surface (512a, 612a).

14. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein, The optical axes (O1, O2) of the collimator body (510, 610) extend through the collimator focal points (F1, F2) of the collimator body (510, 610).

15. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein, At least one collimator body (510, 610) is rotationally symmetrical about its optical axis (O1, O2).

16. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein, Each collimator body (510, 610) is rotationally symmetrical about its optical axis (O1, O2).

17. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, At least one collimator body (510, 610) has an end section surface (512a, 612a) that overlaps with the bottom surface (41, 42) of the column (40) facing it.

18. The lighting device according to claim 17, wherein, The end section surface (512a, 612a) of each collimator body (510, 610) overlaps with the bottom surface (41, 42) of the column (40) facing it.

19. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The two collimator bodies (510, 610) are constructed identically.

20. The lighting device according to claim 19, wherein, The two collimator bodies (510, 610) are arranged such that they are mirror images of each other about the mirror plane.

21. A lighting system (400) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The lighting system (400) further includes a lighting unit (10) configured to generate one or more light distributions (LVs), wherein the lighting unit (10) includes at least one lighting unit light source (11) and lighting unit optics (12a, 12b, 12c), wherein the lighting unit (10) is arranged between the cover plate (5) of the lighting system (400) and the light source carrier (1), wherein the at least one lighting unit light source (11) is arranged on the light source carrier (1), and wherein the lighting unit (10) has an extension from the light source carrier (2) in the direction of the cover plate (5), the extension being sized such that the at least one light source (2) is not arranged in the focal point of its projection device (3), but is arranged at a distance D1 relative to the inner focal point (PF1) of the projection optics (3) and a distance D2 relative to the projection optics (3), wherein D2 > (D2 - D1).

22. The lighting system according to claim 21, wherein, The at least one projection optical device (3) is arranged in the cover plate (5) of the lighting system (400).

23. The lighting system according to claim 22, wherein, The at least one projection optical device (3) is made in one piece with the cover plate (5).

24. The lighting system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein, The lighting unit (10) is a ground projection device, and one or more light distribution patterns (LV) include one or more ground projections (BP).

25. A license plate device for a motor vehicle, comprising a license plate (300) and a lighting system (400) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, The lighting device (100) is arranged with respect to the license plate (300) such that light emitted by the projection device (3) of the at least one light source (2) is projected onto one or more areas of the license plate (300), such that when the at least one light source (2) is turned on, the license plate (300) is at least partially illuminated by the light of the at least one light source (2).

26. The license plate device according to claim 25, wherein, When the at least one light source (2) is turned on, the license plate (300) is fully illuminated by the light from the at least one light source (2).

27. A motor vehicle having at least one lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, or having at least one lighting system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, or having at least one license plate device according to claim 25 or 26.

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