Electric drive for adjusting the alignment of a light module of a motor vehicle headlight, light module with such an electric drive and motor vehicle headlight with such a light module

Abstract

Electric drive (20) for adjusting the orientation of a light module (10) of a motor vehicle headlight (101) or of an optically effective part of the light module (10) about a rotational axis (22), wherein the electric drive (20) has an electric motor (24), a threaded spindle (26) that can be driven by the electric motor (24) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (28), and an adjusting element (30) guided on the threaded spindle (26) that engages with a thread (32) of the threaded spindle (26), which executes a linear movement (34) parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) upon rotation of the threaded spindle (26) about its longitudinal axis (28), and which can be articulated on the light module (10) or the optically effective part of the light module (10) at a distance (40) from the rotational axis (22), characterized in thatthat the threaded spindle (26) has a flange portion (44) supported with respect to a motor housing (42) of the electric motor (24) in at least one direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) during the adjustment of the alignment of the light module (10) or the optically active part of the light module (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric drive for adjusting the orientation of a light module of a motor vehicle headlight or of an optically effective part of the light module about a rotational axis. The electric drive comprises an electric motor, a threaded spindle that can be driven by the electric motor to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and an actuating element guided on the threaded spindle. The actuating element engages a thread of the threaded spindle, performs a linear movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle upon rotation of the threaded spindle about its longitudinal axis, and can be pivoted on the light module or on the optically effective part of the light module at a distance from the rotational axis.

[0002] The invention further relates to a light module of a motor vehicle headlight. The light module comprises a light source for emitting light and means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light in a main radiation direction into an area in front of the motor vehicle and for generating a predetermined light distribution of the light module in the area. The light module or an optically effective part of the light module is adjustable about a rotational axis by means of an electric drive.

[0003] Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight designed for installation in or attachment to a motor vehicle, comprising a headlight housing with a light exit opening. A light module is arranged in the headlight housing, which emits light through the light exit opening in a main emission direction into an area in front of the motor vehicle and generates at least part of a predetermined light distribution of the motor vehicle headlight in the area in front of the vehicle. The light module or an optically effective part of the light module is adjustable about a rotational axis by means of an electric drive.

[0004] An electric drive of the type mentioned above is known from DE 103 32 976 A1. Similar electric drives can be found in JP H11-155 275 A or DE 10 2005 054 912 A1.

[0005] Electric drives of the type mentioned above for adjusting a light module of a motor vehicle headlight or an optically effective part of the light module about a rotational axis are known in various designs from the prior art. A stepper motor is typically used as the electric motor. A stepper motor is a synchronous motor in which a full revolution (360°) is divided into a number of equal steps. Like all electric motors, stepper motors have a stationary stator and a rotor that can rotate relative to the stator about a motor's rotational axis. However, unlike a normal DC motor, the stator of a stepper motor consists of individual sets of coils. The number of coils varies depending on the type of stepper motor. In a stepper motor, the rotor consists of metal poles, with each pole being attracted to a set of coils in the stator during operation.

[0006] Each full revolution (360°) of the stepper motor is divided into a discrete number of steps, for example, several tens or several hundred steps. The stepper motor must be supplied with a separate (current) pulse for each step. The stepper motor can only execute one step per pulse.

[0007] The rotor of a stepper motor is rotated by a small angle (step) or a multiple of that angle by a controlled, stepwise rotating electromagnetic field of the stator coils. Stepper motors precisely follow the externally applied field and can be operated precisely without sensors for position feedback (encoders, rotary encoders, or similar). They thus exhibit similar behavior to synchronous motors, but typically have a significantly higher number of pole pairs. Therefore, they are easier to operate than, for example, servo motors (usually DC or synchronous motors with position sensors), which must be adjusted to the desired position.

[0008] Since each pulse causes the stepper motor to rotate by a precisely specified angle, the position of the stepper motor can theoretically be controlled without a feedback mechanism (e.g., with a position encoder), provided there are no step losses. As the pulse frequency increases, the stepping motion of a stepper motor can transform into a nearly continuous rotation of the rotor and the attached motor shaft, with the rotation speed being directly proportional to the pulse frequency.

[0009] If a stepper motor is overloaded by an external load torque or by the mass to be driven (e.g., the light module to be adjusted) during strong acceleration or deceleration (i.e., load torque > motor torque), the rotor can no longer follow the rotating field. Steps are skipped, and information about the rotor's current position is lost. In this so-called step loss, the stepper motor jumps to the previous or next position of the same phase. Due to the mechanical kinetic energy (inertia), a series of lost steps often occurs in rapidly moving magnetic fields. Occurring step losses accumulate and then lead to incorrect positioning.

[0010] This can be prevented as follows: - A position sensor (incremental or absolute encoder) measures the precise rotational position of the rotor within the quantization error. The stepper motor control (or controller) can make immediate corrections. The stepper motor can be loaded to its performance limit. - The controller measures the current at each step. If the stepper motor is always operated slightly below the load limit, a position sensor is not necessary. - During cyclical rotational movements of the stepper motor, the position of the rotor can be compared with a home position at each revolution or at each cycle using an external position pulse from a sensor. - Overload is prevented.

[0011] DE 10 2019 118 294 A1 discloses a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, which comprises a so-called light engine for generating light and a projection lens that projects the light in a field in front of the motor vehicle. The light engine is movable relative to the headlight housing, while the projection lens is stationary. The light engine is vertically adjustable relative to the projection lens about an axis of rotation running through the lens in order to adjust the headlight range. For this purpose, a radial bearing can be provided in the region of the lens. Alternatively, a curved guide with a curved path between the light engine of the light module and the headlight housing is proposed, wherein a center of curvature of the path lies on the axis of curvature. A stepper motor is used to adjust the light engine.

[0012] An electric drive of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from EP 2 918 447 A1. There, the electric motor is designed as a stepper motor—as is usual in prior art electric drives for adjusting the alignment of a light module of a motor vehicle headlight. Furthermore, the electric drive known from this document is evidently only designed for short travel distances and low actuating forces. This document proposes that, for the basic adjustment of an articulated light module or an articulated part of the light module, not the position of the entire electric drive relative to a fixed section of a headlight is adjusted, but only the engagement area between a threaded spindle of a spindle gear of the electric drive and an actuating element guided on the threaded spindle is adjusted, whereby the position of the electric motor remains unchanged.

[0013] Recently, there has been an increasing demand from motor vehicle manufacturers for particularly narrow light-emitting surfaces in motor vehicle headlights. "Narrow" in this context means that the light-emitting surface of a motor vehicle headlight installed in a motor vehicle has a significantly greater width than height. The width of the light-emitting surface extends transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis in a substantially horizontal direction. Deviations from the horizontal can arise due to a streamlined or arrow-shaped headlight or its light-emitting surface, or for design reasons. The height of the light-emitting surface also extends transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis in a substantially vertical direction.

[0014] A narrow light exit surface of a headlight also requires a correspondingly narrow design of a projection lens of the light module, which is located behind the light exit surface when viewed from outside the headlight. The intermediate light distribution generated in the light module from the light emitted by the light source is projected in a main radiation direction in front of the motor vehicle by one or more projection lenses in order to generate a predetermined light distribution of the light module. In addition, a narrow light exit surface requires that movement of the projection lens during adjustment of the light module, in particular in the vertical direction (e.g. for basic setting and / or to implement headlight range adjustment), is minimized in order to avoid light losses. This can be achieved, for example, by installing a (e.g. horizontal orapproximately horizontal) axis of rotation of the light module runs close to the projection lens or even through the projection lens.

[0015] However, a rotation axis (e.g., horizontal) running close to the projection lens of a light module also means that the light module is no longer mounted at its center of gravity, resulting in greater forces acting on the electric drive for adjusting the light module around the rotation axis or on its electric motor. This can lead to very high mechanical stress on the electric motor, as is the case, for example, with the light module known from EP 2 918 447 A1.

[0016] In addition, the linkage lever on the light module—that is, the distance between the rotational axis and a pivot point on the light module to which the electric drive is connected—is becoming longer. This means that the electric drive must achieve larger travel distances, which, for example, the light module known from EP 2 918 447 A1 cannot.

[0017] Based on the described prior art, the present invention is based on the object of designing and developing an electric drive in such a way that it can absorb larger actuating forces. Furthermore, the electric drive should also be capable of achieving larger actuating ranges.

[0018] This object is achieved by an electric drive having the features of claim 1. Starting from the electric drive of the type mentioned above, it is proposed in particular that the threaded spindle has a flange portion supported with respect to a motor housing of the electric motor in at least one direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle during the adjustment of the orientation of the light module or the optically active part of the light module.

[0019] The flange section is designed to absorb axial forces acting on the threaded spindle. It can be supported directly on the motor housing or indirectly on a component of the electric drive that is firmly connected to the motor housing.

[0020] The flange section can be used to absorb axial forces which, without the flange section, would act from the light module via the actuating element hinged to it and the threaded spindle onto the electric motor or its rotor. These forces can be transferred to the motor housing of the electric motor and from there to parts of the motor vehicle headlight to which the electric motor or motor housing is attached. In this way, the forces exerted by the light module on the electric drive can be kept away from the rotor of the electric motor and corresponding rotor bearings, etc., thereby relieving the load on the electric motor. The rotor of the electric motor is only exposed to very low axial forces even when the light module exerts greater forces on the electric drive due to a particularly large distance between the axis of rotation of the light module and the articulation point of the actuating element on the light module.The electric drive is therefore particularly suitable for adjusting such light modules in which the axis of rotation runs through a front projection lens of the light module and / or the light module is articulated by the electric drive in a rear area of ​​the light module.

[0021] Particularly large axial forces can be transmitted from the light module to the electric drive if the motor vehicle in which the headlight with the light module is installed is driving over uneven road surfaces. Despite the wheel suspension, shocks and impacts can be transmitted to the body, the attached headlight, and the light module located therein. Vibrations of the body while the motor vehicle is moving, for example, due to engine and / or wheel imbalance, can also lead to increased axial forces being transmitted from the light module to the electric drive.

[0022] The flange section can be formed integrally with the threaded spindle. However, it would also be conceivable for the flange section to be formed separately from the threaded spindle and attached to it. The attachment to the threaded spindle can be non-rotatable or rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle. For example, it is conceivable for the threaded spindle to have a circumferential annular groove into which the flange section is inserted and secured. The attachment in the annular groove can be non-rotatable or rotatable.

[0023] The threaded spindle, together with the actuator, forms a spindle drive that converts the rotary motion of the electric motor shaft into a linear motion of the actuator parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle. Depending on the pitch of the threads of the threaded spindle, the speed of the linear motion can be adjusted faster or slower for a given speed of the threaded spindle, and smaller or larger forces can be transmitted to the light module via the actuator.

[0024] It is conceivable that the flange section of the threaded spindle is designed to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle for support in both directions, i.e., both toward and away from the electric motor. This relieves the rotor of the electric motor of both axial compressive and tensile forces.

[0025] The use of the electric motor together with the threaded spindle and the adjusting element has the advantage of providing a self-locking mechanism for the electric drive against automatic adjustment due to forces exerted by the light module on the electric drive. Axial forces of any kind exerted by the light module on the attached adjusting element of the electric drive cannot cause the threaded spindle to rotate around its longitudinal axis, and thus cannot cause the light module to adjust.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the flange portion of the threaded spindle be supported in the direction of the electric motor. It is conceivable that the flange portion is supported only in the direction of the electric motor and not in the direction away from the electric motor.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the electric motor is designed as a direct current electric motor or rotary motor.

[0028] A DC motor is preferably a two-wire motor with continuous rotation, where the two wires are power and ground (also known as reference potential). When a power supply is applied and current flows, a DC motor begins to rotate until the current flow is interrupted. Most DC motors run at high speeds (rpm). The speed of a DC motor can be controlled using pulse-width modulation (PWM). This rapidly switches the current on and off, resulting in a rectangular current waveform over time.

[0029] The ratio between the time period (t1) with the current switched on within a period and the time period (T) of the period defines the motor speed. For example, if the time period t1 = 25 ms and the period duration T = 100 ms, the duty cycle is t1 / T = 25 / 100 = 25%. This means that the DC motor would rotate at 25% of its maximum speed at 100% operating current.

[0030] To determine the current position of the light module, a position sensor (incremental encoder or absolute encoder) can be used to detect the rotational position of the rotor of the electric motor or the threaded spindle, or to detect the axial longitudinal position of the actuator, or to detect the (e.g., vertical) adjustment position of the light module around the (e.g., horizontal) rotational axis. When approaching a desired end position, the control of the electric motor can be changed such that the speed is reduced to a lower value (> 0 rpm). Upon reaching the end position, the control of the electric motor can be changed such that the speed is reduced to zero.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the threaded spindle is coupled to the motor shaft with its longitudinal axis coaxial with a rotational axis of a motor shaft of the electric motor in a rotationally fixed manner. The motor shaft can be fastened directly to the threaded spindle, for example by gluing, welding, by means of a snap-in connection or by means of a threaded connection. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the threaded spindle to be formed integrally with the motor shaft. Finally, a fastening between the motor shaft and the threaded spindle can also be effected indirectly or indirectly, for example by a spindle housing in which the threaded spindle is accommodated being fastened to one another in the axial direction to the motor housing of the electric motor, in which the rotor or the motor shaft of the electric motor is rotatably guided, such that the threaded spindle is fixed to the motor shaft in the axial direction or coupled to it.In particular, the threaded spindle can engage with the motor shaft in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle or to the rotational axis of the motor shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, so that a torque can be transmitted from the motor shaft to the threaded spindle.

[0032] Preferably, the threaded spindle has play relative to the rotor or motor shaft of the electric motor in the axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle. It would also be conceivable for a one-piece unit consisting of motor shaft and threaded spindle to have axial play relative to the rotor or stator of the electric motor. In particular, it would be conceivable for the rotor in the electric motor to be rotatably mounted with axial play relative to the stator, so that axial loading of the rotor bearings cannot occur. This ensures that the flange section can absorb and divert practically all of the axial forces introduced by the light module into the actuating element and further into the threaded spindle, and keep them away from the rotor or rotor bearing of the electric motor.

[0033] Advantageously, the actuating element has an engagement portion that engages with the thread of the threaded spindle, wherein the engagement portion has an over-locking protection. This over-locking protection prevents excessive axial forces acting from the light module on the electric drive from causing damage to the electric drive, in particular to the actuating element and / or the threaded spindle. Instead, the actuating element or the engagement connection between the actuating element and the threaded spindle skips one or more thread turns on the threaded spindle.

[0034] The over-lock protection preferably comprises a retaining spring, wherein the engagement portion is held in engagement with the thread of the threaded spindle due to the action of the spring force of the retaining spring. If excessive force is applied to the actuating element, the retaining spring is moved against its spring force, whereby the engagement between the engagement portion of the actuating element and the thread of the threaded spindle is briefly released and the actuating element can skip one or more threads of the threaded spindle without damage (neither to the actuating element nor to the threaded rod). The spring force of the retaining spring is dimensioned such that it can withstand the axial forces occurring during normal operation of the electric drive and ensure secure engagement between the engagement portion and the threaded spindle.On the other hand, the retaining spring should enable a reliable, short-term release of the engagement between the engagement section and the threaded spindle when the axial forces exerted by the light module on the actuating element exceed a predeterminable limit or threshold value.

[0035] Instead of a retaining spring as an anti-lock device, a female thread could also be used, which is designed to skip one or more thread turns of the threaded spindle if the axial forces exerted by the light module on the actuating element exceed a predefined limit or threshold value. The use of a female thread has the advantage over a spring element that, during normal operation of the electric drive, when the axial forces exerted by the light module on the actuating element do not exceed a predefined limit or threshold value, a lower torque of the electric motor is sufficient to actuate the spindle gear and adjust the light module or the optically active part of the light module.

[0036] According to another advantageous development of the present invention, it is proposed that the threaded spindle and the adjusting element are accommodated in a spindle housing, wherein the threaded spindle is arranged, preferably mounted, in the spindle housing so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and the adjusting element is arranged, preferably mounted, so as to be rotationally fixed about the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle but parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle so as to be longitudinally displaceable with respect to the spindle housing.

[0037] Preferably, the spindle housing almost completely surrounds the threaded spindle and the actuating element when the electric drive is in the operational state. Only a coupling section of the actuating element, via whose distal end the actuating element can be articulated to the light module or the optically active part of the light module, protrudes from the spindle housing on one side. In particular, the coupling section of the actuating element can protrude from the spindle housing on a side facing away from the electric motor. This side has a through-opening whose cross-section approximately corresponds to the cross-section of the coupling section of the actuating element, so that the coupling section is guided longitudinally displaceably in the through-opening.The through-opening and the cross-section of the coupling section preferably have a corresponding non-rotationally symmetrical shape, so that rotation of the adjusting element about the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle relative to the spindle housing is prevented by the guide in the through-opening.

[0038] Furthermore, the adjusting element preferably has a recess or depression or a hole, e.g., in the form of a bore, inside the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle, in which the threaded spindle can be rotatably received. The shape and size of a cross-section through the recess or depression or the hole is selected, at least in sections, such that the threaded spindle is mounted in the spindle housing indirectly via the adjusting element so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0039] The distal end of the coupling section can have a ball head or a ball socket of a ball joint, via which the electric drive can be articulated to the light module or the optically active part of the light module.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spindle housing, in which the threaded spindle and the actuating element are accommodated, is fixedly secured to a motor housing of the electric motor in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle, or is formed integrally with the motor housing. The electric motor is preferably arranged or fixedly secured in the motor housing in a rotationally fixed manner. This prevents the electric motor and the spindle gear from rotating relative to each other during the intended operation of the electric drive.

[0041] It is particularly preferred if the adjusting element guided on the threaded spindle is designed to be articulated to the light module or the optically active part of the light module via a ball joint. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if a motor housing of the electric motor or a spindle housing in which the threaded spindle and the adjusting element are accommodated is designed to be articulated to a headlight housing of the motor vehicle headlight or a part connected to the headlight housing via a ball joint. In this way, mechanical stresses that may act on the electric drive from the outside or develop therein during normal operation of the electric drive can be reduced, ideally even completely prevented.

[0042] To achieve the object of the present invention, a light module having the features of claim 12 is also proposed. In particular, based on the light module of the type mentioned above, it is proposed that the electric drive, with which the light module or an optically active part of the light module can be adjusted about a rotational axis, be designed as an electric drive according to the invention.

[0043] According to an advantageous development of the present invention, it is proposed that the light module be designed as a projection module, and the means for shaping and / or redirecting the light emitted by the light source comprise a projection lens. The axis of rotation about which the light module or the optically active part of the light module is adjustable preferably runs near or through the projection lens. In this way, movement of the projection lens relative to the light exit surface of the headlight can be kept as small as possible when adjusting the light module or the optically active part of the light module comprising the projection lens.

[0044] With a horizontal or nearly horizontal rotation axis, the light module or the optically effective part of the light module can be adjusted vertically or nearly vertically. In this way, headlight range adjustment can be achieved using the electric drive, for example. If the light module or the optically effective part of the light module is adjusted around a vertical or nearly vertical rotation axis in a horizontal or nearly horizontal direction, dynamic cornering lights can be realized using the electric drive, for example.

[0045] When the motor vehicle headlight is installed in the motor vehicle, the projection lens preferably has a greater extension in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction. In particular, it is proposed that the projection lens, when the motor vehicle headlight is installed in the motor vehicle, has an extension in the horizontal direction that is at least three times greater, preferably five times greater, than the extension of the projection lens in the vertical direction. In this way, together with the particularly small movement of the projection lens during a vertical adjustment of the light module or the optically active part of the light module, very small overall heights and thus very narrow light exit surfaces of a motor vehicle headlight can be realized.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the projection lens has a substantially rectangular shape, viewed opposite to the main radiation direction of the light module. "Substantially rectangular" in this context means that one or more corners of the rectangle can be rounded. Furthermore, this also includes rectangles in which one or more sides are curved inwards or outwards. Furthermore, this also includes rectangles in which opposite sides of the rectangle are not exactly the same length and / or do not run exactly parallel to one another, so that the "rectangle" is thus formed as a so-called trapezoid with slight deviations from a true rectangle.

[0047] Finally, to achieve the object of the present invention, a motor vehicle headlight with the features of claim 16 is proposed. In particular, starting from the motor vehicle headlight of the type mentioned at the outset, it is proposed that the light module arranged in the headlight housing, which emits light through the light exit opening in a main emission direction into an area in front of the motor vehicle and generates at least part of a predetermined light distribution of the motor vehicle headlight, is designed as a light module according to the invention.

[0048] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle headlight according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in a schematic view; Fig. 2 a light module according to the invention of the motor vehicle headlight from Fig. 1 according to a preferred embodiment in a perspective view from the front and diagonally top left; Fig. 3 the light module Fig. 2 in a perspective view from top left; Fig. 4 an electric drive of the light module Fig. 2 according to a preferred embodiment in a sectional view; Fig. 5 the electric drive Fig. 4 in a view partly in section; Fig. 6 a detail of the electric drive from Fig. 4; and Fig. 7 a detail of the electric drive from Fig. 5.

[0049] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows an example of a light module 10 according to the invention in a schematic view. The light module 10 is designed as a so-called projection module with a light source (not shown). The light source can comprise one or more semiconductor light sources, e.g., LEDs or laser dots. Several semiconductor light sources can be arranged next to and / or one above the other in a matrix-like manner, forming a so-called complex light source. Of course, the light module 10 can also comprise any other light source. The light module 10 comprises at least one projection lens 12. In the example shown, the light module 10 has a projection lens 12 with a substantially rectangular peripheral shape—when viewed against a main emission direction 103. Of course, the projection lens 12 can also be designed differently. The projection lens 12 conceals Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the light source arranged behind it. The light source emits light, which is redirected by means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light in the main emission direction 103 into a foreground in front of the motor vehicle and for generating a predetermined light distribution of the light module 10 in the foreground. The means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light can comprise, for example, attachment optics, reflectors, lenses, light guides, or the like. The projection lens 12 is part of the means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light. It forms an intermediate light distribution, which is generated in the light module 10 from the light emitted by the light source, in the main emission direction 103 in the foreground in front of the motor vehicle in order to generate the predetermined light distribution of the light module 10.

[0050] The light module 10 can be in the form of a light module 105 and / or 106, a component of a headlight 101 of a motor vehicle according to the invention, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and is explained in more detail below. The light module 10 or an optically effective part of the light module 10 can be driven by an electric drive 20 (cf. Fig. 4 to 7) can be adjusted about a rotation axis 22. The adjustment is preferably carried out with respect to a headlight housing 102 of the motor vehicle headlight 101. In the example shown, the entire light module 10 is adjustable in the vertical direction about a horizontal rotation axis 22. The vertical adjustment can be used, for example, to implement dynamic headlight range control, wherein the light exit direction 103 can be raised and / or lowered depending on a vehicle condition, e.g., the loading condition of the vehicle, or depending on the traffic situation in the vicinity of the vehicle, e.g., the presence of other road users in front or whether the vehicle is traveling on a motorway or a city street.

[0051] Of course, it would also be conceivable to configure not the entire light module 10, but only a part of the light module 10, for example, a so-called light engine comprising the light source and means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light, so as to be adjustable about the rotation axis 22, with the projection lens 12 being fixed. Other parts of the light module 10 can also be adjusted about a rotation axis 22 by the electric drive 20, for example, a diaphragm for generating a light-dark boundary of the light distribution or the projection lens 12.

[0052] Of course, it would also be possible, alternatively or in addition to the vertical adjustment, to adjust the light module 10 or its optically effective part horizontally around a vertical axis of rotation. In principle, the adjustment can be performed around one or more arbitrary axes of rotation, with a separate electric drive 20 preferably being provided for the adjustment around each of the axes of rotation.

[0053] The headlight for motor vehicles is in Fig. 1 is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 101. The motor vehicle headlight 101 comprises a headlight housing 102, which is preferably made of plastic. In a light exit direction 103, the headlight housing 102 has a light exit opening which is closed by a transparent cover plate 104. The cover plate 104 is made of colorless plastic or glass. The cover plate 104 can be designed without optically effective profiles as a so-called clear plate. Alternatively, the cover plate 104 can be provided at least in some regions with optically effective profiles (e.g., cylindrical lenses or prisms) which scatter the light passing through, preferably in a horizontal direction.

[0054] In the example shown, two light modules 105, 106 are arranged inside the headlight housing 102. The light modules 105, 106 are arranged fixedly or movable relative to the headlight housing 102. A dynamic cornering light function can be realized by a relative movement of the light modules 105, 106 to the headlight housing 102 in the horizontal direction. A movement of the light modules 105, 106 about the horizontal axis of rotation 22, i.e., in the vertical direction, can achieve headlight range control. Of course, more or fewer than the two light modules 105, 106 shown can be provided in the headlight housing 102. At least one of the light modules 105, 106 is designed as a light module 10 according to the invention. The light modules 105, 106 can also be mounted in a common support frame. It would be conceivable that the light modules 105, 106 can be moved together in the support frame.

[0055] A control unit 107 can be arranged in a control unit housing 108 on the outside of the headlight housing 102. Of course, the control unit 107 can also be arranged at any other location on the motor vehicle headlight 101. In particular, a separate control unit can be provided for each of the light modules 105, 106, wherein the control units can be an integral part of the light modules 105, 106. Of course, the control unit 107 can also be arranged remotely from the motor vehicle headlight 101, for example, in the engine compartment of the motor vehicle. The control unit 107 serves to control and / or regulate the light modules 105, 106 orof subcomponents of the light modules 105, 106, such as light sources of the light modules 105, 106 or actuators for horizontal and / or vertical adjustment of the light modules 105, 106 or diaphragm elements of the light modules, in particular actuators for varying the size of a diaphragm opening of the diaphragm elements.

[0056] The control of the light modules 105, 106 or the subcomponents by the control unit 107 is carried out via connecting lines 110, which are Fig. 1 are shown merely symbolically by a dashed line. The light modules 105, 106 can also be supplied with electrical energy via the connecting lines 110. The connecting lines 110 are led from the interior of the motor vehicle headlight 101 through an opening in the headlight housing 102 into the control unit housing 108 and there connected to the circuit of the control unit 107. If control units are provided as an integral component of the light modules 105, 106, the connecting lines 110 and the opening in the headlight housing 102 can be omitted. Finally, the control unit 107 can comprise a plug element 109 for connecting a connecting cable to a higher-level control unit (e.g. in the form of a so-called body controller unit) and / or a power source (e.g. in the form of the vehicle battery).

[0057] A Cartesian coordinate system is in Fig. 2, to which reference is made in the following explanations. An x-axis corresponds to the light exit direction 103 of the light from the light module 10. When the light module 10 is aligned horizontally, this can correspond to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle into which the motor vehicle headlight 101 is installed. A y-axis runs horizontally and perpendicular to the x-axis. A z-axis runs vertically and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis. A horizontal adjustment of the light module 10 thus corresponds to a movement in the direction of the y-axis about an axis of rotation parallel to the z-axis, and a vertical adjustment to a movement in the direction of the z-axis about the axis of rotation 22 parallel to the y-axis.

[0058] The electric drive 20 according to the invention for adjusting the alignment of the light module 10 of the motor vehicle headlight 101 or of an optically effective part of the light module 10 about the rotation axis 22 has an electric motor 24, a threaded spindle 26, which can be driven by the electric motor 24 for rotation about its longitudinal axis 28, and an actuating element 30 guided on the threaded spindle 26. The actuating element 30 engages with an external thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26. Upon rotation of the threaded spindle 26 about its longitudinal axis 28, the actuating element 30 performs a linear movement 34 parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. The actuating element 30 is articulated to the light module 10 or to the optically effective part of the light module 10 at a distance from the rotation axis 22. A pivot point 36 is in Fig. 3 is shown as an example as the rear part of a holding frame 38.

[0059] It can be seen that the distance 40 between the rotational axis 22, which preferably runs near or through the projection lens 12, and the pivot point 36 is very large. The electric drive 20 is designed to absorb larger actuating forces and realize larger actuating ranges. Furthermore, the electric drive 20 is designed such that forces acting on the electric drive 20 by the light module 10 or the pivoted part of the light module 10 are kept away from the electric motor 24.

[0060] This can be achieved in that the threaded spindle 26 has a flange section 44 supported with respect to a motor housing 42 of the electric motor 24 in at least one direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. Axial forces which, without the flange section 44, would act from the light module 10 via the actuating element 30 hinged thereto and the threaded spindle 26 onto the electric motor 24 or its rotor and rotor bearings, can be absorbed via the flange section 44 and diverted to the motor housing 42 of the electric motor 24 and from there further to parts of the motor vehicle headlight 101 or the headlight housing 102 to which the electric motor 24 or the motor housing 42 is fastened. In this way, the forces exerted by the light module 10 on the electric drive 20 can be kept away from the rotor of the electric motor 24 and corresponding rotor bearings, etc., thereby relieving the load on the electric motor 24

[0061] The electric motor 24 is subjected to only very low axial forces even when the light module 10 exerts greater forces on the electric drive 20 due to a particularly large distance 40 between the rotational axis 22 of the light module 10 and the articulation point 36 of the actuating element 30 on the light module 10. The electric drive 20 is thus particularly suitable for adjusting light modules 10 in which the rotational axis 22 extends through a front projection lens 12 of the light module 10 and / or the light module 10 is articulated in a rear region by the electric drive 20.

[0062] The flange portion 44 can be formed integrally with the threaded spindle 26. However, it would also be conceivable for the flange portion 44 to be formed separately from the threaded spindle 26 and fastened thereto. The fastening to the threaded spindle 26 can be designed to be non-rotatable or rotatable about the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. For example, it is conceivable for the threaded spindle 26 to have a circumferential annular groove (not shown) in which the flange portion 44 is received and fastened. The fastening in the annular groove can be designed to be non-rotatable or rotatable.

[0063] The threaded spindle 26, together with the actuating element 30, forms a spindle gear 46, which generates a rotary movement of a motor shaft 48 (cf. Fig. 6) of the electric motor 24 into a linear movement 34 of the actuating element 30 parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. Depending on the pitch of the threads of the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26, the speed of the linear movement 34 can be adjusted faster or slower for a given speed of the threaded spindle 26, and smaller or larger actuating forces can be transmitted to the light module 10 by the actuating element 30.

[0064] It is conceivable that the flange section 44 of the threaded spindle 26 is designed for support in both directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26, i.e. both in the direction toward the electric motor 24 and away from the electric motor 24. In this way, the rotor of the electric motor 24 is relieved of both axial compressive forces and axial tensile forces. Corresponding holding sections are provided in Fig. 6 with the reference numerals 50 and 52. The two holding sections 50, 52 are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction and delimit a receiving section 54 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. The flange section 44 is preferably arranged in the receiving section 54 and is thus supported in both directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 28. In particular, the flange section 44 is supported by the holding section 50 in the direction away from the electric motor 24 (+z direction) and by the holding section 52 in the direction of the electric motor 24 (-z direction) with respect to the motor housing 42 or the electric motor 24 arranged therein.

[0065] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the flange section 44 of the threaded spindle 26 to be supported only in the direction toward the electric motor 24 and not in the direction away from the electric motor 24. This would at least protect the electric motor 24 from compressive forces. It would also be conceivable for the flange section 44 of the threaded spindle 26 to be supported only in the direction away from the electric motor 24 and not in the direction toward the electric motor 24. This would at least protect the electric motor 24 from tensile forces.

[0066] The holding sections 50, 52 are preferably formed or arranged on the motor housing 42 or a component connected thereto. In the example shown, the holding section 50 is formed on a spindle housing 56 and the holding section 52 is formed on the motor housing 42, wherein the spindle housing 56 is fastened to the motor housing 42 or is formed integrally therewith. Fig. Figure 7 shows that the electric motor 24 is non-rotatably mounted in the motor housing 42. The mounting is achieved by means of mounting flanges 58 and 60 on the motor 24 and the motor housing 42 and corresponding fastening means 62, for example in the form of screws, rivets, or the like.

[0067] If the spindle housing 56 is formed separately from the motor housing 42, the fastening of the electric motor 24 in the motor housing 42 can simultaneously be used to fasten the spindle housing 56 to the motor housing 42. Other fastening methods are also conceivable, for example, by means of adhesive, welding, a clip, or a snap-in connection. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the motor housing 42 and the spindle housing 56 to be fastened to one another indirectly via another component.

[0068] It is proposed that the electric motor 24 be designed as a DC electric motor or a rotary motor. Unlike in the prior art, where the electric motor 24 of such an electric drive 20 is typically designed as a stepper motor, a DC electric motor or a rotary motor in conjunction with a sufficiently long threaded spindle 26 can achieve particularly long travel distances. These are achieved when the distance 40 between the rotational axis 22 and the pivot point 36 of the electric drive 20 is particularly large.

[0069] In the example shown, the threaded spindle 26 with its longitudinal axis 28 is coaxial with a rotation axis 64 of the motor shaft 48 of the electric motor 24 (cf. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) is fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the motor shaft 48. The fastening can take place directly between the motor shaft 48 and the threaded spindle 26, for example by means of gluing, welding, a snap-in connection or a threaded connection. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the threaded spindle 26 to be formed integrally with the motor shaft 48. Finally, the fastening between the motor shaft 48 and the threaded spindle 26 can also take place indirectly, for example by fastening the spindle housing 56, in which the threaded spindle 26 is received, to the motor housing 42 of the electric motor 24, in which the rotor or the motor shaft 48 of the electric motor 24 is rotatably guided, in the axial direction, so that the threaded spindle 26 is also fixed in the axial direction to the motor shaft 48. In particular, the threaded spindle 26 can in this case be arranged in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis 28 orthe rotation axis 64 must be non-rotatably coupled to the motor shaft 48 so that a torque can be transmitted from the motor shaft 48 to the threaded spindle 26.

[0070] Furthermore, in the example shown, the threaded spindle 26 has play relative to the rotor or motor shaft 48 of the electric motor 24 in the axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. This ensures that the flange portion 44 can absorb, divert, and keep away from the rotor or rotor bearing of the electric motor 24 virtually all of the axial forces introduced by the light module 10 or the optically active part of the light module 10, to which the electric drive 20 is coupled, into the actuating element 30 and further into the threaded spindle 26.

[0071] Furthermore, in the example shown, the adjusting element 30 has an engagement portion 66 that engages with the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26. The engagement portion 66 can have an over-lock protection 68. This over-lock protection 68 prevents excessively large axial forces acting from the light module 10 on the electric drive 20 from causing damage to the electric drive 20, in particular to the spindle gear 46 (adjusting element 30 and / or threaded spindle 26). Instead, the adjusting element 30 or the engagement connection between the adjusting element 30 and the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26 skips one or more thread turns on the threaded spindle 26.

[0072] The over-lock protection 68 can comprise a retaining spring, wherein the engagement portion 66 is held in engagement with the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26 due to the action of the spring force of the retaining spring. If excessive force is applied to the adjusting element 30 in the axial direction, the retaining spring is moved against its spring force, whereby the engagement between the engagement portion 66 of the adjusting element 30 and the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26 is released until the axial force is released, and the adjusting element 30 can skip one or more threads of the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26 without damaging the spindle gear 46.The spring force of the retaining spring is dimensioned such that the spindle gear 46 can withstand the axial forces occurring during the intended operation of the electric drive 20 (the axial forces do not exceed a predeterminable limit or threshold value) and can ensure a secure engagement between the engagement section 66 of the actuating element 30 and the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26. On the other hand, the retaining spring is intended to enable a reliable, temporary release of the engagement between the engagement section 66 and the threaded spindle 26 when the axial forces exerted by the light module 10 on the actuating element 30 exceed a predeterminable limit or threshold value.

[0073] Instead of a retaining spring as an over-lock protection 68, a nut thread could also be used, which is designed to skip one or more thread turns of the thread 32 of the threaded spindle 26 when the axial forces exerted by the light module 10 on the actuating element 30 exceed a predeterminable limit or threshold value.

[0074] The threaded spindle 26 and the adjusting element 30 are accommodated in a spindle housing 56 in the example shown. The threaded spindle 26 is arranged, preferably mounted, in the spindle housing 56 so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis 28. The adjusting element 30 is arranged, preferably mounted, so as to be rotationally fixed about the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26 but is longitudinally displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 with respect to the spindle housing 56. Fig. 4 shows a portion of the spindle housing 56, which is open toward the viewer. The spindle gear 46 can be assembled and mounted through this opening. The spindle housing 56 includes a counterholder or cover 70 (see FIG. Fig. 5) for closing the opening. The counterholder or cover 70 can be releasably or permanently attached to the remaining part of the spindle housing 56. In particular, the counterholder or cover 70 can be attached to the remaining part of the spindle housing 56 by means of gluing, welding, a clip or snap-in connection 74, and / or by means of screws 72.

[0075] In the example shown, the spindle housing 56 almost completely surrounds the threaded spindle 26 and the actuating element 30 when the electric drive 20 is in an operational state. Only a coupling section 76 of the actuating element 30, via whose distal end 78 the actuating element 30 can be articulated to the light module 10 or the optically active part of the light module 10, protrudes from the spindle housing 56 on one side. The coupling section 76 preferably has a longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26. In particular, the coupling section 76 of the actuating element 30 protrudes from the spindle housing 56 on a side of the spindle housing 56 facing away from the electric motor 24. The spindle housing 56 has on this side a through-opening 80, the cross-section of which corresponds approximately to the cross-section of the coupling section 76 of the actuating element 30, so that the coupling section 76 of the actuating element 30 is guided in the through-opening 80 in a longitudinally displaceable manner.The through-opening 80 and the cross-section of the coupling section 76 of the actuating element 30 preferably have a corresponding non-rotationally symmetrical shape, so that rotation of the actuating element 30 about the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26 relative to the spindle housing 56 is prevented by the guide in the through-opening 80.

[0076] Furthermore, the adjusting element 30 preferably has a recess or depression 82 or a hole, for example in the form of a bore, in the interior along the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26, in which the threaded spindle 26 can be rotatably received and longitudinally displaceably relative to the adjusting element 30. The shape and size of a cross-section through the recess or depression 82 or the hole is selected, at least in sections, such that the threaded spindle 26 is mounted in the spindle housing 56 indirectly via the adjusting element 30 so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis 28.

[0077] In the example shown, the distal end 78 of the actuating element 30 has a ball head of a ball joint, via which the electric drive 20 is articulated to the light module 10 or the optically active part of the light module 10. Alternatively, the distal end 78 can also have a ball socket of a ball joint. Any other configuration of the distal end 78 is also conceivable.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the motor housing 42 of the electric motor 24 can be articulated via a further ball joint to the headlight housing 102 of the motor vehicle headlight 101 or to a part firmly connected to the headlight housing 102. For this purpose, a ball head of a ball joint can be arranged on an end 84 of the electric drive 20 or the motor housing 42 opposite the distal end 78 of the actuating element 30 (see FIG. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). Alternatively, the distal end 84 can also have a ball socket of a ball joint. Any other configuration of the distal end 84 is also conceivable. In this way, mechanical stresses that may act on the electric drive 20 from the outside or develop therein during its intended operation can be reduced, ideally even completely prevented. Furthermore, due to the suspension of the electric drive 20 via ball joints at the distal ends 78, 84, an additional horizontal adjustment of the light module 10 about a vertical axis of rotation has virtually no effect on the vertical adjustment of the light module 10 described here.

[0079] The spindle housing 56 is preferably attached to the motor housing 42 of the electric motor 24 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 28 of the threaded spindle 26, or is formed integrally therewith. The electric motor 24 is preferably arranged or attached in the motor housing 42 in a rotationally fixed manner. This prevents the electric motor 24 and the spindle gear 46 from rotating relative to one another during the intended operation of the electric drive 20.

[0080] In the Fig. 2 and Fig.In the light module 10 shown in Figure 3, the axis of rotation 22 is defined by a mechanical bearing of the light module 10 in the region of the axis of rotation 22. For this purpose, bearing elements 88 of a fixed bearing are formed laterally on opposite sides of a lens holder 86, which interact with correspondingly designed bearing elements on a fixed part of the motor vehicle headlight 101, e.g., the headlight housing 102. The projection lens 12 is positioned and fastened to the holding frame 38 of the light module 10 via the lens holder 86. Also arranged on the holding frame 38 is a heat sink 90, which is designed to dissipate the waste heat generated during operation of the light sources. The light sources are preferably arranged directly on the heat sink 90 or are in a heat-conducting connection with it.Downstream of the projection lens 12 in the light exit direction 103 is the cover plate 104, which in this example, similar to the projection lens 12, has a rectangular shape. The cover plate 104 forms the light exit surface of the motor vehicle headlight 101.

[0081] As an alternative to a fixed bearing with the bearing elements 88, the light module 10 can also be rotatably mounted via circular guideways arranged at a distance from the rotation axis 22. A center point of the circular guideways lies on the rotation axis 22.

[0082] Because the rotation axis 22 runs near or through the projection lens 12, a movement of the projection lens 12 relative to the light exit surface of the motor vehicle headlight 101 can be kept as small as possible during an adjustment of the light module 10 or the optically effective part of the light module 10 comprising the projection lens 12.

[0083] When the motor vehicle headlight 101 is installed in the motor vehicle, the projection lens 12 preferably has a greater extension in a horizontal direction (width) than in a vertical direction (height H). Preferably, the width of the projection lens 12 is at least three times greater, preferably five times greater, than the height H when the motor vehicle headlight 101 is installed in the motor vehicle. In this way, together with the particularly small movement of the projection lens 12 during the vertical adjustment of the light module 10 or the optically active part of the light module 10, very small overall heights and thus very narrow light exit surfaces of the motor vehicle headlight 101 can be realized.

Claims

[1] Electric drive (20) for adjusting the alignment of a light module (10) of a motor vehicle headlight (101) or of an optically effective part of the light module (10) about a rotational axis (22), wherein the electric drive (20) comprises an electric motor (24), a threaded spindle (26) which can be driven by the electric motor (24) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (28), and an adjusting element (30) guided on the threaded spindle (26) which engages with a thread (32) of the threaded spindle (26), which executes a linear movement (34) parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) upon rotation of the threaded spindle (26) about its longitudinal axis (28), and which can be articulated on the light module (10) or the optically effective part of the light module (10) at a distance (40) from the rotational axis (22), characterized byin that the threaded spindle (26) has a flange section (44) supported with respect to a motor housing (42) of the electric motor (24) in at least one direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) during the adjustment of the orientation of the light module (10) or of the optically active part of the light module (10). [2] Electric drive (20) according to claim 1, wherein the flange portion (44) of the threaded spindle (26) is supported in the direction of the electric motor (24). [3] Electric drive (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electric motor (24) is designed as a DC electric motor. [4] Electric drive (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded spindle (26) is coupled with its longitudinal axis (28) coaxially to a rotation axis (64) of a motor shaft (48) of the electric motor (24) in a rotationally fixed manner to the motor shaft (48). [5] Electric drive (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (30) has an engagement portion (66) which engages with the thread (32) of the threaded spindle (26), wherein the engagement portion (66) has an over-lock protection (68). [6] Electric drive (20) according to claim 5, wherein the over-lock protection (68) comprises a retaining spring, wherein the engagement portion (66) is held in engagement with the thread (32) of the threaded spindle (26) due to the action of the spring force of the retaining spring. [7] Electric drive (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded spindle (26) and the adjusting element (30) are accommodated in a spindle housing (56), wherein the threaded spindle (26) is arranged rotatably about its longitudinal axis (28) in the spindle housing (56) and the adjusting element (30) is arranged rotationally fixed about the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) but parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) and longitudinally displaceable with respect to the spindle housing (56). [8] Electric drive (20) according to claim 7, wherein the actuating element (30) has a coupling section (76) with which it can be articulated at the distance (40) from the axis of rotation (22) on the light module (10) or the optically active part of the light module (10), wherein the coupling section (76) is guided in the spindle housing (56) in a rotationally fixed manner about the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) but parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) so as to be longitudinally displaceable with respect to the spindle housing (56). [9] Electric drive (20) according to claim 8, wherein the coupling section (76) has a longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) and a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section. [10] Electric drive (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded spindle (26) and the actuating element (30) are accommodated in a spindle housing (56) and the spindle housing (56) is fixedly secured to a motor housing (42) of the electric motor (24) in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis (28) of the threaded spindle (26) or is formed integrally therewith. [11] Electric drive (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (30) guided on the threaded spindle (26) on the one hand and / or a motor housing (42) of the electric motor (24) or a spindle housing (56) in which the threaded spindle (26) and the actuating element (30) are accommodated, on the other hand, can be articulated via a ball joint to the light module (10) or the optically active part of the light module (10) or to a headlight housing (102) of the motor vehicle headlight (101) or to a component firmly connected thereto. [12] Light module (10) of a motor vehicle headlight (101), comprising a light source for emitting light and means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light in a main radiation direction (103) into a foreground in front of the motor vehicle and for generating a predetermined light distribution of the light module (10) in the foreground, wherein the light module (10) or an optically effective part of the light module (10) is adjustable about a rotation axis (22) by means of an electric drive (20), characterized by that the electric drive (20) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. [13] Light module (10) according to claim 12, wherein the means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light comprise a projection lens (12), wherein the axis of rotation (22) extends near or through the projection lens (12). [14] Light module (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the means for shaping and / or redirecting the emitted light comprise a projection lens (12), wherein the projection lens (12) has a greater extension in a horizontal direction (y) than in a vertical direction (z) when the motor vehicle headlight (101) is installed in the motor vehicle. [15] Light module (10) according to claim 14, wherein the projection lens (12) has an extension in the horizontal direction (y) when the motor vehicle headlight (101) is installed in the motor vehicle, which is at least three times greater, preferably five times greater, than an extension of the projection lens (12) in the vertical direction (z). [16] Light module (10) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the means for shaping and / or deflecting the emitted light comprise a projection lens (12), wherein the projection lens (12) has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed opposite to the main emission direction (103). [17] A motor vehicle headlight (101) designed for installation in or attachment to a motor vehicle, comprising a headlight housing (102) with a light exit opening, wherein a light module (10; 105, 106) is arranged in the headlight housing (102), which light module emits light through the light exit opening in a main emission direction (103) into an area in front of the motor vehicle and generates at least part of a predetermined light distribution of the motor vehicle headlight (101) in the area in front of the motor vehicle, wherein the light module (10; 105, 106) or an optically effective part of the light module (10; 105, 106) is adjustable about a rotation axis (22) by means of an electric drive (20), characterized bythat the light module (10) is designed according to one of claims 12 to 16.

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