PROJECTOR FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Projector (1) for a vehicle, the projector (1) comprising: - at least one light source (3) designed to emit light, - an arrangement of several lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c), wherein - each lens (9a, 9b, 9c) is assigned to a transmitted light image (7a, 7b, 7c) from the multitude of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) and - the lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) are configured to project the light shining through the corresponding transmitted light images (7a, 7b, 7c) as partial images (11a, 11b, 11c) onto a projection surface (12) such that the individual partial images (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) are projected side by side onto the projection surface (12) and all partial images (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) together produce a complete image (10), characterized in that the projector comprises at least one light guide (4) to direct the light emitted by the at least one light source (3) onto a plurality of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) and the light guide (4) has an arrangement of output coupling elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c), and the arrangement of The coupling elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) are designed to couple the light out of the optical fiber (4) and in the direction of the transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) in such a way as to couple the light out of the optical fiber (4) and in the direction of the transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c),that maximum homogeneity of the overall photographic image (10) is achieved,

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a projector suitable for use on and / or in a vehicle. The projector comprises at least one illuminant, at least one light guide, preferably at least one planar light guide, a plurality of transmitted light images, and an arrangement of multiple lenses. Each of the multiple lenses is assigned to a transmitted light image from the plurality of transmitted light images. State of the art

[0002] Projectors are known from the prior art in which light is emitted by a light source. In a conventional projector, this light is directed via a condenser onto a transmitted light image, commonly referred to as a slide. The condenser usually comprises one or more spaced-apart optical lenses. The light passing through the transmitted light image is then projected onto a projection surface by means of a lens. To ensure that the image projected onto the projection surface is sufficiently sharp, the lens usually comprises several spaced-apart optical lenses.

[0003] The distance between the optical lens of the condenser and the light source, as well as the distance between the optical lens of the objective and the transmitted light image, are currently determined by the focal lengths of the lenses. This typically results in an increased depth or length of the projector. This increased depth or length of the projector can only be reduced to a limited extent due to the focal lengths of the respective lenses. For use in a vehicle, however, the projector must have a particularly compact design and small external dimensions. This is due to the fact that only limited installation space is or can be provided for the projector in a vehicle.

[0004] In this respect, the projectors known from the state of the art are usually only suitable to a limited extent for use in a vehicle.

[0005] Regardless of this, the optical lenses of the condenser and the optical lenses of the objective lens are made of glass or plastic with a non-reflective coating in the state of the art. The production of such lenses is therefore complex and costly. However, a projector intended for use in a vehicle must be inexpensive and easy to manufacture. For this reason, the projectors known from the state of the art are only suitable for use in vehicles to a limited extent.

[0006] WO 2020 / 074218 A1 shows a motor vehicle light module comprising at least one microprojector and at least one at least partially translucent projection wall element, wherein the at least one microprojector is configured to generate a light distribution, wherein the light distribution can be projected onto the at least one at least partially translucent projection wall element in the form of a predeterminable light pattern.

[0007] DE 10 2017 208 241 A1 shows a light guide for generating a predetermined light image of a pixel of a matrix light with a coupling geometry.

[0008] DE 102 31 326 A1 shows a lighting unit for vehicles with a plurality of lighting elements arranged at a distance from one another, each of which is assigned a light element.

[0009] DE 10 2017 204 097 A1 discloses an optical system with a plurality of optical fibers connected to each other via a common connecting section. The optical fibers are arranged in such a way that the light paths of the optical fibers are brought closer together in the direction of radiation.

[0010] WO 2022 / 237932 A1 shows an optical device with a transparent substrate and a continuous transparent layer surrounding the substrate on at least three sides.

[0011] AT 505 572 A1 shows a light signal for use in road traffic with at least one luminous element. Description of the invention

[0012] Based on the above-mentioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a projector for a vehicle that eliminates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a projector that can be manufactured cost-effectively, requires little installation space, and simultaneously produces a large and sharp light image.

[0013] This object is achieved with a projector according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and / or are explained in the following description.

[0014] The solution according to the invention consists in the projector, which is optimally suited for use in and / or on a vehicle, comprising one or more light sources, one or more light guides, a plurality of transmitted light images, and an arrangement of several lenses. The projector is preferably suitable for use in the interior of a vehicle.

[0015] The illuminant is designed to emit light. The illuminant can, for example, comprise an LED lamp and / or be an LED lamp (OLED, LED, RGB LED, white LED, etc.). Preferably, the illuminant comprises one or more light sources. If the illuminant comprises multiple light sources, each light source can emit light in a color spectrum that differs from the color spectra of the light of the other light sources.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the projector may have multiple light sources. If the projector has multiple light sources, each light source may emit light in a color spectrum that differs from the color spectra of the light of the other light sources. Regardless of this, the multiple light sources may be spaced apart from each other.

[0017] The light emitted by the illuminant is preferably introduced into the light guide. Particularly preferably, the light is introduced via an edge-side, for example, front-side, light-coupling surface of the light guide. According to the invention, the light guide is designed to guide the light emitted by the illuminant onto the plurality of transmitted light images. For the purposes of this invention, the term "transmitted light image" refers to a body that is at least partially translucent, preferably at least partially transparent. A transmitted light image can, for example, be a transparent film that has at least partially an opaque and / or light-filtering coating.

[0018] According to the invention, each transmitted-light image is assigned a lens, in particular a single lens from the arrangement of multiple lenses. Preferably, each transmitted-light image is arranged between a lens of the arrangement of multiple lenses and the light guide. This ensures, in particular, that the light guided by the light guide to the corresponding transmitted-light image can at least partially pass through the corresponding transmitted-light image and strike the lens behind it.

[0019] According to the invention, each lens in the array of multiple lenses is designed to project the light passing through the corresponding transmitted light image from the plurality of transmitted light images into a partial light image, in particular into a single partial light image. The corresponding partial light image is projected onto a projection surface. At the same time, the lenses are arranged and / or designed such that the individual partial light images are projected side by side onto the projection surface. According to the invention, all partial light images then jointly generate an overall light image.

[0020] The functionality of the projector according to the invention advantageously ensures that many smaller, juxtaposed, and optically sharply projected partial light images produce a large, optically sharply projected overall light image for a viewer. This means that only very small lenses are required for the individual partial light images. Even lenses with a weak optical power can be sufficient for the sharp projection of the respective partial light image.

[0021] Due to the use of the light guide, in particular due to the use of a flat light guide, the condenser can be omitted in the projector according to the invention. This has the advantage that the overall dimensions of the project, in particular the depth and length of the projector, can be significantly reduced.

[0022] The projector according to the invention has the advantage that the projector can be manufactured cost-effectively, requires little installation space and at the same time produces a large and sharp overall light image.

[0023] In an exemplary development of the projector according to the invention, the lenses are designed to project the partial light images onto the projection surface in such a way that the individual partial light images do not overlap. In other words, the partial light images are preferably not superimposed on the projection surface. Additionally, the lenses can be designed to project the partial light images onto the projection surface in such a way that the individual partial light images are projected adjacent to one another, in particular directly adjacent to one another, onto the projection surface. This means that the individual partial light images on the projection surface are not spaced apart from one another or are spaced apart only so slightly that the boundaries between the individual partial light images are not visually perceptible.

[0024] The individual partial light images can be projected next to one another in a matrix-like manner onto the projection surface. For example, several partial light images projected next to one another horizontally can together form a row of partial light images. Several partial light images projected next to one another vertically can together form a column of partial light images. Preferably, the projector, in particular the arrangement of several lenses, is designed to project several adjacent rows and / or several adjacent columns onto a projection surface. Advantageously, all columns and rows together produce an overall light image.

[0025] The refinement, in which the partial light images do not overlap and / or adjoin one another, advantageously ensures that there is no optical interference between the individual partial light images. This results in the complexity of the design of the individual lenses being further reduced. One advantage of such an embodiment is that the projector can be manufactured even more cost-effectively without negatively affecting the optical representation of the overall light image.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the lenses is designed to project the respective partial light image exclusively onto a corresponding partial projection surface, in particular one assigned to the respective lens. Each partial projection surface is preferably a section or part of the projection surface. For example, the projection surface can be divided into several different partial projection surfaces, in particular into several different but equally sized partial projection surfaces. Each of the lenses can then be designed to project the respective partial light image exclusively onto the corresponding partial projection surface, in particular the one assigned to the respective lens. The partial projection surfaces can all be arranged within one plane. Alternatively, some of the partial projection surfaces can be arranged within a first plane.Another portion of the partial projection surfaces can be arranged within a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are spaced apart from one another, in particular parallel to one another. Alternatively or additionally, the partial projection surfaces can be arranged within different planes.

[0027] Each objective lens can be designed as a lens, in particular a freeform lens and / or an aspherical lens. If necessary, each objective lens can have an inclination independent of the other objectives, for example, an inclination to the left, right, up, and / or down, in order to project the respective partial light image exclusively onto the corresponding partial projection surface, in particular the one assigned to the respective objective lens.

[0028] The embodiment in which each of the lenses is designed to project the respective partial light image exclusively onto a corresponding partial projection surface also advantageously ensures that there is no optical interference between the individual partial light images. This results in the complexity of the design of the individual lenses being further reduced. One advantage of such an embodiment is that the projector can be manufactured even more cost-effectively without negatively affecting the optical representation of the overall light image.

[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment, the projector has a lens body. The lens body preferably comprises all of the lenses in the arrangement of multiple lenses. For example, the lens body forms the arrangement of the multiple lenses. The lens body is preferably formed in one piece. This means that the lens body can be molded together with all of the lenses. The lens body can be manufactured using an injection molding process, preferably in a single injection molding process. The lens body preferably consists at least partially of polycarbonate (PC) and / or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), silicone, epoxy resin, and / or glass.

[0030] The lens body advantageously allows for the simple and cost-effective assembly of multiple lenses. This has the advantage of further reducing the projector's manufacturing costs.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the projector can have a transmitted-light image body. Preferably, the transmitted-light image body comprises all of the transmitted-light images of the plurality of transmitted-light images. For example, the transmitted-light image body forms the plurality of transmitted-light images. The transmitted-light image body can have one or more transparent films, each film having an opaque and / or light-filtering coating at least in sections. Preferably, the transmitted-light image body is arranged between the light guide and the lens body. Preferably, no further component is arranged between the transmitted-light image body and the light guide. Alternatively or additionally, no further component can be arranged between the transmitted-light image body and the lens body. This particularly reduces the number of components of the projector.

[0032] The transmitted light image body advantageously allows the numerous transmitted light images to be exchanged very easily and quickly. This has the advantage of expanding the projector's application range. At the same time, manufacturing costs are reduced, especially since the same projector can always be used for different overall images, requiring only the transmitted light image body to be replaced.

[0033] In an advantageous development, the light guide is designed to guide the light emitted by the illuminant directly onto the plurality of transmitted light images. In other words, no additional components are required between the illuminant and the plurality of transmitted light images. Preferably, no additional components are arranged between the light guide and the plurality of transmitted light images. Independently of this, the light guide can be designed to redirect the light during guidance.

[0034] The refinement, in which the light guide is designed to direct the light emitted by the lamp directly onto the multitude of transmitted light images, advantageously results in a significant reduction in the number of components required for the projector. This further reduces the manufacturing costs and external dimensions of the projector. This has the advantage that the projector can be manufactured cost-effectively, requires little installation space, and still produces a large and sharp overall light image.

[0035] According to the invention, the light guide, in particular a planar light guide, has an arrangement of output coupling elements. The arrangement of output coupling elements is designed to output or guide the light guided through the light guide out of the light guide and in the direction of the transmitted light images by means of the output coupling elements, in particular to output or guide the light in such a way that the individual partial light images and / or the overall light image on the projection surface are as homogeneous as possible. Each output coupling element can be designed as an elevation, a depression, and / or an inclusion. The elevations, depressions, and / or inclusions are preferably each in the micrometer range.

[0036] In other words, the output coupling elements can be of the same or different size, shape, density, etc. The output coupling elements can be designed to emit the useful light with uniform brightness across the entire surface. Independently of this, the output coupling elements can be designed to emit the useful light with uneven brightness across the entire surface, for example, to display light patterns. Alternatively or additionally, the output coupling elements can be designed as imperfections in the light guide.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the output coupling elements, the output coupling elements are injection-molded onto the light guide and / or embossed into the light guide. Preferably, the output coupling elements are injection-molded onto a side of the light guide facing away from the transmitted light images and / or embossed onto a side of the light guide facing away from the transmitted light images. By injection-molding the output coupling elements onto the side of the light guide facing away from the transmitted light images, the output coupling elements can be provided by elevations on the surface of the light guide. By embossing the output coupling elements onto the side of the light guide facing away from the transmitted light images, the output coupling elements can be provided by depressions on the surface of the light guide. Injection-molding and / or embossing the output coupling elements onto the side of the light guide facing away from the transmitted light images enables a particularly simple and integral provision of the arrangement of output coupling elements.

[0038] The arrangement of output coupling elements advantageously ensures that the light can be coupled out of the light guide in a particularly targeted manner and / or directed to the plurality of transmitted light images in a particularly targeted manner. This has the advantage of improving the exposure of the plurality of transmitted light images and thus further enhancing the quality of the overall light image generated by the projector.

[0039] Analogous to the arrangement of output coupling elements, the projector can have an input coupling structure. The input coupling structure is preferably designed to couple or introduce the light emitted by the illuminant into the light guide.

[0040] In a further exemplary embodiment of the projector, the light guide, in particular a planar light guide, can have a plurality of arrangements of output elements. Preferably, the plurality of arrangements of output elements are each spaced apart from one another. Each of the arrangements of output elements can be assigned to a transmitted light image from the plurality of transmitted light images. For example, a first arrangement of output elements can be assigned to a first transmitted light image. A second arrangement of output elements can be assigned to a second transmitted light image. The first arrangement of output elements is spaced apart from the second arrangement of output elements. The first transmitted light image is a transmitted light image spaced apart from the second transmitted light image. In other words, the light output by the first arrangement of output elements is primarily directed onto the first transmitted light image.The light coupled out by the second arrangement of coupling elements is mainly directed onto the second transmitted light image.

[0041] The embodiment with multiple arrangements of output coupling elements advantageously ensures that the light can be directed particularly precisely to the corresponding transmitted light image of the plurality of transmitted light images. This has the advantage that the exposure of the respective transmitted light image can be further improved. The quality of the overall light image generated by the projector can be further enhanced accordingly.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light guide is flat. The flat light guide is particularly designed to guide light coupled into it by means of total internal reflection on its flat sides. When the light strikes the array of output elements, it is deflected to the other, opposite flat side so that it can exit there, particularly in the direction of the transmitted light images. This flat side, from which the light exits as useful light over its entire or partial surface, is also referred to as the light output side.

[0043] The planar light guide has, in particular, a thickness or height that is noticeably (e.g., by at least an order of magnitude) smaller than the width direction along the light coupling surface and / or in a depth direction leading away from the light coupling surface. The planar light guide is therefore, in particular, a plate-shaped light guide. Typically, a planar light guide has two opposite, e.g., parallel, flat sides or broad sides, of which one flat side has the coupling-out structure and the other flat side serves as the light coupling side. The edge or edge sections, which can also be referred to as the flat side(s), can serve as the light coupling surface(s).

[0044] A flat light guide advantageously ensures that the light can be directed very effectively in a targeted manner thanks to a particularly compact design. This has the advantage of further reducing the projector's installation space without compromising the quality of the produced image.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the planar light guide has one or more edge sections that serve as light coupling surfaces. The edge sections can, for example, be opposite edges of the planar light guide that are rectangular or cuboid-shaped in plan view. The planar light guide can therefore have one or more light coupling surfaces.

[0046] In principle, the light guide can be a substantially transparent body. The light guide can be made essentially of plastic, for example, an epoxy resin, a polycarbonate (PC), a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or a silicone. The light guide is preferably formed as a single piece. For example, the light guide can be manufactured using an injection molding process, preferably in a single injection molding process.

[0047] Such a light guide advantageously allows for cost-effective manufacturing. This has the advantage of further reducing the projector's manufacturing costs.

[0048] Independently of the above, the light guide can be made of glass.

[0049] In an exemplary development of the planar light guide, the planar light guide can have a variable wall thickness, in particular a tapered and / or thickened portion. In other words, the planar light guide can have a variable thickness in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the planar light guide can have an at least partially curved surface, for example, an at least partially concave and / or convex curved surface. Alternatively or additionally, the planar light guide can have an alternative shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, at least in sections.

[0050] A shape of the planar light guide that can be changed at least in sections has the advantage that the light can be better guided within the light guide and / or better coupled out of the light guide.

[0051] In an exemplary development of the embodiment with multiple arrangements of output elements, the optical fiber can have a modified shape between the arrangements of output elements, in particular between two adjacent arrangements of output elements. For example, the essentially flat optical fiber can have a cylindrical, in particular rod-like, shape between two adjacent arrangements of output elements. Alternatively or additionally, the optical fiber can have a taper between two adjacent arrangements of output elements. For the purposes of this invention, the term "taper" refers to a change in the thickness or wall thickness of the optical fiber.

[0052] The modified shape of the light guide between the arrays of output elements advantageously saves material during production and further improves the light conductivity of the light guide. This has the advantage of reducing the manufacturing costs of the projector. In addition, the exposure of the transmitted light images can be improved, which can further increase the quality of the overall light image produced by the projector.

[0053] In a further exemplary embodiment of the projector, the light guide can be designed for colored light mixing. This means that several different color spectra can be superimposed within the light guide. If, for example, the projector has several light sources and the light sources each emit light in different color spectra, the light guide can be designed to overlay the different color spectra as required. For example, the projector can have a light source that emits exclusively red light. Furthermore, the projector can have a light source that emits exclusively green light and a light source that emits exclusively blue light. The light guide can then mix the light introduced into the light guide in such a way that, for example, white light is output via the first arrangement of output elements.

[0054] A light guide designed for color light mixing advantageously eliminates the need for an additional color light mixing rod. The light guide then performs the functions of both a condenser and a mixing rod. This has the advantage of further reducing the number of components required for the projector. Consequently, the manufacturing costs and external dimensions of the projector can also be reduced.

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment, the projector has a housing. The housing can be constructed in multiple parts and, in particular, comprise a first housing part, for example, a front housing part, and a second housing part, for example, a rear housing part. Preferably, the illuminant, the light guide, and / or the plurality of transmitted light images are arranged within the housing, in particular between the first housing part and / or the second housing part. The arrangement of the plurality of lenses can be provided on the first housing part.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the housing, the housing has at least one shielding louvre. The shielding louvre is preferably designed to shield the light emitted from one transmitted-light image from the light emitted through an adjacent transmitted-light image. This advantageously prevents the light emitted through one transmitted-light image from mixing with the light emitted through an adjacent transmitted-light image.

[0057] In a further exemplary embodiment of the projector, the light guide, in particular the planar light guide, defines a light guide plane. All of the transmitted light images of the plurality of transmitted light images can be arranged within a transmitted light image plane. If the projector has a transmitted light image body, the transmitted light image body preferably defines the transmitted light image plane. The lenses can all be arranged within a lens plane. If the projector has a lens body, the lens body preferably defines the lens plane.

[0058] The light guide plane is advantageously arranged parallel to the transmitted-light image plane and / or the lens plane. Independently of this, the transmitted-light image plane can be arranged parallel to the lens plane. Such an arrangement of the various planes advantageously allows the planes to be closely spaced from one another. This has the advantage that the external dimensions of the projector can be further reduced, and the projector requires less installation space.

[0059] In an advantageous further development, the illuminant can be arranged within the light guide plane. For example, the illuminant can be arranged laterally next to the light guide. The light guide can redirect the light emitted by the illuminant by 45° to 135°, preferably by 67.5° to 112.5°, and particularly preferably by 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the illuminant can be designed to orient the main direction of the emitted light parallel to the light guide plane. Such a further development also has the advantage that the external dimensions of the projector can be further reduced and the projector requires less installation space.

[0060] The projector is preferably designed to be used in or on a vehicle. For example, the projector can be an interior component that is used in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, a land vehicle, an aircraft and / or a watercraft. The projector is preferably suitable for use in a land vehicle, in particular in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car and / or a truck. The projector can in particular be designed to project the overall light image onto an interior surface of a vehicle, for example onto a floor mat and / or a dashboard in the interior of the vehicle. Alternatively, the projector can also be arranged in a vehicle door in order to project the overall light image onto the floor when the vehicle door is pivoted open. Short description of the drawings

[0061] The various and exemplary features described above can be combined with one another according to the invention, provided this is technically reasonable and suitable. Further features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a projector, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the projector, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the second embodiment in the assembled state, and Fig. 4 a side view of the second embodiment in the interior of a vehicle. Ways to implement the invention

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a projector 1.

[0063] The projector 1 is designed to project an overall light image 10 onto a projection surface 12. For this purpose, the projector 1 comprises a light source 3, a planar light guide 4, a plurality of transmitted light images 7, namely a first transmitted light image 7a, a second transmitted light image 7b, and a third transmitted light image 7c, as well as a lens body 8. The lens body 8 is an injection-molded body made of polycarbonate and / or polymethyl methacrylate and comprises a plurality of lenses 9, namely a first lens 9a, a second lens 9b, and a third lens 9c.

[0064] To generate an overall light image 10, light is emitted by the illuminant 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminant 3 is an LED light 3. In alternative embodiments, the projector 1 can also have multiple illuminants 3, in particular multiple LED lights 3. The illuminant 3 can either emit light in a single color or emit light in different colors. In other words, the illuminant 3 can emit light in different color spectra.

[0065] The light guide 4 is designed to transmit the light within the light guide 4 and direct it onto the transmitted light images 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar light guide 4 is an injection-molded component made of polycarbonate and / or polymethyl methacrylate. If the illuminant 3 emits light in different color spectra, the light guide 4 is designed to mix the different color spectra within the light guide 4.

[0066] As in the Fig. 1, the light guide 4 comprises a plurality of arrangements of output coupling elements 5, namely a first arrangement of output coupling elements 5a, a second arrangement of output coupling elements 5b and a third arrangement of output coupling elements 5c. Each arrangement of output coupling elements 5 is assigned to a transmitted light image 7. This means that the first arrangement of output coupling elements 5a is assigned to the first transmitted light image 7a. The second arrangement of output coupling elements 5b is assigned to the second transmitted light image 7b. The third arrangement of output coupling elements 5c is assigned to the third transmitted light image 7c. The light in the light guide 4 is output from the light guide 4 via each of the arrangements of output coupling elements 5. Each of the arrangements of output coupling elements 5 is arranged and designed such that the light is output from the light guide 4 as homogeneously as possible and impinges on the corresponding transmitted light image 7 as optimally as possible.This means that the light coupled out from the first arrangement of coupling elements 5a optimally radiates onto the first transmitted light image 7a. The light coupled out from the second arrangement of coupling elements 5b optimally radiates onto the second transmitted light image 7b. The light coupled out from the third arrangement of coupling elements 5c optimally radiates onto the third transmitted light image 7c.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, each arrangement of output coupling elements 5 comprises a plurality of defects. The defects can each be elevations, depressions, and / or inclusions on or in the light guide 4. The defects each have a size in the micrometer range and together ensure that the light in the light guide 4 is output as optimally as possible from the light guide 4. This has the advantage that the light emanating from the light guide 4 radiates directly onto the corresponding transmitted light image 7. No condenser or lens optics are provided between the light guide 4 and the corresponding transmitted light images 7. This considerably reduces the installation space required by the projector 1 in a vehicle. In particular, the width of the projector 1 is thereby considerably reduced.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, the optical fiber 4 can be configured such that the optical fiber 4 tapers between two adjacent arrangements of output elements 5. This means that the optical fiber 4 has a smaller thickness, for example, between the first arrangement of output elements 5a and the second arrangement of output elements 5b. Alternatively or additionally, the optical fiber 4 can be rod-shaped between the second arrangement of output elements 5b and the third arrangement of output elements 5c.

[0069] The transmitted light images 7 are at least partially transparent. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitted light images 7 are a transparent film 7 with a coating that is at least partially opaque. In the areas where the transparent film 7 is not coated, the light coupled out from the corresponding arrangement of coupling-out elements 5 can shine through the film 7. In the areas where the transparent film 7 is coated, the coating prevents the light coupled out from the corresponding arrangement of coupling-out elements 5 from shining through the film 7. Each of the transmitted light images 7 is assigned a lens 9.

[0070] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first transmitted light image 7a is assigned to the first objective lens 9a, the second transmitted light image 7b to the second objective lens 9b, and the third transmitted light image 7c to the third transmitted light image 7c. In other words, the light passing through the first transmitted light image 7a radiates onto the first objective lens 9a. The light from the second transmitted light image 7b radiates onto the second objective lens 9b. The light from the third transmitted light image 7c radiates onto the third objective lens 9c.

[0071] Each of the lenses 9 is an optical lens. Using the lenses 9, the light from the corresponding transmitted light image 7 can be selectively collected and / or scattered. Subsequently, a partial light image 11 of the corresponding transmitted light image 7 is projected onto the projection surface 12 through each lens 9. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a first partial light image 11a of the first transmitted light image 7a is projected onto the projection surface 12 by the first lens 9a. A second partial light image 11b of the second transmitted light image 7b is projected onto the projection surface 12 by the second lens 9b. A third partial light image 11c of the third transmitted light image 7c is projected onto the projection surface 12 by the third lens 9c. The individual partial light images 11 are projected onto the projection surface 12 in such a way that the partial light images 11 do not overlap. Rather, the partial light images 11 are projected side by side onto the projection surface 12. The partial light images 11 are directly adjacent to one another, i.e., without any gap. For a viewer, the partial light images 11 projected side by side onto the projection surface 12 together form the overall light image 10.

[0072] The design of projector 1 has the advantage that the individual lenses 9 can be very small, and the light of the corresponding transmitted light image 7 is projected onto a relatively small area. This ensures that the individual lenses 9 project the respective partial light images 11 with the appropriate sharpness.

[0073] As in Fig. 1, the planar light guide 4 forms a light guide plane L. The transmitted light images 7 are all arranged in a transmitted light image plane D and the lenses 9 of the lens body 8 are all arranged in a lens plane O. The light guide plane L, the transmitted light image plane D and the lens plane O are arranged parallel to each other. This means that the projector 1 can have particularly small dimensions. Independently of this, the illuminant 3 in the Fig. 1 is arranged with respect to the light guide 4 such that the main direction of the light emitted by the illuminant 3 is oriented parallel to the light guide plane L.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of the projector 1. The basic structural design of the second embodiment is comparable to the structural design of the first embodiment.

[0075] In contrast to the first embodiment, the projector 1 in the second embodiment comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 is formed by a front housing part 2a and a rear housing part 2b. The illuminant 3 can be attached to the housing 2 in such a way that the light emitted by the illuminant 3 radiates into the housing 2 and can be coupled into the light guide 4 arranged in the housing 2.

[0076] A transmitted-light image body 6 can also be arranged in the housing 2. The transmitted-light image body 6 comprises the plurality of transmitted-light images 7, each of which can be illuminated by the light coupled out of the light guide 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2a has several screening slats to capture the scattered light from adjacent transmitted-light images. In contrast to the first embodiment, the transmitted-light image body 6 in the second embodiment comprises not just three transmitted-light images 7, but a total of six transmitted-light images 7. A recess is provided in the front housing part 2a for each of the transmitted-light images 7 of the transmitted-light image body 6. The light that shines through the transmitted-light images 7 can thus shine out of the housing 2 via the recesses in the front housing part 2a.

[0077] A lens body 8 can be attached to the housing 2, in particular to the front housing part 2a. The lens body 8 has a total of six lenses 9 corresponding to the six transmitted light images 7. The two lenses 9 located on the left edge and the two lenses 9 located on the right edge are inclined so that an even more precise projection can be achieved. The basic functioning of the projector 1 according to the second embodiment therefore essentially corresponds to the functioning of the projector 1 according to the first embodiment. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations with regard to the functioning of the projector 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows the Fig. 2 in its assembled state. The projector 1 is extremely compact and therefore requires very little installation space. As shown in Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 3, the transmitted light image body 6 can be replaced very easily, namely by simply pulling the transmitted light image body 6 out of the housing 2 and replacing it with another transmitted light image body 6. This allows different overall light images 10 to be projected onto the projection surface 12 using the same projector 1 and depending on the transmitted light image body 6 used.

[0079] Fig. 4 shows the projector 1 according to the second embodiment (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) for use in a motor vehicle. The projection surface 12 is formed by the instrumentation 14 of a vehicle interior. The projection surface 12 is divided into several subprojection surfaces.

[0080] The partial projection surfaces form a total of two rows and three columns. Each partial projection surface borders at least two other partial projection surfaces, whereby the partial projection surfaces do not overlap. The partial projection surfaces are all arranged within one plane. Each of the lenses 9 projects the respective partial light image 11 exclusively onto a corresponding partial projection surface assigned to the respective lens 9.

[0081] A tripod 13 mounted in the vehicle interior holds the projector 1 in position such that it projects the multiple partial light images 11 onto the instrument panels 14 such that the partial light images 11, taken as a whole, create a single overall light image 10 for the user. For example, the projector 1 can project the vehicle manufacturer's company logo onto the instrument panels 14. In an alternative example of use, a floor mat in the vehicle interior can also form a projection surface 12 for the overall light image 10 instead of the instrument panels 14. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 projector 2 housings 2a front housing part 2b rear housing part 3 bulbs 4 light guides 5 Arrangement of decoupling elements 5a first arrangement of decoupling elements 5b second arrangement of decoupling elements 5c third arrangement of decoupling elements 6 Transmitted light image bodies 7 Transmitted light image 7a first transmitted light image 7b second transmitted light image 7c third transmitted light image 8 lens bodies 9 Lens 9a first lens 9b second lens 9c third lens 10 Overall photograph 11 Partial photograph 11a first partial photograph 11b second partial photograph 11c third partial photograph 12 projection screen 13 Tripod 14 fittings of a vehicle interior L Fiber optic level D Transmitted light image plane O lens plane

Claims

[1] Projector (1) for a vehicle, the projector (1) comprising: - at least one illuminant (3) designed to emit light, - an arrangement of several lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c), wherein - each lens (9a, 9b, 9c) is assigned to a transmitted light image (7a, 7b, 7c) from the plurality of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) and - the lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) are designed to project the light radiating through the corresponding transmitted light images (7a, 7b, 7c) as a partial light image (11a, 11b, 11c) onto a projection surface (12) in such a way that the individual partial light images (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) are projected side by side onto the projection surface (12) and all partial light images (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) together produce an overall light image (10), characterized bythat the projector comprises at least one light guide (4) in order to guide the light emitted by the at least one illuminant (3) onto a plurality of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c), and the light guide (4) has an arrangement of coupling-out elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c), and the arrangement of coupling-out elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) is designed to couple the light out of the light guide (4) and in the direction of the transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) in such a way that maximum homogeneity of the overall light image (10) is achieved [2] Projector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) are designed to project the partial light images (11, 11a, 11b, 11c) onto the projection surface (12) in such a way that the individual partial light images (11a, 11b, 11c) do not overlap and / or are directly adjacent to one another. [3] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat each of the lenses (9a, 9b, 9c) is designed to project the corresponding partial light image (11a, 11b, 11c) exclusively onto an associated partial projection surface of the projection surface (12). [4] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a lens body (8) comprises all lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c), wherein the lens body (8) is a component produced by injection molding, and / or the lens body (8) is made at least partially from polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, silicone, epoxy resin and / or glass. [5] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light guide (4) is designed to guide the light emitted by the illuminant (3) directly onto the plurality of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c). [6] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the decoupling elements of an arrangement of decoupling elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) are designed as elevations, as depressions and / or as inclusions in and / or on the light guide (4). [7] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light guide (4) has a plurality of spaced-apart arrangements of coupling-out elements (5a, 5b, 5c), each arrangement of coupling-out elements (5a, 5b, 5c) being assigned to a transmitted-light image (7a, 7b, 7c) from the plurality of transmitted-light images (7a, 7b, 7c). [8] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light guide (4) is a flat light guide (4). [9] Projector (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the planar light guide has a variable wall thickness and / or a variable shape. [10] Projector (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized bythat the optical fiber (4) has a taper at least between two adjacent arrangements of coupling-out elements (5, 5a, 5b, 5c). [11] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light guide (4) is designed for color light mixing. [12] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the light guide (4) is a component produced by injection molding and / or the light guide (4) is at least partially made of polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, silicone and / or glass. [13] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projector (1) has a housing (2) and at least one screening slat is arranged on the housing (2), which is designed to screen off the light radiated from a transmitted light image (7a, 7b, 7c) from the light radiated through an adjacent transmitted light image (7a, 7b, 7c). [14] Projector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the light guide (4) defines a light guide plane (L), - the plurality of transmitted light images (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) are all arranged within a transmitted light image plane (D), and - the lenses (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) are all arranged within an objective plane (O), wherein the light guide plane (L), the transmitted light image plane (D) and / or the objective plane (O) are arranged parallel to one another. [15] Projector (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the illuminant (3) is arranged within the light guide plane (L) and / or the illuminant (3) is designed to emit the light in such a way that the main direction of the emitted light is aligned parallel to the light guide plane (L), to the transmitted light image plane (D) and / or to the objective plane (O).

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