ILLUMINATION DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE HEADLIGHT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, in particular a lighting device that functions according to a projection principle. The lighting device comprises at least one light source and a lens for projecting a light image, generated by this at least one light source, in the form of a light distribution in front of the lighting device. When the lighting device is installed in a motor vehicle headlight, the switched-on lighting device forms the light distribution in front of the motor vehicle headlight, or in front of a motor vehicle if the motor vehicle headlight is already installed in the motor vehicle. Preferably, the at least one light source comprises a surface on which it can generate the light image and, when switched on, generates this light image on the surface.In particular, the at least one light source can generate the image on a side of the surface facing the lens. The lens comprises at least one projection optic and a projection optic holder, wherein at least one receptacle is formed in the projection optic holder, the at least one receptacle corresponding to the at least one projection optic and the at least one projection optic being received in the at least one receptacle.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight with at least one such lighting device.

[0003] The at least one projection optic can be a lens, for example a biconcave, biconvex, plano-concave, or plano-convex lens, or a lens system consisting of such lenses. In the context of the present invention, the term "objective" is understood to mean a diverging optical system that produces a real optical image (light distribution in front of the illumination device) of an object (image). The simplest objective can comprise a single lens. It is understood that when the light source is not switched on, the objective produces an image of a switched-off light source, preferably of the surface on which the light source can produce the aforementioned image.

[0004] Lighting devices of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art, see e.g. AT 517126 B1, DE 102012213842 A1, EP 2 998 643 A1, FR 3 056 689 A1, DE 11 2017 003548 T5, JP 2014 127298 A and FR 3 056 698 A1

[0005] In lighting devices known from the prior art, complex positioning mechanisms are used to precisely position the lens or the projection optics within the lens. This results in a long tolerance chain, leading to high manufacturing process costs. Furthermore, the positioning mechanism known from AT 517126 B1 is only designed for rotationally symmetric lenses.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a lighting device whose adjustment can be carried out without elaborate positioning devices, wherein not only rotationally symmetrical lenses can be used in the lens of the lighting device, and in which the tolerance chain, in particular in the lens, is shortened.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by the characterizing feature of independent claim 1.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, the term "image lying essentially in a focal plane of the lens" is understood to mean an image lying in a plane that is at least parallel to the focal plane and preferably coincides with the focal plane. Small inaccuracies in positioning in front of or behind the focal plane, as permitted in the field, are allowed, especially if a certain degree of blurring of light-dark transitions in the light distribution is desired.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, the term "3-2-1 rule" refers to a rule known from tolerance management.

[0010] The aforementioned locking element can be designed accordingly, for example, by having a shape suitable for closing the corresponding receptacle. The locking element can, for example, be designed as one of the projection optics, which closes the corresponding receptacle on the inside with respect to the projection optic holder. Alternatively, the locking element can be designed as a retaining clip that, for example, surrounds the projection optic holder at an open end in a frame-like manner and closes the corresponding receptacle on the outside with respect to the projection optic holder (see figures).

[0011] The locking mechanism can also prevent the projection optic from falling out of its holder. However, some play in the projection optic, which is fixed and held in the corresponding holder, cannot be ruled out. This play can, for example, simplify inserting the projection optic into the holder and facilitate the assembly of the projection optics in the projection optic holder.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the projection optics holder can be formed in one piece. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the projection optics holder can be made of die-cast magnesium. However, it is also conceivable that the projection optics holder is manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the projection optics holder is manufactured by thixomolding or thixomolding. The choice of manufacturing process for the projection optics holder depends on the required accuracy and the permissible tolerance variations in production. Injection molding is a very cost-effective process. Die casting is more expensive than injection molding but allows for tighter tolerances. Thixomolding is more expensive than die casting but allows for even tighter tolerances.Furthermore, milling could be performed as a separate process step. However, milling is very expensive, but it allows for flexible adjustment of a predetermined target dimension.

[0013] It can be advantageous for the projection optics holder to have a handling area that projects from opposite sides of the holder. This handling area can be designed to facilitate easy, preferably automatic, handling or gripping of the projection optics holder. For this purpose, the handling area can, for example, have tabs or tab-shaped elements extending laterally from the projection optics holder. The handling area can be gripped (automatically), for instance, by an industrial robot, enabling precise longitudinal adjustment in the axial direction or along the optical axis of the illumination device. With an illumination device featuring such a lens, the quality of the optical image can be improved particularly easily.In particular, this allows for more precise adjustment of image sharpness and at least partial compensation of image aberrations caused by lens shape variations, lens thickness tolerances, or similar factors. This can be especially advantageous for lighting devices used to generate logo projections, which therefore require high image sharpness.

[0014] According to the invention, the lens comprises at least two projection optic ends, and the projection optic holder has at least two receptacles, each corresponding to a projection optic, and different receptacles corresponding to different projection optics. Each projection optic is accommodated in a receptacle corresponding to that projection optic, and different projection optics are accommodated in different receptacles. A reference point system is defined in each receptacle to determine the position of the projection optic accommodated in that receptacle. Preferably, different reference point systems are defined in different receptacles.As already described, the reference points of each reference point system are arranged according to the 3-2-1 rule, whereby the reference points of the different reference point systems are designed in such a way that all fixed positions of the projection optics are aligned with each other so that optical axes of the different projection optics coincide and that the light image lies in the focal plane of the lens.

[0015] It can be advantageous if the images are of different sizes. It can be intended that each image has a constant size (neither shrinking nor expanding).

[0016] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the size of the images decreases gradually towards the at least one light source. For example, the smallest image can be the one taken closest to the at least one light source.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that each receptacle is closed by means of a closing element, wherein at least one of the closing elements is designed as one of the at least two projection optics. The different projection optics, and consequently the different receptacles, can be of different sizes. For example, one of the projection optics can consist of two or more partial lenses of, for example, different sizes, so that the corresponding receptacles consist of two or more partial receptacles, each of which is designed to receive a corresponding partial lens. In addition, further reference points can be provided between the partial lenses, which reference the partial lenses to each other, for example in the direction of the optical axis.

[0018] Further advantages in terms of lighting technology arise when the at least two projection optics are designed in such a way that the lens has an apochromatic effect. This can, for example, reduce color fringing around a light-dark boundary in low-beam lighting or lateral chromatic aberration.

[0019] Further advantages arise when the reference points of the reference point system are arranged according to the area or translation-rotation stop principle of the 3-2-1 rule.

[0020] According to the invention, the at least one receptacle has a receptacle base, and at least three of the reference points are configured as referencing elements. These referencing elements are arranged between the receptacle base and the at least one projection optic located in the receptacle. They contact both the receptacle base and the projection optic and preferably define a primary plane of the reference point system, which is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the receptacle base. In the case of multiple receptacles, this preferably applies to each receptacle. The receptacle base can be formed (at least partially) by a projection optic or by the base of the projection optic holder. The at least one projection optic rests on the referencing elements.Furthermore, the referencing elements can be formed on the at least one projection optic, on one of the partial lenses, or on the projection optic holder. In the case of multiple projection optics, the corresponding primary planes are preferably parallel to each other.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the term "base of the projection optics holder" is understood to mean a surface located opposite an opening of the projection optics holder and arranged perpendicular to the optical axis. This refers to the opening of the projection optics holder through which the projection optic(s) is / are inserted into the projection optics holder. Thus, the term "receiving base" is understood to mean a surface arranged perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to include at least four reference elements in the initial image (all four defining the same primary plane). The fourth reference element helps, for example, to prevent the projection optics from tilting during the image capture. With multiple images, it can be useful to have four reference elements in each image.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the referencing elements can be designed as projections, preferably raised sections, and in particular convex raised sections, extending in the direction of the optical axis. For example, the referencing elements can be designed as hemispheres flattened on their upper surface. The aforementioned reference or primary plane can be defined by the ends of the referencing elements.

[0024] Particular advantages can arise if the reference elements are formed on the projection optics holder and on the at least one projection optic, preferably forming a monolithic structure with the projection optics holder and / or the at least one projection optic. It can be advantageous if one or more projection optics (or partial lenses) have six, eight, or more reference elements. It is especially beneficial if the reference elements are formed on the projection optics, specifically on the optically inactive surfaces of the projection optics.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the referencing elements are designed as spacers.

[0026] Further design advantages can arise if the projection optics holder and / or the at least one projection optics have corresponding counter-elements for the referencing elements. These counter-elements can, for example, be designed as recesses, indentations, or holes (blind or through holes) corresponding to the projections or spacers, into which the projections or spacers can engage, at least partially.

[0027] It can be advantageous if the at least one receptacle has a side wall, for example, adjoining the receptacle base, wherein at least two further reference points—those not designed as referencing elements—are designed as centering elements or are defined by centering elements. The side wall need not be formed in one piece. For example, the side wall of the receptacle can be formed by a side wall of the projection optics holder or partly by a side wall of the projection optics holder and partly by the closing element.

[0028] It can be advantageous if the at least two centering elements, arranged between an inner circumference of the side wall and the at least one projection optic mounted in the at least one frame, contact both the side wall and the projection optic and restrict movement of the at least one projection optic along the primary plane. It should be noted that, in an assembled state of the lens, not all projection optics need to contact the corresponding centering elements. A certain amount of play between the projection optics and the centering elements is therefore permissible. If necessary, this play can be reduced or even completely eliminated, for example, by means of spring components (spring elements).

[0029] It may be advantageous if the centering elements are formed on the inner circumference of the side wall of the projection optics holder and preferably form a monolithic structure with the projection optics holder.

[0030] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the centering elements can be designed as centering projections extending in the direction of the optical axis, preferably flattened on their upper surface. The longitudinal direction of these projections can coincide with the direction of the optical axis. Furthermore, the centering projections can extend from the inside of the projection lens holder towards the center of the lens, preferably perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0031] The centering elements can also be designed as triangular centering projections connected by a bridge in a section perpendicular to the optical axis, forming a V-shape into which a rotationally symmetric projection optic can be particularly well inserted. That is, such bridges can form a V-shaped recess (on its lower side) that is especially well suited for rotationally symmetric lenses.

[0032] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if at least one projection optic has corresponding counter-elements to the centering elements, for example, recesses.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one receptacle has a receiving opening, wherein the closing element closing the at least one receptacle is designed and arranged in the receiving opening such that light exiting the at least one projection optic housed in the at least one receptacle can pass through the closing element. In the case of multiple receptacles, this preferably applies to each receptacle and each closing element. For this purpose, the closing element can, for example, have an opening.

[0034] The locking element can be designed as a fastening clip.

[0035] It can be advantageous if the mounting clamp on the projection optic holder is attached in such a way that it presses the at least one projection optic held in the projection optic holder in at least one direction opposite to the direction of an optical axis of the lens. Preferably, the at least one projection optic is fixed in the projection optic holder in such a way that it can no longer move along the optical axis. In the case of multiple projection optics, all projection optics can be fixed in the direction of the optical axis by the mounting clamp. That is, the mounting clamp clamps the projection optics in the projection optic holder so that there is no longer any play between the optics in the direction of the optical axis.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, a receiving opening can be formed at the end of the projection optic holder furthest from the at least one light source. In this case, the mounting clip can be attached to this end of the projection optic holder. For example, the mounting clip can have locking openings that correspond to locking lugs formed at this end of the projection optic holder, so that the mounting clip can lock onto the projection optic holder. The locking lugs can, for example, be formed on an outer circumference of the end of the projection optic holder. The mounting clip can, for example, frame the (open) end of the projection optic holder. With multiple projection optics, it can be advantageous for the mounting clip to press all projection optics toward the light source, i.e., in the direction of the light source or in the direction opposite to the optical axis.For this purpose, the mounting bracket can, for example, have two protrusions.

[0037] It can be advantageous to provide that the mounting bracket has at least two projections in the form of raised sections on its side facing the at least one light source, which extend from the mounting bracket preferably in the direction opposite to the optical axis. This increases the accuracy of pressing the projection optics into the projection optic holder. The number of raised sections—at least two—has the advantage that the projection optics in contact with the raised sections are less susceptible to tilting.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one light source comprises an area light modulator, in particular a DMD chip, and can generate the light image on the area light modulator. The mirror array of the area light modulator can be located in a focal plane of the lens. Thus, the surface on which the light image can be formed can be designed as a mirror array. However, the surface can also be designed as a light-emitting surface of one or more LEDs or as a light conversion plate that can be illuminated with a laser light source.

[0039] The at least one light source can comprise semiconductor-based elements, for example laser diodes and / or LEDs. According to the invention, the lens further comprises at least one planar aperture device. The aperture device extends perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0040] It can be advantageous if at least one aperture device has a closed aperture edge.

[0041] It can be advantageous to provide that at least one aperture device is designed as a receiving base.

[0042] Further advantages can arise if the at least one aperture device is designed as a separate plate, preferably arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

[0043] The quality of light distribution can be further improved with at least one aperture device. If multiple aperture devices are provided, they can be used to correct various optical defects.

[0044] In one embodiment, it may be advantageous for the separate plate to have through-holes. These through-holes can, for example, be designed to fit the refracting elements formed as protrusions. In the assembled state, the protrusions can be accommodated within the through-holes. This allows the position of the plate within the lens, relative to projection optics, to be fixed.

[0045] Further advantages can arise if the at least one aperture device has at least one (preferably two) spring tab(s). This allows the projection optic(s) to be clamped more securely in the projection optic holder. Two spring tabs reduce tilting. In general, reducing tilting also reduces decentering errors. Two tabs can, for example, be positioned laterally to the closed edge of the aperture.

[0046] A particularly advantageous embodiment is achieved when the at least one projection optic consists of two partial lenses and preferably has an achromatic effect. This allows, for example, longitudinal chromatic aberration to be reduced. At least three further reference elements can be provided between the partial lenses. These can be so-called achromats (see, for example, DE 10 2010 046 626 84 and, in particular, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0013] ). One of the two partial lenses can, for example, be biconvex or plano-convex, while the other can be biconcave or plano-concave.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the lens to include spring elements designed to tension at least one projection optic in at least one mount. The spring elements can, for example, be arranged in the projection optic holder and, in particular, be integrally formed with it.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device can be designed as a light module. This means that the lighting device forms a single unit in its assembled state and does not consist of structurally separate elements or subunits.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be clear that directional terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", etc. in connection with the present invention are to be understood in a relative sense and refer either to the above-mentioned professional installation position of the subject matter of the invention in a motor vehicle or to a professionally customary orientation of a emitted light distribution in the photograph or in the traffic area.

[0050] The invention, along with its further advantages, is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawing. This drawing shows Fig. 1a a lighting device not according to the invention with a projection optic in perspective view; Fig. 1b a lighting device of Fig. 1a in perspective view without a closing element; Fig. 1c a lighting device of Fig. 1a in perspective view without closing element and without projection optics; Fig. 2 an illumination device according to the invention with three lenses in exploded view; Fig. 3 a projection optics holder of the lighting device of the Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 the projection optics holder Fig. 3 with a first projection optic, and Fig. 5 a sectional view of the lens system of the lighting device Fig. 2 .

[0051] First, the focus will be on Figures 1a to 1cReference is made to these. These show a lighting device designed as a light module, not according to the invention, for a motor vehicle headlight with a lens 1 and with a light source 2. The light source 2 can produce a light image LI. As the Figures 1a to 1cAs can be seen, the light source 2 can comprise a surface on which it can generate the light image LI. In particular, the at least one light source can generate the light image LI on a side of the surface facing the lens 1. This surface can be, for example, the surface of a micromirror array of a surface light modulator, such as a DMD chip, the surface of a light conversion medium (phosphor) that can convert light from a laser diode source into essentially white light, the light-emitting layer of an LED, or the light-exit surface of an attachment optic (made of silicone), such as a TIR lens. When the lighting device is switched on, the light source 2 thus generates the light image LI, which is projected by the lens 1 in the form of a light distribution in front of the lighting device. The lens 1 has at least one projection optic 3 and a projection optic holder 4.The projection optics holder 4 has a corresponding receptacle 5 for the projection optics 3. The projection optics 3 is held in the at least one receptacle 5. The projection optics 3 can, for example, be a lens, such as a rotationally symmetric lens (see figure ). Figures 1a to 1c) be. In the at least one recording 5, a reference point system 6 is defined, i.e., a system of reference points 6-1 to 6-6 that define a position of the projection optics 3 recorded in the recording 5. The position is defined such that the image lies substantially in a focal plane of the lens 1. The term "lies substantially in a focal plane" means that the image lies at least in a plane that is parallel to the focal plane and preferably coincides with the focal plane, whereby small, unavoidable, and customary inaccuracies in the positioning of the image in front of or behind the focal plane are included in this term.

[0052] Reference points 6-1 to 6-6 of the reference point system are arranged according to the 3-2-1 rule. This refers to the 3-2-1 rule, known from the field of tolerance management, which is also less commonly called the 3-2-1 principle.

[0053] To fix and hold the projection optics 3 in the position defined by the reference point system 6 in the receptacle 5, a locking element 7 is provided. Preferably, the locking element 7 prevents the projection optics 3 from falling out of the receptacle 5. The locking element 7 closes the projection optics 3 in the receptacle 5 such that it can be accessed from preferably two directions (in Figure 1b (shown with arrows F), into which the projection optic 3, located in the position mentioned above, can "fall out" of the mount 5, thus fixing and holding the projection optic 3 in the position defined by the reference point system 6. Nevertheless, a certain amount of play in the YZ plane, tolerable in this field, may be permissible.

[0054] The projection optics holder 4 can be manufactured as a single piece. For example, it can be made of die-cast magnesium. However, a plastic injection-molded part or thixomolded construction is also conceivable. The choice depends on the required accuracy (tolerance variations in manufacturing) demanded by the optics design. For very high requirements, post-processing, such as milling the reference surfaces, is also possible.

[0055] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a lighting device according to the invention, comprising a light source 2 and a lens 10, wherein the lens 10 incorporates more than one projection optic. Specifically, Figure 2 shows Figure 2A lens 10 with a projection optics holder 40, in which two projection optics 30, 31 are mounted, one of the projection optics 30, 31 – the projection optic 30 – consists of two partial lenses 30a and 30b. The projection optics 30, 31 are not rotationally symmetric. With a projection optic 30 consisting of two partial lenses 30a and 30b, achromatic aberrations, such as longitudinal chromatic aberration, can be reduced.

[0056] The projection optics holder 40 has a handling area 40a. The handling area 40a is, for example, located at the end of the projection optics holder 40 that is closest to the light source 2. The handling area 40a can also be located at another point along the longitudinal direction X of the projection optics holder 40. As already described, the handling area 40a can serve to facilitate automated gripping of the lens 10 and may include laterally projecting tabs with upwardly extending ribs.

[0057] To accommodate the projection optics 30, 31, the projection optic holder 40 has two receptacles 50, 51. Each receptacle 50, 51 corresponds to one projection optic 30, 31, and the different receptacles 50, 51 correspond to different projection optics 30, 31. Each projection optic 30, 31 is mounted in one of the receptacles 50, 51 corresponding to it. Different projection optics 30, 31 are mounted in different receptacles 50, 51.

[0058] In each image 50, 51, a reference point system 60, 61 is defined to determine the position of the projection optics 30, 31 captured in the respective image 50, 51. As described above, the reference points 60-1 to 60-16, 61-1 to 61-10 of each reference point system 60, 61 are arranged according to the 3-2-1 rule. The reference points 60-1 to 60-16, 61-1 to 61-10 of the different reference point systems 60, 61 are configured such that all defined positions of the projection optics 30, 31 are aligned, so that the optical axes of the different projection optics 30, 31 coincide and that the image LI lies essentially in the focal plane of the lens 10. "Lying essentially in the focal plane" means that the image LI lies at least in a plane that is parallel to the focal plane and preferably coincides with the focal plane.Minor inaccuracies in positioning in front of or behind the focal plane are of course permissible.

[0059] Each recording 50, 51 is closed by means of a locking element. It is in Figure 2 (see also Figure 4 ) recognizable that one of the closing elements, namely that closing element which closes the first projection optic 30 in its receptacle 50, can be designed as the second projection optic 31.

[0060] Furthermore, it is in the Figures 2 to 4 It is evident that the projection optics 30, 31 and the images 50, 51 are of different sizes. This means, for example, that image 50 can be smaller than image 51 ( Figures 2 to 4 The size of the images 50, 51 can decrease towards the at least one light source 2. Furthermore, the Figures 2 to 4It can be recognized that the receptacle 50 consists of two partial receptacles, each of which is configured / designed to receive a corresponding partial lens 30a, 30b. Furthermore, it may be provided that additional, e.g., three or four, referencing elements (not shown in the figures) are arranged between the partial lenses 30a, 30b, which refer the partial lens 30b to the partial lens 30a in the X-direction. The partial receptacle for the first partial lens 30a may be smaller than the partial receptacle for the second partial lens 30b.

[0061] The two projection optics 30, 31 can be designed such that the lens 10 has an apochromatic effect.

[0062] The Figures 1 to 4It can further be seen that each of the images has a recording base, with at least three of the reference points being designed as referencing elements arranged between the respective recording base and the at least one projection optic included in the respective image. The referencing elements touch both the recording base and the projection optic and are designed such that they define a primary plane YZ in the sense of the 3-2-1 rule.

[0063] Specifically, for example in the Figures 2 to 4 to recognize that each of the two recordings 50, 51 has a recording base 50a, 51a (the recording 5 in Figures 1a to 1c also has a bottom 5a). The bottom of the respective image 50, 51 can, for example, be formed either by the upstream projection optics, as is the case with image 51 in Figures 2 and 4is the case, or be formed by the projection optics holder 40, as is the case with the recording 50 (see Figure 3 This applies mutatis mutandis to the partial recordings described above (see above). Figures 2 to 4At least three of the reference points are configured as reference elements 60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4, which are arranged between the respective receiving base 50a, 51a and the respective projection optics 30, 31. Both the respective receiving base 50a, 51a and the respective projection optics 30, 31 are contacted by the reference elements 60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4. The second projection optic 31 rests on the reference elements 61-1 to 61-4, which are formed on the first projection optic 30. The first projection optic 30, in particular the first partial lens 30a, rests on the reference elements 60-1 to 60-4, which are formed on the projection optic holder 40. Figure 2It can be seen that these referencing elements 61-1 to 61-4 are formed on the second partial lens 30b. The referencing elements 60-1 to 60-4 and 61-1 to 61-4 each define a different primary plane YZ. The different primary planes are preferably parallel to each other. Furthermore, it is advantageous if all primary planes YZ are arranged substantially parallel at least to the recording base 50a of the first recording 50 (as seen from the light source).

[0064] The Figures 3 and 4 reveal that the referencing elements 60-1 to 60-4 ( Figure 3 ) and 61-1 to 61-4 ( Figure 4 ) can be formed as projections extending in the direction of the optical axis X. In addition, the Figures 3 and 4It can be seen that four reference elements are provided in each image. The fourth reference element helps, for example, to prevent the respective projection optics 30, 31 from tilting in the image 50, 51. It is quite conceivable that more reference elements (five, six or more) are provided.

[0065] The reference elements shown, 60-1 to 60-4 ( Figure 3 ) and 61-1 to 61-4 ( Figure 4 They have roughly the shape of a hemisphere flattened on its upper side. Other geometric shapes for the referencing elements are certainly conceivable.

[0066] The referencing elements 6-1 to 6-3, 60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4 can therefore be formed on the projection optics holder 4, 40 and on one or more projection optics 3, 30, 31. They can form a monolithic structure with the projection optics holder 4, 40 and / or with at least one projection optic 3, 30, 31. If the referencing elements are formed on the projection optics, then it is advantageous for them to be formed on the optically inactive surfaces of the projection optics.

[0067] The Figures 1 to 4 It can also be seen that the referencing elements 6-1 to 6-3, 60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4 can be designed as spacers.

[0068] Furthermore, it is in the Figures 1 to 4 It is evident that images 5, 50, and 51 each have a side wall 5b, 50b, and 51b, respectively. Side wall 5b in Figures 1a to 1cis formed partly by the projection optics holder 4, partly by the closing element 7. The side walls 50b, 51b in the Figures 2 to 4 are formed by the projection optics holder 40. At least two further reference points, namely those not designed as referencing elements, are designed as centering elements 6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10, wherein these at least two centering elements 6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 are arranged between an inner circumference of the side wall 5b, 50b, 51b and the projection optics 3, 30, 31 received in the corresponding receptacle 5, 50, 51. The centering elements 6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 touch both the side wall 5b, 50b, 51b and the projection optics 3, 30, 31 and restrict the movement of the at least one projection optics 3, 30, 31 along the primary plane YZ.

[0069] It should be noted that in the assembled state of the lens 1, 10, not all projection optics 3, 30, 31 need to contact the corresponding centering elements 6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16, and 61-5 to 61-10. Therefore, a certain amount of play in the projection optics 3, 30, 31 within the mounts 5, 50, 51 along the primary plane YZ is permissible. However, a situation is conceivable where there is no play. For example, spring elements (not shown here) can be provided in the projection optic holder 4, 40 to compensate for play. These spring elements can be integrally formed with the projection optic holder 4, 40 or as separate inserts.

[0070] Preferably, the centering elements 6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 are formed on the projection optics holder 4, 40. In the projection optics holder 4 of the Figures 1a to 1cTwo centering elements 6-4 and 6-6 are designed as two protrusions with an approximately triangular cross-section parallel to the YZ plane. These protrusions are connected by a bridge in the lower region of the projection optic holder 4 to form a V-shape (when viewed from the front). The rotationally symmetric projection optic 3, for example a lens, can be inserted into this V-shape. The described V-shape is particularly advantageous when using rotationally symmetric projection optics. Centering elements forming a V-shape can also be used in projection optic holders that accommodate multiple rotationally symmetric projection optics.

[0071] In the Figures 2 to 4In the projection optics holder 40 shown, the centering elements 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 are formed on the inner circumference of the side wall 50b, 51b of the corresponding receptacle 50, 51 formed by the projection optics holder 40. Preferably, the centering elements 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 form a monolithic structure with the projection optics holder 40.

[0072] Specifically, the centering elements 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 of the projection optics holder 40 are designed as centering elevations extending in the direction of the optical axis X, preferably flattened on their upper side.

[0073] The longitudinal direction of these elevations is the X-direction - the optical axis of the lens 10. In addition, the centering elements 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10 project towards the center of the lens 10, preferably perpendicular to the optical axis X, out of the inside of the projection optic holder 40.

[0074] The at least one projection optic 30, 31 can have corresponding counter-elements 60-17 to 60-22, 61-11 to 61-13 corresponding to the centering elements 60-5 to 60-16 and 61-5 to 61-10. The counter-elements 60-17 to 60-22, 61-11 to 61-13 of all lenses 30a, 30b and 31 are designed as recesses corresponding to the centering projections. This is particularly well suited in Figure 2 recognizable.

[0075] The receptacles 5, 50, 51 each have a receiving opening 5c, 50c, 51c. As already mentioned, each receptacle 5, 50, 51 can be closed or locked by a locking element 7, 70. The locking element 7 of the Figures 1a to 1cThe clamp is designed as a (corner-shaped) bracket which, viewed from the side, has approximately the shape of the Greek capital letter Gamma and, viewed from the front, has a centrally located opening to allow light exiting the projection optic 3 and the lens 1 to pass through. The shape of the clamp 7 can also be different. The locking element 7 is attached to the projection optic holder 4, for example, by snapping, screwing, clamping, or gluing.

[0076] With the lens 10 of the Figures 2 to 4 The first opening 50 is closed by the second projection optic 31. The second opening 51 is closed by means of a fastening clip 70, which has an opening in the middle from which the second projection optic 31 protrudes.

[0077] The closing elements 7, 70 are designed in such a way that light can exit from the corresponding projection optics 3, 30, 31 and leave the lens 1, 10.

[0078] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 It is noticeable that the mounting clamp 70 is attached to the projection optics holder 40 in such a way that it pushes the projection optics 30, 31 held in the projection optics holder 40 in a direction opposite to the direction of the optical axis X of the lens 10. This fixes the projection optics 30, 31 in the projection optics holder 40 so that they can no longer move along the optical axis X – thus fixing the focal length of the lens 10. That is, the mounting clamp 70 clamps the projection optics 30, 31 in the projection optics holder 40 so that there is no longer any play between the optics 30, 31 in the direction of the optical axis X. In an advantageous embodiment, which in Figure 2As shown, two projections 70a are formed on the mounting bracket 70, defining a preferably horizontal line that runs perpendicular to the optical axis X. The projections 70a, or elongations, extend from the mounting bracket 70 in the direction opposite to the optical axis X. However, there can also be more than two projections 70a.

[0079] Furthermore, the mounting clip 70 has locking openings 70b that correspond to locking lugs 40b formed on the projection optics holder 40, so that the mounting clip 70 can lock onto the projection optics holder 40. The locking lugs 70b are formed on an outer circumference of the projection optics holder 40.

[0080] The lens 10 comprises at least one planar aperture device, optionally two, preferably planar, aperture devices 11 and 12, which are arranged perpendicular to the optical axis X (in the YZ plane). Each aperture device 11, 12 has a closed aperture edge 11a, 12a. The (first) aperture device 11 is formed integrally with, or as, the receiving base 50a. The (second) aperture device is designed as a separate plate 12. Through-openings 12d are provided in the plate, which correspond to the reference elements 9-1 to 9-4 designed as projections. In the assembled state of the lens 10, the projections 9-1 to 9-4 are accommodated in the through-openings 12d. This determines the position of the plate 12 in the lens 10 with respect to projection optics 30, 31.Furthermore, both or only one of the aperture devices 11, 12 may have one or more (preferably two) spring tab(s) 12b, 12c. Figure 2 Figure 1 shows that only plate 12 has the spring tabs 12b, 12c (two are shown here as an example). The spring tabs, e.g., 12b, 12c, better clamp the projection optics 30, 31 in the corresponding receptacle 50, 51 and reduce the play of the projection optics 30, 31 in the YZ plane. With two spring tabs, the probability of tilting is also reduced. The two tabs 12b, 12c are preferably arranged laterally to the side of the closed aperture edge 12a.

[0081] As already described, the first projection optic 30 consists of the Figures 2 to 4 from two partial lenses 30a, 30b. Figure 5 shows a section of the lens system from the Figure 2with an XZ plane, i.e., a plane that spans the optical axis X and the vertical direction Z. The partial lenses 30a and 30b together are configured to correct at least longitudinal chromatic aberration and thus have an achromatic effect. The projection optic 30 is therefore a so-called air achromat (see description of the prior art in DE 10 2010 046 626 84 and in particular paragraphs

[0009] to

[0013] ). An air achromat has the advantage here that several parameters are available that allow for a more precise correction of longitudinal chromatic aberration. These parameters are, for example, the size of the air gap d1, the curvatures of the light-entry and light-emission surfaces of the partial lenses 30a, 30b, and the material from which the partial lenses 30a, 30b are made.A three-lens system has the advantage that the distances d1, d2 can be varied to reduce longitudinal and / or lateral chromatic aberrations, in order to further improve the quality of the light distribution produced by the lighting device.

[0082] The lighting device described above can be advantageously used in a motor vehicle headlight.

[0083] The purpose of the foregoing description is solely to provide illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and special features of the present invention. The foregoing description should therefore not be interpreted as limiting the scope of application of the invention or the patent rights claimed in the claims. For example, the foregoing detailed description summarizes various features of the invention in one or more embodiments for the purpose of condensing the disclosure. This type of disclosure should not be understood as reflecting the intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly mentioned in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects are present in fewer than all features of a single embodiment described above.(Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, each claim constituting a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.)

[0084] Furthermore, although the description of the invention includes a description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications fall within the scope of the invention, e.g., within the skills and knowledge of those skilled in the art, according to the understanding of the present disclosure. The present invention is limited only by the attached claims.

[0085] The reference numerals in the claims serve only to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention and in no way imply a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising - an objective lens (1, 10) and at least one light source (2), wherein a light pattern (LI) can be generated by the at least one light source (2), wherein the light pattern (LI) generated by the light source (2) can be projected in front of the lighting device in the form of a light distribution by means of the objective lens (1, 10), wherein - the lens (1, 10) comprises at least two projection optics (3, 30, 31) and a projection optics holder (4, 40), wherein - at least two receptacles (5, 50, 51) are formed in the projection optics holder (4, 40), wherein - each receptacle (5, 50, 51) corresponds to one of the at least two projection optics (3, 30, 31), and different receptacles (5, 50, 51) correspond to different projection optics (3, 30, 31), - wherein each projection optic (3, 30, 31) is housed in a receptacle (5, 50, 51) corresponding to that projection optic (3, 30, 31), and different projection optics (3, 30, 31) are housed in different receptacles (5, 50, 51), wherein - a reference point system (6, 60, 61) is defined in each mount (5, 50, 51) to determine a position of the projection optics (3, 30, 31) mounted in this mount (5, 50, 51) such that the image (LI) lies substantially in a focal plane of the lens (1, 10), wherein - Reference points (6-1 through 6-6, 60-1 through 60-16, 61-1 through 61-10) of each reference point system (6, 60, 61) are arranged according to the 3-2-1 rule, wherein the reference points (6-1 through 6-6, 60-1 to 60-16, 61-1 to 61-10) of the different reference point systems (6, 60, 61) are configured such that all specified positions of the projection optics (3, 30, 31) are aligned with one another in such a way that the optical axes of the different projection optics (3, 30, 31) coincide and that the light image (LI) lies in the focal plane of the lens (1, 10) - the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51) is closed by means of a locking element (7, 70) such that the at least one projection optic (3, 30, 31) is fixed and held in the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51), wherein the lens (1, 10) further comprises at least one planar aperture device (11, 12) extending perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, characterized in that the at least one mounting (5, 50, 51) comprises a mounting base (5a, 50a, 51a), wherein at least three of the reference points are configured as reference elements (60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4) arranged between the respective mounting base (50a, 51a) and the respective projection optics (30, 31), wherein the respective mounting base (50a, 51a) as well as the respective projection optics (30, 31) are in contact with the reference elements (60-1 to 60-4, 61-1 to 61-4), wherein the second projection optics (31) rest on the reference elements (61-1 to 61-4), wherein the reference elements (61-1 to 61-4) are formed on the first projection optics (30), and wherein the first projection optics (30) rest on the reference elements (60-1 to 60-4), which reference elements (60-1 to 60-4) are formed on the projection optics holder (40).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the reference points (6-1 to 6-6, 60-1 to 60-16, 61-1 to 61-10) of the reference point system (6, 60, 61) are arranged according to the plane or translation-rotation-stop principle of the 3-2-1 rule.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51) has a side wall (5b, 50b, 51b), wherein at least two further reference points (6-1 to 6-6, 60-1 to 60-16, 61-1 to 61-10) are configured as centering elements (6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16, and 61-5 to 61-10), wherein the at least two centering elements (6-4 to 6-6, 60-5 to 60-16, and 61-5 to 61-10) are arranged between an inner circumference of the side wall (5b, 50b, 51b) and the at least one projection optical system (3, 30, 31), and both the side wall (5b, 50b, 51b) and the projection optics (3, 30, 31) and restrict movement of the at least one projection optics (3, 30, 31) along the primary plane (YZ).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51) has a receptacle opening (5c, 50c, 51c), wherein the closure element (7, 70) closing the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51) is formed in the receptacle opening (5c, 50c, 51c) such that light emerging from the at least one projection optical system (3, 30, 31) can pass through the closing element (7, 70).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element is configured as a fastening clip (70).

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the mounting bracket (70) is attached to the projection optics holder (4, 40) in such a way that it pushes the at least one projection optic received in the projection optics holder (4, 40) (3, 30, 31) received in the projection optics holder (4, 40) in at least one direction opposite to the direction of an optical axis (X) of the lens (1, 10).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the mounting clip is connected to the projection optics holder (4, 40) by a snap-fit connection.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source (2) comprises a light-scanning modulator, in particular a DMD chip, and generates the light image (LI) on the light-scanning modulator, wherein preferably the mirror array of the light-scanning modulator lies in a focal plane of the lens (1, 10).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one projection optical system (3, 30, 31) consists of two partial lenses (30a, 30b) and preferably has an achromatic effect.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens (1, 10) comprises resilient elements configured to clamp the at least one projection optical system (3, 30, 31) in the at least one receptacle (5, 50, 51), wherein the resilient elements are preferably arranged in the projection optical system holder (4, 40).

11. Motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one device according to any one of the preceding claims.