Automotive headlamp lens system

The lens system addresses thermal expansion issues in automotive headlamps by using a lens holding member with spacing means to stabilize lens positions, ensuring consistent light distribution.

JP7766198B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-07ZKW GRP GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024526492
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-11-03
Filing Date
2022-10-20
Publication Date
2025-11-07
Estimated Expiration
2042-10-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Thermal expansion and subsequent cooling of lenses and spacers in automotive headlamp lens arrays cause loosening, leading to errors in light distribution.

Method used

A lens system with a lens holding member that includes a first spacing means to maintain distance between lenses and a final spacing means that absorbs thermal expansion forces, allowing lenses to move along a longitudinal axis, using resilient materials to compensate for thermal changes.

Benefits of technology

The system maintains stable light distribution by absorbing thermal expansion forces, ensuring consistent lens positioning and reducing errors in light patterns.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To reduce the effects of heat on an automobile headlamp lens system. A lens system for a vehicle headlamp. The lens system includes a light source (2), a lens array (3) and a lens holder (4) surrounding the lens array (3). An entrance lens (3a), a first spacing means (5a), at least one intermediate lens (3b), a final spacing means (5b) and an exit lens (3c) are sequentially arranged in the lens holder. The final spacing means (5b) allows a spring coupling between the exit lens (3c) and the at least one intermediate lens (3b) such that forces generated by the displacement of the entrance lens (3a) and / or the intermediate lens (3b) along a longitudinal axis (x) due to thermal expansion acting towards the exit lens (3c) are absorbed by the contraction of the final spacing means (5b).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a lens system for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising: The lens system comprises: -light source, a lens array consisting of a plurality of lenses arranged in series, said lens array being configured to receive light from said light source, each lens of said lens array being a light receiving side, where the light receiving side is configured as a light incident surface, and light is incident on the lens through the light incident surface; and a light-emitting side for emitting light, wherein the light-emitting side is configured as a light-exiting surface, and the light exits the lens through the light-exiting surface; and the light receiving side is located opposite the light emitting side, and the lens array projects the light from the light source as a light pattern forward of the lens system; and, a lens holding member configured to surround the lens array, the lens holding member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a body structure, in particular a hollow body structure, having a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal axis, the body structure extending from the first end portion to the second end portion; Including, Regarding lens systems.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle headlamp including a lens system. [Background technology]

[0003] Lens systems for automotive headlamps having an array of lenses (lens arrays) are well known from the prior art, with the individual lenses typically being arranged in a housing structure and spaced apart from one another by spacers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016 083994 A [Patent Document 2] KR 2020 0082303 A [Patent Document 3] US 2007 / 121223 A1 [Patent Document 4] WO 2017 / 163920 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The lenses and spacers of the lens array are in close proximity to the light source and therefore undergo thermal expansion. Thermal expansion and subsequent cooling (when the light source is switched off) leads to loosening of the lenses within the housing, which introduces errors into the ideal light distribution or light pattern that can be produced by the lens system.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce the thermal effects on components of a lens system for a motor vehicle headlamp. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a lens system according to claim 1. That is, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens system for an automobile headlamp. The lens system comprises: light source, a lens array comprising a plurality of lenses arranged in a sequential manner, the lens array being configured to receive light from the light source, each lens of the lens array being a light receiving side, where the light receiving side is configured as a light incident surface, and light is incident on the lens through the light incident surface; and a light-emitting side for emitting light, wherein the light-emitting side is configured as a light-exiting surface, and the light exits the lens through the light-exiting surface; and the light receiving side is located opposite the light emitting side, and the lens array projects the light from the light source as a light pattern forward of the lens system; and, a lens holding member configured to at least partially surround the lens array, the lens holding member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a body structure or hollow body structure having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis, the body structure extending from the first end portion to the second end portion; Including, The lens array is an entrance lens attached to the first end portion of the lens holding member, the entrance lens configured to receive light from the light source and emit the light toward other lenses in the lens array; at least one intermediate lens, wherein a first spacing means is disposed between the intermediate lens and the entrance lens, a light receiving side of the intermediate lens partially contacting the first spacing means and a light emitting side of the entrance lens partially contacting the first spacing means, the first spacing means being configured to prevent movement of the intermediate lens towards the entrance lens by contacting a first contact surface of the body structure; and, an exit lens, wherein the exit lens is arranged such that a light receiving side of the exit lens is in partial contact with a final spacing means arranged downstream of the at least one intermediate lens, the final spacing means being resilient and configured to form a sprung connection between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens; containing, the at least one intermediate lens is held within the body structure such that the at least one intermediate lens can move only along a longitudinal axis of the lens holding member; the spring coupling is a coupling that absorbs forces generated by displacement of the entrance lens and / or the intermediate lens along the longitudinal axis due to thermal expansion, acting towards the exit lens, by contraction of the final spacing means; Each lens of the lens array has an optical axis, and the lenses are arranged so that the optical axes of all the lenses are coaxial. It is characterized by: According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motor vehicle headlamp including the lens system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below. (Mode 1) See the first aspect of the present invention above. (Feature 2) In the lens system according to feature 1, the first spacing means having a hardness at least two times greater than the hardness of the final spacing means; is preferred. (Feature 3) In the lens system according to feature 1 or 2, particularly feature 1, the lens system includes a further intermediate lens disposed between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens, the further intermediate lens being held within the body structure such that the further intermediate lens can move only along a longitudinal axis of the lens holding member, further spacing means being disposed between the further intermediate lens and the at least one intermediate lens, the light receiving side of the further intermediate lens being in partial contact with the further spacing means, the light emitting side of the further intermediate lens being in partial contact with the final spacing means, and the light emitting side of the at least one intermediate lens being in partial contact with the further spacing means, the further spacing means being configured to prevent movement of the further intermediate lens towards the first intermediate lens by contacting a further contact surface of the body structure. is preferred. (Feature 4) In any one of Features 1 to 3, particularly in the lens system described in Features 1, Each lens of the lens array is a circular spherical lens. is preferred . (Feature 5) In the lens system according to feature 4, The body structure of the lens holding member has a cylindrical shape. is preferred. (Feature 6) In any of Features 1 to 5, particularly in the lens system described in Features 1, the lens system further includes a sleeve member configured to be fitted onto the lens holder member such that, when the sleeve member is fitted onto the lens holder member, the sleeve member fixes the position of the output lens relative to the lens holder member. is preferred. (Feature 7) In the lens system according to feature 6, the sleeve member, when fitted over the lens holder member, extends from the outlet lens toward the first end portion over at least 30% of the total longitudinal extension of the lens holder member; is preferred. (Embodiment 8) In any of embodiments 1 to 7, particularly in the lens system described in embodiment 1, the lens holder has a cross section in the shape of a cascade extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, the cascade including a plurality of steps, and the successively positioned steps having an offset in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the lens holder. is preferred. (Feature 9) In the lens system according to feature 8, Each step of the cascade-shaped lens holding member has one lens of the lens array disposed thereon. is preferred. (Feature 10) In any of Features 1 to 9, particularly in the lens system described in Features 1, the first spacing means includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion higher than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material of the lenses of the lens array; is preferred. (Embodiment 11) In any one of embodiments 1 to 10, particularly in the lens system described in embodiment 1, The lenses of the lens array are arranged parallel to each other. is preferred. (Feature 12) In any of Features 1 to 11, particularly in the lens system described in Features 1, the lens holding member includes a material that is opaque to the light from the light source; is preferred. (Mode 13) In any of modes 1 to 12, particularly in the lens system described in mode 1, Each of the spacing means has a substantially annular shape with a through hole, and light from the light source passes through the through hole of each of the spacing means. is preferred. (Mode 14) See the second aspect of the present invention above.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the lens array comprises: an entrance lens attached to the first end portion of the lens holding member, the entrance lens configured to receive light from the light source and emit the light toward other lenses in the lens array; at least one intermediate lens, with a first spacing means disposed between the intermediate lens and the entrance lens, a light receiving side of the intermediate lens partially contacting the first spacing means and a light emitting side of the entrance lens partially contacting the first spacing means, the first spacing means configured to prevent movement of the intermediate lens towards the entrance lens by contacting a first contact surface of the body structure; and, an exit lens, wherein the exit lens is disposed on the second end portion of the lens holding member such that a light-emitting side of the exit lens partially contacts a holding protrusion on the second end portion of the lens holding member, and a light-receiving side of the exit lens partially contacts a final spacing means, the final spacing means being elastic and disposed between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens and configured to form a sprung connection between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens; Including, the at least one intermediate lens is held within the body structure such that the at least one intermediate lens can move only along a longitudinal axis of the lens holding member; A spring coupling is a coupling in which the force generated by the displacement of the entrance lens and / or intermediate lens along its longitudinal axis due to thermal expansion acting towards the exit lens is absorbed by contraction of the final spacing means.

[0010] This has the advantage that forces generated by thermal expansion of the input lens and at least one intermediate lens can be compensated for by the elastic final spacing means, resulting in a thermally more stable lens system. The final spacing means can be configured to be reversibly compressible along the longitudinal axis and / or longitudinal extension of the lens holder.

[0011] Preferably, the final spacing means compresses during heating (temperature increase) due to forces generated by displacement (shift) of the entrance or intermediate lenses along their longitudinal axis due to thermal expansion of those lenses, and expands (restores) during subsequent cooling (temperature decrease) (e.g. when the light source is switched off).

[0012] Preferably, the final spacing means includes a resilient portion that allows compression and expansion of the final spacing means along the longitudinal extension (or longitudinal axis) of the lens holder. The resilient portion may be a spring element. The resilient portion of the final spacing means may be in direct contact with the light-emitting side of at least one intermediate lens and / or the light-receiving side of the exit lens.

[0013] Preferably, the first spacing means maintains a constant distance between the entrance lens and the at least one intermediate lens. The distance between the first intermediate lens and the exit lens may vary due to thermal expansion of the lenses. The final spacing means is configured to allow a temperature dependent distance between the penultimate lens (also referred to as the at least one intermediate lens) and the final lens (also referred to as the exit lens).

[0014] Preferably, at higher temperatures (when the light source is switched on and producing light and heat), the distance between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens is smaller than the distance between the at least one intermediate lens and the exit lens at lower temperatures (when the light source is switched off and not producing light or heat).

[0015] The longitudinal extension of the lens holder preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the lens holder. The lens holder can include a single element or multiple elements.

[0016] The light entrance or exit surface of each lens may be a portion of the entire light receiving or emitting side of the lens. The light entrance or exit surface of each lens may also be substantially the entire light receiving or emitting side of the lens. The contact surface may be a protrusion extending from the body structure of the lens holder in the direction of (along) the longitudinal axis of the lens holder.

[0017] Advantageously, the first spacing means has a rigidity that is at least 2 times higher than the rigidity of the final spacing means, preferably more than 4 times, more preferably more than 6 times, even more preferably more than 8 times. Advantageously, this ensures that the first spacing means maintains a substantially constant distance between the entrance lens and the at least one intermediate lens.

[0018] Preferably, the final spacing means has a higher elasticity than the first spacing means.

[0019] Advantageously, the lens system includes further, preferably multiple, intermediate lenses arranged between at least one first intermediate lens and the exit lens, the further intermediate lenses being held inside the body structure so that the further intermediate lenses can move only along the longitudinal axis of the lens holding member, and further spacing means being arranged between the further intermediate lenses and the at least one intermediate lens, the light receiving side of the further intermediate lenses partially contacting the further spacing means, the light emitting side of the further intermediate lenses partially contacting the final spacing means, and the light emitting side of at least one intermediate lens partially contacting the further spacing means, and the further spacing means being configured to prevent movement of the further intermediate lenses towards the at least one intermediate lens by contacting a further contact surface of the body structure.

[0020] Preferably, the entrance lens, at least one intermediate lens (which may also be referred to as a first intermediate lens), a further intermediate lens (which may also be referred to as a second intermediate lens), and the exit lens have different optical properties and are configured to generate a light distribution or light function for the automotive headlamp. A third or fourth or more intermediate lenses may be disposed between the entrance lens and the exit lens, and corresponding spacing means may be provided between two adjacent intermediate lenses. Regardless of the number of intermediate lenses between the entrance lens and the exit lens, the spacing means between the exit lens (last lens) and the second (next to the last) lens from the last lens (toward the light source) is preferably an elastic spacing means, i.e., a spacing means having an elastic portion and higher elasticity than the other spacing means. The further contact surface may be a protrusion extending from the body structure of the lens holder in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lens holder.

[0021] Advantageously, each lens of the lens array is a circular spherical lens, and preferably, the body structure of the lens holding member has a cylindrical shape. Advantageously, these so-called barrel-type lens systems are widely used in the application field of automobile headlights.

[0022] Advantageously, the retaining protrusions of the second end portion of the lens holder have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the exit lens. Advantageously, this allows for easy and secure attachment of the exit lens to the second end portion of the lens holder. Preferably, the entire edge portion of the exit lens, in particular the edge portion on the light-emitting side, contacts the retaining protrusions of the second end portion of the lens holder. The retaining protrusions can prevent movement of the exit lens along the longitudinal axis, in particular in the direction of light propagation.

[0023] Advantageously, the lens system further includes a sleeve member having a shape corresponding to the second end portion of the lens holder member, the sleeve member being configured to be pressed against the second end portion of the lens holder member such that when the sleeve member is pressed against the second end portion of the lens holder member, the sleeve member fixes the position of the exit lens relative to the second end portion of the lens holder member.

[0024] Advantageously, the sleeve member may allow for quick, easy and preferably tool-free attachment of the outlet lens to the second end portion of the lens holder member.

[0025] Preferably, the lens holding member has a cylindrical shape with a first radius, and the sleeve member has a cylindrical shape with a second radius, the first radius being smaller than the second radius.

[0026] Advantageously, when pressed against the second end portion, the sleeve member extends along the outside of the lens holder member from the second end portion towards the first end portion over at least 30% of the total longitudinal extension (length) of the lens holder member.

[0027] Advantageously, the lens holder has a cross section in the shape of a cascade (or staircase) from the first end portion to the second end portion (having the shape of a cascade or staircase when viewed in cross section), the cascade comprising a plurality of steps (step portions), the successively positioned steps (step portions) having an offset (step or offset) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the lens holder.

[0028] Advantageously, each step of the cascade of lens holding members is provided with a lens of the lens array, preferably with one lens at each step of the cascade.

[0029] Advantageously, the first spacing means comprises a material that has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the lenses of the lens array. Preferably, all spacing means have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the lenses. This choice of material has the advantage that heat generated by the light source (and / or heat resulting from changing environmental (ambient) temperatures in the vicinity of the lens system, for example seasonal temperature changes) has a smaller effect on the spacing means than on the lenses.

[0030] Advantageously, the lenses of the lens array are arranged parallel to one another, which has the advantage that the construction of the lens system within the lens holder is very compact.

[0031] Advantageously, each lens of the lens array has an optical axis, and the lenses are arranged so that the optical axes of all the lenses are coaxial (concentric).

[0032] Advantageously, the lens holder comprises a material that is opaque to the light from the light source, in other words, the light emitted by the light source cannot pass through the lens holder. The lens holder can be configured as a light-blocking (light-blocking) member so that the light from the light source can only exit (emit) the lens system through the exit lens.

[0033] Advantageously, each spacing means has a substantially annular shape with a through hole, and light from the light source passes through the through hole of each spacing means. Advantageously, light from the light source passes through all lenses of the lens array and all through holes of all spacing means. The through holes may correspond in shape and size to the light exit surface and light entrance surface of each lens of the lens array. The shape and size of each through hole may correspond to the shape and size of the light exit surface (or light emission side) and light entrance surface (or light receiving side) of the lens arranged on each side of the corresponding spacing means. For example, the through hole of the first spacing means may correspond (in shape and size) to the light emission side (or light exit surface) of the entrance lens and the light receiving side (or light entrance surface) of at least one intermediate lens.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle headlamp can include a lens system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] In the following, exemplary and non-limiting embodiments (or examples) as illustrated in the drawings will be described in order to further explain the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example lens system according to the present invention. [Example]

[0037] In the following, like drawing reference numbers refer to like features unless otherwise specified, and are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0038] For simplicity, elements that are not essential to the invention are not shown.

[0039] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a lens system 1 for an automotive headlamp. The lens system 1 includes a light source 2 and an array 3 of sequentially arranged lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. The array of lenses (lens array) 3 is configured to receive light from the light source 2.

[0040] Each of the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d of the lens array 3 has a light-receiving side, a portion of which is configured as a light incident surface, through which light enters the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. Each of the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d of the lens array 3 has a light-emitting side for emitting light, a portion of which is configured as a light exit surface, through which light exits the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. The light-receiving side is located opposite the light-emitting side, and the lens array 3 is configured to project light from the light source 2 as a light pattern forward of the lens system 1.

[0041] The lens system 1 includes a lens holding member 4 configured to encase the lens array 3. The lens holding member 4 has a first end portion 4a, a second end portion 4c, and a body structure 4b, in particular a hollow body structure, having a longitudinal extension extending along a longitudinal axis x, the body structure 4b extending from the first end portion 4a to the second end portion 4c. The lens holding member 4 may comprise a material that is opaque to light from the light source 2.

[0042] The lens array 3 includes an entrance lens 3a attached to a first end portion 4a of the lens holding member 4. The entrance lens 3a is configured to receive light from the light source 2 and emit the light towards the other lenses in the lens array 3.

[0043] The lens array 3 further includes at least one intermediate lens 3b (which may also be referred to as a first intermediate lens), and a first distance means 5a is disposed between the intermediate lens 3b and the entrance lens 3a. A light-receiving side of the intermediate lens 3b partially contacts the first distance means 5a. A light-emitting side of the entrance lens 3a partially contacts the first distance means 5a. The first distance means 5a is configured to contact a first contact surface (locking surface) of the body structure 4b, thereby preventing movement of the intermediate lens 3b toward the entrance lens 3a. The at least one intermediate lens 3b is held within the body structure 4b such that the at least one intermediate lens 3b can move only along the longitudinal axis x of the lens holding member 4.

[0044] The lens array 3 further includes an output lens 3c (or final lens), which is disposed at the second end portion 4c of the lens holder 4 such that the light-emitting side of the output lens 3c is in partial contact with a retaining (locking) protrusion on the second end portion 4c of the lens holder 4. The light-receiving side of the output lens 3c is in partial contact with a final separating means 5b. The final separating means 5b is elastic and may be disposed between the at least one intermediate lens 3b and the output lens 3c (typically, the final separating means is disposed between the final lens, i.e., the output lens 3c, and the second-to-last lens from the final lens (toward the light source)), and is configured to form a spring connection between the at least one intermediate lens 3b and the output lens 3c. The first separating means 5a may have a stiffness (or rigidity) at least two times greater than that of the final separating means 5b.

[0045] The spring coupling (connection) of at least one intermediate lens 3b and the exit lens 3c is such that the force generated by the displacement of the entrance lens 3a or the intermediate lens 3b along the longitudinal axis x due to thermal expansion acting towards the exit lens 3c is absorbed by the contraction of the final spacing means 5b.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the lens system 1 includes a further intermediate lens 3d disposed between the at least one intermediate lens 3b and the exit lens 3c. The lens system may also include two, three, or more intermediate lenses. The further intermediate lens 3d (which may be referred to as a second intermediate lens) is held within the body structure 4b so that the further intermediate lens 3d can move only along the longitudinal axis x of the lens holding member 4. A further spacing means 5c (which may be referred to as a second spacing means) is disposed between the further intermediate lens 3d and the at least one intermediate lens 3b. The light-receiving side of the further intermediate lens 3d partially contacts the further spacing means 5c. The light-emitting side of the further intermediate lens 3d partially contacts the final spacing means 5b. The light-emitting side of at least one intermediate lens 3b partially contacts the further spacing means 5c. The further spacing means 5c is configured to contact a further contact surface (locking surface) of the body structure 4b to prevent movement of the further intermediate lens 3d toward the first intermediate lens 3b.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, each lens of the lens array 3 is a circular spherical lens, and preferably, the body structure 4b of the lens holding member 4 has a cylindrical shape. A non-circular spherical lens can also be used for the lens array 3.

[0048] In the case of a circular spherical lens, the retaining (locking) protrusion on the second end portion 4c of the lens retaining member 4 may have a circular ring-like shape corresponding to the circumference of the exit lens 3c. In general, the shape of the retaining protrusion on the second end portion 4c of the lens retaining member 4 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the lens.

[0049] The lens system 1 may further include a sleeve member 6 having a shape corresponding to the second end portion 4c of the lens holder member 4. The sleeve member 6 is configured to be pressed against the second end portion 4c of the lens holder member 4 so that, when pressed against the second end portion 4c of the lens holder member 4, the sleeve member 6 fixes the position of the output lens 3c relative to the second end portion 4c of the lens holder member 4. When pressed against the second end portion 4c, the sleeve member 6 extends along the outer periphery of the lens holder member 4 from the second end portion 4c toward the first end portion 4a by at least 30% of the total longitudinal extension (length) of the lens holder member 4. The sleeve member 6 may also extend up to the first end portion 4a of the lens holder member 4.

[0050] The lens holder 4 may have a cascade-shaped (step-shaped) cross section (a cascade or step-shaped shape or structure when viewed in the cross section shown) from the first end portion 4a to the second end portion 4c, the cascade including a plurality of steps, the successive steps being offset (displaced relative to one another) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the lens holder 4. A lens of the lens array 3, preferably just one lens, is arranged on each step of the cascade-shaped (step-shaped) lens holder 4.

[0051] The first spacing means 5a and / or the further spacing means 5c and / or the final spacing means 5b may comprise a material having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the lenses of the lens array 3. Each spacing means 5a, 5b, 5c may have a substantially annular shape with a through hole, and light from the light source 2 passes through the through hole of each spacing means 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0052] 1, the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d of the lens array 3 are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, each of the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d of the lens array 3 has an optical axis, and these lenses are arranged such that the optical axes of all of the lenses 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are coaxial (concentric).

[0053] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples provided herein, which are merely indicative of embodiments of the invention that may be practiced by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A lens system for a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising: The lens system (1) comprises: light source (2), a lens array (3) consisting of a plurality of lenses (3a, 3b, 3c) arranged in sequence, wherein the lens array (3) is configured to receive light from the light source (2), and each lens (3a, 3b, 3c) of the lens array (3) a light receiving side, where the light receiving side portion is configured as a light incident surface, and light is incident on the lenses (3a, 3b, 3c) through the light incident surface; and a light-emitting side for emitting light, wherein the light-emitting side is configured as a light-emitting surface, and the light is emitted from the lens (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) through the light-emitting surface; and The light receiving side is located opposite to the light emitting side, and the lens array (3) projects the light from the light source (2) as a light pattern forward of the lens system (1); and, a lens holding member (4) configured to at least partially surround the lens array (3), the lens holding member (4) having a first end portion (4a), a second end portion (4c), and a body structure (4b) or a hollow body structure having a longitudinal extension in a longitudinal axis (x), the body structure (4b) extending from the first end portion (4a) to the second end portion (4c); Including, The lens array (3) an entrance lens (3a) attached to the first end portion (4a) of the lens holding member (4), the entrance lens (3a) configured to receive light from the light source (2) and emit the light towards other lenses of the lens array (3); at least one intermediate lens (3b), wherein a first spacing means (5a) is arranged between said intermediate lens (3b) and said entrance lens (3a), wherein a light receiving side of said intermediate lens (3b) partially contacts said first spacing means (5a) and a light emitting side of said entrance lens (3a) partially contacts said first spacing means (5a), said first spacing means (5a) being configured to contact a first contact surface of said body structure (4b) to prevent movement of said intermediate lens (3b) towards said entrance lens (3a); and, an exit lens (3c), wherein the exit lens (3c) is arranged such that a light receiving side of the exit lens (3c) is in partial contact with a final spacing means (5b) arranged downstream of the at least one intermediate lens (3b), the final spacing means (5b) being elastic and configured to form a sprung connection between the at least one intermediate lens (3b) and the exit lens (3c); containing, the at least one intermediate lens (3b) is held within the body structure (4b) such that the at least one intermediate lens (3b) can move only along the longitudinal axis (x) of the lens holding member (4); the spring coupling is a coupling that absorbs, by contraction of the final spacing means (5b), forces generated by the displacement of the entrance lens (3a) and / or the intermediate lens (3b) along the longitudinal axis (x) due to thermal expansion, acting towards the exit lens (3c); Each lens (3a, 3b, 3c) of the lens array (3) has an optical axis, and these lenses are arranged so that the optical axes of all the lenses (3a, 3b, 3c) are coaxial. A lens system characterized by:

2. 10. The lens system of claim 1, the first spacing means (5a) has a hardness at least twice as high as the hardness of the final spacing means (5b); A lens system characterized by:

3. 10. The lens system of claim 1, The lens system (1) includes a further intermediate lens (3d) arranged between the at least one intermediate lens (3b) and the exit lens (3c), the further intermediate lens (3d) being held inside the body structure (4b) such that the further intermediate lens (3d) can move only along the longitudinal axis (x) of the lens holding member (4), further spacing means (5c) being arranged between the further intermediate lens (3d) and the at least one intermediate lens (3b), a light receiving side of the at least one intermediate lens (3b) partially contacting the further spacing means (5c); a light emitting side of the further intermediate lens (3d) partially contacting the final spacing means (5b); a light emitting side of the at least one intermediate lens (3b) partially contacting the further spacing means (5c); the further spacing means (5c) being configured to prevent movement of the further intermediate lens (3d) towards the at least one intermediate lens (3b) by contacting a further contact surface of the body structure (4b). A lens system characterized by:

4. 10. The lens system of claim 1, Each lens of the lens array (3) is a circular spherical lens. A lens system characterized by:

5. In the lens system according to claim 4, The body structure (4b) of the lens holding member (4) has a cylindrical shape. A lens system characterized by:

6. 10. The lens system of claim 1, The lens system (1) further includes a sleeve member (6), which is configured to be fitted onto the lens holding member (4) so ​​that the sleeve member (6) fixes the position of the output lens (3c) relative to the lens holding member (4) when the sleeve member (6) is fitted onto the lens holding member (4). A lens system characterized by:

7. 7. The lens system of claim 6, The sleeve member (6), when fitted onto the lens holder (4), extends from the exit lens (3c) towards the first end portion (4a) over at least 30% of the total longitudinal extension of the lens holder (4). A lens system characterized by:

8. 10. The lens system of claim 1, The lens holder (4) has a cross section in the shape of a cascade extending from the first end portion (4a) to the second end portion (4c), the cascade including a plurality of steps, the successively positioned steps being offset in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the lens holder (4). A lens system characterized by:

9. 9. The lens system of claim 8, Each step of the cascade-shaped lens holding member (4) is provided with one lens of the lens array (3). A lens system characterized by:

10. 10. The lens system of claim 1, the first spacing means (5a) comprises a material having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the material of the lenses of the lens array (3); A lens system characterized by:

11. 10. The lens system of claim 1, The lenses (3a, 3b, 3c) of the lens array (3) are arranged parallel to each other. A lens system characterized by:

12. 10. The lens system of claim 1, The lens holding member (4) contains a material that is opaque to the light from the light source (2). A lens system characterized by:

13. 10. The lens system of claim 1, Each of the separating means (5a, 5b, 5c) has a substantially annular shape with a through hole, and light from the light source (2) passes through the through hole of each of the separating means (5a, 5b, 5c). A lens system characterized by:

14. A motor vehicle headlamp comprising a lens system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Citation Information

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