Patent Description:
Such a vision device and vision apparatus are for example known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

When installing a vision device like a camera in a motor vehicle, the alignment between the vision device and the motor vehicle, more specifically a holding part fixed to the motor vehicle, like a bracket or a light trap, is a critical parameter. Alignment comprises position and orientation, where for the present application orientation is in general a more sensitive parameter. As a general requirement in the automotive industry, the interface handling the alignment between the holding part and the vision device must be robust and forgiving.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> each disclose a vision device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a vision device and a vision apparatus enabling a robust, forgiving and highly precise alignment interface between the holding part and the vision device components.

The invention solves this problem with the features of the independent claims.

According to the invention, each alignment element has a planar surface adapted to abut against a planar surface of the corresponding alignment counter-element. The planar surfaces of the alignment elements can be manufactured with highest precision, and are more robust and forgiving than known alignment elements having a more complex form.

According to the invention, the alignment elements comprise one or more, preferably three, first alignment elements, the planar surface of which is perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical device. The contact points of the planar surfaces of the first alignment elements constrain the vision device with respect to up to three degrees of freedom, namely rotation of the vision device about two perpendicular axes both perpendicular to an optical axis of the vision device, and/or translation along the optical axis of the vision device.

In a preferred embodiment, the first alignment elements comprise two first baseline elements, wherein the connection line between the two first baseline elements is parallel to a pre-defined axis of the vision device. The vision device comprises at least two such pre-defined axes, namely a direction parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor, which is usually a horizontal direction in a mounted state, and a direction parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor, which is usually a vertical direction in a mounted state, where horizontal and vertical refer to a coordinate system of the vision device and/or to a coordinate system of the motor vehicle. The first baseline, i.e., the connection line of the two first baseline elements can be horizontal, or parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor. In other embodiments, the first baseline could be vertical, or parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor. Generally, any orientation of the first baseline under an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the horizontal or vertical is possible. Preferably the distance between the two first baseline elements is more than half, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device parallel to the first baseline, which yields a higher angular precision of the alignment.

Preferably the first alignment elements comprise a stop element arranged with a distance to the connection line between the two baseline elements. Preferably the distance between the stop element and the connection line between the first baseline elements is more than half, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device perpendicular to the first baseline, which yields a higher angular precision of the alignment.

According to the invention, the alignment elements comprise one or more, preferably two, second alignment elements, the planar surface of which is parallel to an optical axis of the optical device. The contact points of the planar surfaces of the second alignment elements constrain the vision device with respect to up to two further degrees of freedom, namely rotation of the vision device about the optical axis of the vision device, and translation along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the vision device.

In a preferred embodiment, the second alignment elements comprise two second baseline elements, wherein the connection line between the two second baseline elements is parallel to a pre-defined axis of the vision device (as mentioned above), and/or parallel to the connection line between first baseline elements. The second baseline, i.e., the connection line of the two second baseline elements can be horizontal, or parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor. In other embodiments, the second baseline could be vertical, or parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor. Generally, any orientation of the second baseline under an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the horizontal or vertical is possible. Preferably the distance between said two second baseline elements is at least <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device parallel to the corresponding connection line. , i.e., the second baseline, which yields a higher angular precision of the alignment.

Preferably, the planar surfaces of at least two first alignment elements lie in the same plane and/or the planar surfaces of at least two second alignment elements lie in the same plane, in order to avoid unwanted shearing forces on the vision device.

According to the invention, two pairs each consisting of a first alignment element and a second alignment element form two L-shaped elements arranged collinear to each other, such that inner edges of the L-shaped elements lie on a common hinge axis. In this hinge embodiment, the alignment elements can be positioned such that four contact points lock the hinge axis, and then a fifth contact point locks the rotation around the hinge axis.

Preferably, the or each alignment element has the form of a ridge and/or the planar surface of the or each alignment element has the form of a strip, and more preferably, the or each alignment counter-element has the form of a ridge and/or the planar surface of the or each alignment counter-element has the form of a strip. In this case, the length axis of the ridge or strip of the or each alignment counter-element is oriented perpendicular to the length axis of the ridge or strip of the corresponding alignment element, yielding a preferred point-shaped contact between corresponding contact surfaces.

The alignment between the vision device and the holding part requires that the alignment elements are in contact with their respective alignment counter elements. This is preferably achieved by one or more force exerting elements acting between the vision device and the holding part, which press one or more planar surfaces of the alignment elements against the corresponding one or more planar surfaces of the alignment counter-elements. The force exerting element preferably is a spring element, like a spring wire. In a preferred embodiment, the force exerting element is a U-shaped spring bracket connectable to the holding part at its two end sections, and being adapted to encompass the vision device, where the spring bracket preferably has a bulge section in a central part thereof for exerting a pressing force on the vision device towards the holding part. Preferably, the force exerting element is adapted to exert a pressing force in two directions, namely in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces of the first alignments elements, and also in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces of the second alignments elements.

This reduces the number of parts in comparison to providing two separate force exerting elements.

The remaining degree of freedom of the vision device preferably is a translational degree of freedom, for example with respect to translation of the vision device an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the vision device. The remaining degree of freedom of the vision device can be fixed by on e or more additional alignment elements, for example gap or clearance fit elements provided at the holding part, which act on corresponding elements on the vision device. Alternatively or in addition to gap/clearance fit elements, a further pair of contact surfaces perpendicular to the translation axis of the remaining translation degree of freedom can be provided, defining a further contact point between the vision device and the holding part in addition to the five contact points described above.

The camera alignment interface according to the invention provides a number of advantages. All features of a component can be made in one tooling half which facilitates stable geometrical variation (applicable for die/mould manufacturing processes). Clearance to parting lines which may interfere with the alignment can be provided (applicable for die/mould manufacturing processes). Geometrical requirements are comparatively intuitive which also facilitates an intuitive verification of the requirements. Mechanical analysis and rework of non-conforming components are comparatively intuitive. Orientation between the vision device and the integration mechanics are repeatable/re-producible.

In the following the invention shall be illustrated on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The vision apparatus <NUM> is mounted, or mountable, to the windscreen <NUM> of a motor vehicle, and comprises at least one vision device <NUM>, in particular a camera, and a bracket <NUM> carrying the vision device <NUM> and having a mounting surface for being mounted to the windshield <NUM> via an adhesive layer <NUM>. In particular, the vision apparatus <NUM> may comprise two vision devices <NUM>, forming a stereo vision apparatus, or one vision device <NUM>, forming a mono vision apparatus. The vision devices <NUM> are directed towards the surrounding, in particular the front, of the motor vehicle, such that the optical axis of the vision device <NUM> goes through the windscreen <NUM>. The vision apparatus <NUM> may also comprise a light trap <NUM>, which may be a separate part, or integrated into the bracket <NUM>, such that the light trap <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> form a single piece. The vision apparatus <NUM> may also comprise a beauty cover <NUM> for covering the vision device <NUM> against the passenger compartment <NUM> of the motor vehicle. In other words, the one or more vision devices <NUM> are arranged within the inner volume <NUM> of the beauty cover <NUM>.

Throughout this application, the holding part <NUM> may be formed by the bracket <NUM> and/or by the light trap <NUM>.

A first embodiment of a vision apparatus <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. A second embodiment of a vision apparatus <NUM> not falling under the invention is shown in <FIG>.

The vision device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a camera and comprises a lens objective <NUM>, a camera housing <NUM> and a light-sensitive <NUM>-dimensional sensor (not shown in the Figures) arranged within the camera housing <NUM> in a focal plane of the lens objective <NUM> and adapted to convert light entering the vision device <NUM> into an electrical signal comprising image information. The vision device <NUM>, more specifically the camera housing <NUM>, comprises a front side <NUM> directed in the same direction as the lens objective <NUM>, namely towards the windscreen <NUM> and to the surrounding of the motor vehicle.

The vision device <NUM> is adapted to be mounted to a holding part <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. More specifically, the front side <NUM> of the vision device <NUM> is adapted to cooperate with a rear side <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>, as will be explained below. The holding part <NUM> may comprise an opening <NUM>, the inner diameter of which matches with the outer diameter of the lens objective <NUM>, such that the lens objective <NUM> can be put through the opening <NUM> during mounting the vision device <NUM> to the holding part <NUM>.

On the front side <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, a plurality of first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c is arranged. The first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c have a planar contact surface <NUM>. All contact surfaces <NUM> may lie in a single plane, but this is not strictly necessary. Each contact surface <NUM> is perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM> within ±<NUM>°, preferably within ±<NUM>°, more preferably within ±<NUM>°, even more preferably within ±<NUM>°. The number of first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c is preferably three. The first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c preferably comprise two first baseline elements 21a, 21b, where a connection line of the first baseline elements 21a, 21b defines a first baseline which preferably is arranged parallel to a pre-defined axis of the vision device <NUM> perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM>.

The vision device <NUM> comprises at least two such pre-defined axes, namely a direction parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor, which is usually a horizontal direction in a mounted state, and a direction parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor, which is usually a vertical direction in a mounted state, where horizontal and vertical refer to a coordinate system of the vision device <NUM> and/or to a coordinate system of the motor vehicle. The first baseline, i.e., the connection line of the two first baseline elements 21a, 21b, can be horizontal, or parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor, like in the Figures. In other embodiments, the first baseline could be vertical, or parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor. Generally, any orientation of the first baseline under an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the horizontal or vertical is possible. Preferably the distance between the two first baseline elements 21a, 21b is more than half, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device parallel to the first baseline, here the horizontal extension.

The contact surfaces <NUM> of the first baseline elements 21a, 21b preferably lie in a single plane.

Preferably the first alignment elements comprise a stop element 21c arranged with a distance along a direction perpendicular to the connection line between the first baseline elements 21a, 21b, here along the vertical direction. Preferably the distance between the stop element 21c and the connection line between the first baseline elements 21a, 21b is more than half, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device perpendicular to the first baseline, here the vertical extension.

On the rear side <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>, a plurality of first alignment counter elements 42a, 42b, 42c is arranged, where each first alignment counter element 42a, 42b, 42c corresponds to one of the first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c of the vision device <NUM>, such that the number of first alignment counter elements 42a, 42b, 42c, here three, equals the number of first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c. Each first alignment counter element 42a, 42b, 42c has a planar contact surface <NUM>. All contact surfaces <NUM> may lie in a single plane, but this is not strictly necessary. Each contact surface <NUM> is perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>, and thus parallel to the corresponding contact surface <NUM>, within ±<NUM>°, preferably within ±<NUM>°, more preferably within ±<NUM>°, even more preferably within ±<NUM>°.

When the vision device <NUM> is mounted to the holding part <NUM>, in particular when the lens objective <NUM> is guided through the opening <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>, the contact surface <NUM> of each first alignment element 21a, 21b, 21c comes into contact with the contact surface <NUM> of the corresponding first alignment counter element 42a, 42b, 42c. The contact points of the contacting surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> constrain the vision device <NUM> with respect to three degrees of freedom, namely rotation of the vision device <NUM> about the y-axis (see <FIG> and <FIG>), i.e., a horizontal axis perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>, rotation about the z-axis (vertical axis), and translation along the x-axis, i.e., the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>.

The first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c preferably protrude over a front surface <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, and preferably have the form of a ridge (here horizontal). The contact surfaces <NUM> preferably have the form of a strip (here horizontal). The first alignment counter elements 42a, 42b, 42c preferably protrude over a rear surface <NUM> of the holding part <NUM> and preferably have the form of a ridge (here vertical). The contact surfaces <NUM> preferably have the form of a strip (here vertical). The first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c and the first alignment counter elements 42a, 42b, 42c are arranged such that the length axis of any two strip-shaped contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, such that the contact between them is essentially point-shaped.

On the front side <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, a plurality of second alignment elements 23a, 23b is arranged. The second alignment elements 23a, 23b have a planar contact surface <NUM>. Each contact surface <NUM> is parallel to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM> within ±<NUM>°, preferably within ±<NUM>°, more preferably within ±<NUM>°, even more preferably within ±<NUM>°. The contact surfaces <NUM> are oriented horizontally for example. The number of second alignment elements 23a, 23b is preferably two. The second alignment elements preferably comprise two second baseline elements 23a, 23b, where a connection line of the second baseline elements 23a, 23b defines a second baseline which preferably is arranged parallel to a pre-defined direction of the vision device <NUM>, as described above.

The second baseline, i.e., the connection line of the two second baseline elements 23a, 23b, can be horizontal, or parallel to the lines of the light-sensitive sensor, like in the <FIG>. In other embodiments, the second baseline can be vertical, or parallel to the columns of the light-sensitive sensor. Generally, any orientation of the second baseline under an angle between <NUM>° and <NUM>° relative to the horizontal or vertical is possible. Preferably the distance between the two second baseline elements 23a, 23b is more than half, preferably more than <NUM>/<NUM> of the maximum extension of the vision device parallel to the second baseline, here the horizontal extension.

The contact surfaces <NUM> of the second baseline elements 23a, 23b preferably lie in a single plane.

On the rear side <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>, a plurality of second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b is arranged, where each second alignment counter element 44a, 44b corresponds to one of the second alignment elements 23a, 23b of the vision device <NUM>. Therefore, the number of second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b, here two, equals the number of second alignment elements 23a, 23b. Each second alignment counter element 44a, 44b has a planar contact surface <NUM>. The contact surfaces <NUM> preferably lie in a single plane. Each contact surface <NUM> is parallel to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>, and thus parallel to the corresponding contact surface <NUM>, within ±<NUM>°, preferably within ±<NUM>°, more preferably within ±<NUM>°, even more preferably within ±<NUM>°.

When the vision device <NUM> is mounted to the holding part <NUM>, in particular when the lens objective <NUM> is guided through the opening <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>, the contact surface <NUM> of each second alignment element 23a, 23b comes into contact with the contact surface <NUM> of the corresponding second alignment counter element 44a, 44b. The contact points of the contacting surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> constrain the vision device <NUM> with respect to two degrees of freedom, namely rotation of the vision device <NUM> about the x-axis (see <FIG> and <FIG>), i.e., the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>, and translation along the z-axis (vertical axis).

The second alignment elements 23a, 23b preferably protrude over the front surface <NUM> of the vision device <NUM>, and preferably have the form of a ridge (here perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>). The contact surfaces <NUM> preferably have the form of a strip (here perpendicular to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>). The second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b preferably protrude over the rear surface <NUM> of the holding part <NUM> and preferably have the form of a ridge. The contact surfaces <NUM> preferably have the form of a strip (here parallel to the optical axis <NUM> of the lens objective <NUM>). The second alignment elements 23a, 23b and the second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b are arranged such that the length axis of any two strip-shaped contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, such that the contact between them is essentially point-shaped.

The embodiment of <FIG> shows that the contact surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> do not have to be strip shaped. For example, the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignment elements 23a, 23b nearly have the shape of a square, see <FIG>. If the contact surfaces <NUM> and/or <NUM> are not strip shaped, a point-shaped contact is preferably achieved by other means. For example, the orientation of the contact surfaces <NUM> and/or <NUM> may slightly deviate from the ideal orientation described above. The same holds for the contact surfaces <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

The position of the second alignment elements 23a, 23b and the second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b relative to the first alignment elements 21a, 21b, 21c and the first alignment counter elements 42a, 42b, 42c can be chosen in a suited manner. Two preferred embodiments are described in the following.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, each second alignment element 23a, 23b is arranged close to one corresponding first alignment element 21a, 21b to form an L-shaped element 26a, 26b, see <FIG>. In this embodiment, the first alignment counter element 42a and the second alignment counter element 44a are identical (same for 42b, 44b), where the contact surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are formed by perpendicular surfaces of the common, preferably ridge-shaped alignment counter element 42a, 44a, see <FIG>. A vice-versa arrangement is possible, i.e., two pairs of the alignment counter elements 42a, 44a and 42b, 44b forming two L-shaped elements, and the first alignment element 21a and the second alignment element 23a being identical (same for 21b, 23b). In this embodiment, the inner edges of the L-shaped elements 26a, 26b preferably lie on a common hinge axis <NUM>. Therefore, this embodiment can be called a hinge embodiment.

In the embodiment of <FIG> not falling under the invention, the second alignment elements 23a, 23b are arranged separately and with a distance from the first alignment elements 21a-21c, and correspondingly the second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b are arranged separately and with a distance from the first alignment counter elements 42a-42c. In particular, the second alignment elements 23a, 23b (and consequently also the second alignment counter elements 44a, 44b) are arranged in an intermediate region of the vision device <NUM> along a pre-defined axis of the vision device <NUM> as explained above, for example along the vertical axis in <FIG>. Therefore, this embodiment can be called an intermediate region embodiment, or mid-plane embodiment.

The alignment between the vision device <NUM> and the holding part <NUM> requires that the alignment elements 21a-21c, 23a-23b are in contact with their respective alignment counter elements 42a-42c, 44a-44b. This is preferably achieved by one or more force exerting elements <NUM>, which, in the mounted state of the vision apparatus <NUM>, exerts a force pressing the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments elements 21a-21c against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments counter elements 42a-42c, and/or a force pressing the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments counter elements 44a-44c. This will be explained in the following with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, where the force exerting element <NUM> preferably is a spring element.

In <FIG>, the force exerting element <NUM> comprises, or consists of, a spring wire <NUM> comprising two helical sections wound around two coaxial mounting pins <NUM> of the holding part <NUM>. The spring wire <NUM> comprises a central U-bracket section <NUM> designed to exert a force on the camera housing <NUM> in the direction of the optical axis <NUM>, in order to press the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments elements 21a-21c against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments counter elements 42a-42c. Furthermore, both end sections <NUM> of the mounted spring wire <NUM> are designed to exert a force on parts of the camera housing <NUM>, here the L-shaped parts 26a, 26b laterally protruding over the camera housing <NUM>, with a force component perpendicular to the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b, in order to press the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments counter elements 44a-44c. In this manner, the mounted spring wire <NUM> can exert a pressing force in both required directions, namely in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments elements 21a-21c, and also in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b.

In <FIG>, the force exerting element <NUM> comprises, or consists of, a U-shaped spring bracket <NUM> connected to the holding part <NUM> at both end sections <NUM>, <NUM> and being adapted to encompass the vision device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. More specifically, the spring bracket <NUM> can comprise a connector <NUM>, for example a loop formed at the end of one end section <NUM> of the spring bracket <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, which connector <NUM> is adapted to engage a corresponding connector <NUM>, for example a connection bar, provided at the holding part <NUM>. The loop connector <NUM> is arranged around the bar connector <NUM> allowing the spring bracket <NUM> to be pivoted around the bar connector <NUM>. At the opposite end section <NUM>, a further connector <NUM>, for example an opening in the spring bracket <NUM>, is provided which is adapted to engage a corresponding further connector <NUM>, for example a hook, provided at the holding part <NUM>.

In its central part <NUM> the spring bracket <NUM> comprises a bulge section <NUM> bulging towards the vision device <NUM> in the mounted state, and adapted to exert a pressing force on the vision device <NUM> in the mounted state. The vision device <NUM> may comprise an abutting surface <NUM> against which the spring bracket <NUM>, more specifically the bulge section <NUM>, can press in the mounted state. The pressing force exerted by the bulge section <NUM> in the mounted state presses the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments elements 21a-21c against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments counter elements 42a-42c.

Furthermore, the spring bracket <NUM> may comprise an elastic section <NUM>, in particular forming one end of the spring bracket, which is adapted to exert a pressing force on the vision device <NUM> in the mounted state. The vision device <NUM> may comprise an abutting surface <NUM>, see <FIG>, against which the spring bracket <NUM>, more specifically the elastic section <NUM>, can press in the mounted state. The spring bracket <NUM>, more specifically the elastic section <NUM>, can have a corresponding abutting section <NUM> abutting against the abutting section <NUM> in the mounted state. The pressing force exerted by the elastic section <NUM> in the mounted state presses the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b against the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments counter elements 44a-44c. In this manner, the mounted spring bracket <NUM> can exert a pressing force in both required directions, namely in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces <NUM> of the first alignments elements 21a-21c, and also in a direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces <NUM> of the second alignments elements 23a, 23b.

Additional elements <NUM> can be provided at the rear side <NUM> of the holding part <NUM> for absorbing large mounting forces that may occur when an electrical connector not shown is inserted into a socket <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) from below. Such mounting forces are transmitted through the second alignment elements 23a, 23b abutting against the additional elements <NUM> from below.

Claim 1:
A vision device (<NUM>) for a motor vehicle, wherein the vision device (<NUM>) is adapted to capture images of the surrounding of the motor vehicle and comprises alignment elements (21a-21c, 23a-23b) each adapted to cooperate with a corresponding alignment counter-element (42a-42c, 44a-44b) of a holding part (<NUM>) in order to align the vision device (<NUM>) relative to the holding part (<NUM>), wherein each alignment element (21a-21c, 23a-23b) has a planar surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to abut against a planar surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the corresponding alignment counter-element (42a-42c, 44a-44b), wherein the alignment elements (21a-21c, 23a-23b) comprise one or more, preferably three, first alignment elements (21a-21c), the planar surface (<NUM>) of which is perpendicular to an optical axis (<NUM>) of the optical device (<NUM>), wherein the alignment elements (21a-21c, 23a-23b) comprise one or more, preferably two, second alignment elements (23a, 23b), the planar surface (<NUM>) of which is parallel to an optical axis (<NUM>) of the optical device (<NUM>), characterized in that two pairs each consisting of a first alignment element (21a, 21b) and a second alignment element (23a, 23b) form two L-shaped elements (26a, 26b) arranged collinear to each other, such that inner edges of the L-shaped elements (26a, 26b) lie on a common hinge axis (<NUM>).