Lighting device for a motor vehicle having switchable between level-to-right driving and having a

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a main lighting axis (4); a first optical system (6.1) capable of forming a first light beam (22) having an upper horizontal cut-off line, located mainly on the right side of the main illumination axis (4), and a second light beam (30) having an upper horizontal cut-off line with a step, located on the left side of the main illumination axis (4); a second optical system (6.2) capable of forming a third light beam (26) having an upper horizontal cut-off with a step on the right side of the main illumination axis (4) and a fourth light beam (20) having an upper horizontal cut-off mainly on the left side of the main illumination axis (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, in particular to lighting for motor vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motor vehicles have a night-time lighting function (commonly known as low beam) with an upper cut-off line according to the applicable regulations when there is an oncoming vehicle. However, European regulations require an upper horizontal cut-off line with a tilted portion with respect to the centre of the light beam, so that the left or right half of the light beam has a lower horizontal cut-off line than the other half. More particularly, for right-hand drive countries (i.e. countries where the driving controls are on the left side of the vehicle), the left half of the light beam is lower than the right half. Conversely, for left-hand drive countries (i.e. countries where the driving controls are on the right side of the vehicle), the left half of the light beam is higher than the right half. However, American regulations in particular require a flat upper horizontal cut-off line, i.e. without a tilted portion. This means that motor vehicle headlamps must be configured differently depending on the region.

[0003] The published patent document FR 3 102 535 A1 discloses a lighting module for a motor vehicle comprising: a main optical system able to form along an optical axis of the lighting module a main light beam, with an upper horizontal cut-off line; a first complementary optical system able to form along the optical axis a first complementary light beam, narrower than the main light beam and with a tilted lateral cut-off line; a second complementary optical system able to form along the optical axis an alternative second complementary light beam, narrower than the main light beam and with a tilted lateral cut-off line opposite to that of the first complementary light beam. The advantage of this lighting module is that it is compatible with different regulations and driving sides (left-hand drive and right-hand drive). However, it has the disadvantage of a lack of uniformity between the main light beam on the one hand and the first and second complementary light beams on the other hand. SUMMARY

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to alleviate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art described above. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a lighting device that is compatible with different regulations and driving sides (left-hand drive and right-hand drive), while providing good uniformity.

[0005] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a main lighting axis; - a first optical system able to form a first light beam mainly located to the right of the main lighting axis, with an upper horizontal cut-off line, and a second light beam located to the left of the main lighting axis, with an upper horizontal cut-off line with a step; - a second optical system able to form a third light beam having a stepped upper horizontal cutoff line located to the right of the main illumination axis and a fourth light beam having an upper horizontal cutoff line located mainly to the left of the main illumination axis.

[0006] In the foregoing and hereinafter, the orientation of the light beams is described in view of the light beams being projected onto a screen located in front of the lighting device and perpendicular to the main illumination axis in the case where the lighting device is in its normal operating position. In particular, when describing a light beam located to the left or to the right of the main illumination axis, this means that the light beam is respectively located to the left or to the right of the light beam onto the screen onto which the light beam is projected.

[0007] A light beam located "to the left" or "to the right" of the main illumination axis means that more than half of the light beam respectively extends to the left or to the right of the main illumination axis onto the screen onto which the light beam is projected. In particular, the light beam respectively extends horizontally further to the left than to the right of the main illumination axis or further to the right than to the left of the main illumination axis.

[0008] The upper horizontal cutoff line of the first light beam and of the fourth light beam is not stepped compared to the upper horizontal cutoff line of the second light beam and of the third light beam having a stepped upper horizontal cutoff line.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the step of the second light beam is located to the left of the main illumination axis and the step of the third light beam is located to the right of the main illumination axis.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light beam horizontally overlaps the fourth light beam.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical system comprises a first light source, a first reflective surface able to reflect light rays emitted by the first light source and to form the first light beam, a second light source, and a second reflective surface able to reflect light rays emitted by the second light source and to form the second light beam; and the second optical system comprises a third light source, a third reflective surface able to reflect light rays emitted by the third light source and to form the third light beam, a fourth light source, and a fourth reflective surface able to reflect light rays emitted by the fourth light source and to form the fourth light beam.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first reflective surface, the second reflective surface, the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface, preferably each of the reflective surfaces, forms a dome of a parabolic profile or of an elliptical profile, a corresponding one of the first light source, the second light source, the third light source and the fourth light source being located at the focus of said parabolic profile or of said elliptical profile.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting device further comprises a projection system configured to project the first light beam, the second light beam, the third light beam and the fourth light beam.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the projection system is configured to image the first reflective surface or each of the reflective surfaces of the dome forming a parabolic profile or an elliptical profile.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the projection system comprises a plurality of optical projection elements including a first optical projection element associated with the first optical system and configured to project the first light beam and the second light beam and a second optical projection element associated with the second optical system and configured to project the third light beam and the fourth light beam.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, each optical projection element comprises at least one mirror.

[0017] Alternatively, each optical projection element is formed by a lens. Thus, the projection system is formed by a plurality of lenses. Advantageously, the lenses are arranged side by side. Preferably, the lenses are made of a single material.

[0018] In particular, the first optical projection element can be formed by a first lens and the second optical projection element can be formed by a second lens. According to one example, the first lens and the second lens are arranged side by side. According to another example, the first lens and the second lens are separated from each other by one or more other lenses.

[0019] According to an advantageous mode of the application, the first optical projection element has a first focal point located between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface transversely to the main illumination axis but closer to the first reflective surface and the second optical projection element has a second focal point located between the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface transversely to the main illumination axis but closer to the fourth reflective surface.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the first focal point is positioned longitudinally close to the rear edges of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, preferably the first focal point is located at a distance of less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the second focal point is positioned longitudinally close to the rear edges of the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface, preferably the second focal point is located at a distance of less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the first optical system further comprises a fifth light source and a fifth reflective surface positioned opposite the rear edge of the first reflective surface and capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the fifth light source and forming a fifth light beam above the upper horizontal cut-off line of the first light beam, and / or the second optical system further comprises a sixth light source and a sixth reflective surface positioned opposite the rear edge of the fourth reflective surface and capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the sixth light source and forming a sixth light beam above the upper horizontal cut-off line of the fourth light beam.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the lighting device further comprises a control unit for the first light source, the second light source, the third light source, the fourth light source and, where applicable, the fifth light source and the sixth light source, the control unit being configured to supply power selectively and exclusively to: (i) the first light source and the fourth light source, (ii) the first light source and the third light source and the fourth light source at reduced power, (iii) the first light source and the second light source and the fourth light source at reduced power, (iv) where applicable, the first light source, the fourth light source and the fifth light source, and (v) where applicable, the first light source, the fourth light source and the sixth light source.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the application, the first reflective surface, the second reflective surface and, where applicable, the fifth reflective surface are formed on a first collector, and the third reflective surface, the fourth reflective surface and, where applicable, the sixth reflective surface are formed on a second collector, said first collector and second collector being separate or forming a common collector.

[0025] The measures of the application have the advantage of making it possible to produce a lighting device capable of providing a lighting function, in particular for motor vehicles, having an upper cut-off line compatible with the various regulations in force around the world, i.e. an upper cut-off line with a step on the left or right of the main lighting axis depending on whether the vehicle drives on the right or on the left (as is the case in particular in Europe) and an upper cut-off line without a step (as is the case in particular in the United States). The use of four reflective surfaces, more particularly two pairs of two reflective surfaces configured to illuminate horizontally on either side of the main lighting axis, allows an overlap between the light images produced by the light beams, preventing the formation of darker areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a lighting device according to the application; [ Figure 2 ] is Figure 1 a perspective view of the first optical system and the second optical system of the lighting device of [ Figure 3 ] is Figure 1a rear view of the lighting device, the lighting device additionally comprising a third optical system arranged between the first optical system and the second optical system and ensuring the projection of a wide light beam having an upper horizontal cut-off line; [ Figure 4 ] comprises three views showing three lighting configurations for a left-hand drive vehicle; [ Figure 5 ] comprises three views showing three lighting configurations for a left-hand drive vehicle; [ Figure 6 ] is a view showing a lighting configuration for a vehicle for which the regulation does not require a cut-off step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In the following description and generally for the application, the concept of a light beam located to the right or to the left of the main lighting axis refers to the position of the light beam when it is projected onto a screen (for example located 20 m in front of the vehicle), the main lighting axis being the axis perpendicular to the screen onto which the light beam is projected.

[0028] In a particular example, the main lighting axis can define the origin of an orthogonal reference frame on the screen onto which the light beam is projected, this reference frame serving as a reference for the photometric grid defined in the regulation.

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are two different perspective views of the same lighting device according to the application.

[0030] The lighting device 2 is configured to form several light beams which, when added together, form a total light beam along a main lighting axis 4, this total light beam having an upper horizontal cut-off line required by the regulation, generally referred to as "low beam" type.

[0031] The lighting device 2 comprises a first optical system 6.1 and a second optical system 6.2 arranged side by side, it being understood that these two optical systems 6.1 and 6.2 can be part of the same module or of physically separate modules. The lighting device 2 also comprises a projection system 14 comprising a first optical projection element 14.1 associated with the first optical system 6.1 and a second optical projection element 14.2 associated with the second optical system 6.2.

[0032] The first optical system 6.1 comprises (schematically represented by dots) a first light source 8.1 and a first reflective surface 10.1 configured to receive the light rays emitted by the first light source 8.1 and reflect them towards an optional diffusing screen 12.1 and then towards a first optical projection element 14.1, in this case a first projection lens 14.1. The first light source 8.1 is advantageously configured to illuminate in a main direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, which main direction comprises the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, which is substantially parallel to the main illumination axis 4 of the lighting device 2 when the latter is in the functional working position (i.e. as Figure 1 The first reflective surface 10.1 has a hollow dome shape, with an elliptical profile or a parabolic profile having a focal point at the position of the first light source 8.1 so as to form a reflected light beam along the optical axis. The first reflective surface 10.1 is advantageously a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1.

[0033] The front and / or back of the diffusing screen 12.1 can have a series of concave and convex features, respectively. Each of the front and back can be provided with a plurality of torus shapes. Such a screen can produce a light beam of inverted “T” shape, i.e. with a greater horizontal spread of the lower part of the light beam.

[0034] The first optical system 6.1 comprises (also schematically represented by dots) a second light source 8.2 and a second reflective surface 10.2 configured to receive the light rays emitted by the second light source 10.2 and reflect them towards the optional diffusing screen 12.1 and then towards the first optical projection element 14.1, in this case the first projection lens 14.1. The detailed features described above for the first light source 8.1 and the first reflective surface 10.1 apply to the second light source 8.2 and the second reflective surface 10.2.

[0035] It can be seen that the first reflective surface 10.1 and the second reflective surface 10.2 are arranged side by side, and similarly, the first light source 8.1 and the second light source 8.2 are arranged side by side. The optional diffusing screen 12.1 and the first optical projection element, i.e. the projection lens 14.1, are common to the first light source 8.1 and the second light source 8.2 and to the first reflective surface 10.1 and the second reflective surface 10.2.

[0036] The first optical projection element 14.1 is configured to image the first reflective surface 10.1 and the second reflective surface 10.2 respectively illuminated by the first light source 8.1 and the second light source 8.2. To do this, the first optical projection element 14.1 comprises a first focal point which is advantageously located longitudinally along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1 on a rear portion of the first reflective surface 10.1 and of the second reflective surface 10.2, preferably between the first light source 8.1 and the second light source 8.2 and the rear edges of the first reflective surface 10.1 and of the second reflective surface 10.2, and even more preferentially at a distance from the rear edges of the first reflective surface 10.1 and of the second reflective surface 10.2 of less than or equal to 10 mm in the longitudinal direction. The first focal point is advantageously located transversely to the optical axis between the first reflective surface 10.1 and the second reflective surface 10.2. This positioning of the focal point allows the first optical projection element 14.1 to image a rear portion of each of the first reflective surface 10.1 and of the second reflective surface 10.2, in particular a rear portion adjacent to the rear edge of said reflective surface 10.1, 10.2, and thus to take into account, given the image inversion between the reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 illuminated by their respective first and second light sources and their projection by the first optical projection element 14.1, the production of a light beam having a horizontal cut-off line corresponding to said rear edge.

[0037] The first focal point of the first optical projection element 14.1 can be closer to the first reflective surface 10.1 than to the second reflective surface 10.2, or vice versa. This has the effect of laterally displacing the two light images produced so that one of them includes the main axis of illumination 4. This ensures that this light image overlaps with the other light image produced by the second optical system 6.2.

[0038] The rear edge 10.1.1 of the first reflective surface 10.1 is generally flat, in this case horizontal when the device is in its normal operating position, so that the upper horizontal cut-off line of the corresponding light beam is straight. The rear edge 10.1.1 in question can have a cutout 10.1.2 to prevent too much light from being reflected in certain areas of the first light beam 22.

[0039] The rear edge 10.2.1 of the second reflective surface 10.2 has a step 10.2.2 so that the corresponding light beam has an upper horizontal cut-off line with a corresponding step.

[0040] The second optical system 6.2 is similar to the first optical system 6.1 in that it comprises a third light source 8.3 and a third reflective surface 10.3 which is able to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the third light source 8.3 (similar to the second reflective surface 10.2 and the second light source 8.2) to form a third light beam 26 having an upper horizontal cut-off line with a step. To this end, the third reflective surface 10.3 has a back edge 10.3.1 with a step 10.3.2 which is able to form in the third light beam 26 an upper horizontal cut-off line with a corresponding step. The second optical system 6.2 comprises a fourth light source 8.4 and a fourth reflective surface 10.4 which is able to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the fourth light source 8.4 (similar to the first reflective surface 10.1 and the first light source 8.1) to form a fourth light beam 20 having an upper horizontal cut-off line. To this end, the fourth reflective surface 10.4 has a flat back edge 10.4.1 (i.e. without step) so as to form in the fourth light beam 20 an upper horizontal cut-off line.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the detailed characteristics related to the first optical system 6.1, in particular the detailed characteristics related to the shape of the reflective surfaces and their optical interaction with the light sources and the optical projection system, apply also to the second optical system 6.2.

[0042] Similarly, a diffusing screen 12.2 having a similar configuration as the diffusing screen 12.1 can be arranged between the second optical system 6.2 and the second optical projection element 14.2.

[0043] Similarly, the second optical projection element 14.2 has a second focal point. This second focal point can advantageously be located longitudinally along the optical axis of the second optical system 6.2 on a rear portion of the third reflective surface 10.3 and of the fourth reflective surface 10.4, preferably between the third light source 8.3 and the fourth light source 8.4 and the rear edges of the third reflective surface 10.3 and of the fourth reflective surface 10.4, and even more preferentially at a distance from the rear edges of the third reflective surface 10.3 and of the fourth reflective surface 10.4 of less than or equal to 10 mm in the longitudinal direction. The second focal point is advantageously located transversely to the optical axis between the third reflective surface 10.3 and the fourth reflective surface 10.4. This positioning of the second focal point allows the second optical projection element 14.2 to image a rear portion of each of the third reflective surface 10.3 and of the fourth reflective surface 10.4, in particular a rear portion adjacent to the rear edge of said reflective surface 10.3, 10.4, and thus to take into account, given the image inversion between the projection of the reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 by their respective third light source and fourth light source and their projection by the second optical projection element 14.2, a light beam having an upper horizontal cutoff line corresponding to said rear edge. The second focal point of the second optical projection element 14.2 can be positioned closer to the fourth reflective surface 10.4 than to the third reflective surface 10.3, or vice versa. This has the effect of laterally displacing the two light images produced so that one of them includes the main axis of illumination 4. This ensures that this light image overlaps with the other light image produced by the first optical system 6.1.

[0044] The lighting device 2 can comprise a fifth light source 8.5 arranged adjacent to the first light source 8.1 and to the first reflective surface 10.1 so as to illuminate a fifth reflective surface 10.5 arranged, when the device is in its normal operating position, in line with the first reflective surface 10.1 along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, in this case at the rear of this first reflective surface, and transversely to the horizontal plane in the direction opposite to that of the first reflective surface 10.1. This fifth surface 10.5 has a very limited range and is configured to form, above the upper horizontal cutoff line of the first light beam 22 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) a fifth light beam 28 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) following a horizontally extending, in particular trapezoidal, pattern.

[0045] The lighting device 2 can comprise a sixth light source 8.6 arranged adjacent to the fourth light source 8.4 and the fourth reflective surface 10.4 so as to illuminate a sixth reflective surface 10.6 arranged in line with the fourth reflective surface 10.4 along the optical axis of the second optical system 6.2, in this case at the rear of the fourth reflective surface, and transversely to the horizontal plane in the opposite direction to that of the fourth reflective surface 10.4, when the device is in its normal operating position. This sixth surface 10.6 has a very limited extent and is configured to form, above the upper horizontal cut-off line of the fourth light beam 20, a sixth light beam 24 following a horizontally extending, in particular trapezoidal, pattern.

[0046] More specifically, with reference to Figure 2 , the lighting device 2 can comprise screens 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 and / or 16.6 arranged in front of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth light source respectively along the main illumination axis 4, in the main propagation direction of the light rays. This or these screens are configured to absorb and / or reflect towards an absorption zone the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source substantially directly forwards along the main illumination axis 4, and in the absence of reflection of these light rays on the corresponding reflective surface, which would interfere with the corresponding light beam.

[0047] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a rear view of the lighting device of

[0048] The third optical system 6.3 includes multiple light sources and multiple reflective surfaces. When the illumination device is in its normal operating position, the multiple light sources illuminate in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the illumination device and are oriented upwards. The multiple reflective surfaces are configured to collect the light emitted by the light sources in question and reflect it into a beam with an upper horizontal cutoff line. Similar to the first optical system 6.1 and the second optical system 6.2, the reflective surfaces of the third optical system 6.3 have a dome-shaped concave form with a parabolic or elliptical profile, and the focal point is located at the corresponding light source. The projection system 14 includes a third optical projection element 14.3 formed herein by a third lens 14.3, which is configured to image the reflective surfaces of the third optical system 6.3, particularly the portion located near or adjacent to the rear edge of the reflective surface. The resulting beam is substantially wider than the beams produced by the first optical system 6.1 and the second optical system 6.2, as shown in the image. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lieutenant general is obvious.

[0049] The lighting device 2 may include an electrical control unit 17 for the first light source 8.1, the second light source 8.2, the third light source 8.3, the fourth light source 8.4, the fifth light source 8.5, and the sixth light source 8.6. This electrical control unit is configured to selectively power different combinations of the light sources in question, particularly according to regulatory requirements, i.e., for example (i) the first light source 8.1 and the fourth light source 8.4, (ii) the first light source 8.1 and the third light source 8.3 and the fourth light source 8.4 with reduced power, (iii) the first light source 8.1 and the second light source 8.2 and the fourth light source 8.4 with reduced power, (iv) the first light source 8.1, the fourth light source 8.4, and the fifth light source 8.5, and (v) the first light source 8.1, the fourth light source 8.4, and the sixth light source 8.6, as will be discussed regarding... Figures 4 to 6 Detailed description.

[0050] The electrical control unit 17 can also be configured to power the light source of the third optical system 6.3 while activating one of the above combinations.

[0051] Figure 4 Three light images are shown in (a), (b), and (c), each corresponding to a given projection of a beam of light onto a screen located in front of the illumination device and perpendicular to the main illumination axis. These projections can be generated by... Figures 1 to 3 The lighting device is designed for vehicles traveling on the right (i.e., where the driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle). Next to each of the three light images, the lighting device is schematically shown, with the associated reflective surface and the activated light source represented by shadow lines.

[0052] In the light image (a), light image 18 can be seen corresponding to the broad beam with an upper right horizontal cutoff line generated by the third optical system 6.3. Two light images 20 and 22 can also be seen, each corresponding to a narrow beam with an upper right horizontal cutoff line, namely the fourth beam 20 and the first beam 22. These first beams 22 and fourth beams 20 are arranged on both sides of the main illumination axis 4 of the illumination device 2 and laterally overlap at the main illumination axis 4. The first beams 22 and fourth beams 20 are generated by the first light source 8.1 and its associated first reflective surface 10.1, and the fourth light source and its associated fourth reflective surface 10.4, respectively. It should be noted that the fourth beam 20, located to the left of the main illumination axis 4, is generated by the fourth light source and its associated fourth reflective surface 10.4, located to the right of the main illumination axis 4, and similarly, the first beam 22, located to the right of the main illumination axis 4, is generated by the first light source and its associated first reflective surface 10.1, located to the left of the main illumination axis 4. This is due to the fact that the first focal point of the first optical projection element 14.1 and the second focal point of the second optical projection element 14.2, which are associated with each of the first optical system 6.1 and the second optical system 6.2 respectively, are transverse to the main illumination axis 4 and located between two reflective surfaces (i.e., the first reflective surface 10.1 and the second reflective surface 10.2 of the first optical system 6.1 are used for the third reflective surface 10.3 and the fourth reflective surface 10.4 of the second optical system 6.2).

[0053] Still in the light image (a), the light image 24 can also be seen directly above the upper horizontal cutoff line of the fourth beam 20 to the left of the main illumination axis 4. This light image 24 corresponds to the sixth beam 24 and has a shape that is substantially horizontally elongated and confined to a portion of the horizontal range of the fourth beam 20. The sixth beam 24 is generated by the sixth light source 10.6 and the sixth reflective surface 10.6 adjacent to the fourth reflective surface 10.4 of the second optical system 6.2.

[0054] Therefore, the light image (a) corresponds to the dynamic turn signal function when the vehicle turns left.

[0055] In the light image (b), it can be seen that the first beam 22 to the right of the main illumination axis 4 in (a) is supplemented by a similar light image 26, but with a step in the upper horizontal cutoff line. This light image 26 corresponds to the third beam 26 and is generated by the third light source 8.3 of the second optical system 6.2 and the associated third reflective surface 10.3. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2As described, the stepped upper cutoff line of the third beam 26 is generated by the trailing edge of the third reflective surface 10.3, which has a corresponding step. Advantageously, in this configuration where the first beam 22 and the third beam 26 overlap, the light output of at least one of the first light source 8.1 and the third light source 8.3 is reduced to avoid excessive illumination power. In the light image (b), the sixth beam 24, visible in (a), has disappeared.

[0056] Therefore, the light image (b) corresponds to the low beam function used for driving on the right. This function is activated when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line.

[0057] The light image (c) is substantially symmetrical to the light image (a) because the sixth beam 24 visible in (a) is replaced by the light image 28 located directly above the upper horizontal cutoff line of the light image 22 on the right side of the main illumination axis 4. This light image 28, corresponding to the fifth beam 28, has a shape that is substantially horizontally elongated and limited to a portion of the horizontal range of the first beam 22. The fifth beam 28 is generated by the fifth light source 8.5 and the fifth reflective surface 10.5 adjacent to the first reflective surface 10.1 of the first optical system 6.1.

[0058] Therefore, the light image (c) corresponds to the dynamic turn signal function when the vehicle turns right.

[0059] Figure 5 Three light images are shown in (a), (b), and (c), each corresponding to a given beam projection, which can be generated by... Figures 1 to 3 The lighting device is designed for vehicles traveling on the left (i.e., where the driver's seat is on the right side of the vehicle). Next to each of the three light images, the lighting device is schematically shown, with the associated reflective surface and the activated light source represented by shadow lines.

[0060] The light image (a) corresponds to Figure 4 The light image (a) in the image. Therefore, refer to the image about Figure 4 A description of the light image is given. Therefore, Figure 5 The light image (a) in the image corresponds to the dynamic turn signal function when the vehicle turns left.

[0061] Light image (b) and Figure 4 The light image (b) is substantially symmetrical because the fourth beam 20 to the left of the main illumination axis 4 is supplemented by a light image 30 with an upper cutoff line, which corresponds to the second beam 30 and is generated by the second light source 8.2 and the associated second reflective surface 10.2. Similarly, Figure 4The first beam 22 with an upper horizontal cutoff line and the third beam 26 with an upper cutoff line with a step on the light image (b) are replaced only by the first beam 22 with an upper horizontal cutoff line generated by the first light source 8.1 and the associated first reflective surface 10.1. Therefore, Figure 5 The light image (b) in the image corresponds to the low beam function used for driving on the left. This function is activated when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line.

[0062] The light image (c) corresponds to Figure 4 The light image (c) in the image. Therefore, refer to the image about Figure 4 A description of the light image is given. Therefore, Figure 5 The light image (c) in the image corresponds to the dynamic turn signal function when the vehicle turns right.

[0063] Figure 6 It shows that it can be made by Figures 1 to 3 The lighting device is designed for light patterns intended for use in vehicles in regions such as the United States, where regulations require a straight cutoff line without a stepped upper horizontal cutoff line. This light pattern is formed by superimposing a first beam 22 and a fourth beam 20 with a beam 18 formed by a third optical system 6.3.

[0064] According to the above Figures 4 to 6 It can be seen that, according to the present invention and as Figures 1 to 3 The exhibited lighting system allows for vehicle lighting functions with an upper horizontal cutoff line (such as a "low beam" lighting function), which is applicable to areas requiring either a step to the left or right of the main lighting axis (depending on whether the vehicle is driving on the left or right) (as is particularly true in Europe) and areas requiring a straight upper horizontal cutoff line (i.e., no steps) (as is particularly true in the United States). The optional presence of a fifth and sixth light source, as well as a reflective surface, also provides additional dynamic turn signal functionality.

[0065] Therefore, as mentioned above... Figure 3 Briefly described, the configuration of the electronic control unit 17 allows for selective implementation Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The configuration shown.

[0066] The light pattern of the stepped cutoff line beams emitted by the lighting device according to the invention, which perform the low beam function, is particularly uniform because they are produced by a combination of beams with upper horizontal cutoff lines arranged on a first side of the main lighting axis and beams with stepped upper horizontal cutoff lines arranged on a second side of the main lighting axis, and these beams are projected by the same optical projection element. (Reference) Figure 4(b) The third beam 20 and the fourth beam 26 are generated by the second optical system 6.2, and both are projected by the second optical projection element 14.2. Similarly, see reference... Figure 5 (b) The first beam 22 and the second beam 30 are generated by the first optical system 6.1 and projected by the first optical projection element 14.1.

Claims

1. A lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising: - a main lighting axis (4); - a first optical system (6.1) capable of forming a first light beam (22) mainly located on the right of the main lighting axis (4) with an upper horizontal cut-off line and a second light beam (30) located on the left of the main lighting axis (4) with an upper horizontal cut-off line with a step; - a second optical system (6.2) capable of forming a third light beam (26) located on the right of the main lighting axis (4) with an upper horizontal cut-off line with a step and a fourth light beam (20) mainly located on the left of the main lighting axis (4) with an upper horizontal cut-off line.

2. The lighting device (2) as defined in claim 1, wherein The step of the second light beam (30) is located on the left of the main lighting axis (4) and the step of the third light beam (26) is located on the right of the main lighting axis (4).

3. The lighting device (2) according to one of the claims 1 and 2, wherein The first light beam (22) has a horizontal overlap with the fourth light beam (20).

4. The illumination device of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first optical system (6.1) comprises a first light source (8.1), a first reflective surface (10.1) capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the first light source (8.1) and forming the first light beam (22), a second light source (8.2), and a second reflective surface (10.2) capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the second light source (8.2) and forming the second light beam (30); and the second optical system (6.2) comprises a third light source (8.3), a third reflective surface (10.3) capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the third light source (8.3) and forming the third light beam (26), a fourth light source (8.4), and a fourth reflective surface (10.4) capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by the fourth light source (8.4) and forming the fourth light beam (20).

5. The lighting device (2) as defined in claim 4, wherein At least one of the first, second, third and fourth reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4), preferably each of the reflective surfaces, forms a dome of a parabolic profile or an elliptical profile, a corresponding one of the first, second, third and fourth light sources (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) being located at the focus of the parabolic profile or the elliptical profile.

6. The lighting device (2) of one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: - a projection system (14) configured to project the first, second, third and fourth light beams (22, 30, 26, 20).

7. The lighting device (2) as defined in claims 5 and 6, wherein The projection system (14) is configured to image each of the first, second, third and fourth reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) having a dome forming a parabolic profile or an elliptical profile.

8. The lighting device (2) of claim 6 or 7, wherein The projection system (14) comprises a plurality of projection optical elements (14.1, 14.2, 14.3) including a first optical projection element (14.1) associated with the first optical system (6.1) and configured to project the first and second light beams (22, 30) and a second optical projection element (14.2) associated with the second optical system (6.2) and configured to project the third and fourth light beams (26, 20).

9. The lighting device (2) as defined in claim 8 when dependent on claim 4, wherein The first optical projection element (14.1) has a first focal point located between the first and second reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2) transversely to the main illumination axis (4) but closer to the first reflective surface (10.1) and the second optical projection element (14.2) has a second focal point located between the third and fourth reflective surfaces (10.3, 10.4) transversely to the main illumination axis (4) but closer to the fourth reflective surface (10.4).

10. The lighting device (2) according to one of the claims 4 to 9, wherein The first optical system (6.1) further comprises a fifth light source (8.5) and a fifth reflective surface (10.5) located opposite a rear edge (10.1.1) of the first reflective surface (10.1) and capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fifth light source (8.5) and forming a fifth light beam (28) above an upper horizontal cut-off line of the first light beam (22), and / or the second optical system (6.2) further comprises a sixth light source (8.6) and a sixth reflective surface (10.6) located opposite a rear edge (10.4.1) of the fourth reflective surface (10.4) and capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the sixth light source (8.6) and forming a sixth light beam (24) above an upper horizontal cut-off line of the fourth light beam (20).

11. The lighting device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 10, further comprising: - a control unit (17) for the first, second, third, fourth and, where applicable, fifth and sixth light sources (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6), the control unit being configured to selectively and exclusively power: (i) the first and fourth light sources (8.1, 8.4), (ii) the first light source (8.1) and the third and fourth light sources (8.3, 8.4) at reduced power, (iii) the first and second light sources (8.1, 8.2) and the fourth light source (8.4) at reduced power, (iv) where applicable, the first, fourth and fifth light sources (8.1, 8.4, 8.5), and (v), where applicable, the first, fourth and sixth light sources (8.1, 8.4, 8.6).

12. The lighting device (2) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein The first, second and, where applicable, fifth reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.5) are formed on a first light collector and the third, fourth and, where applicable, sixth reflective surfaces (10.3, 10.4, 10.6) are formed on a second light collector, which are separate or form a common light collector.

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