Adjustable vehicle lighting system for left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles with cornering function

Abstract

LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, ADJUSTABLE BETWEEN LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AND WITH CORNERING FUNCTION. 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) with an upper horizontal cutoff, located predominantly to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a second light beam (30) with an upper horizontal cutoff with a raised edge, located to the left of the main lighting axis (4); a second optical system (6.2) capable of forming a third light beam (26) with an upper horizontal cutoff with a raised edge, located to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a fourth light beam (20) with an upper horizontal cutoff, located predominantly to the left of the main lighting axis (4). (Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, MODULAR BETWEEN LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE, AND WITH A FUNCTION TURN technical field

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

[0002] The nighttime driving light function for oncoming traffic, commonly called "low beam," has a cutoff height, in accordance with applicable regulations. European regulations, however, stipulate a horizontal cutoff height with an oblique portion in the center of the beam, such that one left or right half of the light beam has a horizontal cutoff height that is lower than the other half. More specifically, in right-hand drive countries, i.e., where the driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle, the left half of the light beam is lower than the right half. Conversely, in left-hand drive countries, i.e., where the driver's seat is on the right side of the vehicle, the left half of the light beam is higher than the right half. American regulations, for their part, stipulate, among other things, a flat horizontal cutoff height, i.e., without an oblique portion.This means that automotive headlights 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 capable of forming a main light beam along an optical axis of the lighting module, with a horizontal upper cutoff; a first complementary optical system capable of forming a first complementary light beam along the optical axis, narrower than the main light beam and with an oblique lateral cutoff; a second complementary optical system capable of forming a second alternative complementary light beam along the optical axis, narrower than the main light beam and with an oblique lateral cutoff opposite to the oblique lateral cutoff of the first complementary light beam. This lighting module is advantageous in that it is compatible with different regulations and driving positions (left-hand drive and right-hand drive).However, it has one drawback. homogeneity between, on the one hand, the main light beam and, on the other hand, the first and second complementary light beams. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to overcome at least one drawback of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a lighting device compatible with different regulations and driving sides (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) while exhibiting good uniformity.

[0005] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a main axis of lighting; - a first optical system capable of forming a first light beam with an upper horizontal cutoff, located mainly to the right of the main lighting axis, and a second light beam with an upper horizontal cutoff with a step, located to the left of the main lighting axis; - a second optical system capable of forming a third light beam with an upper horizontal cut with a step, located to the right of the main lighting axis, and a fourth light beam with an upper horizontal cut, located predominantly to the left of the main lighting axis.

[0006] In the preceding and following text, the orientation of the light beams is described by considering that the light beams are projected onto a screen located in front of the lighting device and perpendicular to the main lighting axis, the lighting device being in its normal operating position. In particular, when describing a light beam located to the left, or to the right, of the main lighting axis, this means that this light beam is located to the left, or to the right, of the screen onto which the light beam is projected.

[0007] By light beam located "mostly to the left" or "mostly to the right" of the main illumination axis, it is understood that more than half of the light beam extends to the left or right of the main illumination axis on the screen onto which the light beam is projected. In particular, the light beam extends horizontally more to the left than to the right, or more to the right than to the left, of the main illumination axis.

[0008] Unlike the upper horizontal cuts of the second and third light beams which have a step, the upper horizontal cuts of the first and fourth light beams do not have a step.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rebound of the second light beam is located to the left of the main lighting axis and the projection of the third light beam is located to the right of the main lighting axis

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light beam has a horizontal overlap with 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 capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the first light source and forming the first light beam, a second light source and a second reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the second light source and forming the second light beam; and the second optical system comprises a third light source, a third reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the third light source and forming the third light beam, a fourth light source, a fourth reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fourth light source and forming the fourth light beam.

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

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

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection system is configured to image the or each of the first, second, third and fourth reflective surfaces forming a cap with a parabolic or elliptical profile.

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

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

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

[0018] In particular, the first optical projection element may be formed by a first lens and the second optical projection element may 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 and second lenses are separated from each other by one or more other lenses.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical projection element comprises a first focus located, transversely to the main axis of illumination, between the first and second reflective surfaces, however more on the side of the first reflective surface, and the second optical projection element comprises a second focus located, transversely to the main axis of illumination, between the third and fourth reflective surfaces, however more on the side of the fourth reflective surface.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first focus is located longitudinally near the rear edges of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, preferably the first focus is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, along the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second focus is located longitudinally near the rear edges of the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface, preferably the second focus is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the third reflective surface and the fourth reflective surface, along the longitudinal direction.

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

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

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

[0025] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to create a lighting device capable of producing a high-cutoff light function, particularly for automobiles, that is compatible with the various regulations in force worldwide, namely with a raised section to the left or right of the main lighting axis, depending on whether the vehicle is driven on the right or left, respectively, as is the case in Europe, for example, as well as without a raised section, as is the case in the United States. The use of four reflective surfaces, more precisely two pairs of two reflective surfaces configured to illuminate horizontally on either side of the main lighting axis, makes it possible to provide overlap between the light images produced by the light beams and thus avoid the formation of darker areas. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a lighting device, according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the first and second optical systems of the lighting device of [Fig.1], showing the reflective surfaces of the collectors;

[0028] [Fig.3] is a rear view of the lighting device of [Fig.1], comprising, in addition, a third optical system disposed between the first and second optical systems and ensuring the projection of a wide beam of light with a horizontal upper cutoff;

[0029] [Fig.4] includes three views showing three lighting configurations for a right-hand drive vehicle;

[0030] [Fig.5] includes three views showing three lighting configurations for a left-hand drive vehicle;

[0031] [Fig.6] is a view showing a vehicle lighting configuration for which regulations do not require a step in the cut. Detailed description

[0032] In the description that follows and generally for this invention, the The notions of light beams located to the right or left of the main lighting axis refer to the position of the light beams when they are projected onto a screen, for example located 20 m in front of the vehicle, the main lighting axis being an axis perpendicular to the screen onto which the beam is projected.

[0033] In a particular example, the main lighting axis can define the origin of an orthonormal coordinate system on the screen onto which the light beams are projected, this coordinate system serving as a reference for the photometric grid defined in the regulations.

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 are two different perspective views of the same lighting device according to the invention.

[0035] The lighting device 2 is configured to form several light beams which, added together, form, along the main lighting axis 4, a total light beam with a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff of the "code" type (commonly referred to as "low beam" in English).

[0036] 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 may be part of the same module or of physically separate modules. The lighting device 2 also comprises a projection system 14 comprising a first projection optical element 14.1 and a second projection optical element 14.2, the first projection optical element 14.1 being associated with the first optical system 6.1 and the second projection optical element 14.2 being associated with the second optical system 6.2.

[0037] The first optical system 6.1 comprises a first light source 8.1, schematically represented by a point, and a first reflective surface 10.1 configured to receive and reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source 8.1 towards an optional diffusing screen 12.1 and then towards the 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 principal direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane, comprising an optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, essentially parallel to the principal illumination axis 4 of the lighting device 2 when functionally oriented, i.e., as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The first reflective surface 10.1 has a dome-shaped hollow form, with an elliptical or parabolic profile having a focus located 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 about an axis parallel to the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1.

[0038] The front and / or rear faces of the 12.1 display may have a succession of concavities and convexities, respectively. Each of the front and The rear can be equipped with a plurality of tori. Such a screen can produce a light beam with an inverted "T" shape, namely a greater horizontal diffusion of the lower part of the light beam.

[0039] The first optical system 6.1 comprises a second light source 8.2, also schematically represented by a point, and a second reflective surface 10.2 configured to receive and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source 10.2 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 characteristics detailed 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.

[0040] It can be observed that the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 are arranged side-by-side and, similarly, the first and second light sources 8.1 and 8.2 are arranged side-by-side. The optional diffusing screen 12.1 and the first optical projection element, namely the projection lens 14.1, are common to the first and second light sources 8.1 and 8.2 and to the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1, 10.2.

[0041] The first optical projection element 14.1 is configured to image the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 illuminated by the first and second light sources 8.1 and 8.2, respectively. For this purpose, the first optical projection element 14.1 includes a first focal point advantageously located, longitudinally along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, on a rear part of the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2, preferably between the first and second light sources 8.1 and 8.2 and the rear edges of the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2, and even more preferably at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 along the longitudinal direction. The first focus is advantageously located, transversely to the optical axis, between the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2. This positioning of the focus allows the first optical projection element 14.1 to image a rear part of each of the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2, in particular adjacent to a rear edge of said reflective surfaces 10.1, 10.2, and thus produce light beams with upper horizontal cutoff corresponding to said rear edges, taking into account the image inversion between the reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 illuminated by their respective first and second light sources and their projections by the first optical projection element 14.1.

[0042] The first focus of the first projection optical element 14.1 can be further on the side of the first reflective surface 10.1 than on the second reflective surface 10.2, or vice versa. This has the effect of transversely shifting the two luminous images produced so that one of them includes the principal illumination axis 4. This ensures that this luminous image overlaps with another luminous image produced by the second optical system 6.2.

[0043] 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 cutoff of the corresponding light beam is straight. The rear edge 10.1.1 in question may have a cutout 10.1.2 to prevent excessive reflection of light in certain areas of the first light beam 22.

[0044] The rear edge 10.2.1 of the second reflective surface 10.2 has a bump 10.2.2, so that the corresponding light beam has an upper horizontal cut with a corresponding bump.

[0045] 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 adapted to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the third light source 8.3, similarly to the second reflective surface 10.2 and the second light source 8.2, to form a third light beam 26 with an upper horizontal cutoff with a raised edge. For this purpose, the third reflective surface 10.3 has a rear edge 10.3.1 with a raised edge 10.3.2 adapted to form in the third light beam 26 an upper horizontal cutoff with a corresponding raised edge. The second optical system 6.2 comprises a fourth light source 8.4 and a fourth reflective surface 10.4 adapted to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the fourth light source 8.4, similarly to the first reflective surface 10.1 and the first light source 8.1, to form a fourth light beam 20 with an upper horizontal cut. For this purpose, the fourth reflective surface 10.4 has a flat rear edge 10.4.1, i.e. without a step, so as to form an upper horizontal cut in the fourth light beam 20.

[0046] It is understood that the detailed characteristics in relation to the first optical system 6.1, in particular in relation to the shape of the reflective surfaces and their optical interactions with the light sources and the projection optical system, also apply to the second optical system 6.2.

[0047] Similarly, a diffusing screen 12.2, of similar construction to the diffusing screen 12.1, can be arranged between the second optical system 6.2 and the second optical projection element 14.2.

[0048] Similarly, the second optical projection element 14.2 comprises aSecond 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 and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4, preferably between the third and fourth light sources 8.3 and 8.4 and the rear edges of the third and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4, and even more preferably at a distance of 10 mm or less from the rear edges of the third and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 along the longitudinal direction. The second focal point is advantageously located, transversely to the optical axis, between the third and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4. This positioning of the second focal point allows the second projection optical element 14.2 to image a rear portion of each of the third and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4.4, in particular adjacent to a rear edge of said reflective surfaces 10.3, 10.4, and thus produce light beams with a horizontal upper cutoff corresponding to said rear edges, taking into account the image inversion between the reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 illuminated by their respective third and fourth light sources and their projections by the second optical projection element 14.2. The second focus of the second optical projection element 14.2 may be located more towards the fourth reflective surface 10.4 than the third reflective surface 10.3, or vice versa. This has the effect of transversely offsetting the two light images produced so that one of them includes the principal illumination axis 4. This ensures that this light image overlaps with another light image produced by the first optical system 6.1.

[0049] The lighting device 2 may include a fifth light source 8.5 arranged adjacent to the first light source 8.1 and the first reflective surface 10.1, so as to illuminate a fifth reflective surface 10.5 arranged, along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, in alignment with the first reflective surface 10.1, in this case behind it, and transversely to a horizontal plane, when the device is in normal operating position, in a direction opposite to that of the first reflective surface 10.1. This fifth surface 10.5 has a very limited extent and is configured to form a fifth light beam 28 (Figures 4 and 5) following a horizontally extended, in particular trapezoidal, spot above the upper horizontal cut of the first light beam 22 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0050] The lighting device 2 may include 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, along the optical axis of the second optical system 6.2, in alignment with the fourth reflective surface 10.4, in this case at the rear of it, and transversely to a horizontal plane, when the device is in normal operational position, in a direction opposite to that of the fourth reflective surface 10.4. This sixth surface 10.6 has a very limited extent and is configured to form a sixth light beam 24 following a horizontally extended, in particular trapezoidal, task above the upper horizontal cut of the fourth light beam 20.

[0051] More specifically, with reference to [Fig. 2], the lighting device 2 may include a screen 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 and / or 16.6 disposed at the front, along the principal lighting axis 4 in the principal direction of ray propagation, from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth light source respectively. This screen or these screens are configured to absorb and / or reflect, towards an absorption zone, light rays emitted by the corresponding light source directly forward, essentially along the principal lighting axis 4, and which, in the absence of reflection on the corresponding reflective surface, would disrupt the corresponding light beam.

[0052] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lighting device of Figures 1 and 2, further comprising a third optical system 6.3 disposed between the first and second optical systems 6.1 and 6.2 and ensuring the projection of a wide, horizontally cutoff beam of light, in particular wider than the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth beams of light.

[0053] The third optical system 6.3 comprises several light sources, all illuminating in directions perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the lighting device when it is in its normal operating position, oriented upwards, and several reflective surfaces configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by said light sources into a beam with a horizontal cutoff at the top. Similar to the first and second optical systems 6.1, 6.2, the reflective surfaces of the third optical system 6.3 have concave, dome-shaped forms with a parabolic or elliptical profile and a focus located at the level of the corresponding light source. The projection system 14 comprises a third optical projection element 14.3, here formed by a third lens 14.3, configured to image the reflective surfaces of the third optical system 6.3.3, in particular their rear parts located near or adjacent to the rear edges of the reflective surfaces. The light beam thus produced is substantially wider than the light beams produced by the first and second optical systems 6.1, 6.2, as will be apparent in figures 4, 5 and 6.

[0054] The lighting device 2 may include an electrical control unit 17 for the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth light sources 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5 and 8.6, configured to supply, in a selective manner, different combinations of the light sources in question, depending in particular on the regulatory context, namely for example (i) the first and fourth light sources 8.1 and 8.4, (ii) the first light source 8.1 at reduced power and the third and fourth light sources 8.3 and 8.4, (iii) the first and second light sources 8.1 and 8.2 and the fourth light source 8.4 at reduced power, (iv) the first, fourth and fifth light sources 8.1, 8.4 and 8.5, and (v) the first, fourth and sixth light sources 8.1, 8.4 and 8.6, as will be detailed in relation to Figures 4 to 6.

[0055] The electrical control unit 17 can also be configured to power the light sources of the third optical system 6.3 simultaneously with the activation of one of the combinations mentioned above.

[0056] Figure 4 shows, in (a), (b), and (c), three luminous images, each corresponding to a given projection of light beams onto a screen located in front of the lighting device and perpendicular to the main lighting axis, and which can be produced by the lighting device of Figures 1 to 3, for a right-hand drive vehicle (i.e., where the driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle). Next to each of the three luminous images, the lighting device is shown schematically, with the reflective surfaces and associated activated light sources hatched.

[0057] In the luminous image (a), a luminous image 18 can be observed, corresponding to a wide light beam with a horizontal cutoff at the upper right, produced by the third optical system 6.3. Two luminous images 20 and 22 can also be observed, each corresponding to a narrow light beam with a horizontal cutoff at the upper right, namely the fourth light beam 20 and the first light beam 22. These first and fourth light beams 22 and 20 are arranged on either side of the main illumination axis 4 of the lighting device 2 and overlap transversely at the level of said main illumination axis 4. The first and fourth light beams 22 and 20 are produced by the first light source 8.1 and first associated reflective surface 10.1, and by the fourth light source and the fourth associated reflective surface 10.4, respectively.It should be noted that the fourth light beam 20 located to the left of the main lighting axis 4 is produced by the fourth light source and the fourth associated reflective surface 10.4, located to the right of the main lighting axis 4, and similarly the first light beam 22 located to the right of the main lighting axis 4 is produced by the first light source and the first associated reflective surface 10.1, located to the left of the main lighting axis 4. This is due to the fact that the first focus of the first projection optical element 14.1, and the second focus. of the second optical projection element 14.2 respectively associated with each of the first and second optical systems 6.1 and 6.2 are located, transversely to the main illumination axis 4, between the two reflective surfaces, namely the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1 and 10.2 for the first optical system 6.1, and the third and fourth reflective surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 for the second optical system 6.2.

[0058] Still in the luminous image (a), one can observe, in addition, a luminous image 24 located directly above the upper horizontal cut of the fourth beam 20 to the left of the main illumination axis 4. This luminous image 24 corresponds to the sixth light beam 24 and has an essentially horizontally elongated shape limited to a portion of the horizontal extent of the fourth light beam 20. The sixth light beam 24 is produced 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.

[0059] The luminous image (a) thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when turning, as the vehicle turns left.

[0060] In the luminous image (b), it can be observed that the first light beam 22 to the right of the principal illumination axis 4 in (a) is complemented by a similar luminous image 26, however with a bump in the upper horizontal cutoff. This luminous image 26 corresponds to the third light beam 26 and is produced by the third light source 8.3 and associated third reflective surface 10.3 of the second optical system 6.2. With reference to the description in Figures 1 and 2, the upper cutoff with a bump in this third light beam 26 is produced by the rear edge of the third reflective surface 10.3, which has a corresponding bump. Advantageously, the luminous power of at least one of the first and third light sources 8.1, 8.3 is reduced in this configuration where the first light beam 22 and third light beam 26 overlap, in order to avoid over-illumination.In the luminous image (b), the sixth light beam 24 visible in (a) has disappeared.

[0061] The luminous image (b) thus corresponds to a dipped beam function for right-hand drive. This function is emitted when the vehicle is moving in a straight line.

[0062] The luminous image (c) is essentially symmetrical to the luminous image (a) in that the sixth light beam 24 visible in (a) is replaced by the luminous image 28 located directly above the upper horizontal cut of the luminous image 22 to the right of the principal illumination axis 4. This luminous image 28, corresponding to the fifth light beam 28, has an essentially horizontally elongated shape and is limited to a portion of the horizontal extent of the first light beam 22. The fifth light beam 28 is produced 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.

[0063] The luminous image (c) thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when turning, as the vehicle turns right.

[0064] Figure 5 shows in (a), (b), and (c) three luminous images, each corresponding to a given projection of light beams, which can be produced by the lighting device of Figures 1 to 3, for a left-hand drive vehicle (i.e., where the driver's seat is on the right side of the vehicle). Next to each of the three luminous images, the lighting device is shown schematically, with the reflective surfaces and associated activated light sources hatched.

[0065] The luminous image (a) corresponds to the luminous image (a) of [Fig. 4]. Reference is therefore made to the description of this luminous image in relation to [Fig. 4]. The luminous image (a) of [Fig. 5] thus corresponds to a dynamic cornering lighting function, as the vehicle turns left.

[0066] The light image (b) is essentially symmetrical to the light image (b) of [Fig. 4], in that the fourth light beam 20, to the left of the main illumination axis 4, is supplemented by a light image 30 with a raised upper cutoff, corresponding to the second light beam 30, and produced by the second light source 8.2 and the associated second reflective surface 10.2. Similarly, the first light beam 22 with a horizontal upper cutoff and the third light beam 26 with a raised upper cutoff present in the light image (b) of [Fig. 4] are replaced solely by the first light beam 22 with a horizontal upper cutoff, produced by the first light source 8.1 and the associated first reflective surface 10.1. The light image (b) of [Fig. 5] thus corresponds to a left-hand drive dipped beam function. This function is emitted when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line.

[0067] The luminous image (c) corresponds to the luminous image (c) of [Fig. 4]. Reference is therefore made to the description of this luminous image in relation to [Fig. 4]. The luminous image (c) of [Fig. 5] thus corresponds to a dynamic cornering lighting function, as the vehicle turns right.

[0068] Figure 6 shows a luminous image that can be produced by the lighting device of Figures 1 to 3, for a vehicle intended for a territory, such as the United States, where regulations require a horizontal upper cutout without a step, i.e., straight. This luminous image is formed by the superposition of the first light beam 22 and the fourth light beam 20, with the light beam 18 formed by the third optical system 6.3.

[0069] In light of Figures 4 to 6 described above, it can be seen that the lighting device according to the invention and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 makes it possible to achieve a Automotive lighting function with a horizontal top cutoff, such as a dipped beam (also known as "low-beam"), versatile for areas with a raised section to the left or right of the main lighting axis, depending on whether the vehicle is driven on the left or right, respectively, as is the case in Europe, as well as for areas with a horizontal top cutoff to the right, i.e., without a raised section, as is the case in the United States. The optional presence of fifth and sixth light sources and reflective surfaces also provides a complementary dynamic cornering lighting function.

[0070] The configuration of the electrical control unit 17, as briefly described above in relation to [Fig.3], thus allows the configurations illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 to be achieved selectively.

[0071] The light images of the stepped cutoff light beams performing a dipped beam function, emitted by the lighting device according to the invention, exhibit particularly good homogeneity, due to the fact that they result from the combination of a light beam with an upper horizontal cutoff arranged on one side of the main lighting axis, and a light beam with an upper horizontal cutoff and a step arranged on the other side of the main lighting axis, and that these light beams are projected by the same optical projection element. With reference to [Fig. 4](b), the third and fourth light beams 20 and 26 are produced by the second optical system 6.2 and are both projected by the second optical projection element 14.2. Similarly, with reference to [Fig. 5](b), the first and second light beams 22 and 30 are produced by the first optical system 6.1 and are projected by the first optical projection element 14.1.

Claims

Claims

1. 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) with an upper horizontal cut-off, located mainly to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a second light beam (30) with an upper horizontal cut-off with a projection, located to the left of the main lighting axis (4); - a second optical system (6.2) capable of forming a third light beam (26) with an upper horizontal cut-off with a projection, located to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a fourth light beam (20) with an upper horizontal cut-off, located mainly to the left of the main lighting axis (4).

2. Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the projection of the second light beam (30) is located to the left of the main lighting axis (4) and the projection of the third light beam (26) is located to the right of the main lighting axis (4).

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

4. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first optical system (6.1) comprises a first light source (8.1), a first reflecting surface (10.1) capable of reflecting 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 reflecting surface (10.2) capable of reflecting 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 reflecting surface (10.3) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the third light source (8.3) and forming the third light beam (26), a fourth light source (8.4), a fourth reflecting surface (10.4) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fourth light source (8.4) and form the fourth light beam (20).

5. Lighting device (2) according to claim 4, wherein at least one, preferably each of the first, second, third and fourth reflecting surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) form a cap of parabolic or elliptical profile, the corresponding light source of the first, second, third and fourth light sources (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4), being located at a focus of said parabolic or elliptical profile.

6. Lighting device (2) according to 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. Lighting device (2) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the projection system (14) is configured to image the or each of the first, second, third and fourth reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) forming a cap of parabolic or elliptical profile

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

9. Lighting device (2) according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the first optical projection element (14.1) has a first focus located, transversely to the main axis of illumination (4), between the first and second reflecting surfaces (10.1, 10.2) however more on the side of the first reflecting surface (10.1), and the second optical projection element (14.2) has a second focus located, transversely to the main axis of illumination (4), between the third and fourth reflecting surfaces (10.3, 10.4) however more on the side of the fourth reflecting surface (10.4).

10. Lighting device (2) according to one of claims 4 to 9, in which the first optical system (6.1) further comprises a fifth light source (8.5) and a fifth reflecting surface (10.5) located opposite a rear edge (10.1.1) of the first reflecting 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 the upper horizontal cut-off 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 reflecting surface (10.6) located opposite a rear edge (10.4.1) of the fourth reflecting 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 the upper horizontal cut-off of the fourth light beam (20).

11. 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 appropriate, fifth and sixth light sources (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6), configured to supply, in a selective and exclusive manner, (i) the first and fourth light sources (8.1, 8.4), (ii) the first light source (8.1) at reduced power and the third and fourth light sources (8.3, 8.4), (iii) the first and second light sources (8.1, 8.2) and the fourth light source (8.4) at reduced power, (iv), where appropriate, the first, fourth and fifth light sources (8.1, 8.4, 8.5), and (v), where appropriate, the first, fourth and sixth light sources (8.1, 8.4, 8.6).

12. Lighting device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first, second and, where appropriate, fifth reflecting surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.5) are formed on a first collector, and the third, fourth and, where appropriate, sixth reflecting surfaces (10.3, 10.4, 10.6) are formed on a second collector, said first and second collectors being disjoint or forming a common collector.

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