Lighting device for a motor vehicle, which can be switched between left-hand drive and right-hand drive and which has a cornering function

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) able to form a first light beam (22) with an upper horizontal cut-off, located predominantly to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a second light beam (30) with an upper horizontal cut-off with a step, located to the left of the main lighting axis (4); a second optical system (6.2) able to form a third light beam (26) with an upper horizontal cut-off with a step, located to the right of the main lighting axis (4), and a fourth light beam (20) with an upper horizontal cut-off, located predominantly to the left of the main lighting axis (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE MODULABLE BETWEEN LEFT-HAND DRIVE AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AND WITH TURN FUNCTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to the field of lighting, in particular lighting for motor vehicles.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The automotive lighting function at night with oncoming traffic, commonly called "low beam", has a higher cut-off, in accordance with current regulations. However, European regulations provide for a horizontal upper cut-off with an oblique portion in the center of the beam, so that one left or right half of the light beam has a lower horizontal cut-off than the other half. More specifically, for right-hand drive countries, i.e. where the driver's position is on the left 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 position is on the right of the vehicle, the left half of the light beam is higher than the right half. American regulations provide, in particular, for a flat upper horizontal cut-off, i.e. without an oblique portion.This means that car headlights must be configured differently depending on these territories.

[0007] 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 cut-off; 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 cut-off; 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 cut-off opposite the oblique lateral cut-off of the first complementary light beam. This lighting module is advantageous in 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 homogeneity between, on the one hand, the main light beam and, on the other hand, the first and second complementary light beams.

[0008] Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to overcome at least one drawback of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to propose a lighting device compatible with different regulations and driving sides (left-hand drive and right-hand drive) while exhibiting good homogeneity.

[0010] The subject of the invention is a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0011] - a main axis of lighting;

[0012] - a first optical system capable of forming a first light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off, located mainly to the right of the main lighting axis, and a second light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off with a projection, located to the left of the main lighting axis;

[0013] - a second optical system capable of forming a third light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off with a step, located to the right of the main lighting axis, and a fourth light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off, located mainly to the left of the main lighting axis.

[0014] In the above and the following, 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 the normal operational position. In particular, when describing a light beam located to the left, respectively to the right, of the main lighting axis, this means that this light beam is located to the left, respectively to the right on the screen onto which the light beam is projected.

[0015] By light beam located “mostly on the left”, respectively

[0016] "Predominantly to the right" of the main lighting axis means that more than half of the light beam extends to the left, respectively to the right, of the main lighting 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, respectively more to the right than to the left, of the main lighting axis.

[0017] Unlike the upper horizontal cuts of the second light beam and the third light beam which have a step, the upper horizontal cuts of the first light beam and the fourth light beam are without a step.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection 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.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light beam has a horizontal overlap with the fourth light beam.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical system comprises a first light source, a first reflecting 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 reflecting 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 reflecting surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the third light source and forming the third light beam, a fourth light source, a fourth reflecting surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fourth light source and forming the fourth light beam.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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. 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 of parabolic or elliptical profile.

[0023] 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.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each optical projection element comprises at least one mirror.

[0025] Alternatively, each optical projection element is formed by a lens. The projection system is thus formed by a plurality of lenses.

[0026] Advantageously, the lenses are arranged side by side. Preferably, the lenses are made of material.

[0027] In particular, the first projection optical element may be formed by a first lens and the second projection optical element may be formed by a second lens. In one example, the first lens and the second lens are arranged side by side. In another example, the first and second lenses are separated from each other by one or more other lenses.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical projection element comprises a first focus located, transversely to the main lighting axis, between the first and second reflecting surfaces, however more on the side of the first reflecting surface, and the second optical projection element comprises a second focus located, transversely to the main lighting axis, between the third and fourth reflecting surfaces, however more on the side of the fourth reflecting surface.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first focus is located longitudinally close to the rear edges of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, preferably the first focus is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second focus is located longitudinally close to the rear edges of the third reflecting surface and the fourth reflecting surface, preferably the second focus is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the third reflecting surface and the fourth reflecting surface, in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical system further comprises a fifth light source and a fifth reflecting surface located opposite a rear edge of the first reflecting surface and capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fifth light source and forming a fifth light beam above the upper horizontal cut-off of the first light beam, and / or the second optical system further comprises a sixth light source and a sixth reflecting surface located opposite a rear edge of the fourth reflecting surface and capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the sixth light source and forming a sixth light beam above the upper horizontal cut-off of the fourth light beam.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting device further comprises a control unit for the first, second, third, fourth and, where appropriate, fifth and sixth light sources, configured to supply, in a selective and exclusive manner, (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 at reduced power, (iv), where appropriate, the first, fourth and fifth light sources, and (v), where appropriate, the first, fourth and sixth light sources.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first, second and, where appropriate, fifth reflective surfaces are formed on a first collector, and the third, fourth and, where appropriate, sixth reflective surfaces are formed on a second collector, said first and second collectors being separate or forming a common collector.

[0034] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to produce a lighting device capable of producing a lighting function, in particular for automobiles, with a higher cut-off which is compatible with the various regulations in force throughout the world, namely with a projection to the left or right of the main lighting axis, depending on whether the vehicle is driven on the right or left, respectively, as in particular in Europe, as well as without a projection, as in particular 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 an overlap between the light images produced by the light beams and thus avoid the formation of darker areas.

[0035] Brief description of the drawings

[0036] [Fig 1] is a perspective view of a lighting device, in accordance with the invention;

[0037] [Fig 2] is a perspective view of the first and second optical systems of the illumination device of Figure 1, showing the reflective surfaces of the collectors;

[0038] [Fig 3] is a rear view of the lighting device of Figure 1, further comprising a third optical system disposed between the first and second optical systems and providing the projection of a wide light beam with a higher horizontal cutoff;

[0039] [Fig 4] includes three views showing three lighting configurations for a right-hand drive vehicle;

[0040] [Fig 5] includes three views showing three lighting configurations for a left-hand drive vehicle;

[0041] [Fig 6] is a view showing a vehicle lighting configuration where regulations do not require a step in the cut-off.

[0042] Detailed description

[0043] In the description which follows and in general for this invention, the notions of light beam situated to the right or to the left of the main lighting axis refer to the position of the light beams when they are projected onto a screen, for example situated 20 m in front of the vehicle, the main lighting axis being an axis perpendicular to the screen onto which the beam is projected.

[0044] In a particular example, the main lighting axis may define the origin of an orthonormal reference point on the screen onto which the light beams are projected, this reference point serving as a reference for the photometric grid defined in the regulations.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 are two different perspective views of the same lighting device according to the invention.

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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 distinct modules. The lighting device 2 also comprises a projection system 14 comprising a first optical projection element 14.1 and a second optical projection element 14.2, the first optical projection element 14.1 being associated with the first optical system 6.1 and the second optical projection element 14.2 being associated with the second optical system 6.2.

[0048] The first optical system 6.1 comprises a first light source 8.1, represented schematically by a point, and a first reflecting 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 main direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane, comprising an optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, essentially parallel to the main lighting axis 4 of the lighting device 2 when it is oriented in an operational manner, that is to say as illustrated in FIG. 1. The first reflecting surface 10.1 has a hollow cap shape, with an elliptical or parabolic profile having a focus located at the replacement of the first light source 8.1, so as to form a reflected light beam along the optical axis. The first reflecting surface 10.1 is advantageously a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1.

[0049] The front and / or rear faces of the diffusing screen 12.1 may comprise a succession of concavities and convexities respectively. Each of the front and rear faces may be provided with a plurality of tori. Such a screen may make it possible to produce a light beam having an inverted “T” shape, namely a greater horizontal diffusion of the lower part of the light beam.

[0050] The first optical system 6.1 comprises a second light source 8.2, also schematically represented by a point, and a second reflecting 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 reflecting surface 10.1 apply to the second light source 8.2 and the second reflecting surface 10.2.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 comprises a first focus advantageously located, longitudinally along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, on a rear portion 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 in 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 portion 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.

[0053] The first focus of the first optical projection element 14.1 may be more on the side of the first reflecting surface 10.1 than on the second reflecting surface 10.2, or vice versa. This has the effect of transversely shifting the two light images produced so that one of them comprises the main illumination axis 4. This makes it possible to ensure an overlap of this light image with another light image produced by the second optical system 6.2.

[0054] The rear edge 10.1 .1 of the first reflecting surface 10.1 is generally flat, in this case horizontal when the device is in the normal operational position, so that the upper horizontal cut-off of the corresponding light beam is straight. The rear edge 10.1 .1 in question may have a cut-out 10.1 .2 to avoid reflecting too much light in certain areas of the first light beam 22.

[0055] The rear edge 10.2.1 of the second reflecting surface 10.2 has a projection 10.2.2, so that the corresponding light beam has an upper horizontal cutoff with a corresponding projection. 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 reflecting surface 10.3 capable of collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by the third light source 8.3, similarly to the second reflecting surface 10.2 and the second light source 8.2, to form a third light beam 26 with an upper horizontal cutoff with projection. For this purpose, the third reflecting surface 10.3 has a rear edge 10.3.1 with a projection 10.3.2 capable of forming in the third light beam 26 an upper horizontal cutoff with a corresponding projection. The second optical system 6.2 comprises a fourth light source 8.4 and a fourth reflecting surface 10.4 capable of collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by the fourth light source 8.4, similarly to the first reflecting surface 10.1 and the first light source 8.1, to form a fourth light beam 20 with an upper horizontal cut-off. For this purpose, the fourth reflecting surface 10.4 has a rear edge 10.4.1 that is flat, i.e. without a projection, so as to form an upper horizontal cut-off in the fourth light beam 20.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Similarly, a diffusing screen 12.2, of similar construction to the diffusing screen 12.1, may be arranged between the second optical system 6.2 and the second optical projection element 14.2.

[0058] Similarly, the second optical projection element 14.2 comprises a second focus. This second focus may advantageously be located, longitudinally along the optical axis of the second optical system 6.2, on a rear portion of the third and fourth reflecting 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 reflecting surfaces 10.3 and 10.4, and even more preferably at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the rear edges of the third and fourth reflecting surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 in the longitudinal direction. The second focus is advantageously located, transversely to the optical axis, between the third and fourth reflecting surfaces 10.3 and 10.4. This positioning of the second focus allows the second optical projection element 14.2 to image a rear portion of each of the third and fourth reflecting surfaces 10.3 and 10.4, in particular adjacent to a rear edge of said reflecting surfaces 10.3, 10.4, and thus produce light beams with upper horizontal cutoff corresponding to said rear edges, taking into account the image inversion between the reflecting 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 on the side of the fourth reflecting surface 10.4 than on the third reflecting surface 10.3, or vice versa. This has the effect of transversely shifting the two light images produced so that one of them comprises the main illumination axis 4.This ensures that this light image is overlapped with another light image produced by the first optical system 6.1.

[0059] The lighting device 2 may comprise a fifth light source 8.5 arranged adjacent to the first light source 8.1 and to the first reflecting surface 10.1, so as to illuminate a fifth reflecting surface 10.5 arranged, along the optical axis of the first optical system 6.1, in alignment with the first reflecting surface 10.1, in this case at the rear thereof, and transversely to a horizontal plane, when the device is in the normal operational position, in a direction opposite to that of the first reflecting 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 task, in particular trapezoidal, above the upper horizontal cutoff of the first light beam 22 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0060] The lighting device 2 may comprise a sixth light source 8.6 arranged adjacent to the fourth light source 8.4 and to the fourth reflecting surface 10.4, so as to illuminate a sixth reflecting surface 10.6 arranged, along the optical axis of the second optical system 6.2, in alignment with the fourth reflecting surface 10.4, in this case to the rear thereof, and transversely to a horizontal plane, when the device is in the normal operational position, in a direction opposite to that of the fourth reflecting 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 task, in particular trapezoidal, above the upper horizontal cutoff of the fourth light beam 20.

[0061] More specifically with reference to Figure 2, the lighting device 2 may comprise a screen 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5 and / or 16.6 arranged at the front, along the main lighting axis 4 in the main direction of propagation of the rays, of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and / or sixth light source respectively. This or these screens are configured to absorb and / or reflect towards an absorption zone, light rays emitted by the corresponding light source directly towards the front, essentially along the main lighting axis 4, and which, in the absence of reflection on the corresponding reflecting surface, would disturb the corresponding light beam.

[0062] Figure 3 is a rear view of the lighting device of Figures 1 and 2, further comprising a third optical system 6.3 arranged between the first and second optical systems 6.1, 6.2 and ensuring the projection of a light beam with a higher horizontal cutoff, wide, and in particular wider than the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth light beams.

[0063] The third optical system 6.3 comprises several light sources, all illuminating in directions perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the lighting device when the latter is in the normal operational position, oriented upwards, and several reflective surfaces configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources in question into a light beam with an upper horizontal cutoff. Similar to the first and second optical systems 6.1, 6.2, the reflective surfaces of the third optical system 6.3 have hollow, cap-like shapes, of parabolic or elliptical profile with 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, in particular their rear portions 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.

[0064] The lighting device 2 may comprise 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 selectively power 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.

[0065] The electrical control unit 17 may 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.

[0066] Figure 4 shows in (a), (b) and (c), three light images, each corresponding to a given projection of light beams on 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 driving position is on the left of the vehicle). Next to each of the three light images, the lighting device is shown schematically where the reflective surfaces and associated activated light sources are hatched.

[0067] In the light image (a), a light image 18 can be observed corresponding to a wide light beam with an upper right horizontal cutoff, produced by the third optical system 6.3. Two light images 20 and 22 can also be observed, each corresponding to a narrow light beam with an upper right horizontal cutoff, 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 lighting axis 4 of the lighting device 2 and overlap transversely at the level of said main lighting axis 4. The first and fourth light beams 22 and 20 are produced by the first light source 8.1 and associated first reflecting surface 10.1, and by the fourth light source and the associated fourth reflecting 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 associated fourth 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 associated first 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 optical projection 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 lighting 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 reflecting surfaces 10.3 and 10.4 for the second optical system 6.2.

[0068] Still in the light image (a), we can also observe a light image 24 located directly above the upper horizontal cutoff of the fourth beam 20 to the left of the main lighting axis 4. This light image 24 corresponds to the sixth light beam 24 and has a shape that is essentially horizontally elongated and 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 reflecting surface 10.6 adjacent to the fourth reflecting surface 10.4 of the second optical system 6.2.

[0069] The light image (a) thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when cornering, while the vehicle is turning left.

[0070] In the light image (b), it can be observed that the first light beam 22 to the right of the main lighting axis 4 in (a) is supplemented by a similar light image 26, however with a projection in the upper horizontal cut-off. This light image 26 corresponds to the third light beam 26, and is produced by the third light source 8.3 and associated third reflecting surface 10.3, of the second optical system 6.2. With reference to the description of FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper cut-off with projection of this third light beam 26 is produced by the rear edge of the third reflecting surface 10.3, having a corresponding projection. Advantageously, the light 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 excessive lighting power.In the light image (b), the sixth light beam 24 visible in (a) has disappeared.

[0071] The light image (b) thus corresponds to a dipped beam function for driving on the right. This function is emitted when the vehicle is moving in a straight line.

[0072] The light image (c) is essentially symmetrical to the light image (a) in that the sixth light beam 24 visible in (a) is replaced by the light image 28 located directly above the upper horizontal cut-off of the light image 22 to the right of the main illumination axis 4. This light image 28, corresponding to the fifth light beam 28, has a shape that is essentially horizontally elongated and 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 reflecting surface 10.5 adjacent to the first reflecting surface 10.1 of the first optical system 6.1.

[0073] The light image (c) thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when cornering, while the vehicle is turning right.

[0074] Figure 5 shows in (a), (b) and (c), three light images, each corresponding to a given projection of light beams, and which can be produced by the lighting device of Figures 1 to 3, for a left-hand drive vehicle (i.e. where the driving position is on the right of the vehicle). Next to each of the three light images, the lighting device is shown schematically where the reflective surfaces and associated activated light sources are hatched.

[0075] The light image (a) corresponds to the light image (a) of Figure 4. Reference is therefore made to the description of this light image in relation to Figure 4. The light image (a) of Figure 5 thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when cornering, while the vehicle is turning left. The light image (b) is essentially symmetrical to the light image (b) of Figure 4, in that the fourth light beam 20, to the left of the main lighting axis 4, is supplemented by a light image 30 with a raised upper cut-off, corresponding to the second light beam 30, and produced by the second light source 8.2 and the associated second reflecting surface 10.2.Similarly, the first light beam 22 with horizontal upper cut-off and the third light beam 26 with projecting upper cut-off present in the light image (b) of Figure 4 are replaced only by the first light beam 22 with horizontal upper cut-off, produced by the first light source 8.1 and the associated first reflective surface 10.1. The light image (b) of Figure 5 thus corresponds to a dipped beam function for driving on the left. This function is emitted when the vehicle is moving in a straight line.

[0076] The light image (c) corresponds to the light image (c) of Figure 4. Reference is therefore made to the description of this light image in relation to Figure 4. The light image (c) of Figure 5 thus corresponds to a dynamic lighting function when cornering, while the vehicle is turning right.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a light 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 the regulations provide for a horizontal upper cut-off without a step, that is to say straight. This light image is formed by the superposition of the first light beam 22 and fourth light beam 20, with the light beam 18 formed by the third optical system 6.3.

[0078] 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 provide an automotive lighting function with a horizontal upper cut-off, such as a dipped beam function, called "code" or "low-beam" in English, versatile for areas providing a projection to the left or right of the main lighting axis, depending on whether the vehicle is driven on the left or right, respectively, such as in particular in Europe, as well as for areas providing a straight horizontal upper cut-off, i.e. without a projection, such as in particular in the United States. The optional presence of the fifth and sixth light sources and reflective surfaces also makes it possible to provide a complementary dynamic lighting function when cornering.

[0079] The configuration of the electrical control unit 17, as briefly described above in relation to FIG. 3, thus makes it possible to selectively produce the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

[0080] The light images of the light beams with a cut-off with a step performing a dipped beam function, emitted by the lighting device according to the invention, have a particularly good homogeneity, due to the fact that they result from the combination of a light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off arranged on a first side of the main lighting axis, and a light beam with an upper horizontal cut-off with a step arranged on a second side of the main lighting axis, and that these light beams are projected by the same optical projection element. With reference to Figure 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 Figure 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 [Claim 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 step, 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). [Claim 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). [Claim 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). [Claim 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 surface reflecting (10.4) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the fourth light source (8.4) and forming the fourth light beam (20). [Claim 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) forms 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. [Claim 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). [Claim 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 [Claim 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. [Claim 9.] Lighting device (2) according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 4, in which the first optical projection element (14.1) comprises 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) comprises a second focus located, transversely to the main lighting axis (4), between the third and fourth reflecting surfaces (10.3, 10.4) however more on the side of the fourth reflecting surface (10.4). [Claim 10.] Lighting device (2) according to one of 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 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). [Claim 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) with 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) with 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). [Claim 12.] Lighting device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first, second and, where appropriate, fifth reflective surfaces (10.1, 10.2, 10.5) are formed on a first collector, and the third, fourth and, where appropriate, sixth reflective 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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