FR2977927A1 - MULTIFUNCTION LIGHTING / SIGNALING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunction lighting / signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one double-focus elliptical collector (R) (f1, f2), a light source (S) placed in the vicinity of one of the foci, and a projection lens (L) of the light beam according to a lighting / signaling beam (F). A multifunctional beam bender formed by an optical polyhedron (1) with a number greater than two optical facets is provided. Each optical facet is provided with a bending edge / beam transmitter (BP) generating a specific lighting / signaling function. The polyhedron (1) is placed in the path of the light beam, in the vicinity of the second focus (f2) and mobile at least in rotation about an axis of rotation (YY) orthogonal to the optical axis (ZZ) of the together. Resources (2) for selecting and controlling at least one optical facet and the bending edge / beam transmitter (BP) associated therewith are provided for returning the bending / transmitting beam edge (BP) to the desired position. interception of the light beam in the vicinity of the second focus (f2) by controlling the rotational displacement of the optical polyhedron (1). Application to any type of motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle. The implementation of optical lighting / multifunction signaling devices for current motor vehicles is essential, because of the increasing multiplication and sophistication of the lighting and signaling functions to be performed. From a number of functions initially limited to lighting by high beam and low beam, still designated codes, or Low Beam in English, the aforementioned functions include, at present, the Motorway Beam in English, Flat beam or Flat Beam in English, daytime running light beam or DRL for Daytime Running Light in English, and ADB beam, for Adaptive Driving Beam in English, ensuring the creation of a reduced adjustable illumination zone in pursuit of a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction or followed, in order to avoid any glare phenomenon of the driver of the latter. In order to provide the aforementioned lighting / signaling functions, various solutions have been proposed in the corresponding technique. A first solution, as described by the patent application EP2199664, consists in implementing an optical device comprising a light source, a reflector associated with this source and a projection lens, to form a light beam, and an element optic placed between the reflector and the lens. This optical element can be displaced in translation in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. The optical element has several edges or successive edges to create a cutoff of the light beam. These edges act as a beam bender by lateral displacement of the optical element and an interposition position of the light beam by the stop or the edge concerned, for the execution of the lighting function / signaling sought. This solution is satisfactory, but it has the disadvantage not only of the mechanical bulk of the mobile optical element in translation and of its displacement, but also of the process of selecting the edge or edge of the beam which, in the goal of providing a lighting / signaling function switching transition acceptable to a user requires rapid movement / shutdown of the mobile element. This increases the space required to perform such switching, because of the maximum travel distance of the movable optical element can reach the full length thereof, for switching between folding edges / transmitters placed at extremities of the latter. A second solution, as described by the patent application EP 2244007, consists in implementing an optical device comprising a light source, a reflector associated with this source and a projection lens to form a light beam, and an element rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the assembly formed by the light source, the reflector and the lens. The rotating element, placed between the reflector and the lens, can be moved in rotation between a first and a second remarkable lighting position. The rotating element comprises at least two covers associated respectively with the first and second lighting position and comprise at least one edge to create a cut-off of the light beam. They play the role of a beam folder. The two covers and the rotating element are further arranged to perform a gradual transition of illumination between the two positions of remarkable lighting. Such a solution gives satisfaction. However, the implementation of a mechanical solution by relative arrangement of the angular positions of the surfaces of the covers between a first and a second lighting position, to obtain a progressive switching of the beams, does not allow an easy generalization to a number any beams, or at least covering all the lighting / signaling functions mentioned above. The present invention relates to the implementation of a lighting / signaling device for a motor vehicle likely to integrate all lighting / signaling functions of current vehicles, but in which the disadvantages and limitations of the devices of the aforementioned prior art are substantially removed. An object of the present invention is in particular the implementation of a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle, in which the geometrical arrangement of the light beam folding edges constituting the beam folding machine is simplified, in the aim to simplify and streamline the manufacture and implementation of the beam bending machine. Another object of the present invention is furthermore the implementation of a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle in which the beam bender is equipped with reflective optical facets, allowing a bending of a light beam with a light output. maximum illumination for each of the functions implemented. Another object of the present invention is the implementation of a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle, in which the switching time for selecting and moving from one folding edge to another folding edge is substantially reduced, because of the simplification of the aforementioned geometric arrangement. Another object of the present invention is furthermore the implementation of a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle, in which the processing of the illumination transitions from one light beam to another light beam of two functions. lighting / signaling is performed electronically, which minimizes the switching time and the visual effect produced on the driver of the vehicle, or a third vehicle, because of these transitions.

Another object of the present invention is finally the implementation of a lighting / multifunction signaling device for a motor vehicle, by means of which the execution of the function of continuation of the lighting / signaling functions ADB and code is furthermore simplified. The lighting / multifunctional light beam signaling device for a motor vehicle, which is the subject of the invention, comprises at least one double-focus elliptical collector, a light source placed in the vicinity of one of the foci, and a beam projection lens. luminous according to a beam of lighting / signaling. It is remarkable in that it further comprises a multifunctional beam folder, formed by an optical polyhedron, this optical polyhedron being provided with a number greater than two optical facets, each optical facet being provided with a folding edge / Beam transmitter generating a specific lighting / signaling function. The optical polyhedron is placed in the path of the light beam, between the collector and the projection lens, in the vicinity of the second focus, and movable at least in rotation about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the optical axis of the assembly. , including the first and second homes. A selection and control resource of at least one optical facet and the folding edge / beam transmitter associated therewith is provided to bring the folding / transmitting edge into the position of intercepting the light beam in the vicinity of the second focus, by rotational displacement control of the optical polyhedron. The device according to the invention is furthermore remarkable in that, for a lighting / signaling system with four functions, the cross section of the optical polyhedron is inscribed in a square, on each side of the square being associated an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge for folding the light beam according to a code beam, an ADB beam, a driving beam and a flat beam, respectively.

The device which is the subject of the invention is furthermore remarkable in that, for a lighting / signaling system with five functions, the cross-section of the optical polyhedron is inscribed in a pentagon, on each side of the pentagon being associated an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge allowing the folding of the light beam, an optical facet and a folding / transmitting edge specific to the lighting / motorway signaling function being inserted between the optical facet and the specific folding / transmitting edge of the beam of light. code and the optical facet and the folding edge / specific transmitter of the ADB beam respectively. The device which is the subject of the invention is furthermore remarkable in that, for a lighting / signaling system with six functions, the cross section of the optical polyhedron is inscribed in a hexagon, on each side of the hexagon being associated a facet optical and a specific folding / transmitting edge for folding the light beam, an optical facet and a folding / transmitting edge specific to the daylight lighting / signaling function being inserted between the optical facet and the specific folding / transmitting edge the flat beam and the optical facet and the specific edge of the code beam respectively. The device, object of the invention, is furthermore remarkable that the optical polyhedron is constituted by a plastic material, each optical facet and the folding edge / transmitter relative thereto being formed by extrusion and provided with a reflective coating, partially reflective or a recess. The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that the selection and control resource comprises at least one rotation drive motor of the optical polyhedron, in increment of arc of rotation corresponding to the angle at the center of each optical facet, and a rotational drive motor control module. The device, which is the subject of the invention, is furthermore remarkable in that the control of a rotation arc increment is executed in pulse mode, of duration less than 1/30 of a second. The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that, during the control by incremental rotation of each optical facet, the motor control module generates a control pulse of reduction / extinction of the intensity of the electric current delivered to the light source. The device, object of the invention, is also remarkable that the control module includes an electronic coding module receiving as input a coded signal indicating the state of the current beam and the state of the next beam and delivering a control signal the direction of rotation of the motor and the optical polyhedron and the number of arcs of rotation to change from the current beam state to the next beam state. The device, object of the invention, is also remarkable in that the beam folder is further mounted on a plate movable in translation in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the assembly including the first and the second focus , the translational control of the plate being effected so as to offset the folding / transmitting edge in the focal plane of the second focus and the illumination beam in azimuthal angular tracking of a vehicle traveling in the same direction or in the opposite direction . The device which is the subject of the invention is finally remarkable in that the selection and control resources comprise a motor for translational movement of the plate and the beam bender controlled by a control module controlled by a control unit and a camera.

The lighting / signaling device multifunctional light beam for a motor vehicle, object of the invention, finds application to the equipment of motor vehicles of any type in order, in particular, to improve the safety of driving and circulation of vehicles equipped or not equipped with the latter.

It will be better understood by reading the description and by observing the drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents a schematic diagram, in a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of symmetry, of the lighting / signaling device; multifunctional light beam for a motor vehicle object of the present invention; - Figure 2 shows, in a perspective view, a detail of the lighting device / multifunctional light beam signaling for a motor vehicle, object of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1; FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c represent, by way of illustration, various alternative embodiments of an optical polyhedron allowing the implementation of the device that is the subject of the invention for the implementation of four, five, six lighting functions / signaling respectively, by means of a corresponding specific optical polyhedron; FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d represent a perspective view of the optical polyhedron switched in its different positions, for the execution of a specific lighting / signaling function associated with the corresponding facet of the optical polyhedron, in the case where this optical polyhedron has four facets, and, accordingly, allows the execution of four distinct lighting / signaling functions; FIG. 5a represents, by way of illustration, a sectional view of FIG. 4a along a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the latter and the iso-intensity diagram of the light beam obtained in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of FIG. all ; FIG. 5b represents, by way of illustration, a sectional view of FIG. 4b along a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the latter and the iso-intensity diagram of the light beam obtained in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of FIG. all ; FIG. 5c represents, by way of illustration, a sectional view of FIG. 4c along a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the latter and the iso-intensity diagram of the light beam obtained in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of FIG. 'together ; FIG. 5d represents, by way of illustration, a section of FIG. 4d along a longitudinal plane of symmetry of the latter and the iso-intensity diagram of the light beam obtained in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of FIG. together ; FIG. 6a represents, by way of illustration, a pulse control of the rotation of the optical polyhedron in a multifunction light beam illumination / signaling device for a motor vehicle, in accordance with the subject of the present invention; FIG. 6b represents, by way of illustration, a pulse control of the rotation of the optical polyhedron of FIG. 6a in a preferred implementation variant, in which the intensity of supply of the light source is modulated so as to attenuate and / or to suppress the visibility of the switching transients of the optical beam, because of the rotation of the aforementioned optical polyhedron; - Figure 7a shows, in a view from above, the lighting / signaling device multifunction light beam for a motor vehicle, object of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment without limitation , in which a combination of lighting / signaling beams can be made for different lighting / signaling beams, for each front headlight of the motor vehicle, in particular during the implementation of the ADB function and the continuation in azimuth of a third vehicle preceding the vehicle equipped with the device object of the invention, or coming in the opposite direction of the latter, for the purpose of removing glare from the driver of the third vehicle; FIG. 7b represents a complete functional block diagram of the device object of the invention as represented in FIG. 7a; FIG. 7c represents an illustration of the control of the beam by the function ADB obtained thanks to the implementation of the device which is the subject of the invention as represented in FIGS. 7a and 7b. A more detailed description of the multifunction light beam illumination / signaling device for a motor vehicle, in accordance with the subject of the present invention, will now be given with reference to FIG. 1. Referring to the above-mentioned figure, it is indicated that the device which is the subject of the invention comprises at least one elliptical collector, also referred to as a reflector, denoted R, with a double focus f1, f2. A light source S is placed in the vicinity of one of the foci, the focus f1. The light source may be either a set of LEDs or a halogen source or other. The device according to the invention also comprises a lens L of projection 5 of the light beam, that is to say beams f 1, f 1, f 1 delivered by the light source S according to a lighting / signaling beam F. According to a remarkable aspect of the object device of the invention, it further comprises a multi-function beam folder, denoted 1, formed by an optical polyhedron. This optical polyhedron 1 is provided with a number of optical facets greater than two, which can be arranged adjacently along a generative line of the polyhedron. Each optical facet is provided with a folding edge / beam transmitter, this folding edge / beam transmitter generating a specific lighting / signaling function. The optical polyhedron 1 is placed in the path of the light beam generated by the source S between the collector R and the projection lens L, in the vicinity of the second focus f2. It transmits reflected beams and transmitted beams to the lens. of focus, whose focal plane contains the focus f2. Each facet of the optical polyhedron 1 is provided at night with a reflective coating, if necessary partially reflective, or with a recess, the bending edge / beam transmitter generating a specific lighting / signaling function of one of the facets being placed in the vicinity of the second focus f2. The folding / transmitting edge associated with the facet considered is thus orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of the assembly and to the plane of the sheet containing FIG. 1. In addition, according to a remarkable aspect of the device which is the subject of the invention, the The optical polyhedron 1 is movable at least in rotation around an axis of rotation YY orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of the assembly including the first f1 and the second focus f2. FIG. 1 shows in phantom a mechanical connection RR of the axis of rotation YY with a drive system described hereinafter. In addition, the device that is the subject of the invention comprises a resource 2 for selecting and controlling at least one optical facet and the folding edge / beam transmitter associated therewith for bringing this folding / transmitting edge into position. interception of the light beam in the vicinity of the second focus f2, by controlling the rotational displacement of the optical polyhedron 1. It will be understood from the observation of FIG. 1 that the controlled and selected optical facet makes it possible to intercept the incident light beams. fi to return reflected beams partially reflected fr or transmitted ft to the projection lens L to form the lighting / signaling beam F. The optical polyhedron 1 is thus dimensioned to allow the free rotation of the latter and the implementation placing the facet, in particular the folding edge / transmitter, in the vicinity of the second focus f2 by simple rotation control about the axis of rotation YY. For this purpose, the edge of the polyhedron constituting the folding edge / transmitter of the face concerned is placed orthogonally to the optical axis ZZ and the plane of the sheet of Figure 1. The resource 2 of selection and control of the least one optical facet and the folding edge / beam transmitter thereof advantageously comprises a rotary drive motor 20 and a control module 21, which will be described in detail later in the description. It is thus understood that the passage of one of the facets of the optical polyhedron 1 to another facet of the latter, to perform the switching of the corresponding lighting / signaling function, is thus performed by simple rotation of the optical polyhedron 1. In Figure 1, there is shown the optical polyhedron 1 as consisting of four facets substantially inscribed in a square. This mode of implementation is not limiting. Various alternative embodiments of the optical polyhedron 1 are shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c. In Figure 2, there is shown, without limitation, the collector R as constituted by a double reflector each provided with a source disposed symmetrically with respect to the optical axis ZZ. In general, it is indicated that each facet is provided with a specific folding / transmitting edge to perform the corresponding lighting / signaling function, the optical polyhedron 1 being switched by simple rotation around the axis of rotation YY , on order by the control resource 2. The shape and dimensioning of each facet and of each corresponding bending / transmitting edge is the subject of specific regulations to meet the criteria of the corresponding standard lighting / signaling functions. For this reason, the shape and size of each of the aforementioned facets will not be described in detail. Referring to Figure 3a, when the lighting / signaling system has four functions, as shown in Figure 1 or 2, the cross section of the optical polyhedron 1 is preferably inscribed in a square, C. Each side of the square is associated an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge allowing the folding of the light beam in a Code beam, an ADB beam, a Route beam and a Flat beam respectively. In Figure 3a, the corresponding facets are designated by the name of the function they can perform. They can advantageously be assigned each of a coded reference 01.02, 03 and 04 in fact to identify the position of each of the facets and the folding edge / transmitter associated therewith, during a switching sequence for example . Each of the facets, in the case of Figure 3a, is included in a 90 ° center angle. When the signaling lighting system comprises five functions, as represented in FIG. 3b, the cross-section of the optical polyhedron 1 is inscribed in a pentagon P. On each side of the pentagon is associated an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge allowing the folding of the light beam. In this embodiment, an optical facet of a bending / transmitting edge specific to the Autoroute lighting / signaling function is inserted between the optical facet and the specific bending / transmitting edge of the Code beam and the optical facet and the specific folding / transmitting edge of the ADB beam respectively. In FIG. 3b, each of the Code, Highway, ADB, Route and Flat functions carries the coded reference 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 respectively. Each optical facet is inscribed in a 72 ° center angle.

When the lighting / signaling system has six functions, as shown in Figure 3c, the cross section of the optical polyhedron 1 is inscribed in a hexagon H. Each side of the hexagon is associated with an optical facet and a folding edge / specific transmitter for folding the light beam. More particularly, an optical facet and a folding / transmitting edge specific to the daylight lighting / signaling function is then inserted between the optical facet and the specific bending / transmitting edge of the flat bundle and the optical facet and the Specific bender / transmitter edge of Code Beam. In FIG. 3c, each of the Code, Highway, ADB, Route, Flat and Daytime functions is coded as 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06 respectively. Each optical facet is inscribed in an angle at the center of 60 °.

Regarding the execution of the optical polyhedron 1 as such, it is indicated that the latter can be obtained by extrusion of a plastic material reinforced with fiberglass, for example. The different facets and folding edge / transmitter of each of these can then be easily executed from a corresponding specific mold. Each facet is then provided with a reflective coating formed, for example, by a metallization of silver or aluminum alloy. In the case of the facet associated with the Route function, the metallization is replaced, at least partially, by a recess noted that allows the passage and transmission of the entire upper light beam to the plane of the facet and the near-absence of folding of this beam, to execute the conventional Route lighting beam.

With regard to the daylighting function, the latter corresponds to a divergent facet, introducing a dispersion and a reduction in the intensity of the light beam. The number of optical facets of the optical polyhedron 1 is not limited to six. Proper sizing of the latter can increase this number to seven or eight.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 1, it is indicated that the selection and control resource 2 advantageously comprises a motor 20 for rotating the optical polyhedron 1 in increments of arc of rotation corresponding to the angle at the center of each optical facet. , independently of the embodiment of the number of functions described in Figure 3a, 3b, or 3c.

In addition, a control module 21 makes it possible to control the driving of the optical polyhedron 1 by the motor 20. The drive motor 20 may advantageously be constituted by a stepping motor. This type of motor makes it possible, in this application in particular, to adapt the angular rotation control of the optical polyhedron 1 to the engine rotation pitch. In particular, a particularly advantageous specific control mode can be implemented from the coded references assigned to each of the aforementioned facets. Thus, for each of the embodiments shown in FIG. 3a, 3b or 3c, the rotation control by the module 21 can be executed from the initial coded reference Ci, corresponding to the facet and to the folding / transmitting edge associated with that in the current position of interception of the light beam, and the final coded reference Cf to be achieved, corresponding to the facet and the folding edge associated therewith, due to an automatic command or executed from the commodo of the vehicle by the driver of the latter. It is understood, in particular, that the calculation of the difference between the abovementioned coded reference values, the comparison of this difference in absolute value to half the number of functions implemented by the optical polyhedron 1 makes it possible to determine the direction of direct rotation. or retrograde optical polyhedron. The control of the motor is thus deduced from the number of elementary rotations corresponding to an angle at the center of each facet, limited to a number less than or equal to half the number of functions implemented by the optical polyhedron 1, to reach the function of lighting / signaling corresponding to the final coded reference Cf, by rotation in the direct or retrograde direction. A more detailed description of the relative position of each optical facet and the folding edge / transmitter BP associated with each of these will now be given in connection with FIGS. 4a to 4d and 5a to 5d, in the nonlimiting case of FIG. 3a where the optical polyhedron 1 implements four lighting / signaling functions. In FIGS. 4a and 4b, the lighting / signaling function of Code L respectively ADB is selected. The optical facet of the optical polyhedron 1 has its folding edge / BP transmitter, whose CP cutoff is placed in the vicinity of the second focus f2. Note that in the case of FIG. 4b, the CP cutoff of the BP folder / transmitter edge is larger. In Figure 4c, the Route lighting / signaling function is selected. The optical facet of the optical polyhedron 1 has its recess e instead of a folding edge / transmitter, which ensures a virtually complete transmission of incident beams emitted by the source, in the absence of interception. The recess e appears as a cutaway allowing the aforementioned almost complete transmission.

In Figure 4d, the Flat light / signaling function is selected. The optical facet of the optical polyhedron 1 has its fold edge / BP transmitter substantially centered in the vicinity of the second focus f2, in the absence of cut. FIGS. 5a to 5d show, in a side sectional view of FIGS. 4a to 4d, the respective positions of the optical facets of the optical polyhedron 1, during the selection of the similar functions of Code, ADB -L, Route and Flat respectively, accompanied by iso-intensity curves of the light beam F delivered by the lens L in a frontal plane, orthogonal to the beam and containing the x, y directions. It is found, in a conventional manner, that in the case of the function Code Figure 5a, the light beam F has in the upper left quarter of the plane x, y a substantially zero intensity, and a limited intensity in height in the upper right quarter of this same plane, that in the case of the ADB function type L, Figure 5b, the light beam F has in the upper left quarter of the plane x, y a substantially zero intensity but a high intensity in the upper right quarter of the same plan, intensity comparable to that of the road function in the same quarter of plane, that in the case of the Route function, Figure 5c, the light beam F has a substantially symmetrical intensity diagram with respect to the vertical direction x, l intensity of illumination being important in the upper right and left quadrants, that in the case of the selection of the function Flat, figure 5d, for a night urban lighting for example, the fai Luminous seal F has a substantially zero intensity pattern in the upper right and left quadrants of the same plane x, y. A preferred mode of control of the selection of an optical facet and the lighting / signaling function associated therewith is now described in connection with FIGS. 6a and 6b. FIG. 6a shows the selection of the function of lighting / signaling Flat, from a lighting / signaling function Autoroute for example, during a passage of the vehicle from a motorway traffic to a traffic urban for example. This switching and function selection can be carried out either on the initiative of the driver of the vehicle or automatically. FIG. 3b shows an optical polyhedron 1 implementing five lighting / signaling functions for which the initial coded reference Ci is thus 02 and whose final coded reference Cf is therefore 05. The switching is executed, as well as described above, by determining the direction of rotation of the optical polyhedron 1, in this situation the retrograde direction, due to the fact that the number of switching arcs by rotation in the forward direction is greater than half of the total number of functions implemented as previously described in the description. According to a remarkable aspect of the device according to the invention, the switching of each successive optical facet according to the sequence shown in FIG. 6a, denoted by 02, 01, 05 is carried out with a limited optical facet switching time, for example less than or equal to at 500 milliseconds. In particular, it can be understood that this switching mode makes it possible to substantially eliminate any transient secondary effect of optical switching linked to the rotation of the optical facets of the optical polyhedron 1. By way of nonlimiting example, it is indicated that the time interval between the switching of two successive facets can be taken much lower than the switching time of an optical facet.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6b, the switching and selection control of an optical facet, as described previously with reference to FIG. 6a, can advantageously consist in modulating the intensity of the current delivered to the source. luminous S to attenuate, if not suppress, the intensity delivered to the latter during the switching time of the facet considered. In FIG. 6b, the same process and the same switching sequence as in FIG. 6a are considered as examples, the intensity of the current delivered to the light source S during the switching process of each facet being brought substantially to the zero value. The corresponding intensity timing diagram delivered to the light source S is shown in phantom in Figure 6b.

A more detailed description of a nonlimiting preferred embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention will now be given with reference to FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c. Figure 7a shows a top view of the device according to the invention as shown in Figure 1, in the preferred embodiment mentioned above. The same references designate the same elements. The plane of FIG. 7a is the plane y, z of FIG. 1. In addition, according to a remarkable aspect of the latter, the beam bender, that is to say the optical polyhedron 1, and, where appropriate , the drive motor in rotation thereof are mounted on a plate 3 movable in translation in a direction y orthogonal to the optical axis ZZ of the assembly including the first focus f1 and the second focus f2. It is thus understood, with reference to FIG. 7a, that the folding / transmitting edge BP being placed substantially at the level of the second focus f2, the aforementioned translation is operated for the entire folding / transmitting edge BP in the focal plane of the lens. focusing L. The above translation and allows to shift the entire light beam F in the plane of Figure 7a is in the plane containing the directions y and z of the aforementioned figure. This makes it possible to carry out an azimuth shift of the axis of the light beam F delivered by the focusing lens L. In particular, it is understood that the offset amplitude cly of the folding / transmitting edge BP and the cutting of this last, when a cutoff is present, is relatively low, between +/- 10 mm for example, but this offset allows a significant angular offset of the light beam F for tracking purposes of a third vehicle for example as well as it will be described below. FIG. 7a shows, in addition to the plate 3 on which is rotatably mounted the optical polyhedron 1, driven in rotation by the motor 20 and controlled by the control module 21b, a drive motor in translation, noted 4. The latter is preferably a DC motor, because of the control precision of this type of motor. The output shaft of the aforementioned direct current motor can advantageously be coupled to a reduction system, not shown in the drawing, in order to allow the displacement in translation of the assembly formed by the plate 3 and the optical polyhedron 1. Transmission gear or gear, conventional type, will not be described in detail. The device which is the subject of the invention, as represented in FIG. 7a, makes it possible to carry out an illumination tracking of a third-party vehicle VT, in order to prevent any dazzling of the driver of the latter under the conditions below. For this purpose, the control module 21b, as shown in FIG. 7a, presents the specific architecture completed, as represented in FIG. 7b. In particular, a camera is provided on board a vehicle equipped with the device object of the invention, vehicle noted VE. The equipment of the latter consists of a device according to the object of the invention applied to each of the headlights of the equipped vehicle. It is understood, in particular, that while a single camera and a control unit are used for a given equipped vehicle, the left and right front headlight thereof comprises, if necessary, an independent control module 21b allocated to each respective lighthouse. In Figure 7b only a control module 21b has been shown, so as not to overload the drawing. To the aforementioned control module 21b is associated a DBL control unit 22 which is directly connected to the general control unit of the vehicle.

The control module 21 executes the beam selection, that is to say the lighting / signaling function comparable to the beam selection control module 21 shown in FIG. 1. It is understood, in particular, that because the speed and flexibility of switching the choice of lighting / signaling function by simple rotation of the optical polyhedron 1, as previously written in the description, the selection of a specific beam for each of the headlights right front and left of VE equipped vehicle allows the creation of a dark zone ZS and move in pursuit this dark area according to the relative movement of the third vehicle VT vis-à-vis VE equipped vehicle, as illustrated in Figure 7c.

In the above-mentioned figure, different relative positions of the third-party vehicle VT and the VE-equipped vehicle are shown in positions 1 to 5. In position 1, the camera detects the third-party vehicle VT in the far position. The right light beams Fd and left Fg are both switched to the lighting / signaling function type ADB type L. The aforementioned beams present the iso-intensity diagram as shown in Figure 5d, symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of VE equipped vehicle.

The tracking function is started by the camera and executed by the control unit and of course, the control module 22, which controls the translational movement of the optical polyhedron 1, via the motor 4, to shift , depending on the approach of the third vehicle VT, the right beam Fd angularly to the left. This operation is performed by controlling the engine 4 and continued to the position 3 of the third vehicle VT, corresponding substantially to the minimum illumination distance for a light beam type L. During the approach of the third vehicle VT, the beam left Fg is not modified. When the third vehicle VT enters the minimum distance illumination zone of the right beam Fd, which moreover corresponds substantially to the minimum distance illumination zone of the left beam Fg, the right beam may be switched by rotation of the optical polyhedron 1 to select, for example, the lighting / signaling function Code for the right beam Fd, as shown in position 4. Finally, when the third vehicle VT has completed the crossing of the VE equipped vehicle, the right beam Fd can be switched again, as well as the left beam Fg, by selecting the Route lighting / signaling function for example, for each of the aforementioned beams. It will of course be understood that the process of tracking the third-party vehicle VT is not limited to the circulation of a third-party vehicle in the opposite direction to the equipped vehicle.

This process also applies to any third-party vehicle preceding the VE-equipped vehicle, which VE is approaching. The beam switching and tracking sequences are then adapted accordingly. Finally, it is understood that the tracking function, known as such to those skilled in the art, will not be described in detail but that this function can be applied in combination to any type of light beam having a longitudinal asymmetry of illumination to create a dark area ZS.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS1 / Lighting device / multifunction light beam signaling for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one elliptical collector (R) bifocal (fi, f2), a light source (S) placed in the vicinity of one of the homes, and a projection lens (L) of the light beam according to a lighting / signaling beam (F), characterized in that it further comprises: a multifunctional beam folder, formed by an optical polyhedron (1), said polyhedron optical being provided with a number greater than two optical facets, each optical facet being provided with a bending edge / beam transmitter (BP) generating a specific lighting / signaling function, said polyhedron (1) being placed in the path of the light beam (F) between said collector (R) and said projection lens (L), in the vicinity of said second focus (f2), and movable at least in rotation about an orthogonal axis of rotation (W) to the optical axis (ZZ ) of the assembly including said first and said second focus; and means (2) for selecting and controlling at least one optical facet and the folding edge / beam transmitter (BP) associated therewith for bringing said folding edge / beam transmitter (BP) back to position d interception of said light beam in the vicinity of said second focus (f2) by controlling rotational movement of said optical polyhedron (1). 2 / Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, for a lighting / signaling system with four functions, the cross section of said optical polyhedron (1) is inscribed in a square, each side of the square being associated with an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge (BP) for folding the light beam into a code beam, an ADB beam, a driving beam, and a flat beam, respectively. 3 / Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, for a lighting / signaling system with five functions, the cross section of said optical polyhedron (1) is inscribed in a pentagon, on each side of the pentagon being associated a facetoptique and a specific folding / transmitting edge (BP) for folding the light beam, an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge (BP) to the lighting / motorway signaling function being inserted between the optical facet and the folding edge / specific transmitter (BP) of the code beam and the optical facet and the specific bender / transmitter edge of the ADB beam respectively. 4 / Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that for a six-function signaling lighting system, the cross section of said optical polyhedron (1) is inscribed in a hexagon, each side of the hexagon associated with an optical facet and a specific folding / transmitting edge (BP) for folding the light beam, an optical facet and a folding / transmitting edge specific to the daylight lighting / signaling function being inserted between the optical facet and the folding edge / specific transmitter of the flat beam and the optical facet and the folding edge / transmitter specific of the code beam respectively. 5 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said optical polyhedron (1) is constituted by a plastic material, each optical facet and the folding edge / specific transmitter (BP) relative thereto being formed by extrusion and with a reflective, partially reflective coating or a recess. 6 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said selection and control means (2) comprise at least: - a driving motor in rotation (20) of said optical polyhedron (1), by arc increment of rotation corresponding to the angle at the center of each optical facet; A control module (21) of the rotary drive motor (20). 7 / Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the control of an increment of rotation arc is executed in pulse mode, less than or equal to 500 milliseconds. 8 / Apparatus according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that, during the control by incremental arc rotation of each optical facet, said control module (21) of the motor (20) further generates a control pulse for reducing / extinguishing the intensity of the electric current supplied to the light source. 9 / Apparatus according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said control module (21) includes an electronic coding module receiving as input a coded signal indicating the state of the current beam and the state of the next beam and providing a direction control signal to the rotation of the motor (20) and the optical polyhedron (1) and the number of rotation arcs to change from the current beam state to the next beam state. 10 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said beam folder is further mounted on a movable plate (3) in translation in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the assembly including said first (f1) and said second focus (f2), the translational control of the plate (3) being carried out so as to shift the specific folding / transmitting edge in the focal plane of the second focus and the illumination beam in angular tracking azimuth of a vehicle traveling in the same direction or in the opposite direction. 11 / Apparatus according to claims 1 and 10, characterized in that said selection and control means further comprises a motor for translational movement of the plate and the beam bender, controlled by a control module controlled by a unit command and a camera.