Optical modules for automotive lighting systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical module (1) for an automotive vehicle lighting system (10), the optical module including: an integrated primary optical system (4) including at least one light source (2) and at least one primary optical element (5) arranged to form a primary image from the light source; a mask (7) located downstream of the primary optical element and having at least one opaque region (71) and a window (72) formed in the opaque region, the window being arranged toward the primary optical element to form a secondary image from the primary image, with a portion (54) of the integrated primary optical system extending through the window; and an optical projection system (8) arranged to project the secondary image formed by the mask onto a ground surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting systems for motor vehicles, more precisely to light modules for motor vehicle lighting systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of automotive lighting and light-based signaling, it is known to perform, in addition to conventional functions, the function of enabling logos or light-emitting patterns to be projected onto the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle. Such functions may be used, for example, for marking the ground to indicate lanes, for example in the context of driver assistance. Such functions may also be used to enhance conventional signaling functions, for example, to notify other road users of a change in route.

[0003] To project a luminous pattern or logo onto the ground, one known solution consists of incorporating dark areas into the pixelated light beam emitted by the lighting system of the motor vehicle, so that the driver or road user sees the pattern or logo through the contrast between the dark and light areas. However, this solution requires that the light beam have a particularly high resolution, which in turn requires a very large number of light sources, which makes the lighting system expensive and complex.

[0004] Another known solution consists in collecting the light emitted by several light sources through several light guides and projecting the image of the exit surface of these light guides onto the ground using an optical projection system. Although this solution is satisfactory from the standpoint of efficiency and simplicity, it is not possible to form complex patterns on the ground without increasing the number of light sources and light guides. Furthermore, the clarity of the pattern projected onto the ground can be reduced due to the complexity of manufacturing the light guides by plastic injection molding and the presence of the exit optics to which all light guides are bonded in order to be able to integrate them into an optical module, the thickness of which can therefore affect the optical performance of the optical module.

[0005] Another known solution consists of adding an opaque mask with a window or transparent area to the aforementioned solution, which allows the image formed by the guide to be used to generate a new image projected by the optical projection system. However, this solution requires the use of additional optical components, thereby increasing the size, cost, and manufacturing complexity of the optical module. Furthermore, although the light guide allows for a small aperture of the light beam, this aperture remains larger than the size of the window or transparent area of ​​the mask. Therefore, a significant amount of the light emitted by the light source is blocked by the mask, which significantly reduces the efficiency of the module. Furthermore, reducing the size of the light guide, especially for the purpose of configuring it to achieve a short focal length and / or high resolution, is impossible due to the complexity of its manufacture, especially if it is desired to manufacture these light guides by injection molding. Finally, if the mask is made of glass, Fresnel reflections may occur between the mask and the exit of the light guide, or even between the mask and the optical system located downstream of the mask, which further reduces the efficiency of the module.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a compact light module that can efficiently project luminous patterns or logos onto the ground, that allows for the creation of complex patterns from a single light source, such as patterns with details within the pattern itself or patterns made up of many separate sub-patterns, and / or that improves the clarity of the pattern projected onto the ground. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention falls within this context and aims to meet these needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve these goals, one subject of the invention is a light module for a lighting system for an automotive vehicle, said light module comprising: a. at least one light source; b. an integrated primary optical system including at least one primary optical element arranged to form a primary image from said light source; c. a mask located downstream of the primary optical element and having at least one opaque region and a window formed in the opaque region, the window being positioned toward the primary optical element to form a secondary image from the primary image, with a portion of the integrated primary optical system extending through the window; d. an optical projection system arranged to project a secondary image formed by the mask onto a ground surface; Includes.

[0009] In the present invention, light rays emitted by a light source are refracted by a primary optical element to form a primary image. This can be a virtual or real image, which can roughly correspond to a magnified image of the light source's emitting surface or a distorted image of this emitting surface. It should be noted that most, or even almost all, of the light rays emitted by the light source can be collected by the primary optical element to form the primary image. Since part of the primary optical system passes through a mask, it is further understood that the mask can be located in close proximity to the area of ​​the primary optical element where this primary image is formed. This improves the efficiency and compactness of the optical module. Thus, light rays can pass through a window in the mask, so that the primary image is converted by the mask into a secondary image. The window can thus define the shape or pattern of the primary image to form the secondary image. As a result, the secondary image, or a combination of the primary and secondary images, can be projected onto the ground by the optical projection system. In particular, the fact that it is a secondary image that is projected by the optical projection system makes it possible to obtain a pattern on the ground whose shape is sufficiently sharp, regardless of the manufacturing quality of the primary optical element.

[0010] In the present invention, the luminous pattern formed by projecting the secondary image onto the ground using an optical projection system can form a logo, a glyph, a geometric pattern, or a set of multiple logos, glyphs, or geometric patterns, or a combination thereof, for example, a glyph associated with one or more geometric patterns.

[0011] In the present invention, the expression "opaque area" is understood to mean an area capable of blocking light rays and completely preventing them from passing through the mask. The mask may advantageously be made of a thin plate made of opaque material and may be provided with grooves or cutouts making it possible to create one or more windows.

[0012] Advantageously, each of the one or more windows is arranged towards the primary optical element so as to partially or completely define the outline of the primary image and / or define a pattern in the primary image, for example by using an opaque area partially or completely surrounding the window to define the outline of said pattern, or conversely by using an opaque area located within the window to define said pattern, such that the outline of the defined primary image and / or the pattern defined in the primary image defines the secondary image.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary optical system can be made by overmolding at least one material of a mask. That is, during overmolding of the primary optical system, the material penetrates each of one or more windows of the mask. In this case, it is ensured that the mask can be positioned in close proximity to the area of ​​the primary optical element where the primary image is formed, so that the secondary image is formed on top of the primary image. The primary optical system can also be made by overmolding the same polymer or multiple polymers of the same index. By "same polymer," we mean that the primary optical element and the output optical element are materials made from at least the same base polymer, for example, polycarbonate (i.e., PC), PMMA, or even silicone. However, these materials may have different fillers.

[0014] Advantageously, the optical projection system has a curved focal plane that passes substantially through the mask or is located substantially between the primary optical element and the mask. For example, the curved focal plane can be a plane or a curved plane that is located substantially flush with the downstream wall of the mask. If the secondary image is completely defined by the mask, an optical projection system focused on the mask can be provided to project the sharp-edged secondary image onto the ground. If the secondary image is defined by the mask and the primary optical element, an optical projection system focused on the junction between the primary optical element and the mask can be provided to project the combination of the sharp-edged primary and secondary images onto the ground by the optical projection system.

[0015] Preferably, the optical projection system and mask are positioned so that the secondary image projected onto the ground by the optical projection system is completely surrounded by a fairly sharp edge.

[0016] In the present invention, "the image projected onto the ground has a fairly sharp edge" means that the variation in the illumination on the ground caused by this projection between two points located on either side of this edge, at least 1 cm apart, in a direction approximately perpendicular to this edge, has a gradient of 10 lux / cm or more, in particular at at least one point.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the optical projection system is arranged to project secondary images onto the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle, where proximity means a projection distance of less than 10 meters, in particular less than 5 meters, and / or an overall projection direction of at least 5° below horizontal, in particular at least 10° below horizontal, so that these images may contribute to the performance of functions showing the path the vehicle is following, in particular functions such as turn signals and reversing lights.

[0018] It may also be provided that an optical module includes one primary optical element.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the optical module includes a plurality of selectively controllable light sources, and where appropriate, the integrated primary optical system includes a plurality of primary optical elements, each arranged to form a primary image from one of the light sources, and the mask includes a plurality of windows, each of the plurality of windows arranged to face one of the primary optical elements and form a secondary image from the primary image formed by that primary optical element, and a portion of the integrated primary optical system extending through each of the plurality of windows.

[0020] Advantageously, the primary optical elements are arranged in a matrix arrangement, i.e. the primary optical elements are arranged adjacent to one another to form rows and columns, in particular so that the entrance faces and exit faces are arranged in a matrix arrangement, spaced apart from one another at regular intervals.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the primary optical system includes an output optical element, the primary optical element having a light entrance surface and a bonding surface that bonds the primary optical element to the portion that extends through the window and is bonded to the output optical element, the light source being positioned toward the entrance surface, i.e., the portion forms a connection between the primary optical element and the output optical element.

[0022] In this embodiment, it is understood that the primary optical system is an integrated component overmolded with a mask that is between the bonding surface of the primary optical element and the output optical element and adjacent to the bonding surface of the primary optical element and the upstream surface of the output optical element, thereby improving the efficiency and opacity of the optical module.

[0023] It may be particularly provided that at said upstream surface the exit optic defines a receptacle within which the mask resides.

[0024] Advantageously, the output optics have a smooth, substantially dome-shaped output surface. For example, the output optics can be a truncated sphere or, as a variant, a truncated cylinder. This feature enables the output optics to perform the function of correcting geometric aberrations introduced by the optical projection system while projecting said image of the interface onto the ground.

[0025] Where appropriate, it may be provided that the bonding surface of the primary optical element, or indeed of each primary optical element, and the upstream surface of the mask are substantially in the same plane.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary optical element comprises a primary light guide, the incident surface of the light guide being joined to the joining surface of the light guide by an envelope such that each point on the outline of the incident surface is connected to a point on the outline of the joining surface by a straight line.

[0027] According to this feature, light emitted by the light source and passing through the entrance face of the primary light guide can propagate through the primary light guide to the interface by total internal reflection from the walls of the light guide. Due to the fact that the envelope is a developable surface, it is possible to form a pattern at the interface that is perfectly defined by fairly sharp edges; this pattern forms the primary image and can be transformed by the mask.

[0028] For example, the entrance face of each of the primary light guides may be substantially rectangular and the interface face of each of the primary light guides may have a shape that is significantly different from the entrance face of said primary light guide and especially from the exit faces of the other primary light guides. As a variant, for example in the case of a matrix array arrangement, the entrance faces of the primary light guides may all be identical and the exit faces of the primary light guides may all be identical.

[0029] Preferably, the optical projection system has a focal curve that passes substantially through an interface where the primary optical element interfaces with the portion.

[0030] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the primary optical system includes a plurality of primary optical elements joined to an output optical element by connecting portions such that the joining surfaces of at least two adjacent primary optical elements and the connecting portions joined to these joining surfaces are spaced apart from each other.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the optical module includes at least two light sources, each of which is positioned toward one entrance surface of one of the primary optical elements to which it belongs. It may be provided that the number of light sources is less than the number of primary optical elements, so that one or more primary optical elements do not have a light source. Alternatively, it may be provided that at least one light source is positioned toward the entrance surface of each primary optical element. It should be noted that this feature makes it possible to define a standard primary optical element that can be used for any overall pattern desired to be projected onto the ground, so that only the number of light sources and the contours and number of mask areas are defined according to this overall pattern. At least one of these overall patterns is then defined by a mask.

[0032] Where appropriate, the mask includes a plurality of windows through each of which one of the connections passes, the mask being between the bonding surface and the output optic.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, the primary optical system may not include an exit optical element downstream of the mask, in which case the primary optical system may include only one or more primary optical elements positioned upstream of the mask, with a portion of the primary optical system extending from each primary optical element through a window in the mask to define an exit surface for the light of the primary optical system.

[0034] Preferably, each of the selectively controllable light sources comprises a light-emitting semiconductor chip, in particular a light-emitting diode. More preferably, each of the selectively controllable light sources is capable of emitting white light. As a variant, each of the selectively controllable light sources is capable of emitting amber light. As a further variant, each of the selectively controllable light sources is capable of emitting light whose color can be controlled.

[0035] Advantageously, the optical projection system comprises at least one lens and / or at least one reflector and / or a combination of at least one lens and at least one reflector.

[0036] Preferably, the optical projection system may include a single projection lens, the focal plane of which passes substantially through the mask. Alternatively, the optical projection system may include a substantially planar mirror arranged to form virtual images of the secondary images on one side thereof, and a projection lens, located on the other side of the substantially planar mirror, the focal plane of which passes substantially through these virtual images. This type of optical projection system allows a significant reduction in the volume of the optical module.

[0037] Another subject of the invention is a lighting system for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module according to the invention.

[0038] Advantageously, the lighting system may include a device for controlling the light source of said light module.

[0039] For example, the lighting system may include a lighting device such as a tail lamp of an automobile vehicle and / or a front head lamp of an automobile vehicle, and / or a lighting device disposed in a fender of an automobile vehicle and / or a rearview mirror of an automobile vehicle, and the light module is disposed within the lighting device.

[0040] Advantageously, the control unit is capable of selectively controlling each of the light sources of said light module in response to instructions received from a computer on the motor vehicle.

[0041] For example, the control unit may be configured to control the emission of light by a first group of light sources of the light module in response to a first command received from the computer of the motor vehicle, and to control the emission of light by a second group of light sources including at least one light source not belonging to the first group of light modules in response to a second command received from the computer of the motor vehicle.

[0042] According to one example, the lighting system may include an additional light module including at least one additional light source and capable of emitting signaling light in particular related to regulations, and the control unit may be configured to control the additional light source of the additional light module and the light source of the light module in a synchronized manner in response to instructions received from a computer of the motor vehicle.

[0043] The invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any way limiting the scope of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures show: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic and partial cross-sectional view of an optical module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic and partial perspective view of a mask of the module of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 shows a schematic and partial perspective view of a primary optical element of the module of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic and partial view of a lighting system incorporating the light module of FIG. 1 for an automotive vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] In the following description, elements that are identical in structure or function and that appear in more than one figure are designated by the same reference numeral unless otherwise indicated.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a light emitting module 1 for an automotive vehicle lighting system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The light module 1 includes multiple light emitting diodes 2 mounted on the same printed circuit board 3. In the example described, the light module 1 includes three LEDs 2, each of which can be controlled independently of the others and can emit yellow or amber light.

[0048] The optical module 1 includes a primary optical system 4 in the form of an integrated optical component 4 arranged downstream of the light emitting diode 2. This primary optical system 4 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, which show rear perspective views of this component 4.

[0049] The primary optical system 4 includes a plurality of primary optical elements 5 and an output optical element 6 to which the primary optical elements 5 are bonded. In the example described, the primary optical element 4 includes nine primary optical elements 5, each in the form of a light guide. The primary optical elements 5 are arranged in a matrix array of 3 rows and 3 columns.

[0050] The optical module includes a mask 7 located in the integrated component 4 downstream of the primary optical element 5. In the example described, the mask 7 is formed by a flat plate 71 made of an opaque material in which holes are made that define windows 72, each of a predetermined shape. This mask is shown in perspective in Figure 2. It should be noted that the contours of the windows 72 may differ from one another.

[0051] The primary optical system 4 is an integrated component, and the light guides 5 and the output optics 6 are made of the same material, namely polycarbonate (PC) or silicone. In the example described, the primary optical system 4 was made by overmolding this material onto a mask 7. During overmolding, the material penetrated windows 72 of the mask 7, defining sections 54 that each join one of the light guides 5 to the output optics 6. This means that the refractive indexes of the light guides 5, the sections 54, and the output optics 6 are identical, and no refractive interfaces exist at the junctions between these various sections of the primary optical system 4. Therefore, light passing through the primary optical system 4 from the light guides 5 to the output optics 6 is not bent, and in particular is not reflected, at these junctions, which allows an increase of 10% in the efficiency of the optical module.

[0052] Each light guide 5 has an incident surface 51, and one of the LEDs 2 is placed facing this incident surface 51, so that all light emitted by this LED 2 enters the light guide 5 through the incident surface 51.

[0053] Each light guide 5 is bonded to one of the sections 54 by a bonding surface 52 located opposite the entrance surface 51 and on the upstream wall of the mask 7. More precisely, the primary optical system 4 is overmolded onto the mask 7 so that the bonding surface 52 and the upstream wall of the mask 7 are in the same plane.

[0054] In each light guide 5, the entrance surface 51 is joined to the interface surface 52 by an envelope 53. This envelope 53 is a developable surface, so that each point on the contour of the entrance surface 51 is joined by a straight line to a point on the contour of the interface surface 52 via the envelope 53. As a result, all light emitted by the LEDs 2 facing the entrance surface 51 is coupled into the light guide 5. When the light enters the light guide 5 through this entrance surface 51, it propagates to the interface surface 52 by successive total internal reflections at the envelope 53, through which it leaves the light guide 5 and enters the part 54 and the output optical element 6. The interface surface 52 thus forms the virtual output surface of the light guide 5.

[0055] In this way, the interface surfaces 52 of the light guides 5, by their contours, define a pattern with a predetermined shape that is specific to the light guide 5. As a result, the shape of the entrance surface 51 and the envelope 53 of each light guide 5 make it possible to utilize all the light emitted by the LEDs 2 and passing through the entrance surface 51 to obtain a pattern that is completely defined by fairly sharp edges at the interface surface 52. Similarly, the shape and envelope 53 of the entrance surface 51 make it possible to uniformly distribute the light in the pattern at the interface surface 52.

[0056] That is, each light guide 5 is arranged so as to form, at its interface surface 52, and thus at the surface upstream of the mask 7, an image, called a primary image, from the light source 2 arranged towards its entrance surface 51. The edges of each primary image are defined by the edges of each interface surface 52. Furthermore, the light guides 5 are arranged so that two adjacent interface surfaces 52 are spaced apart.

[0057] It should be noted that in the example of FIG. 3, the entrance faces 51 are all similar, as are the joining faces 52. This means that the primary images obtained at the joining faces 52 of the light guides 5 are identical for all light guides 5, regardless of the position of the light guides 5 in the matrix arrangement. As a result, a matrix arrangement of primary images that is identical to one another can be obtained in the mask 7. The presence or absence of LEDs facing the entrance faces 51 and / or the activation or deactivation of LEDs placed towards the entrance faces 51 alone determine the matrix arrangement of the primary images. As a result, only seven LEDs are provided in the example of FIG. 3. This means that two light guides 5 do not have a light source at the same height as their entrance faces 51.

[0058] It is possible to envisage shapes other than those described, in particular quasi-circular, diamond or modified rectangular shapes, without departing from the scope of the invention. Likewise, it is possible to envisage all different shapes of entrance surfaces, different actual sizes of some or all of the entrance surfaces, or different actual orientations of some or all of the entrance surfaces, without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, the joining surfaces of the light guides may be different from one another.

[0059] Each window 72 of the mask 7 faces the joining surface 52 of the light guide 5, with the light source facing the light guide 5. This means that when each window 72 is positioned towards the joining surface 52, it is possible to redefine the outline of the primary image formed at the joining surface 52, resulting in the formation of a secondary image. The periphery of each window 72 therefore defines the outline of each secondary image. It should be noted that in two light guides 5 without a light source, only the opaque areas face their joining surface 52.

[0060] In the example described, the output optic 6 has a smooth, generally dome-shaped output surface.

[0061] The optical module 1 includes an optical projection system 8. In the example of Figure 1, the optical projection system 8 is a projection lens 8 having a focal plane 81 that substantially passes through the upstream surface of the mask 7.

[0062] As a result, this projection lens 8 is positioned to project the secondary image formed by the mask 7 onto the nearby ground. The pattern projected onto the ground has a contour defined by the perimeter of the window 72, and this contour is completely defined by the sharp edges in the image projected onto the ground after being inverted by the projection lens 8.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates an automotive vehicle lighting system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The lighting system 10 includes a front headlamp 11. The light module 1 of FIG.

[0065] The lighting system 10 includes a controller (not shown) that receives instructions from the automotive vehicle's computer and controls the LEDs 2 of the light module 1 in response to these instructions to perform lighting functions.

[0066] For example, when a computer-generated command to activate a cascading turn signal-type function, such as when a vehicle is changing lanes, is received, the control unit controls the LEDs 2 cyclically. For example, in one cycle, the control unit activates the bottom-right LED 2, causing the light module 1 to project an image 10a formed by the mask 7 from the corresponding interface 52 of the light guide 5 onto the ground near the vehicle. Then, the control unit activates the diagonally opposite LED 2, causing the light module 1 to project an image 10b formed by the mask 7 from the corresponding interface 52 of the light guide 5 onto the ground near the vehicle, while the previous LED 2 remains activated. Next, the control unit activates the remaining LEDs 2, causing the light module 1 to project an image 10c formed by the mask 7 from the corresponding interface 52 of the light guide 5 onto the ground near the vehicle, while the previous LED 2 remains activated. Finally, the control unit deactivates all LEDs 2.

[0067] It can thus be seen that the light module 1 performs the function of a turn signal, which can in particular complement the chain turn signal function performed by the vehicle's tail lamps. The images 10a, 10b, 10c are projected onto the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle, so that they can be easily recognized by road users driving to the right of the motor vehicle. The sub-pattern created by the window 72 of the mask 7 from the image of the interface surface 52 of the light guide 5 can be seen in particular in FIG. 4.

[0068] It should be noted that to form other patterns consisting of different shapes and / or different numbers of sub-patterns, the primary optical system 4 may remain the same and it is only necessary to change the arrangement and / or number of LEDs and / or the shape and / or number of light-transmittable areas 73.

[0069] The above description clearly explains how the present invention achieves the set objective, namely to provide a compact and efficient optical module that allows to create complex patterns from a single light source, such as patterns with details within the pattern itself or consisting of many separated sub-patterns, and / or that can improve the clarity of the pattern projected onto the ground, and that combines a primary optical system that can form primary images from multiple light sources with a mask that can modify these primary images to form secondary images.

[0070] In any case, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, but in particular extends to any equivalent means and any combination of these means that are technically feasible. In particular, it is possible to envisage using light sources of other types than those described. It is also possible to envisage other shapes for the interface or the mask window. It is also possible to provide a primary optical system comprising a single primary optical element. It is also possible to envisage types of primary optical elements other than light guides, in particular collimators, lenses or microlenses, reflectors, or combinations of various primary optical elements. Other embodiments of the mask are also possible. It is also possible to envisage other light-emitting functions than those described, in particular other functions for indicating route changes in a motor vehicle, such as reversing indicators or lane change indicators, driver assistance functions or vehicle-to-vehicle communication functions, or even functions for signaling whether the driving mode is manual or autonomous.

Claims

1. a. at least one light source (2); b. an integrated primary optical system (4) including at least one primary optical element (5) arranged to form a primary image from said light source; c) a mask (7) located downstream of the primary optical element and having at least one opaque region (71) and a window (72) formed in the opaque region, the window being positioned toward the primary optical element to form a secondary image from the primary image, and a portion (54) of the integrated primary optical system extending through the window; and d) an optical projection system (8) arranged to project the secondary image formed by the mask onto the ground.

2. 2. Optical module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary optical system (4) is made by overmolding onto at least one material of the mask (7).

3. 3. The optical module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical projection system (8) has a focal plane (81) that substantially passes through the mask (7) or is located substantially between the primary optical element (5) and the mask (7).

4. 4. The optical module (1) of claim 1, wherein the optical module (1) comprises a plurality of selectively controllable light sources (2), the integrated primary optical system (4) comprises a plurality of primary optical elements (5), each of which is arranged to form a primary image from one of the light sources, the mask (7) comprises a plurality of windows (72), each of which is arranged to form a secondary image from the primary image formed by the primary optical elements towards one of the primary optical elements, and a portion (54) of the integrated primary optical system extends through each of the windows.

5. 5. The optical module (1) according to claim 4, wherein the primary optical elements (5) are arranged in a matrix array.

6. 6. The optical module (1) of claim 1, wherein the primary optical system (4) includes an output optical element (6), the primary optical element having a light entrance surface (51) and a joining surface (52) that joins the primary optical element to the portion (54) that extends through the window (72) and is joined to the output optical element, and the light source is positioned facing the entrance surface.

7. 7. An optical module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the joining surface (52) of the primary optical element (5) and the upstream surface of the mask (7) lie in approximately the same plane.

8. 8. An optical module (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the primary optical element (5) comprises a primary light guide, the entrance surface (51) of the light guide being joined to the joining surface (52) of the light guide by an envelope (53) such that each point on the outline of the entrance surface is connected to a point on the outline of the joining surface by a straight line.

9. 9. The optical module (1) according to claim 6, wherein the optical projection system (8) has a focal plane (81) that substantially passes through the joining surface (52) where the primary optical element (5) joins with the portion (54).

10. A lighting system (10, 100) for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module (1, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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