Photoelectric connector applied to vehicle and active cable

Abstract

The utility model provides a photoelectric connector applied to a vehicle and an active cable. The photoelectric connector comprises a housing; the photoelectric conversion module is arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell; the electric connecting piece is partially arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell and is connected with the photoelectric conversion module; the optical connecting piece is partially arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell and is connected with the photoelectric conversion module; and the cured pouring sealant is filled in the accommodating cavity of the shell and covers the parts of the photoelectric conversion module, the electric connecting piece and the optical connecting piece in the accommodating cavity of the shell. The photoelectric connector can ensure that an active cable can be applied to an automatic driving vehicle, and low-delay, large-bandwidth and high-reliability video data transmission between a camera and a vehicle electronic system is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of optoelectronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optoelectronic connector for use in a vehicle and an active cable for use in a vehicle and including the optoelectronic connector. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid advancement of science and technology, vehicle intelligent driving technology is reaching unprecedented heights. Based on the SAE J3016 "Driving Automation Classification" standard, the level of autonomous driving has steadily progressed from the initial L1 stage to the advanced L4 stage. As the level of autonomous driving technology improves, more stringent requirements are placed on the performance of the vehicle perception system. For example, as a core component of the perception system, the video data captured by the camera must have higher clarity, faster frame rate, and larger data volume to cope with the increasingly complex driving environment. However, this surge in demand has posed a huge challenge to the traditional electrical transmission method based on coaxial cables (copper wires). Its bandwidth limitations and signal attenuation problems have become increasingly prominent, making it difficult to meet the stringent standards of advanced autonomous driving.

[0003] In this context, active cables, centered around transmission fibers, have become an ideal alternative to electrical transmission for optimizing video data transmission between cameras and vehicle electronic systems, thanks to their low latency, high bandwidth, and high reliability. However, the widespread adoption of existing active cables in vehicle applications still faces a key challenge: the lack of an optoelectronic connector to connect the transmission fibers within the cable to the vehicle's electronic systems or cameras. This technological gap limits the practical application of active cables in autonomous vehicles and hinders the realization of low-latency, high-bandwidth, and highly reliable transmission of video data. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve one or more technical problems mentioned above, the present invention provides an optoelectronic connector for use in a vehicle and an active cable for use in a vehicle and including the optoelectronic connector. The optoelectronic connector can ensure that the active cable can be used in autonomous driving vehicles, thereby realizing low-latency, large-bandwidth and high-reliability video data transmission between the camera and the vehicle's electronic system.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the utility model, it provides an optoelectronic connector for vehicles, which includes: a shell having a accommodating cavity; a photoelectric conversion module, which is arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell; an electrical connector, a first part of which is arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell and connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and a second part is arranged outside the shell, so that the second part of the electrical connector can be directly connected to the camera or electronic system of the vehicle; an optical connector, a first part of which is arranged in the accommodating cavity of the shell and connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and a second part is arranged outside the accommodating cavity of the shell, so that the second part of the optical connector can be connected to the electronic system or camera of the vehicle through the transmission optical fiber of the vehicle's cable and another optoelectronic connector; and a cured potting compound, which fills the accommodating cavity of the shell and wraps the first part of the electrical connector, the first part of the optical connector and the photoelectric conversion module to fix the relative positions of the electrical connector, the optical connector and the photoelectric conversion module.

[0006] Furthermore, in the accommodating cavity, the electrical connector and the optical connector are respectively arranged on both sides of the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located, and at least the part of the optical connector used for docking the transmission optical fiber is parallel to the circuit board of the optoelectronic conversion module.

[0007] Furthermore, the optical connector includes a ferrule that is provided through the housing and parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element is located, and a bent optical fiber with a first end fixed in the ferrule and a second end connected to the optoelectronic conversion module;

[0008] The bent optical fiber includes a bent portion located between the first end and the second end and completely within the accommodating cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmission direction of light in the first end of the bent optical fiber and the transmission direction of light in the second end of the bent optical fiber are both parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located and are opposite to each other;

[0010] The distance from the first end of the bent optical fiber to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located is greater than the distance from the second end of the bent optical fiber to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located.

[0011] Furthermore, the bent optical fiber allows the light from the transmission optical fiber to be turned 180 degrees before entering the photoelectric conversion module to which the bent optical fiber is connected.

[0012] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the ferrule on the plane where the circuit board is located completely falls into the area where the circuit board is located on the plane.

[0013] Furthermore, the optoelectronic conversion module includes a circuit board connected to the electrical connector, the optoelectronic coupling element provided on the circuit board and connected to the electrical connector through conductive traces within the circuit board, an optical component provided on the circuit board and at least covering the optoelectronic coupling element, and a fixing seat provided on the circuit board and used to fix the bent optical fiber, wherein the fixing seat is used to keep the bent optical fiber in a docking state with the optical component.

[0014] Furthermore, the optical component is used to transmit the optical signal obtained from the bent optical fiber to the optoelectronic coupling element, and the fixing seat enables the bent optical fiber to transmit the optical signal obtained from the transmission optical fiber to the optical component; and / or

[0015] The optical component is used to transmit the optical signal obtained from the optoelectronic coupling element to the bent optical fiber, and the fixing seat enables the bent optical fiber to transmit the optical signal obtained from the optical component to the transmission optical fiber.

[0016] Furthermore, the distance between the ferrule and the circuit board is greater than or equal to twice the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber.

[0017] Furthermore, an end face of the ferrule used for connecting to the end portion of the bent optical fiber is flush with an end face of the fixing seat used for connecting to the end portion of the bent optical fiber.

[0018] Furthermore, the bent portion of the bent optical fiber includes a starting point, an end point, and a selected point between the starting point and the end point;

[0019] The starting point refers to the point in the bent portion that is closest to the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the first point;

[0020] The end point refers to the point in the bent portion that is farthest from the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the second point;

[0021] The selected point is a point in the bent portion that is closest to the cavity wall of the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis of the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the third point.

[0022] The second point and the third point are respectively located on both sides of a selected straight line, and the selected straight line is a straight line passing through the first point and perpendicular to the central axis of the ferrule.

[0023] Furthermore, the distance between the ferrule and the circuit board is greater than the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber and less than 2 times the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber.

[0024] Furthermore, the accommodating cavity includes a first space for partially accommodating the optical connector, and a second space for partially accommodating the electrical connector while accommodating the photoelectric conversion module, wherein the volume of the second space is greater than that of the first space.

[0025] Furthermore, the light propagation direction in the ferrule is a first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located is a second direction;

[0026] The size of the second space in the first direction is greater than the size of the first space in the first direction;

[0027] A size of the second space in the second direction is greater than a size of the first space in the second direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the second space includes a first area and a second area closer to the first space than the first area, and a size of the first area in the first direction is larger than a size of the second area in the first direction;

[0029] The first area is used to accommodate the photoelectric conversion module and the bent optical fiber;

[0030] The second area is used to accommodate the bent portion of the bent optical fiber.

[0031] Furthermore, a size of the second area in the first direction is larger than a size of the first space in the first direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector further comprises a calibration sleeve fixed outside the optical connector, wherein the calibration sleeve is capable of at least partially receiving the end of the transmission optical fiber and guiding it to dock with the end of the transmission optical fiber.

[0033] Furthermore, the ferrule and the calibration sleeve are both made of ceramic material or metal material.

[0034] Furthermore, the optical connector includes a socket component that is arranged on the housing and is parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located. The optoelectronic conversion module includes a circuit board connected to the electrical connector and used to fix the socket component, and a optoelectronic coupling element that is arranged on the circuit board and connected to the electrical connector through conductive traces in the circuit board. The socket component is used to receive the end of the transmission optical fiber and connect the transmission optical fiber to the optoelectronic coupling element.

[0035] Furthermore, the optical connector does not include an optical fiber.

[0036] Furthermore, the socket component changes the light transmission direction so that the light output from the transmission optical fiber is perpendicular to the light transmission direction entering the optoelectronic coupling element.

[0037] Furthermore, the housing includes a first shell and a second shell that are connected to each other and together form the accommodating cavity, wherein the first shell has an outlet hole that allows the core or socket component of the optical connector to partially pass through, and the second shell is configured to press the core or socket component into the first shell when it is connected to the first shell.

[0038] Furthermore, the through-hole includes a large diameter section and a small diameter section that is further away from the accommodating cavity than the large diameter section, the ferrule includes a ferrule body fixedly sleeved outside the bent optical fiber and partially placed in the small diameter section of the through-hole, and a positioning flange provided outside the ferrule body and placed in the large diameter section of the through-hole, the second shell includes a boss provided on its inner wall and used to press the positioning flange of the ferrule into the large diameter section of the through-hole, and the boss has an avoidance groove for avoiding the optical connector.

[0039] Furthermore, the through-hole includes a large diameter section and a small diameter section which is further away from the accommodating cavity than the large diameter section and can partially accommodate the socket member. A positioning cam which can be located in the large diameter section of the socket member is fixedly provided on the outside of the socket member. The second shell includes a boss arranged on its inner wall and used to press the photoelectric conversion module into the accommodating cavity. The boss can indirectly press the positioning flange into the large diameter section of the through-hole through the photoelectric conversion module.

[0040] Furthermore, a protruding or recessed embedded structure is provided on the boss.

[0041] Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector also includes a bayonet structure fixedly arranged outside the first shell, and the bayonet structure is used to accommodate the second part of the optical connector, so that the end of the transmission optical fiber can be sealed and mounted in the bayonet structure in the form of a plug structure, and force the optical docking piece at the end of the transmission optical fiber to dock with the optical connector.

[0042] Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector also includes a first guide structure provided in the bayonet structure, and the first guide structure is used to cooperate with a second guide structure provided on the plug structure to correct the assembly position of the plug structure in the bayonet structure, wherein one of the first guide structure and the second guide structure is a ridge and the other is a groove.

[0043] Furthermore, a first card slot and a second card slot are provided on the inner wall of the first shell, and the first card slot and the second card slot respectively receive opposite edges of the circuit board of the photoelectric conversion module so that the photoelectric conversion module can be placed in the accommodating cavity.

[0044] Furthermore, the first shell has an avoidance opening, the electrical connector includes a plurality of conductive pins fixed on the photoelectric conversion module and passing through the opening of the first shell, the photoelectric connector includes an attached cover fixed on the first shell and covering the avoidance opening, the attached cover has a plurality of pinholes, and the plurality of pinholes allow each of the conductive pins to pass through the plurality of conductive pinholes, and the respective conductive pins passing through the plurality of conductive pinholes are used to connect to the socket of the vehicle's electronic system.

[0045] Furthermore, a first glue injection hole and a second glue injection hole are provided on the second shell, wherein the position of the first glue injection hole is set to guide the liquid potting glue to flow to one side of the plane where the circuit board of the photoelectric conversion module is located, and the position of the second glue injection hole is set to guide the liquid potting glue to flow to the other side of the plane where the circuit board of the photoelectric conversion module is located.

[0046] Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector also includes a first plug-in structure provided on the first shell, the first plug-in structure is used to cooperate with a second plug-in structure provided on the electronic system of the vehicle, and can guide each of the conductive pins to be inserted one by one into the corresponding socket, wherein one of the first plug-in structure and the second plug-in structure has a positioning protrusion, and the other has a positioning groove.

[0047] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it provides an active cable for use in a vehicle, which includes a transmitting-end optoelectronic connector, a receiving-end optoelectronic connector, and a cable connecting the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector and the receiving-end optoelectronic connector, wherein the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector and / or the receiving-end optoelectronic connector are the optoelectronic connectors as described in the first aspect of the present invention, the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector is used to obtain an optical signal from the vehicle's electronic system, and the receiving-end optoelectronic connector is used to output the obtained optical signal to the vehicle's electronic system; the cable includes a transmission optical fiber.

[0048] In the three aspects mentioned above, the optoelectronic connector involved can be used as a transmitting end optoelectronic connector or a receiving end optoelectronic connector of an active cable, and ensure that the active cable containing the optoelectronic connector can be successfully used in autonomous vehicles, realizing low-latency, large-bandwidth, and high-reliability video data transmission between the camera and the vehicle electronic system, thereby promoting autonomous driving technology to a higher level (L4 and above). In addition, the potting compound is filled in the housing cavity of the shell and covers the optoelectronic conversion module and the electrical and optical connectors in the housing cavity of the shell, thereby improving the waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant performance of the optoelectronic connector and ensuring that the optoelectronic connector can operate stably and reliably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the detailed description below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, and the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a functional structure block diagram of the active cable according to the first embodiment of the present utility model;

[0051] Figure 2 A perspective view of a photoelectric connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the optoelectronic connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the optoelectronic connector according to the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0055] Figure 6 The first shell of the housing of the optoelectronic connector of the second embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0056] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the optoelectronic connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals: 100, optoelectronic connector; 200, cable; 300, electronic system; 400, camera; 1, housing; 11, first shell; 111, through-hole; 111a, large-diameter section; 111b, small-diameter section; 111c, transition section; 112, first card slot; 113, second card slot; 114, avoidance opening; 115, first plug-in structure; 12, second shell; 121, boss; 122, embedded structure; 13, accommodating cavity; 131, first space; 132, second space; 14, first glue injection Hole; 15, second glue injection hole; 2, photoelectric conversion module; 21, circuit board; 22, optoelectronic coupling element; 23, optical component; 24, fixing seat; 3, electrical connector; 31, conductive pin; 4, optical connector; 41, ferrule; 411, ferrule body; 412, positioning flange; 42, bent optical fiber; 42a, starting point; 42b, end point; 42c, selection point; 43, calibration sleeve; 44, socket component; 45, positioning cam; 6, attached cover; 61, pinhole; 7, bayonet structure; S1, first direction; S2, second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0060] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides an active cable for use in a vehicle. The active cable is primarily used to connect a camera 400 and an electronic system 300 and to transmit signals therebetween. The active cable generally comprises a transmitting-end optical connector 100a, a receiving-end optical connector 100b, and a cable 200 connecting the transmitting-end optical connector 100a and the receiving-end optical connector 100b, wherein the cable 200 comprises a transmission optical fiber. During use, the vehicle's electronic system 300 generates a low-speed signal and transmits it to the camera 400 via the active cable for configuring and waking up the camera 400. The awakened camera 400 generates a high-speed signal and transmits it to the electronic system 300 via the transmission optical fiber of the active cable.

[0061] As an example, the transmission optical fibers of cable 200 include high-speed signal transmission optical fibers for transmitting high-speed signals and low-speed signal transmission optical fibers for transmitting low-speed signals. During use, the receiving-end optical connector 100b converts the received low-speed signal from the vehicle electronic system 300 into an optical signal, which is then transmitted to the transmitting-end optical connector 100a via the low-speed signal transmission optical fiber. The transmitting-end optical connector 100a then converts the optical signal into a low-speed electrical signal containing control data, which is then output to the camera 400 to configure and wake up the camera 400 to generate an electrical signal containing video data. The transmitting-end optical connector 100a is used to obtain an electrical signal containing video data from the vehicle's camera 400, convert the electrical signal into an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal to the receiving-end optical connector 100b via the high-speed signal transmission optical fiber. The receiving-end optical connector 100b then converts the optical signal into an electrical signal containing video data, which is then output to the vehicle's electronic system 300. In this way, the active cable can be used in autonomous vehicles to achieve low-latency, large-bandwidth, and high-reliability video data transmission between the camera and the vehicle's electronic system, thereby promoting autonomous driving technology to a higher level (L4 and above). It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b can obtain the power required for operation from the electronic system 300 of the vehicle to which it is connected, or from other ECUs (Electronic Control Units) of the vehicle through Y-cable. It is understandable that the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector 100a can obtain the power required for operation from the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b through copper wire, or from other ECUs of the vehicle through Y-cable. Specifically, the vehicle electronic system 300 first outputs a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output Port) low-speed signal, which is converted into a low-speed optical signal by the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b and output to the camera end to reset the power-on timing of the camera sensor chip. The vehicle electronic system 300 then outputs an I2C low-speed signal to configure the registers of the sensor chip. After initialization is completed, the video signal chip in the camera 400 outputs multiple serial signals. The receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b converts the multiple serial high-speed electrical signals into a single serial electrical signal, and then converts the single serial electrical signal into a high-speed optical signal and transmits it to the vehicle electronic system 300. The first high-speed signal optical module of the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b converts the received high-speed optical signal into a single serial electrical signal, and then converts the single serial electrical signal into multiple serial electrical signals and outputs them to the corresponding signal path of the vehicle electronic system 300.

[0062] As another example, the transmission optical fiber of cable 200 includes a high-speed signal transmission optical fiber for transmitting high-speed signals and a copper wire. During use, the low-speed signal generated by the vehicle electronic system 300 is transmitted via the copper wire to the camera 400, thereby configuring and waking up the camera 400 to generate an electrical signal containing video data. The transmitting-end optical connector 100a is used to receive the electrical signal containing video data from the vehicle's camera 400, convert the electrical signal into an optical signal, and transmit it via the high-speed signal transmission optical fiber to the receiving-end optical connector 100b. The receiving-end optical connector 100b then converts the optical signal into an electrical signal containing video data before outputting it to the vehicle's electronic system 300. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the receiving-end optical connector 100b can obtain its operating power from the connected vehicle electronic system 300, or from other vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units) via a Y-cable. It will be appreciated that the transmitting-end optical connector 100a can obtain its operating power from the receiving-end optical connector 100b via the copper wire, or from other vehicle ECUs via a Y-cable.

[0063] like Figures 2 to 6 or Figures 7 to 8 As shown, both the second and third embodiments of the present invention provide an optoelectronic connector 100 for use in a vehicle. The aforementioned transmitter-end optoelectronic connector 100a and receiver-end optoelectronic connector 100b can both be used as this optoelectronic connector 100. To conserve space, only components with significant functional and structural differences in the second and third embodiments are given different reference numerals; components with the same or similar structures and functions are given the same reference numerals. Next, this optoelectronic connector 100 will be described in detail.

[0064] like Figures 2 to 6 or Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the optoelectronic connector 100 includes a housing 1 having a housing cavity 13, and a photoelectric conversion module 2 disposed in the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1. The optoelectronic connector 100 also includes an electrical connector 3, a first portion of which is disposed in the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 and connected to the photoelectric conversion module 2, while a second portion thereof is disposed outside the housing 1. The optoelectronic connector 100 also includes an optical connector 4, a first portion of which is disposed in the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 and connected to the photoelectric conversion module 2, while a second portion thereof is disposed outside the housing 1. The optoelectronic connector 100 also includes a potting compound (already solidified) that fills the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 and covers the photoelectric conversion module 2, the first portion of the electrical connector 3, and the first portion of the optical connector 4. The potting compound is used to improve the waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and structural stability of the optoelectronic connector 100, thereby ensuring that the optoelectronic connector 100 can operate stably and reliably.

[0065] When the optoelectronic connector 100 functions as a transmitting-end optoelectronic connector 100a, the second portion of the electrical connector 3 can directly connect to the vehicle's camera 400. The second portion of the optical connector 4 connects to the vehicle's electronic system 300 via the transmission fiber of the vehicle's cable 200 and another optoelectronic connector (i.e., the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b). Thus, the optoelectronic conversion module 2 of the optoelectronic connector 100 receives the electrical signal, including video data, generated by the camera 400 via the electrical connector 3, converts it into an optical signal, and transmits it to the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b via the transmission fiber of the cable 200. After receiving the optical signal, the receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b converts it into an electrical signal and transmits it to the electronic system 300.

[0066] When the optoelectronic connector 100 functions as a receiving-end optoelectronic connector 100b, the second portion of the electrical connector 3 can be directly connected to the vehicle's electronic system 300, while the second portion of the optical connector 4 connects to the vehicle's camera 400 via the transmission fiber of the vehicle's cable 200 and another optoelectronic connector (i.e., the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector 100a). Consequently, the optoelectronic conversion module 2 of the optoelectronic connector 100 can obtain an optical signal containing video data from the transmission fiber of the cable 200 via the optical connector 4. This optical signal is obtained by converting an electrical signal generated by the camera 400 through the transmitting-end optoelectronic connector 100a. After receiving the optical signal, the optoelectronic conversion module 2 converts the optical signal into an electrical signal containing the video data, which is then transmitted to the electronic system 300 via the electrical connector 3.

[0067] In the optoelectronic connector 100 provided above, it can serve as the transmitting end optoelectronic connector 100a or the receiving end optoelectronic connector 100b of the active cable, and ensure that the active cable containing the optoelectronic connector 100 can be smoothly used in autonomous driving vehicles, realizing low-latency, large bandwidth and high-reliability video data transmission between the camera 400 and the vehicle electronic system 300, thereby promoting autonomous driving technology to a higher level (L4 and above).

[0068] In the second and third embodiments, within the accommodating cavity 13 of the housing 1 of the optoelectronic connector 100, the electrical connector 3 and the optical connector 4 are respectively disposed on either side of the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 resides, and at least the portion of the optical connector 4 used for connecting the cable 200 is parallel to the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2. This arrangement allows the electrical connector 3, the optoelectronic conversion module 2, and the optical connector 4 to be arranged primarily along a designated direction (e.g., the vertical direction), thereby improving the space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100 in the designated direction and reducing the size of the optoelectronic connector 100 in other directions (e.g., the horizontal direction). This allows the optoelectronic connector 100 to achieve a more compact layout within a limited space, making it particularly suitable for vehicle interiors with stringent space requirements.

[0069] Next, combine Figures 2 to 6 and Figures 7 to 8 The optical connector 4 and the photoelectric conversion module 2 are described and two embodiments are provided as follows.

[0070] In the second embodiment, Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the optical connector 4 includes a ferrule 41 that extends through the housing 1 and is parallel to the circuit board 21, and a bent optical fiber 42, one end of which (referred to as the first end) is fixedly mounted within the ferrule 41 and the other end of which (referred to as the second end) is connected to the optoelectronic conversion module 2. The bent optical fiber 42 includes a bent portion located between the first and second ends and within the accommodating cavity 13 of the housing 1. The bent portion is a location in the bent optical fiber 42 where a bend (a non-zero curvature) exists and is located between the first and second ends. The bent optical fiber 42 connects the adapter ferrule 41 to the optoelectronic conversion module 2. This approach not only ensures that the optical connector 4 can smoothly connect with the end of the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 (including the other ferrule) through the ferrule 41, and transmits the optical signal from the cable 200 to the optoelectronic conversion module 2 with the help of the ferrule 41 and the bent optical fiber 42, but also ensures that the ferrule 41 as the optical connector 4 is arranged parallel to one side of the circuit board 21, thereby achieving the characteristic of high space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100 in a specified direction (such as the vertical direction). Preferably, the orthographic projection of the ferrule 41 on the plane where the circuit board 21 is located completely falls within the area where the circuit board 21 is located on the plane, thereby further improving the space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100 in a specified direction (such as the vertical direction).

[0071] Preferably, the light transmission direction within the first end of the bent optical fiber 42 and the light transmission direction within the second end of the bent optical fiber 42 are both parallel to and opposite to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 is located. Furthermore, the distance from the first end of the bent optical fiber 42 to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 is located is greater than the distance from the second end of the bent optical fiber 42 to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 is located. In this manner, the bent optical fiber 42 causes light from the transmission optical fiber to be bent 180 degrees before entering the connected optoelectronic conversion module 2.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the optoelectronic conversion module 2 includes a circuit board 21 connected to the electrical connector 3, an optoelectronic coupling element 22 disposed on the circuit board 21 and connected to the electrical connector via conductive traces within the circuit board 21, an optical assembly 23 disposed on the circuit board 21 and covering at least the optoelectronic coupling element 22, and a fixing base 24 disposed on the circuit board 21 for fixing a bent optical fiber 42. The fixing base 24 is used to maintain the bent optical fiber 42 in a docking state with the optical assembly 23. The number of bent optical fibers 42 may be one, two, or more. These fibers are capable of receiving optical signals from the ferrule 41 and transmitting them to the optical assembly 23, and also receiving optical signals from the optical assembly 23 and transmitting them to the ferrule 41. The optical component 23 can not only transmit the optical signal received from the bent optical fiber 42 to the optoelectronic coupling element 22, so that the optoelectronic coupling element 22 can first convert the optical signal into an electrical signal, and then transmit it in sequence to the electrical connector 3 and the electronic system 300 connected thereto, but also transmit the optical signal received from the optoelectronic coupling element 22 (i.e., the electrical signal produced by the electronic system 300 converted by the optoelectronic coupling element 22) in sequence to the ferrule 41 and the transmission optical fiber of the cable 200. Among them, the optical component 23 can generally be selected as a lens assembly, which is mainly used to guide the flow of the optical signal. The optoelectronic coupling element 22 can generally be selected as a VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) or a PD (Photodiode), which realizes the mutual conversion between optical and electrical signals.

[0073] As an example, the spacing between the ferrule and the circuit board is greater than or equal to times the minimum bend radius of the bendable optical fiber to prevent the bendable optical fiber from breaking. Preferably, the spacing between the ferrule and the circuit board is configured to be approximately equal to twice the minimum bend radius of the bendable optical fiber, and the end face of the ferrule for connecting to the bendable optical fiber 42 is flush with the end face of the fixing base for connecting to the bendable optical fiber. In this case, the required bendable optical fiber is smaller in size and has a smaller bend radius, which further improves the space utilization of the optoelectronic connector in a specified direction (e.g., vertical direction).

[0074] As another example, the bent portion of the bent optical fiber 42 mentioned above includes a starting point 42a, an end point 42b, and a selected point 42c located between the starting point 42a and the end point 42b. Starting point 42a is the point in the bent portion closest to the ferrule 41, and its orthographic projection onto the plane of the circuit board 21 is the first point. End point 42b is the point in the bent portion farthest from the ferrule 41, and its orthographic projection onto the plane of the circuit board 21 is the second point. Selected point 42c is the point in the bent portion closest to the wall of the accommodating cavity 13 of the housing 1 in a direction parallel to the central axis of the ferrule 41, and its orthographic projection onto the plane of the circuit board 21 is the third point. The second and third points are located on either side of a selected line, which passes through the first point and is perpendicular to the plane of the ferrule 41 and the circuit board 21. In this way, the distance between the ferrule 41 and the circuit board 21 is greater than the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber 42 and less than 2 times the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber 42, thereby further improving the space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100 in a specified direction (such as the vertical direction).

[0075] Furthermore, the accommodating cavity 13 includes a first space 131 for partially accommodating the optical connector 4, and a second space 132 for partially accommodating the electrical connector 3 while accommodating the optoelectronic conversion module 2. The volume of the second space 132 is greater than that of the first space 131. In this way, the volume of each portion of the accommodating cavity 13 is adapted to the volume of the corresponding component to be accommodated, ensuring the stable installation of each component and greatly improving the overall compactness and space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100.

[0076] Furthermore, the propagation direction of light within the ferrule 41 is a first direction S1, and the direction perpendicular to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element 22 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 is located is a second direction S2. The size of the second space 132 of the accommodating cavity 13 in the first direction S1 is larger than the size of the first space 131 in the first direction S1; the size of the second space 132 of the accommodating cavity 13 in the second direction S2 is larger than the size of the first space 131 in the second direction S2. Preferably, the second space 132 of the accommodating cavity 13 includes a first region and a second region closer to the first space 131 than the first region, with the size of the first region in the first direction S1 being larger than the size of the second region in the first direction S1. The first region is used to accommodate the optoelectronic conversion module 2 and the bent optical fiber 42; the second region is used only to accommodate the bent portion of the bent optical fiber 42. More preferably, the size of the second region in the first direction S1 is larger than the size of the first space 131 in the first direction S1. The accommodating cavity 13, comprised of the first space 131 and the second space 132, can minimize its volume while meeting accommodation and assembly requirements, further enhancing the overall structural compactness and space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100. In particular, when the second space 132 is comprised of the first region and the second region, the accommodating cavity 13 can minimize its volume while meeting accommodation and assembly requirements, further enhancing the overall structural compactness and space utilization of the optoelectronic connector 100.

[0077] Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector 100 may also include a calibration sleeve 43 fixed to the exterior of the optical connector 4. The calibration sleeve 43 is capable of at least partially receiving the end of the cable 200 and guiding the optical connector 4 to precisely mate with the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200, thereby facilitating stable and efficient transmission of optical signals at the mate point. It should be noted that whether the calibration sleeve 43 can fully receive the end of the cable 200 is closely related to the end structure of the cable 200. For example, when the end of the cable 200 is selected to include an optical docking member that includes a transmission optical fiber (e.g., another ferrule structure suitable for docking with the ferrule 41), the calibration sleeve 43 can directly and fully receive the optical docking member and guide it to mate with the ferrule 41 of the optoelectronic connector 100. For another example, when the end of the cable 200 is selected to include a plug structure that includes an optical docking member, the bayonet structure 7 of the optoelectronic connector 100 (described below) can fully receive the plug structure, but the calibration sleeve 43 can only fully receive the optical docking member and guide it to mate with the ferrule 41 of the optoelectronic connector 100. The calibration sleeve 43 and the ferrule 41 can be made of ceramic or metal. Compared with metal, the calibration sleeve 43 and the ferrule 41 made of ceramic have better stability and wear resistance, which can further improve the reliability and stability of the aforementioned joint when transmitting optical signals.

[0078] In the third embodiment, Figures 7 to 8As shown, the optical connector 4 includes a socket member 44 that extends through the housing 1 and is parallel to the optoelectronic conversion module 2. The optoelectronic conversion module 2 includes a circuit board 21 connected to the electrical connector 3 and used to fix the socket member 44, and an optoelectronic coupling element 22 disposed on the circuit board 21 and connected to the electrical connector 3 via conductive traces within the circuit board 21. The socket member 44 is used to receive the end of the cable 200 and connect the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 to the optical connector 23, so that the optical signal obtained from the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 is transmitted to the optoelectronic coupling element 22, ensuring that the optoelectronic coupling element 22 can convert the optical signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the electrical connector 3. Unlike the second embodiment, the optical connector 4 of this third embodiment does not use a ferrule 41 and a bent optical fiber 42, or even any optical fiber. Instead, the socket member 44 is directly integrated with the optical connector 2. This design ensures that the optoelectronic conversion module 2 is more compact in a specific direction (e.g., vertically) and has a smaller overall volume. In addition to the annular structure that implements the receiving function, the socket member 44 may also include an optical component disposed at the end of the annular structure to change the direction of light transmission. For example, the optical component may include a reflector that changes the direction of light transmission so that the light output from the transmission fiber is perpendicular to the light entering the optoelectronic coupling element 22.

[0079] Next, combine Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 7 to 8 The housing 1 mentioned above is described in detail. In the second and third embodiments, as Figures 3 to 4 or Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the housing 1 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 that are connected to each other and together form a accommodating cavity 13. The housing 1 mainly composed of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 can greatly facilitate the installation of components such as the optoelectronic conversion module 2, the optical connector 4 and the electrical connector 3 in the housing 1. At the same time, the first shell 11 has a through hole 111 that allows the ferrule 41 or the socket member 44 of the optical connector 4 to partially pass through. The second shell 12 is configured to press the ferrule 41 or the socket member 44 into the first shell 11 when it is connected to the first shell 11. Therefore, when the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are assembled into the aforementioned housing 1, the second shell 12 can also fix the ferrule 41 or the socket member 44 of the optical connector 4 in the first shell 11, so that the ferrule 41 or the socket member 44 of the optical connector 4 does not need to use additional locking or fixing components when fixed in the housing 1, which is conducive to reducing production costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0080] In the second embodiment, in order to improve the fixing effect of the ferrule 41 of the optical connector 4 in the housing 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the through hole 111 includes a large diameter section 111b and a small diameter section 111a that is further away from the accommodating cavity 13 than the large diameter section 111b. The ferrule 41 includes a ferrule body 411 fixedly sleeved on the outside of the bent optical fiber 42 and partially disposed in the small diameter section 111a of the through hole 111, and a positioning flange 412 provided outside the ferrule body 411 and disposed in the large diameter section 111b of the through hole 111. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second housing 12 includes a boss 121 disposed on its inner wall for pressing the positioning flange 412 of the ferrule 41 into the large-diameter section 111b of the through-hole 111. The boss 121 has a clearance groove for the optical connector 4, particularly the end of the ferrule 41 and the bent optical fiber 42. In the second embodiment, through the interaction of the large-diameter section 111b of the through-hole 111, the positioning flange 412 of the ferrule 41, and the boss 121 of the second housing 12, the ferrule 41 of the optical connector 4 is securely fixed within the housing 1 when the first and second housings 11 and 12 are assembled to form the aforementioned outer shell 1. As a preferred embodiment, the through-hole 111 further includes a transition section 111c formed by a tapered surface between the large-diameter section 111b and the small-diameter section 111a. When the ferrule 41 is inserted into the through-hole 111, the transition section 111c guides the ferrule 41 accurately through the through-hole 111 and forces the two to be coaxial.

[0081] In the second embodiment, a protruding or recessed pre-embedded structure 122 may be provided on the boss 121. When the pre-embedded structure 122 is covered or buried by the cured potting compound, the pre-embedded structure 122 advantageously improves the connection strength between the boss 121 and the potting compound, and indirectly improves the connection firmness between the second shell 12 and the first shell.

[0082] In the third embodiment, in order to improve the fixing effect of the socket member 44 of the optical connector 4 in the housing 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the through hole 111 includes a large diameter section 111b and a small diameter section 111a that is further away from the accommodating cavity 13 than the large diameter section 111b and is partially accommodated in the socket member 44. A positioning latch 45 that can be located in the large diameter section 111b of the socket member 44 is fixedly provided on the outside of the socket member 44. The second housing 12 includes a boss 121 provided on its inner wall and used to press the photoelectric conversion module 2 into the accommodating cavity 13. The boss 121 can press the positioning latch 45 into the large diameter section 111b of the through hole 111 through the photoelectric conversion module 2. Embodiment 3 can also achieve a stable fixation of the socket member 44 of the optical connector 4 in the housing 1 through the mutual cooperation of the large diameter section 111b of the through hole 111, the positioning latch 45 of the socket member 44, and the boss 121 of the second housing 12, and when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are assembled into the aforementioned housing 1. As a preferred example, the through hole 111 further includes a transition section formed by a tapered surface between the large diameter section 111b and the small diameter section 111a. When the ferrule 41 is inserted into the through hole 111, the transition section can guide the ferrule 41 to accurately pass through the through hole 111 and force the two to be coaxial with each other.

[0083] In the second and third embodiments, the optoelectronic connector 100 further includes a bayonet structure 7 fixedly arranged outside the first shell 11. The bayonet structure 7 can be connected to the first shell 11 by a fixing method such as bonding or integral molding. The bayonet structure 7 is used to accommodate the portion of the optical connector 4 outside the first shell 11, so that the end of the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 can be sealed and mounted in the bayonet structure 7 in the form of a plug structure, and force the optical docking member at the end of the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 to dock with the optical connector 4. When the optoelectronic connector 100 includes the bayonet structure 7, the end of the cable 200 may include a plug structure that engages with the bayonet structure 7, and an optical docking member (such as another ferrule structure suitable for docking with the ferrule 41) provided in the plug structure and docking with the optical connector 4, thereby ensuring that a more reliable mechanical connection and communication connection can be established between the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 and the optoelectronic connector 100.

[0084] Preferably, the optoelectronic connector 100 further includes a first guide structure disposed within the bayonet structure 7. The first guide structure is configured to cooperate with a second guide structure disposed on the plug structure, wherein one of the first and second guide structures is a ridge and the other is a groove. When the end portion (plug structure) of the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 is inserted into the bayonet structure 7, the first and second guide structures cooperate to guide the plug structure accurately into the bayonet structure 7, correcting the assembly position of the plug structure within the bayonet structure 7, thereby ensuring that the optical docking member at the end portion of the transmission optical fiber in the cable 200 and the optical connector 4 can establish effective docking and thereby achieve stable transmission of the optical signal.

[0085] In the second and third embodiments, the inner wall of the first housing 11 is provided with a first card slot 112 and a second card slot 113 opposite to each other. The first card slot 112 and the second card slot 113 are used to accommodate the opposite sides of the circuit board 21 of the photoelectric conversion module 2. Figure 6 or Figure 7 When the second housing 12 is not connected to the first housing 11, the first housing 11 can receive the opposite edges of the circuit board 21 of the photoelectric conversion module 2 through the first and second slots 112 and 113, respectively, so that the photoelectric conversion module 2 can be placed in the accommodating cavity 13 and prevent the circuit board 21 from rotating and moving toward the optical connector 4 or the electrical connector 3.

[0086] In the second and third embodiments, the first housing 11 may also have a clearance opening 114. The electrical connector 3 includes multiple conductive pins 31 that are perpendicularly connected to the circuit board 21 of the optoelectronic conversion module 2 and pass through the clearance opening 114 of the first housing 11. Each conductive pin 31 is inserted into a corresponding socket in the electronic system 300, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electronic system 300 and the optoelectronic conversion module 2. Furthermore, the optoelectronic connector 100 includes an attached cover 6 fixed to the first housing 11 and covering the clearance opening 114. The attached cover 6 has multiple pinholes 61 that allow each conductive pin 31 to pass through and be inserted into a corresponding socket in the electronic system 300. When the attached cover 6 is fixed to the first shell 11, the conductive pins 31 extending from the pinholes 61 of the attached cover 6 can provide additional positioning for the circuit board 21 and compensate for the deficiencies (such as horizontal directions) caused by the first and second card slots 112 and 113 in positioning the circuit board 21, thereby completely preventing the circuit board 21 from moving and rotating in the accommodating cavity 13.

[0087] In the second and third embodiments, a first glue injection hole 14 and a second glue injection hole 15 are provided on the second housing 12. The first glue injection hole 14 is positioned to direct the liquid potting glue toward one side of the plane where the circuit board 21 of the photoelectric conversion module 2 is located, and the second glue injection hole 15 is positioned to direct the liquid potting glue toward the other side of the plane where the circuit board 21 of the photoelectric conversion module 2 is located. The first and second glue injection holes 14 and 15 ensure that the potting glue can smoothly enter the accommodating cavity 13 of the housing 1 and evenly and comprehensively cover the portions of the photoelectric conversion module 2, the electrical connector 3, and the optical connector 4 within the accommodating cavity 13 of the housing 1, thereby improving the waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof performance and structural stability of the photoelectric connector 100 and ensuring that the photoelectric connector 100 can operate stably and reliably.

[0088] In the second and third embodiments, the optoelectronic connector 100 further includes a first plug-in structure 115 provided on the first housing 11. The first plug-in structure 115 is configured to mate with a second plug-in structure provided on the electronic system 300. As an example, the first plug-in structure 115 is configured as a positioning protrusion, and the second plug-in structure is configured as a positioning groove. During use, the positioning protrusion of the optoelectronic connector 100 can be directly inserted into the positioning groove of the electronic system 200, thereby ensuring that this engagement guides each conductive pin 31 to be inserted into the corresponding socket of the electronic system 200 one by one. As another example, the first plug-in structure 115 can be configured as a positioning groove, and the second plug-in structure can be configured as a positioning protrusion capable of being inserted into the positioning groove.

[0089] Next, the assembly method of the optoelectronic connector 100 involved in the second and third embodiments is described. The assembly method includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtaining a housing 1 having a housing cavity 13; Step 2: Connecting the electrical connector 3 and the optical connector 4 to the optoelectronic conversion module 2; Step 3: Installing the electrical connector 3, the optoelectronic connector 4, and the optoelectronic conversion module 2 into the housing 1, such that a portion of the electrical connector 3 is within the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 and another portion is outside the housing 1, and a portion of the optical connector 4 is within the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 and another portion is outside the housing 1; Step 4: Filling the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1 with liquid potting compound, covering the portions of the optoelectronic conversion module 2, the electrical connector 3, and the optical connector 4 within the housing cavity 13 of the housing 1, until the potting compound solidifies.

[0090] In Example 2, the specific operations of steps 1 to 4 are as follows. Prepare the first housing 1 and the second housing 12 and keep them in an unassembled state as much as possible. Insert one end of the bent optical fiber 42 into the ferrule 41 and secure it within the ferrule 41 by dispensing glue. The protruding portion of the bent optical fiber 42 is then cut and polished. Then, insert the other end of the bent optical fiber 42 into the fixing seat 24 of the electrical conversion module 2. The fixing seat 24 with the bent optical fiber 42 and the optical component 23 are assembled and fixed together on the circuit board 21 pre-installed with the optoelectronic coupling element 22 and the electrical connector 3. Next, the ferrule 41 is partially passed through the outlet hole 111 of the first shell 11 from the inside to the outside, and the optical fiber 42 is bent. Then, the electrical conversion module 2 with the electrical connector 3 is installed into the first shell 11, so that the multiple conductive pins 31 of the electrical connector 3 pass through the avoidance opening 114. Then, the attached cover 6 is installed on the first shell 11, and while covering the avoidance opening 114, each conductive pin 31 is allowed to pass through each pinhole 61 of the attached cover 6. Then, the second shell 12 is snapped onto the first shell 11 to obtain the optoelectronic connector 100 without glue filling. The bayonet structure 7 of the un-glue-filled optoelectronic connector 100 is facing downward, and the first glue injection hole 14 and the second glue injection hole 15 of the second shell 12 are facing upward. Then, liquid potting glue is poured into the shell 1 through the first glue injection hole 14 and the second glue injection hole 15 until the potting glue covers the optoelectronic conversion module 2 and the electrical connector 3 and the optical connector 4 in the accommodating cavity 13 of the shell 1. After the potting glue is cured, the optoelectronic connector 100 is obtained.

[0091] In Example 3, the specific operations of steps 1 to 4 are as follows. Prepare the first housing 1 and the second housing 12 and keep them in an unassembled state as much as possible. Secure the integrated socket member 44 to the circuit board 21 pre-installed with the optocoupler 22 and the electrical connector 3. Place a protective component, such as tape or copper foil, on the optical component 23 to protect the opening of the optical component facing the first housing from contamination during subsequent processes. Insert the socket member 44 partially through the exit hole 111 of the first housing 11 from the inside out, forcing the electrical conversion module 2 with the electrical connector 3 into the first housing 11, allowing the multiple conductive pins 31 of the electrical connector 3 to pass through the avoidance openings 114. Then, install the attached cover 6 on the first housing 11, covering the avoidance openings 114 while allowing each conductive pin 31 to pass through the pinholes 61 of the attached cover 6. Then, snap the second housing 12 onto the first housing 11 to obtain the un-glueized optoelectronic connector 100. Finally, the bayonet structure 7 of the un-glue-filled optoelectronic connector 100 is facing downward, and the first glue injection hole 14 and the second glue injection hole 15 of the second shell 12 are facing upward. Then, the liquid potting glue is poured into the shell 1 through the first glue injection hole 14 and the second glue injection hole 15 until the potting glue covers the optoelectronic conversion module 2 and the electrical connector 3 and the optical connector 4 in the accommodating cavity 13 of the shell 1. After it is cured, the optoelectronic connector 100 is obtained.

[0092] In the above description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "fixed," "installed," "connected," or "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, with respect to the term "connected," it can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean internal communication between two elements or an interaction between two elements. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly defined in this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0093] According to the above description of the present application, those skilled in the art may also understand that the terms used below, such as "vertical", "horizontal" and other terms indicating orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings of the present application, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the scheme of the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than explicitly or implicitly indicating that the devices or elements involved must have the specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms cannot be understood or interpreted as limitations on the scheme of the present invention.

[0094] In addition, the terms "first" or "second" used in this application to refer to numbers or ordinal numbers are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three or more, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0095] Although multiple embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Those skilled in the art may conceive of many modifications, changes, and alternatives without departing from the concept and spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that in practicing the present invention, various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be adopted. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of protection of the present invention and therefore cover equivalents or alternatives within the scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A photoelectric connector for a vehicle, characterized in that: include: a housing having a receiving cavity; a photoelectric conversion module, which is arranged in the accommodating cavity of the housing; an electrical connector, a first portion of which is disposed within the housing cavity of the housing and connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and a second portion of which is disposed outside the housing so that the second portion of the electrical connector can be directly connected to a camera or electronic system of the vehicle; an optical connector, a first portion of which is disposed within the housing cavity of the housing and connected to the photoelectric conversion module, and a second portion of which is disposed outside the housing cavity of the housing, so that the second portion of the optical connector can be connected to the electronic system or camera of the vehicle through the transmission optical fiber of the vehicle cable and another photoelectric connector; as well as a cured potting compound that fills the accommodating cavity of the housing and wraps the first portion of the electrical connector, the first portion of the optical connector, and the photoelectric conversion module to fix the relative positions of the electrical connector, the optical connector, and the photoelectric conversion module; In the accommodating cavity, the electrical connector and the optical connector are respectively arranged on both sides of the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located, and at least the part of the optical connector used for connecting the transmission optical fiber is parallel to the circuit board of the optoelectronic conversion module.

2. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, wherein: The optical connector includes a ferrule that is provided through the housing and parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element is located, and a bent optical fiber with a first end fixed in the ferrule and a second end connected to the optoelectronic conversion module; The bent optical fiber includes a bent portion located between the first end and the second end and completely within the accommodating cavity.

3. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission direction of light in the first end of the bent optical fiber and the transmission direction of light in the second end of the bent optical fiber are both parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located and are opposite to each other; The distance from the first end of the bent optical fiber to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located is greater than the distance from the second end of the bent optical fiber to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located.

4. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 2, wherein: The optoelectronic conversion module includes a circuit board connected to the electrical connector, the optoelectronic coupling element provided on the circuit board and connected to the electrical connector via conductive traces within the circuit board, an optical component provided on the circuit board and covering at least the optoelectronic coupling element, and a fixing seat provided on the circuit board and used to fix the bent optical fiber, wherein the fixing seat is used to keep the bent optical fiber in a docking state with the optical component.

5. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 4, wherein: The bent portion of the bent optical fiber includes a starting point, an end point, and a selected point between the starting point and the end point; The starting point refers to the point in the bent portion that is closest to the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the first point; The end point refers to the point in the bent portion that is farthest from the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the second point; The selected point is a point in the bent portion that is closest to the cavity wall of the housing in a direction parallel to the central axis of the ferrule, and its orthographic projection on the plane where the circuit board is located is the third point. The second point and the third point are respectively located on either side of a selected straight line, and the selected straight line is a straight line passing through the first point and perpendicular to the central axis of the ferrule; The distance between the ferrule and the circuit board is greater than the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber and less than 2 times the minimum bending radius of the bent optical fiber.

6. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 1, wherein: The optical connector includes a socket member that is provided through the housing and is parallel to the plane where the optoelectronic coupling element of the optoelectronic conversion module is located. The optoelectronic conversion module includes a circuit board connected to the electrical connector and used to fix the socket member, and a optoelectronic coupling element provided on the circuit board and connected to the electrical connector through conductive traces in the circuit board. The socket member is used to receive the end of the transmission optical fiber and connect the transmission optical fiber to the optoelectronic coupling element.

7. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 6, wherein: The optical connector does not include an optical fiber; the socket component changes the light transmission direction so that the light output by the transmission optical fiber is perpendicular to the light transmission direction entering the optoelectronic coupling element.

8. The optoelectronic connector according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The housing includes a first shell and a second shell that are connected to each other and together form the accommodating cavity, wherein the first shell has a through hole that allows the core or socket component of the optical connector to partially pass through, and the second shell is configured to press the core or socket component into the first shell when it is connected to the first shell.

9. The optoelectronic connector according to claim 8, wherein: The optoelectronic connector also includes a bayonet structure fixedly arranged outside the first shell, and the bayonet structure is used to accommodate the second part of the optical connector, so that the end of the transmission optical fiber can be sealed and mounted in the bayonet structure in the form of a plug structure, and force the optical docking piece at the end of the transmission optical fiber to dock with the optical connector.

10. An active cable for use in a vehicle, characterized in that: It includes a transmitting end photoelectric connector, a receiving end photoelectric connector and a cable connecting the transmitting end photoelectric connector and the receiving end photoelectric connector, wherein the transmitting end photoelectric connector and / or the receiving end photoelectric connector are the photoelectric connectors according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the transmitting end photoelectric connector is used to obtain an optical signal from the vehicle's electronic system, and the receiving end photoelectric connector is used to output the obtained optical signal to the vehicle's electronic system; the cable includes a transmission optical fiber.

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