Connector, communication system and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a connector, a communication system and a vehicle. The connector comprises an optoelectronic conversion unit, a converging lens and a first beam expansion unit. The converging lens is arranged between the optoelectronic conversion unit and the first beam expansion unit. The optoelectronic conversion unit is used to realize conversion between an optical signal and a first electrical signal. The converging lens is used to obtain parallel light signals. The first beam expansion unit is used to obtain optical signals with increased optical power. In this way, the first beam expansion unit can expand the spot of the optical signal, increase the coupling efficiency, reduce the coupling precision requirement, effectively suppress the influence of the connector axis center drift on the optical signal coupling in the vehicle-mounted vibration environment, and further realize large-bandwidth communication of the optical signal in the vehicle-mounted environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a connector, a communication system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive intelligence is a crucial direction in current automotive development. The Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE International) classifies autonomous driving technology into six levels, from L0 to L5. From L2 assisted driving to L5 fully autonomous driving, vehicles need to be equipped with increasingly more sensors to perceive and recognize their surroundings in order to achieve path planning and vehicle control. The data collected by the sensors needs to be transmitted to corresponding processors to perform the corresponding autonomous driving tasks. As the size of the transmitted data increases, the requirements for transmission bandwidth also increase.

[0003] Currently, the interface for transmission by automotive cameras mainly uses coaxial cables, which have a maximum transmission bandwidth of 10Gbps. To support higher transmission rates, multiple cables can be used, or the transmission and shielding characteristics of individual cables can be improved. However, this approach increases the cost of deployment in actual vehicles and the overall weight of the vehicle, affecting the driving range of new energy vehicles or the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers of traditional gasoline vehicles.

[0004] Therefore, with the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission in vehicles, especially data transmission rates exceeding 10Gbps, the advantages of optical transmission are becoming increasingly apparent. Fiber optic communication technology, due to its advantages such as large communication capacity, long transmission distance, resistance to electromagnetic interference, and light weight, is widely used in the field of data communication. Currently, the application of in-vehicle optical communication is limited to infotainment systems, such as the media-oriented system transport (MOST) bus. The MOST bus is only used for real-time video and audio transmission, with a maximum bandwidth of only 150Mbps. Furthermore, because the MOST bus is primarily used in infotainment systems, current MOST bus designs, especially optical transmission connection designs, do not have high requirements for dustproof, waterproof, and vibration-resistant properties in vehicles, and therefore cannot meet the high-bandwidth communication requirements brought about by future autonomous driving.

[0005] Therefore, how to design an in-vehicle connector that meets the requirements of high-bandwidth communication is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a connector, a communication system, and a vehicle that can adapt to the high bandwidth communication requirements of autonomous driving and meet the requirements of vehicle dustproof and waterproof as well as high vibration resistance.

[0007] In a first aspect, a connector is provided, comprising a photoelectric conversion unit, a converging lens, and a first beam expander, wherein the converging lens is disposed between the photoelectric conversion unit and the first beam expander; the photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert between an optical signal and a first electrical signal; the converging lens is used to obtain a parallel optical signal; and the first beam expander is used to obtain an optical signal with increased optical power.

[0008] It should be understood that the first beam expanding unit can be a first beam expanding lens, which can increase the optical power of the optical signal by refracting the optical signal through the first beam expanding lens, or the first beam expanding unit can also be a first beam expanding fiber tube, which can increase the optical power of the optical signal by reflecting the optical signal through the fiber tube.

[0009] In this application, a photoelectric conversion unit is integrated into the connector, and the optical signal is transmitted between the photoelectric conversion unit, the converging lens, and the first beam expander. For uplink optical signal transmission, the optical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit is sequentially output through the converging lens and the first beam expander. This expands the optical signal of the photoelectric conversion unit through the first beam expander, increasing coupling efficiency, reducing coupling accuracy requirements, and effectively suppressing the influence of connector shaft center drift on optical signal coupling under vehicle vibration conditions, thereby achieving high-bandwidth optical signal communication in the vehicle environment. For downlink optical signal transmission, the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber is transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit through the first beam expander and the converging lens. This effectively increases the optical power of the optical signal with optical transmission loss, increases coupling efficiency, reduces coupling accuracy requirements, and effectively suppresses the influence of connector shaft center drift on optical signal coupling under vehicle vibration conditions, thereby achieving high-bandwidth optical signal communication in the vehicle environment. For example, current connectors experience a loss of 5dB to 6dB per end during optical signal transmission. However, through the coupling structure of the photoelectric conversion unit, converging lens, and first beam expander unit in the connector of this embodiment, the loss during optical signal transmission can be reduced to less than 2.5dB per end. Furthermore, the use of the first beam expander lens for coupling improves the feasibility of large-scale connector manufacturing.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a light guide unit disposed between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit, the light guide unit being used to transmit optical signals between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit.

[0011] In this application, a light guide unit is positioned between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit. Structurally, this reduces the manufacturing cost of the first beam expander unit, as longer first beam expanders have higher manufacturing costs. The light guide unit increases the transmission length of the optical signal between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit, allowing for a longer connection unit that fixes the first beam expander unit, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of this connection unit. Functionally, the connection between the light guide unit and the first beam expander unit further expands the optical signal beam, thereby increasing coupling efficiency and reducing coupling accuracy requirements.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a first optical component connection unit, a first fixing unit, and a second fixing unit, wherein the first optical component connection unit is used to nest the first beam expander unit and the light guide unit, the first fixing unit is used to fix the photoelectric conversion unit and the converging lens; and the second fixing unit is used to nest and connect the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, and the second fixing unit.

[0013] In this application, the photoelectric conversion unit is built into the connector, and the photoelectric conversion unit, converging lens, light guide unit and first beam expander unit are fixed together by the connecting unit and the fixing unit, resulting in an integrated design with a simple connection structure.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the converging lens is a spherical lens 15, the first beam expanding unit is a first beam expanding lens 18, the first optical component connection unit is a first conduit 17, the first fixing unit is an inner flange ring 14, and the second fixing unit is an outer flange ring 110. The light guiding unit and the first beam expanding lens 18 are fixedly connected and embedded within the inner cavity 171 of the first conduit 17. The first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 is fitted with the spherical lens 15, and the second end 141 of the inner flange ring 14 is fixedly connected to the photoelectric conversion unit. The first end 1101 of the outer flange ring 110 nests the photoelectric conversion unit and the second end 141 of the inner flange ring 14, and the nested second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 nests the first end 172 of the first conduit 17.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the inner diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 matches the diameter of the ball lens 15, and the inner diameter of the second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 matches the outer diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14.

[0016] As one possible implementation, the tolerance fit between the inner diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 and the diameter of the ball lens 15 meets the IP67 protection level standard, and the tolerance fit between the inner diameter of the second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 and the outer diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 meets the IP67 protection level standard.

[0017] In this application, the fastener tightly connects the converging lens, the light guide unit, and the first beam expander unit together, which can effectively prevent dust and water from entering the inner cavity of the optical fiber and the connector, thus supporting the IP67 dust and water protection rating and effectively improving the protection level.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a first snap-fit ​​12 and a first housing 19, wherein the first snap-fit ​​12 is used to fix the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the first optical component connection unit in the first housing 19.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first buckle 12 is provided with a first baffle 121 and a fixing slot 124, and the first housing 19 is provided with an internal latch 192, wherein the fixing slot 124 and the internal latch 192 are engaged and connected, and the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the first optical component connection unit are constrained and fixed in the first housing 19 along the first direction by the first baffle 121.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first latch 12 is provided with a first locking tongue 123 and a second baffle 122, and the first housing 19 is provided with a positioning hole 193, wherein the first locking tongue 123 and the positioning hole 193 are engaged and connected, and the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the conduit 17 are constrained and fixed in the first housing 19 along a second direction by the second baffle 122, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0021] In this application, the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the first optical component connection unit are fixed as a whole to the first housing by the first buckle. In the vehicle vibration environment, it can not only suppress the offset caused by vibration in the second direction, such as the offset caused by vibration in the vehicle's driving direction, but also suppress the offset caused by vibration in the first direction, such as the offset caused by vibration in the vehicle's perpendicular direction to the ground.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a metal shield 11, which is provided with a first locking hole 111, and the first housing 19 is provided with a second locking tongue 194, wherein the metal shield 11 is fixed to the first housing 19 by engaging the first locking hole 111 and the second locking tongue 194 together.

[0023] In this application, by installing a metal shielding cover outside the first housing of the connector, external electromagnetic interference can be shielded, ensuring photoelectric transmission.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first housing 19 is fixedly provided with an electrical interface pin 196 and a positioning pin 195, wherein the electrical interface pin 196 is used to transmit a second electrical signal between an external device and a printed circuit board; and the positioning pin 195 is used to determine the position between the first housing 19 and the PCB.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the photoelectric conversion unit is provided with a first metal pin, wherein the first metal pin is used to transmit a second electrical signal between the photoelectric conversion unit and the printed circuit board, and the photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert the second electrical signal into the optical signal.

[0026] In this application, the connector integrates the photoelectric conversion unit, the converging lens, and the first beam expander unit, and the conductive unit interface is built into the first housing of the connector. This achieves an integrated design of electrical interface access and optical output, reducing the design difficulty of applying the optoelectronic hybrid connector to the automotive environment, improving the maintainability of the connector, and meeting the requirements for stable and reliable connection in the complex automotive environment. At the same time, the miniaturization and simplification of the connector effectively saves space for automotive ECU components.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the positioning pin 195 is made of an insulating material and the electrical interface pin 196 is made of a conductive material.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector includes, for example, a second housing 22, the first housing 19 and the second housing 22 being interlocked, the first housing 19 being provided with a positioning slot 191, and the second housing 22 being provided with a third locking tongue 221, wherein the positioning slot 191 and the third locking tongue 221 are engaged together to connect the first housing 19 and the second housing 22.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a waterproof adhesive strip 21 disposed between the first housing 19 and the second housing 22.

[0030] In this application, in addition to the tight connection between the first housing 19 and the second housing 22, dust and moisture are also prevented from entering the connector, so that the connector meets the requirements for vehicle dustproof and waterproof.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second housing 22 is provided with an annular groove 225, and the waterproof strip 21 is installed on the annular groove 225 to connect the inner wall of the first housing 19 and the inner wall of the second housing 22.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes an optical component 24, which includes an optical fiber 243, wherein the optical fiber 243 is connected to the first beam expander unit.

[0033] In this application, the wire end portion cooperates with the connector for optical path transmission to realize the output of optical signals.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the optical component 24 further includes a second beam expander unit, wherein the second beam expander unit is disposed between the first beam expander unit and the optical fiber 243.

[0035] It should be understood that the second beam expanding unit can be a second beam expanding lens, which can increase the optical power of the optical signal by refracting the optical signal through the second beam expanding lens, or the second beam expanding unit can also be a second beam expanding fiber optic tube, which can increase the optical power of the optical signal by reflecting the optical signal through the fiber optic tube.

[0036] In this application, the second beam expander unit can further reduce the impact of the offset of the connection between the first housing and the second housing caused by the vehicle vibration environment on the coupling rate of the optical signal.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the optical component 24 further includes a second optical component connection unit, wherein the second optical component connection unit is used to nest the second beam expander unit and the optical fiber 243.

[0038] As one possible implementation paradigm, the second optical component connection unit is used to nest optical fiber 243.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second optical component connection unit is a second conduit 242, wherein the second beam expander and one end of the optical fiber 243 are fixedly connected and embedded in the inner cavity 2421 of the second conduit 242.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes an electrical component 25, which includes a conductive unit 251 and a cable 252, wherein one end of the conductive unit 251 and one end of the cable 252 are plugged together, the cable 252 connects to an external device, and the conductive unit 251 is used to transmit a second electrical signal between the external device and the printed circuit board; the second housing 22 is provided with a conductive unit socket 223, and the other end of the conductive unit 251 is inserted into the conductive unit socket 223 and connected to the electrical interface pin 196.

[0041] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connector further includes a second latch 23, which is provided with a second locking hole 231, and the second housing 22 is provided with a fourth locking tongue 224, wherein the second latch 23 is engaged with the second locking hole 231 and the fourth locking tongue 224 to fix the optical component 24 in the second housing 22.

[0042] In this application, the second clip secures the electrical components, optical components, and second housing together in the wire end portion, suppressing vibrations from the second and first directions in the vehicle vibration environment, thus playing a vibration-resistant role.

[0043] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first housing 19 is made of an insulating material and the second housing 22 is made of an insulating material.

[0044] Secondly, a communication system is provided, which includes the first aspect and a connector of any implementation thereof.

[0045] Thirdly, a vehicle is provided that includes the communication system of the second aspect.

[0046] The vehicles mentioned in this application can include road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, or recreational equipment. For example, vehicles can be means of transportation such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, motorcycles, flying cars, and trains; industrial vehicles such as forklifts, trailers, and tractors; engineering vehicles such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes; agricultural equipment such as lawnmowers and harvesters; amusement equipment; and toy vehicles. This application does not specifically limit the type of vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles can be broadly defined as carriers, including, for example, aircraft or ships. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a connector structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the board end portion and wire end portion of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a plate end portion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of a plate end portion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a plate end portion from another perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram of a wire end portion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a line end portion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a line end portion provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0058] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", "lateral", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the installation orientation or positional relationship, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0062] Optical fiber communication is a transmission method that uses light waves as the information carrier and optical fibers as the transmission medium.

[0063] Fiber optic connectors are used in fiber optic communication for connections between optical cables, between optical cables and optoelectronic components, and between optoelectronic components themselves. They precisely align the end faces of two optical fibers to maximize the coupling of light energy from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber.

[0064] Optical modules are important optical signal interface devices in optical fiber communication. They have optical interfaces and electrical interfaces. The optical interface connects to the optical fiber to transmit optical signals, and the electrical interface connects to external communication terminal equipment.

[0065] Current optoelectronic hybrid connectors can transmit optical and electrical signals by adding conductive pins under a plastic elastic plate. However, these connectors cannot meet the requirements of the automotive environment. For example, firstly, the fiber optic fixing pins lack dustproof and waterproof structures at their ends, making them unsuitable for the dustproof and waterproof requirements of the automotive environment; secondly, there are no fixing structures between the cable and the conductive pins, failing to meet the vibration resistance requirements of the automotive environment, making them prone to damage after prolonged use or impact, posing a risk of short circuits; thirdly, optoelectronic hybrid connectors rely on connections between wire ends, which cannot meet the vibration resistance requirements of the automotive environment, increasing the system's connection cost if connection to an automotive circuit board is required.

[0066] Currently, to meet vibration resistance requirements in automotive environments, a 650nm LED transmitter and a 1mm core plastic optical fiber are used, with the fiber ends secured by metal clamps. This approach avoids unstable fiber coupling and misalignment at both ends. However, this connector lacks sealing and structural filling at the fiber ends, and the fit between the metal parts and the housing lacks dustproof and waterproof design, allowing dust and moisture to easily enter and affect fiber optic communication. Furthermore, the connector's structure cannot meet the high bandwidth requirements of the automotive field.

[0067] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application propose a connector, a communication system, and a vehicle. These will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] The connector proposed in this application embodiment is suitable for high-bandwidth transmission for optical access or optical transmission, providing power transmission and configuration management for sensor devices, and meeting the requirements for vehicle dustproof, waterproof and vibration resistant.

[0069] The connector proposed in this application can be applied to vehicles. Vehicles in this application can include road vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, or entertainment equipment. For example, vehicles can be transportation vehicles (such as commercial vehicles, passenger cars, motorcycles, flying cars, trains, etc.), industrial vehicles (such as forklifts, trailers, tractors, etc.), engineering vehicles (such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, etc.), agricultural equipment (such as lawnmowers, harvesters, etc.), amusement equipment, toy vehicles, etc. This application does not specifically limit the type of vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles can be broadly defined as carriers, including aircraft, ships, and other means of transportation.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a connector structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector includes a board end portion 1 and a wire end portion 2.

[0072] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the board end portion and wire end portion of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the plate end portion 1 includes a first housing 19, and the wire end portion 2 includes a second housing 22, wherein the plate end portion 1 and the wire end portion 2 are connected by interlocking the first housing 19 and the second housing 22.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, the first housing 19 may be provided with a positioning slot 191, and the second housing 22 may be provided with a third locking tongue 221. The first housing 19 and the second housing can be connected by the positioning slot 191 and the third locking tongue 221 to securely connect the plate end portion 1 and the wire end portion 2.

[0075] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the wire end portion 2 may also include a waterproof adhesive strip 21. The board end portion 1 and the wire end portion 2 can be connected by the first housing 19, the waterproof adhesive strip 21 and the second housing 22, wherein the waterproof adhesive strip 21 is disposed between the first housing 19 and the second housing 22.

[0077] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first housing 19 may be provided with a positioning slot 191, and the second housing 22 may be provided with an annular groove 225. The positioning slot 191 and the third locking tongue 221 are fixedly engaged, and the inner walls of the first housing 19 and the second housing 22 are connected by installing a waterproof strip 21 on the annular groove 225. Based on the tight connection between the board end portion 1 and the wire end portion 2, dust and moisture are also prevented from entering the connector, making the connector meet the requirements for vehicle dustproof and waterproof.

[0079] It should be understood that the waterproof strip 21 can also be installed on the first housing 19. In this case, the first housing 19 is provided with an annular groove. Figure 4 The example shown is only one possible implementation.

[0080] The following will combine Figures 5 to 6 Specifically, the structure of the board end portion 1 of the connector is described.

[0081] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a plate end portion provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] The plate end portion 1 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 13, a converging lens, and a first beam expander. The converging lens is disposed between the photoelectric conversion unit and the first beam expander. The photoelectric conversion unit 13 is used to convert between an optical signal and a first electrical signal. The converging lens is used to obtain a parallel optical signal. The first beam expander is used to obtain an optical signal with increased optical power.

[0083] It should be understood that the plate end portion 1 also includes a first housing 19, and the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the converging lens and the first beam expanding unit can be disposed inside the first housing 19.

[0084] Specifically, the converging lens can be a spherical lens 5, or other devices that can focus the light signal emitted by the photoelectric conversion unit 13 and convert it into a parallel light signal. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0085] The first beam-expanding unit can be a first beam-expanding lens, which refracts the optical signal to increase its optical power. Alternatively, the first beam-expanding lens can be a first beam-expanding fiber optic tube, which reflects the optical signal to increase its optical power. The following explanation uses the first beam-expanding lens 18 as an example.

[0086] It should be understood that the light signal emission point of the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the center point of the converging lens, and the central axis of the first beam expander lens are on a straight line.

[0087] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion unit is embedded in the board end portion, and the optical signal is transmitted between the photoelectric conversion unit, the converging lens, and the first beam expander. For uplink optical signal transmission, the optical signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit is sequentially output through the converging lens and the first beam expander. This achieves beam expansion of the optical signal from the photoelectric conversion unit through the first beam expander, increasing coupling efficiency, reducing coupling accuracy requirements, and effectively suppressing the influence of connector shaft center drift on optical signal coupling under vehicle vibration conditions, thereby achieving high-bandwidth communication of optical signals in the vehicle environment. For downlink optical signal transmission, the optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber is transmitted to the photoelectric conversion unit through the first beam expander and the converging lens. This effectively increases the optical power of the optical signal with optical transmission loss, increases coupling efficiency, reduces coupling accuracy requirements, and effectively suppresses the influence of connector shaft center drift on optical signal coupling under vehicle vibration conditions, thereby achieving high-bandwidth communication of optical signals in the vehicle environment. For example, current connectors experience a loss of 5dB to 6dB per end during optical signal transmission. However, through the coupling structure of the photoelectric conversion unit, converging lens, and first beam expander lens in the board-end portion of this application embodiment, the loss during optical signal transmission can be reduced to less than 2.5dB per end. Furthermore, the use of the first beam expander lens coupling method improves the feasibility of large-scale processing of the board-end portion.

[0088] It should be understood that the connector in this embodiment can be used as a transmitting device for optical signals. In this case, the photoelectric conversion unit 13 acquires a first electrical signal, converts the first electrical signal into an optical signal, and outputs the optical signal through the aforementioned converging lens and first beam expander 18. The output optical signal can be understood as an uplink optical signal. The connector in this embodiment can also be used as a receiving device for optical signals. In this case, the photoelectric conversion unit 13 receives the optical signal through the aforementioned first beam expander 18 and converging lens, converts the optical signal into a third electrical signal, and outputs a third optical signal. The received optical signal can be understood as a downlink optical signal. This embodiment does not limit whether the connector is used to receive or transmit optical signals; the following description mainly uses the connector as a transmitting device for optical signals.

[0089] The plate end portion 1 also includes a first optical component connection unit, a first fixing unit, and a second fixing unit. The first optical component connection unit is used to nest the first beam expander lens 18, and the first fixing unit is used to fix the photoelectric conversion unit 13 and the converging lens. The second fixing unit is used to nest and connect the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the first fixing unit, and the first optical component connection unit.

[0090] It should be understood that the shape of the first optical component connection unit is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 The first optical component connection unit shown can be the first conduit 17, which is one possible form of the first optical component connection unit. The material of the first optical component connection unit is not limited in this application embodiment. It can be a material with a certain hardness and vibration resistance, such as metal or hard plastic.

[0091] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of a plate end portion provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] It should be understood that the specific forms of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit are not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example Figure 5 As shown, the first fixing unit can be an inner flange ring 14. (As indicated...) Figure 6 As shown, the second fixing unit can be an outer flange ring 110. Figure 5 The inner flange ring 14 shown is only one possible specific form of the first fixing unit. Figure 6 The outer flange ring 110 shown is only one possible specific form of the second fixing unit.

[0093] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 is fitted with a ball lens 15, and the second end 141 of the inner flange ring 14 is fixedly connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 13; the first end 1101 of the outer flange ring 110 nests the photoelectric conversion unit 13 and the second end 141 of the inner flange ring 14, and the second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 nests the first end 172 of the first conduit 17 (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0094] The inner diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 matches the diameter of the ball lens 15, and the inner diameter of the second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 matches the outer diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14.

[0095] For example, the tolerance fit between the inner diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 and the diameter of the ball lens 15 meets the protection level IP67 standard, and the tolerance fit between the inner diameter of the second end 1102 of the outer flange ring 110 and the outer diameter of the first end 142 of the inner flange ring 14 meets the protection level IP67 standard.

[0096] In this embodiment, the fastener tightly connects the converging lens, the light guide unit, and the first beam expander unit together, which can effectively prevent dust and water from entering the inner cavity of the optical fiber and the connector, thus supporting a dust and water protection rating of IP67 and effectively improving the protection level.

[0097] The plate end portion 1 also includes a light guide unit disposed between the converging lens and the first beam expander lens 18. The light guide unit can be an optical fiber ferrule 16. The following description takes an optical fiber ferrule 16 as the light guide unit.

[0098] In this application, a light guide unit is positioned between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit. Structurally, this reduces the manufacturing cost of the first beam expander unit, as longer first beam expanders have higher manufacturing costs. The light guide unit increases the transmission length of the optical signal between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit, allowing for a longer connection unit that fixes the first beam expander unit, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of this connection unit. Functionally, the connection between the light guide unit and the first beam expander unit further expands the optical signal beam, thereby increasing coupling efficiency and reducing coupling accuracy requirements.

[0099] Taking uplink optical transmission as an example, the optical signal is converted into a parallel optical signal by the converging lens, passes through the fiber optic ferrule 16, and is incident on the first beam expander lens 18.

[0100] The first optical component connection unit can also be used to nest the first beam expander lens 18 and the fiber optic ferrule 16.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 6As shown, when the first optical component connection unit is the first conduit 17, the fiber optic ferrule 16 and the first beam expander lens 18 are fixedly connected and embedded in the inner cavity 171 of the first conduit 17.

[0102] Specifically, one end of the first beam expander lens 18 and one end of the optical fiber ferrule 16 can be connected by glue or other media that can transmit optical signals; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0103] As one possible implementation, the first beam expander lens 18 can be formed by sintering together materials with different refractive indices. It should be understood that this is merely one method of fabricating the first beam expander lens, and other methods can also be used to fabricate the first beam expander lens; this application does not limit the specific methods used.

[0104] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion unit is built into the end portion of the board, and the photoelectric conversion unit, converging lens, light guide unit and first beam expander unit are fixed together by fasteners in an integrated design, which has a simple connection structure.

[0105] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a plate end portion from another perspective, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the plate end portion 1 may also include a first latch 12.

[0107] The first buckle 12 fixes the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens, and the first optical component connection unit in the first housing 19.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first buckle 12 fixes the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the inner flange ring 14, the outer flange ring 110, the ball lens 15, and the first conduit 17 in the first housing 19.

[0109] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fixing slot 124 of the first buckle 12 is engaged with the internal latch 192 of the first housing 19, and the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the inner flange ring 14, the outer flange ring 110, the ball lens 15 and the first conduit 17 are constrained and fixed in the first housing 19 along the first direction by the first baffle 121 of the first buckle 12.

[0110] like Figure 7As shown, the first latch 123 of the first buckle 12 is engaged with the positioning hole 193 of the first housing 19, and the photoelectric conversion unit 13, inner flange ring 14, outer flange ring 110, ball lens 15, and first conduit 17 are constrained and fixed to the first housing 19 along the second direction by the second baffle 122 of the first buckle 12. It should be understood that the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0111] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the second direction and the first direction. For example, the second direction can be the vehicle's forward direction in the vehicle coordinate system, and the first direction can be the vehicle's lateral direction in the vehicle coordinate system; or the second direction can also be the vehicle's forward direction in the vehicle coordinate system, and the first direction can be the direction in which the vehicle is perpendicular to the ground in the vehicle coordinate system. That is, the second direction and the first direction in the embodiments of this application can be any direction. For ease of understanding of the solution of this application, the second direction and the first direction in the illustration are only for illustration purposes and do not limit the deployment position of the connector in the vehicle.

[0112] It should be noted that the outer flange ring 110 is only used in Figure 6 The assembly drawing of the plate end portion is shown, but the plate end portion is not shown in the exploded views from two different perspectives.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the first optical component connection unit are fixed as a whole to the first housing by the first buckle. In the vehicle vibration environment, it can not only suppress the offset caused by vibration in the second direction, such as the offset caused by vibration in the vehicle's driving direction, but also suppress the offset caused by vibration in the first direction, such as the offset caused by vibration in the vehicle's perpendicular direction to the ground.

[0114] like Figure 6 As shown, the plate end portion 1 may also include a metal shield 11.

[0115] Among them, such as Figure 7 As shown, the metal shield 11 may be provided with a first locking hole 111, and the first housing 19 is provided with a second locking tongue 194. The metal shield 11 is fixed to the first housing 19 through the first locking hole 111 and the second locking tongue 194.

[0116] It should be understood that the first keyhole 111 is located at the position of the metal shield 11 and the second lock tongue 194 is located at the position of the first housing, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the position and number of the first keyhole 111 and the second lock tongue 194. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The positions and number of the first keyhole 111 and the second latch 194 shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, by installing a metal shielding cover on the outside of the first housing at the end of the plate, external electromagnetic interference can be shielded, ensuring photoelectric transmission.

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 19 is provided with positioning pin 195 and electrical interface pin 196, and the metal shield 11 is provided with second metal pin 112. The board end portion 1 and the printed circuit board (PCB) are connected through the positioning pin 195, electrical interface pin 196 and second metal pin 112. The electrical interface pin 196 is used to transmit the second electrical signal between the external device and the PCB.

[0119] Specifically, the electrical interface pin 196 can be soldered onto the PCB, and the second metal pin 112 can be soldered onto the PCB.

[0120] The positioning pin 195 is used to determine the relative positional relationship between the board end portion and the PCB. The positioning pin 195 can be made of insulating material, such as plastic. This application embodiment does not limit the specific location or material of the positioning pin 195.

[0121] As one possible implementation, when machining the electrical interface pins 196 on the first housing 19, they can be fixed in the first housing 19 at the end of the board by plastic solution.

[0122] The photoelectric conversion unit 13 is provided with a first metal pin 131, which connects the photoelectric conversion unit 13 and the PCB. The first metal pin 131 is used to transmit a first electrical signal between the photoelectric conversion unit 13 and the PCB. The photoelectric conversion unit 13 is used to convert the first electrical signal into an optical signal.

[0123] Specifically, the first metal pin 131 is soldered onto the PCB.

[0124] For example, when the connector is used as a transmitter of optical signals, the transmission path of the uplink optical signal is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The photoelectric conversion unit 13 includes a photoelectric converter chip (e.g., a laser chip). The first electrical signal on the PCB is transmitted to the photoelectric converter chip of the photoelectric conversion unit 13 through the first metal pin 131. The photoelectric converter emits a modulated uplink optical signal, which is focused by the ball lens 15, enters the first conduit 17, and is refracted by the fiber optic ferrule 16 to the first beam expander lens 18, thereby realizing the high bandwidth transmission of the uplink optical signal.

[0125] For example, electrical interface pin 196 is used to implement a second electrical signal transmission between the external device and the PCB, such as the electrical signal transmission between a sensor and the PCB. That is, electrical interface pin 196 is used to implement power supply to the external device and low-bandwidth electrical signal configuration. The PCB receives the electrical signal from the external device, which is the downlink electrical signal. The downlink electrical signal transmission path is as follows... Figure 4 As shown, the details will be explained in conjunction with the line end section.

[0126] In this embodiment, the board-end portion of the connector integrates the photoelectric conversion unit and the first beam expander lens, and the conductive unit interface is built into the first housing of the board-end portion. This achieves an integrated design of electrical interface access and optical output in the board-end portion, reducing the difficulty of connector design, improving the maintainability of the board-end portion, and meeting the requirements of stable and reliable connection in the complex automotive environment. At the same time, the miniaturization and simplification of the board-end portion effectively saves space for automotive ECU components.

[0127] The following will combine Figures 8 to 10 Provide a detailed description of the specific structure of the wire end portion of the connector.

[0128] Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram of a wire end portion provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown, the line end portion 2 also includes an optical component 24, which includes an optical fiber 243. The optical fiber 243 can be connected to the first beam expander lens 18. Taking the transmission of the uplink optical signal as an example, the parallel optical signal is incident from the first beam expander lens 18 of the board end portion 1 onto the optical fiber 243.

[0130] In this embodiment, the optical path transmission of the line end portion cooperates with the board end portion to realize the output of optical signals.

[0131] The optical component 24 also includes a second optical component connection unit, wherein the second optical component connection unit is used to nest the optical fiber 243.

[0132] It should be understood that the specific form of the second optical component connection unit is not limited in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 The second optical component connection unit shown can be a second conduit 242. The second conduit 242 is a possible shape of the second optical component connection unit. The material of the second optical component connection unit is not limited in this embodiment. It can be a material with a certain hardness and vibration resistance, such as metal or hard plastic.

[0133] The optical component 24 also includes a second beam expander unit, which is disposed between the first beam expander unit and the optical fiber 243.

[0134] It should be understood that the second beam expanding unit can be a second beam expanding lens 241, which refracts the optical signal to increase the optical power. Alternatively, the second beam expanding lens can also be a second beam expanding fiber optic tube, which reflects the optical signal to increase the optical power. The following explanation uses the second beam expanding lens 241 as an example of the second beam expanding unit.

[0135] Taking the transmission of uplink optical signals as an example, the optical signal is transmitted from the first beam expander lens 18, through the second beam expander lens 241, and into the optical fiber 243.

[0136] In this embodiment, the second beam expander lens at the wire end can further reduce the impact of the offset between the board end and the wire end connection caused by the vehicle vibration environment on the coupling rate of the optical signal.

[0137] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of a line end portion provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0138] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, one end of the second beam expander lens 241 and the optical fiber 243 are fixedly connected and embedded in the inner cavity 2421 of the second conduit 242 (e.g., Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, after the first housing 19 and the second housing 22 are connected by insertion, the second beam expander lens 241 and the first beam expander lens 18 are connected in contact.

[0139] Specifically, the second beam expander lens 241 and the optical fiber 243 can be connected by adhesive or other media that can transmit optical signals, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0140] like Figure 8 As shown, the second housing 22 is provided with a latch 222, which is used to fix the second optical component connection unit 242 in the second housing 22.

[0141] It should be understood that after the board end portion 1 and the line end portion 2 are connected by the positioning slot 191 and the third locking tongue 221, the first beam expanding lens 18 in the board end portion 1 and the second beam expanding lens 241 in the line end portion 2 fit together to realize the transmission of optical signals between the optical fiber 243 and the photoelectric conversion unit 13.

[0142] For example, high-bandwidth transmission of uplink optical signals, such as Figure 4 As shown, the parallel light signal from the first beam expander lens 18 of the plate end portion 1 enters the optical contact 242 of the line end portion 2, and is incident on the optical fiber 243 through the second beam expander lens 24, thereby realizing the high bandwidth transmission of uplink light.

[0143] like Figure 9As shown, the line end portion 2 also includes an electrical component 25, which includes a conductive unit 251 and a cable 252. The electrical signals of the external device are transmitted to the printed circuit board (PCB) via the cable 252, through the conductive unit 251 and the electrical interface pin 196 of the first housing 19.

[0144] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of a line end portion provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0145] The second housing 2 is also provided with a conductive unit insertion hole 223. For example... Figure 10 As shown, one end of the conductive unit 251 is connected to one end of the cable 252, and the other end of the conductive unit 251 can be inserted into the conductive unit socket 223, thereby fixing the electrical component 25 onto the second housing 2.

[0146] Among them, Figure 9 The conductive unit socket 223 shown is used to connect the electrical interface pin 196 of the first housing 19 of the board end portion 1 and the conductive unit 251.

[0147] Specifically, after the board end portion 1 and the wire end portion 2 are connected by the positioning slot 191 and the third locking tongue 221, Figure 7 The electrical interface pin 196 of the first housing 19 shown is inserted. Figure 9 In the conductive unit socket 223 of the second housing 22 shown, the electrical interface pin 196 and the conductive unit 251 are connected to realize the transmission of electrical signals.

[0148] For example, the transmission of downlink electrical signals, such as Figure 4 As shown, the downlink electrical signal is transmitted to the PCB via cable 252, conductive unit 251, and then electrical interface pin 196.

[0149] like Figure 9 As shown, the wire end portion 2 also includes a second buckle 23, which is provided with a second locking hole 231, and the second housing 22 is provided with a fourth locking tongue 224.

[0150] The second buckle 23 is engaged with the fourth locking tongue 224 through the second locking hole 231, thereby constraining and fixing the optical component 24 in the second housing 22.

[0151] In this embodiment of the application, the second buckle fixes the electrical components, optical components and the second housing together in the wire end portion, suppressing vibrations from the second direction and the first direction in the vehicle vibration environment, and playing a vibration-resistant role.

[0152] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the number of optical transmission channels in the board end portion 1 and the line end portion 2 is not limited, and the number of optical transmission channels shown in the figures is 1. Therefore, if multiple optical signals need to be transmitted, the transmission channels of the photoelectric conversion unit 13, the ball lens 15, the first conduit 17, the first beam expander lens 18 in the board end portion 1, the second beam expander lens 241 in the line end portion 2, and the optical fiber 243 can be used as in this embodiment. In this case, the number of holes for optical transmission channels in the first housing 19 and the second housing 22 is the same as the number of optical signal transmission paths.

[0153] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the number of electrical transmission channels in the board end portion 1 and the line end portion 2 is not limited. For example, the number of electrical transmission channels shown in the figures is 4. Figure 7 As shown, the board end portion has four electrical interface pins 196, and the line end portion 2 has four electrical components. Therefore, if multiple electrical signals need to be transmitted, the electrical signal transmission channels of the PCB, the electrical interface pins 196 in the board end portion 1, the conductive units 252 in the line end portion 2, and the cable 252 in this embodiment can be used. At this time, the number of electrical interface pins 196 on the first housing 19, the number of conductive unit sockets on the second housing 22, the number of electrical components 25, and the number of electrical signal transmission paths are the same.

[0154] It should be noted that the connector housing material in this embodiment is a non-conductive material, which can be an insulating material such as plastic. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0155] In this embodiment, simple and universal structural components are used, and the photoelectric conversion unit, optical component, electrical component and other components are fixed inside the connector housing through simple installation methods such as nesting and snap-fit. The structure is simple and reliable, the process is simple to implement, the cost is low and it is easy to produce and install.

[0156] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, It includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a converging lens, a first beam expander unit, a light guide unit, a first optical component connection unit, a first fixing unit, and a second fixing unit. The converging lens is disposed between the photoelectric conversion unit and the first beam expander unit. The photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert between optical signals and the first electrical signal; The converging lens is used to obtain parallel light signals; The first beam expander unit is used to obtain the optical signal with increased optical power; The light guide unit is disposed between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit, and is used to transmit the optical signal between the converging lens and the first beam expander unit. The first optical component connection unit is used to nest the first beam expander unit and the light guide unit; The first fixing unit is used to fix the photoelectric conversion unit and the converging lens; The second fixing unit is used to nest and connect the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, and the first optical component connection unit.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The converging lens is a spherical lens (15), the first beam expanding unit is a first beam expanding lens (18), the first optical component connecting unit is a first conduit (17), the first fixing unit is an inner flange ring (14), and the second fixing unit is an outer flange ring (110). The light guide unit and the first beam expander (18) are fixedly connected and embedded in the inner cavity (171) of the first conduit (17); The first end (142) of the inner flange ring (14) is fitted with the ball lens (15), and the second end (141) of the inner flange ring (14) is fixedly connected to the photoelectric conversion unit; The first end (1101) of the outer flange ring (110) is nested with the photoelectric conversion unit and the second end (141) of the inner flange ring (14), and the second end (1102) of the outer flange ring (110) is nested with the first end (172) of the first conduit (17).

3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first end (142) of the inner flange ring (14) matches the diameter of the ball lens (15), and the inner diameter of the second end (1102) of the outer flange ring (110) matches the outer diameter of the first end (142) of the inner flange ring (14).

4. The connector as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The connector also includes a first housing (19) and a first snap-fit ​​(12). The first buckle (12) is used to fix the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens and the first optical component connection unit in the first housing (19).

5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first buckle (12) is provided with a first baffle (121) and a fixing slot (124), and the first housing (19) is provided with an internal latch (192). The fixed slot (124) and the internal latch (192) are engaged and connected. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens, and the first optical component connection unit are constrained and fixed in the first housing (19) along the first direction by the first baffle (121).

6. The connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first buckle (12) is provided with a first locking tongue (123) and a second baffle (122), and the first housing (19) is provided with a positioning hole (193). The first locking tongue (123) and the positioning hole (193) are engaged and connected. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion unit, the first fixing unit, the second fixing unit, the converging lens, and the first conduit (17) are constrained and fixed in the first housing (19) along the second direction by the second baffle (122), wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

7. The connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The connector also includes a metal shield (11), which has a first locking hole (111) and the first housing (19) has a second locking tongue (194). The metal shield (11) is fixed to the first housing (19) by engaging the first lock hole (111) and the second lock tongue (194).

8. The connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The first housing (19) is fixedly provided with electrical interface pins (196) and positioning pins (195). The electrical interface pin (196) is used to transmit a second electrical signal between the external device and the printed circuit board; The positioning pin (195) is used to determine the position between the first housing (19) and the printed circuit board.

9. The connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion unit is provided with a first metal pin. The first metal pin is used to transmit the first electrical signal between the photoelectric conversion unit and the printed circuit board.

10. The connector as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The positioning pin (195) is made of insulating material, and the electrical interface pin (196) is made of conductive material.

11. The connector as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The connector includes, for example, a second housing (22), wherein the first housing (19) and the second housing (22) are mated together. The first housing (19) is provided with a positioning slot (191), and the second housing (22) is provided with a third locking tongue (221). The first housing (19) and the second housing (22) are connected by the positioning slot (191) and the third locking tongue (221).

12. The connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The connector also includes a waterproof strip (21) disposed between the first housing (19) and the second housing (22).

13. The connector as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The second housing (22) is provided with an annular groove (225). The waterproof strip (21) is installed on the annular groove (225) to connect the inner wall of the first housing (19) and the inner wall of the second housing (22).

14. The connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The connector also includes an optical component (24), which includes an optical fiber (243). The optical fiber (243) is connected to the first beam expander unit.

15. The connector as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The optical component (24) also includes a second beam expander unit. The second beam expanding unit is disposed between the first beam expanding unit and the optical fiber (243).

16. The connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The connector also includes a second optical component connection unit. The second optical component connection unit is used to nest the second beam expander unit and the optical fiber (243).

17. The connector as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The second optical component connection unit is the second conduit (242). The second beam expander unit is fixedly connected to one end of the optical fiber (243) and embedded in the inner cavity (2421) of the second conduit (242).

18. The connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The connector also includes an electrical component (25), which includes a conductive unit (251) and a cable (252). Wherein, one end of the conductive unit (251) and one end of the cable (252) are plugged together, the cable (252) is connected to an external device, and the conductive unit (251) is used to transmit a second electrical signal between the external device and the printed circuit board; The second housing (22) is provided with a conductive unit socket (223), and the other end of the conductive unit (251) is inserted into the conductive unit socket (223) and connected to the electrical interface pin (196).

19. The connector as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The connector also includes a second latch (23), which is provided with a second locking hole (231), and the second housing (22) is provided with a fourth locking tongue (224). The second buckle (23) is engaged with the fourth locking tongue (224) through the second locking hole (231) to fix the optical component (24) in the second housing (22).

20. The connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first housing (19) is made of insulating material, and the second housing (22) is made of insulating material.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes the connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A vehicle, characterized in that, Including the communication system as described in claim 21.

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