Optical transmitter-receiver

Abstract

An optical transmitter-receiver is provided, comprising: a photoelectric conversion element 102; a lens 103 through which light passes that is emitted by or incident on the photoelectric conversion element 102; a lens cap 104 in which the lens 103 is embedded; a nozzle 105 through which an optical fiber 106, which conducts light passing through the lens 103, is inserted, and of which one end is attached to the lens cap 104; and a split sleeve that connects the other end of the nozzle 105 and one end of a clamping sleeve 22, through which an optical fiber 2 is inserted, in a state in which the other end of the nozzle 105 and one end of the clamping sleeve 22 are abutting each other.The lens cap 104 comprises a concave section 104C into which an end section of the nozzle 105 is inserted, and a stepped section 104S with a diameter increasing from an opening edge section of the concave section, and the stepped section 104S of the lens cap 104 and a flange 105F of the nozzle 105, both formed from an epoxy resin, are bonded together with the epoxy adhesive 107.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical transmitter-receiver. State of the art

[0002] An optical transceiver is known in which a lens on one side of a fiber optic transceiver (FOT) and a clamping sleeve on one side of an optical connector are aligned via a split sleeve (see, for example, patent references 1 to 3). In the optical transceivers described in patent references 1 to 3, a stub on the FOT side and the clamping sleeve on the optical connector side are connected via the split sleeve. List of literature Patent literature Patent Literature 1: JP 2019- 28 214 A Patent Literature 2: JP 2015- 12 183 A1 Patent Literature 3: JP 2013- 246 246 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0003] In the optical transmitter-receivers described in patent literature 1 to 3, it is necessary to position the lens and the clamping sleeve with high accuracy via the split sleeve, the nozzle, and a lens holding section, and to prevent optical loss due to deviations of the optical axis. Furthermore, if the nozzle and the lens holding section are separate elements, it is necessary to ensure a strong bond between them.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical transmitter-receiver capable of achieving alignment between a lens and a clamping sleeve and ensuring the adhesive strength between a nozzle and a lens holding section. Solution to the problem

[0005] An optical transmitter-receiver or optical transceiver according to the present invention comprises: a photoelectric conversion element; a lens through which light passes that is emitted by or incident on the photoelectric conversion element; a transparent element in which the lens is embedded; a stub in which a first optical waveguide, which guides light passing through the lens, is formed, and wherein one end face is attached to the transparent element in a direction along the first optical waveguide; and a split sleeve, which connects the other end face of the stub in the direction along the first optical waveguide and one end face of a clamping sleeve.The optical transmitter-receiver comprises a "ferrule" in which a second optical waveguide is formed, in a direction along the second optical waveguide, in a state where the other end of the ferrule and one end of the clamping sleeve abut each other. In the optical transmitter-receiver, the translucent element includes a concave section into which an end section of the ferrule is inserted in the direction along the first optical waveguide, and a stepped section with a diameter that increases from an opening edge section of the concave section. The ferrule includes a flange that fits into the stepped section. The translucent element and the ferrule are formed from an epoxy resin, and the stepped section and the flange are bonded together with an epoxy adhesive. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0006] According to the present invention, an alignment of the lens and the clamping sleeve can be achieved, and the adhesive strength between the nozzle and the light-transmitting element (lens holding section) can be ensured. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical transmission device with an optical transmitter-receiver and an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of the in Fig. 1 represents the optical transmission device shown. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view that shows one in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represents the split sleeve shown. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a section in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represents the FOT module shown. Description of the embodiments

[0007] The present invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and these embodiments may be appropriately modified to an extent that does not deviate from the concept of the present invention. In the embodiments described below, some configurations may not be described or illustrated in the drawings, and publicly known or generally known techniques are appropriately used with regard to details of the omitted techniques, provided there is no contradiction with the content described below.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an optical transmission device 1000 with an optical transmitter-receiver 10 and an optical connector 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this drawing, the optical transmitter-receiver 10 is connected to an optical cable 1 via the optical connector 20. The optical cable 1 is connected to another optical transmitter-receiver (not shown) via another optical connector (not shown). Consequently, the optical transmitter-receiver 10 can transmit optically to the other optical transmitter-receiver via the optical cable 1.

[0009] The optical transmitter-receiver 10 includes a FOT module 100 (see Fig. 2), a housing 11 that accommodates the FOT module 100, and a split sleeve 12. The housing 11 is fixed by bolts 4 to an enclosure (not shown) of a device such as a vehicle-mounted camera that performs optical transmission. The split sleeve 12 is attached to the FOT module 100 and arranged in the housing 11.

[0010] The optical connector 20 comprises a housing 21 to which the optical cable 1 is attached, and a clamping sleeve 22 (see Fig. 2) The housing 21 is detachably fitted to the housing 11. The clamping sleeve 22 is attached to one tip of an optical fiber or glass fiber 2 (see Fig. 2) The optical fiber 2 is inserted through the optical cable 1 and the housing 21.

[0011] The housing 11 comprises a cylindrical circumferential wall 111 and a rectangular flange section 112. An engagement projection 111A is formed on an outer surface of the circumferential wall 111. Furthermore, through holes (not shown), through which the bolts 4 are inserted, are formed at four corners of the flange section 112.

[0012] The housing 21 comprises a cylindrical circumferential wall 211, which is fitted to the circumferential wall 111 of the housing 11, and an engagement section 212, which is provided on an outer surface of the circumferential wall 211. When the optical transmitter-receiver 10 and the optical connector 20 are connected, the circumferential wall 111 of the housing 11 and the circumferential wall 211 of the housing 21 are fitted together, and the engagement section 212 of the housing 21 engages with the engagement projection 111A of the housing 11. The engagement section 212 is elastically deformable and is able to engage with and disengage from the engagement projection 111A by elastic deformation.

[0013] When the optical transmitter-receiver 10 and the optical connector 20 are connected, the clamping sleeve 22 is inserted into and fitted into the split sleeve 12. The split sleeve 12 is an elastically deformable tubular body (see Fig. 3) and enables the insertion and withdrawal of the clamping sleeve 22 by being elastically deformed.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of the in Fig. Figure 1 represents the optical transmission device 1000. As shown in this drawing, the optical connector 20 comprises, in addition to the housing 21 and the clamping sleeve 22 described above, an optical fiber insertion section 23, a spring 24, a spring receptacle 25, a collar 26, a sealing element 27 and the like.

[0015] The optical fiber 2 comprises a core wire 2A and an outer sheath 2B covering the core wire 2A, and is inserted through the optical cable 1, the optical fiber insertion section 23, the spring 24, and the spring receptacle 25. Additionally, the clamping sleeve 22 attached to the tip of the optical fiber 2 is inserted into the split sleeve 12, thus inserting the tip of the optical fiber 2 into the split sleeve 12.

[0016] One end (optical transmitter-receiver side 10) of the optical fiber 2 extends in the direction in which the optical connector 20 is inserted into and removed from the optical transmitter-receiver 10 (left-right direction in the drawing, and referred to below as the insertion and removal direction). Conversely, one end (optical cable side 1) of the optical fiber 2 extends in a direction (top-bottom direction in the drawing) that is orthogonal to the insertion and removal direction. That is, the optical fiber 2 is bent at approximately 90° in the optical fiber insertion section 23.

[0017] The optical fiber insertion section 23 comprises a cable attachment section 231 and a spring-receiving section 232. The optical fiber insertion section 23 is L-shaped, the cable attachment section 231 extends orthogonally to the insertion and removal direction, and the spring-receiving section 232 extends in the insertion and removal direction from one end (upper end in the drawing) of the cable attachment section 231.

[0018] The optical fiber entry section 23 is located on a front side (right side in the drawing) of the housing 21 in the insertion and removal directions, and the spring-retaining section 232 extends to a rear side (left side in the drawing) of the housing 21 in the insertion and removal directions. The cable attachment section 231 is a corrugated section to which one end of the optical cable 1 is attached. The optical fiber 2 is inserted through an axial center of the cable attachment section 231. The spring-retaining section 232 is also a corrugated section to which one end of the spring 24 is attached. The optical fiber 2 is inserted through an axial center of the spring 24.

[0019] The spring 24 is a coil spring and can extend and contract in the insertion and removal directions. The spring receptacle 25 is attached to the other end of the spring 24. The spring 24 biases the spring receptacle 25 towards the rear in the insertion and removal directions. The optical fiber 2 is also inserted through the spring 24 and the spring receptacle 25.

[0020] Here, a base end (right side in the drawing) of the clamping sleeve 22 is inserted into a hole in the spring receptacle 25 and fixed therein. Consequently, the clamping sleeve 22 is pre-tensioned by the spring 24 towards the rear in both the insertion and removal directions.

[0021] The collar 26 is a cylindrical element provided on an inner surface of the circumferential wall 211 and is fixed to the housing 21. The optical fiber 2 and the clamping sleeve 22 are inserted through a center point of the collar 26.

[0022] The sealing element 27 is a cylindrical element and seals between the housing 21 and the housing 11 by fitting into a gap between the housing 21 and the housing 11.

[0023] The FOT module 100 provided in the optical transmitter-receiver 10 comprises a printed circuit board 101, a photoelectric conversion element 102, a lens 103, a lens cap 104, a nozzle 105, and an optical fiber 106. The printed circuit board 101 is a printed circuit board in which various electronic components, such as the photoelectric conversion element 102, are mounted on an insulating substrate. The printed circuit board 101 is attached to the flange section 112 of the housing 11, with a surface on which the photoelectric conversion element 102 is mounted facing one side of the optical connector 20.

[0024] The photoelectric conversion element 102 is a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), or a light-receiving element, such as a photodiode (PD). The photoelectric conversion element 102 is arranged along an extension line of a section that extends in the insertion and removal direction (horizontal direction in the drawing) of the core wire 2A of the optical fiber 2.

[0025] The lens 103 faces the photoelectric conversion element 102 and is positioned along the extension line of the section that runs in the insertion and removal directions of the core wire 2A of the optical fiber 2. A focal point of the lens 103 is defined according to a light-emitting surface or a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 102. Light emitted by the photoelectric conversion element 102 is focused by the lens 103 and incident on the optical fiber 106, and light emitted by the optical fiber 106 is focused by the lens 103 and incident on the photoelectric conversion element 102. The lens 103 is made of a transparent, cured epoxy resin or the like.

[0026] The lens cap 104 is a transparent mass, and the lens 103 is embedded within it. The lens cap 104 is formed from a cured epoxy resin. The material of the lens cap 104 may contain an epoxy resin as a main component and may be mixed with other resins to improve heat resistance and adhesion, such as a non-metal to control optical properties like the refractive index, and a transition metal oxide.

[0027] The lens cap 104 includes a flat surface 104A in contact with the surface of the circuit board 101 on which the photoelectric conversion element 102 is mounted, and a nozzle mounting section 104B. The lens 103 is embedded in a central section of the lens cap 104, and the nozzle mounting section 104B is a concave section extending from an opposite face of the flat surface 104A to a position of the lens 103.

[0028] The nozzle 105 is a wave-like element and covers the optical fiber 106, which is arranged along an axial center of the nozzle 105. The nozzle 105 is formed from a cured epoxy resin. Furthermore, the material of the nozzle 105 may contain an epoxy resin as a main component and may be mixed with another resin or the like to improve heat resistance and adhesion. The nozzle 105 comprises a sleeve attachment section 105A and a lens cap attachment section 105B.

[0029] The optical fiber 106 contains a core wire 106A and an outer sheath 106B covering the core wire 106A, and is inserted through the axial center of the nozzle 105. The sleeve attachment section 105A of the nozzle 105 is also inserted into the split sleeve 12, thus inserting one end of the optical fiber 106 into the split sleeve 12.

[0030] The section extending in the insertion and removal direction of the core wire 2A of optical fiber 2 and the core wire 106A of optical fiber 106 are arranged on the same straight line, and their optical axes are aligned. Furthermore, the lens 103 and the photoelectric conversion element 102 are arranged on an extension line of the core wire 106A of optical fiber 106, and their optical axes are aligned.

[0031] The housing 11 is provided with a cylindrical tube section 113 that accommodates the nozzle 105 and the split sleeve 12. The cylindrical tube section 113 is inserted into and fitted into an inner surface of the collar 26. Furthermore, the tube section 113 limits movement of the split sleeve 12 towards the side of the optical connector 20.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a perspective view that shows the view in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the split sleeve 12. As depicted in this drawing, the split sleeve 12 is a cylindrical sleeve and is formed with a slot 12S extending axially from one end to the other of the split sleeve 12. The split sleeve 12 allows the clamping sleeve 22 to be pulled out by a predetermined tensile force. In contrast, as will be described later, since movement of the split sleeve 12 due to the tensile force is limited by the housing 11, the pulling out of the nozzle 105 is prevented by the predetermined tensile force. That is, when the clamping sleeve 22 is pulled out by the predetermined tensile force, the split sleeve 12 is held in a state in which it is fixed to the nozzle 105.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the [unclear] in the Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 represents the FOT module 100. As shown in the drawing, the sleeve attachment section 105A is provided at one end (right side in the drawing) of the spigot 105 in the axial direction and is inserted into and fitted into the split sleeve 12. The sleeve attachment section 105A has a smaller diameter than that of a section of the spigot 105 on a middle side in the axial direction, and a tip of the split sleeve 12 abuts a stepped section between the sleeve attachment section 105A and the section of the spigot 105 on the middle side in the axial direction. Furthermore, one end (right end in the drawing) of the sleeve attachment section 105A abuts an end (left end in the drawing) of the clamping sleeve 22, and consequently, one end of the core wire 2A of the optical fiber 2 abuts an end of the core wire 106A of the optical fiber 106.

[0034] The lens cap mounting section 105B comprises a flange 105F and a convex section 105C. The convex section 105C is a columnar shaft section with a smaller diameter than that of the section of the nozzle 105 on its central side in the axial direction, and the optical fiber 106 is inserted through its axial center. The flange 105F is a circular, plate-like section with an increased diameter, formed at a boundary section between the convex section 105C and the section of the nozzle 105 on its central side in the axial direction.

[0035] The nozzle mounting section 104B of the lens cap 104 comprises a circular concave section 104C, into which the convex section 105C is inserted and fitted, and a circular stepped section 104S, to which the flange 105F is fitted and attached or bonded. The stepped section 104S is a concave section with a diameter that is increased by an opening edge section of the concave section 104C.

[0036] A diameter D1 of the stepped section 104S is larger than a diameter D2 of the flange 105F, and a depth T1 of the stepped section 104S is larger than a thickness T2 of the flange 105F.

[0037] Here, an epoxy adhesive 107 is applied between the flange 105F and the stepped section 104S. That is, the flange 105F of the nozzle 105, which is made of an epoxy resin, and the stepped section 104S of the lens cap 104, which is also made of an epoxy resin, are bonded together by the epoxy adhesive 107. The epoxy adhesive 107 may contain an epoxy resin as a main component and may be mixed with another resin or the like to improve heat resistance and adhesion.

[0038] Here, the flange 105F of the nozzle 105 and the stepped section 104S of the lens cap 104 serve as reference surfaces for aligning the optical fiber 106, the lens 103, and the photoelectric conversion element 102. From the perspective of increasing alignment accuracy, it is desirable to reduce the area of ​​the reference surface for alignment. However, since the reference surface for alignment is reduced, the area of ​​adhesion between the flange 105F of the nozzle 105 and the stepped section 104S of the lens cap 104 is also reduced, and it is difficult to ensure the adhesive strength between the nozzle 105 and the lens cap 104.

[0039] Therefore, in the present embodiment, both the nozzle 105 and the lens cap 104 are made of an epoxy resin, and the flange 105F of the nozzle 105 and the stepped section 104S of the lens cap 104 are bonded together with the epoxy adhesive 107. This means that the bond strength is increased by bonding the same type of material together with the adhesive of the same type of material. Consequently, it is possible to increase the alignment accuracy by further reducing the reference area for alignment and to ensure the bond strength between the nozzle 105 and the lens cap 104.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the pipe section 113 formed in the housing 11 limits the movement of the split sleeve 12 towards the side of the optical connector 20. Consequently, when the optical connector 20 is attached to or detached from the optical transmitter-receiver 10, the nozzle 105 is held in a position fixed to the split sleeve 12, and the clamping sleeve 22 is inserted into and removed from the split sleeve 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the position of the split sleeve 12 from changing when the optical connector 20 is attached to or detached from the optical transmitter-receiver 10, and it is possible to ensure the alignment accuracy between the nozzle 105 and the clamping sleeve 22.

[0041] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the clamping sleeve 22 is biased by the spring 24 towards the side of the optical transmitter-receiver 10, the clamping sleeve 22 and the nozzle 105 can abut each other and be connected.

[0042] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications can be made to the above embodiments, and publicly known or generally known techniques can be appropriately combined to an extent that does not deviate from the idea of ​​the present invention.

[0043] Here, features of the embodiment of the optical transmitter-receiver described above according to the present invention are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] and [2]. [1] An optical transmitter-receiver (10), comprising: a photoelectric conversion element (102); a lens (103) through which light passes which is emitted by or incident on the photoelectric conversion element; a translucent element (104) in which the lens is embedded; a nozzle (105) in which a first optical waveguide (106) which guides light passing through the lens is formed, and wherein an end face is attached to the light-transmitting element in a direction along the first optical waveguide; and a split sleeve (12) which connects the other end of the nozzle in the direction along the first optical waveguide and an end of a clamping sleeve (22) in which a second optical waveguide (2) is formed, in a direction along the second optical waveguide, in a state in which the other end of the nozzle and the one end of the clamping sleeve abut each other, in which the translucent element a concave section (104C) into which an end section of the nozzle is inserted in the direction along the first optical waveguide, and a stepped section (104S) with a diameter that increases from an opening edge section of the concave section, wherein the nozzle includes a flange (105F) that is fitted into the stepped section, wherein the translucent element and the nozzle are made of an epoxy resin, and The stepped section and the flange are bonded together with an epoxy adhesive. [2] The optical transmitter-receiver according to [1], further comprising: a housing (11) in which an optical connector-side housing (21) which receives the clamping sleeve is provided in a detachable or removable manner, wherein the housing receives the light-transmitting element, the nozzle and the split sleeve, in which when the optical connector-side housing is attached to or detached from the housing, the nozzle is held in a fixed position on the split sleeve, and the clamping sleeve is inserted into and removed from the split sleeve.

[0044] Although the present invention is described in detail and with reference to the specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the idea and scope of the present invention.

[0045] The present application is based on a Japanese patent application (Japanese patent application no. 2023-127547), filed on August 4, 2023, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Industrial applicability

[0046] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical transmitter-receiver capable of aligning the lens and the clamping sleeve and ensuring a secure connection between the nozzle and the light-transmitting element (lens holding section). The present invention, which provides this functionality, is useful for an optical transmitter-receiver. Reference symbol list 2 optical fibers (second optical waveguide) 10 optical transmitter-receivers 11 cases 12 Split sleeve 21 Housing (Optical connector-side housing) 22 (Clamping) sleeve 102 photoelectric conversion element 103 lens 104 Lens cap (translucent element) 104C concave section 104S stepped section 105 stubs 105C convex section (one section) 105F flange 106 optical fiber (first optical waveguide) 107 Epoxy Adhesives QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019- 28 214 A

[0002] JP 2015- 12 183 A1

[0002] JP 2013- 246 246 A

[0002] JP 2023-127547

[0045]

Claims

Optical transmitter-receiver comprising: a photoelectric conversion element; a lens through which light emitted by or incident on the photoelectric conversion element passes; a transparent element in which the lens is embedded; a nozzle in which a first optical waveguide, which guides light passing through the lens, is formed, and wherein an end face is attached to the transparent element in a direction along the first optical waveguide;and a split sleeve connecting the other end of the nozzle in the direction along the first optical waveguide and an end of a clamping sleeve in which a second optical waveguide is formed in a direction along the second optical waveguide, in a state in which the other end of the nozzle and the one end of the clamping sleeve abut each other, wherein the translucent element has a concave section into which an end section of the nozzle is inserted in the direction along the first optical waveguide, and a stepped section having a diameter that increases from an opening edge section of the concave section, wherein the nozzle includes a flange that is fitted into the stepped section, wherein the translucent element and the nozzle are formed from an epoxy resin, and the stepped section and the flange are bonded together with an epoxy adhesive. Optical transmitter-receiver according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing in which an optical connector-side housing, which receives the clamping sleeve, is detachably provided, wherein the housing receives the light-transmitting element, the nozzle and the split sleeve, wherein when the optical connector-side housing is attached to or detached from the housing, the nozzle is held in a state fixed to the split sleeve, and the clamping sleeve is inserted into and removed from the split sleeve.

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