Optical receiver

Abstract

To provide an optical receiver capable of receiving light sent from a light source from a wide range.SOLUTION: An optical receiver (R) receives light sent from a light source has: a plurality of light receiving elements that receive the light; and an enclosure (1) that stores the plurality of light receiving elements. The enclosure is a polygon when viewed in a Z-axial direction along a Z axis and is provided with a plurality of peripheral wall parts corresponding to respective sides of the polygon. The light can pass through the peripheral wall parts. Some light receiving elements (2Aa, 2Ab, 2Ac, 2Ad) of the plurality of light receiving elements constitute a light receiving unit (A). The number of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is two or more. Each of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is arranged facing one peripheral wall part (12A) of the plurality of peripheral wall parts, and is arranged on a virtual line drawn so as to be away from the peripheral wall part toward inside of the enclosure as it goes from an end part of a side corresponding to the peripheral wall part toward a central part of the side, when viewed in the Z-axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light receiver.

Background Art

[0002] In optical wireless communication (e.g., infrared communication) using light (e.g., infrared light) corresponding to an electrical signal as a communication medium, the light is transmitted (sent) from a light source to a light receiver.

[0003] A light source (e.g., an infrared wireless microphone) emits light based on an electrical signal. The light emitted from the light source is transmitted to a light receiver (e.g., an infrared light receiver). The light receiver receives (receives) the light transmitted from the light source. The light receiver demodulates the received light and extracts an electrical signal. The light receiver includes a light receiving element (e.g., a photodiode) that receives light and a housing that houses the light receiving element.

[0004] Generally, the light receiver is arranged on the ceiling surface or wall surface of the room where the light source is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, the light from the light source is transmitted to the light receiver from various angles due to reflection by a wall or the like. The light receiver includes a plurality of light receiving elements in order to receive light transmitted from various angles.

[0005] Here, when the light is transmitted to a portion of the housing that is not a flat surface (e.g., a corner of a polygonal housing), the light is refracted at the same portion. Therefore, a part of the light refracted at the same portion does not reach the light receiving element arranged at a specific location (e.g., a location close to the corner of the polygonal housing) in a specific direction (e.g., toward the corner of the polygonal housing) within the housing. Thus, the range in which the same light receiving element can receive light can be reduced under the influence of the shape of the housing. As a result, a light receiver including a polygonal housing cannot receive the light transmitted from the light source from a wide range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a light receiver capable of receiving light transmitted from a light source over a wide range. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] A light receiver according to the present invention is a light receiver that receives light transmitted from a light source, and includes a plurality of light receiving elements that receive light, and a housing that houses the plurality of light receiving elements. When the three axes orthogonal to each other are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the housing is polygonal when viewed in the Z-axis direction along the Z axis, and includes a plurality of peripheral wall portions corresponding to each side of the polygon. Light can pass through the peripheral wall portions. Among the plurality of light receiving elements, some light receiving elements constitute a light receiving unit, and the number of light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is two or more. Each of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is arranged facing one of the plurality of peripheral wall portions, and is arranged on a virtual line drawn so as to move away from the peripheral wall side toward the inside of the housing from the end of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion toward the center of the side when viewed in the Z-axis direction. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention can provide a light receiver capable of receiving light transmitted from a light source over a wide range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of a light receiver according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this light receiver") will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, each drawing is referred to as appropriate. Also, the dimensional ratios of each element may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation and are not limited to the ratios shown in each drawing. The X-axis indicating the X direction, the Y-axis indicating the Y direction, and the Z-axis indicating the Z direction shown in the drawings are mutually perpendicular. The "X-axis direction" is the direction along the X-axis. The "Y-axis direction" is the direction along the Y-axis. The "Z-axis direction" is the direction along the Z-axis. The plane along the X-axis and the Y-axis is the XY virtual plane. Also, the reference signs of the visible surfaces are indicated by solid-line leader lines. Surfaces that cannot be visually recognized (surfaces hidden by visible surfaces) are indicated by broken-line leader lines.

[0012] This light receiver is used, for example, in optical wireless communication. Optical wireless communication is communication using light corresponding to an electrical signal as a communication medium.

[0013] "Light" is the light transmitted (sent) from a light source to this light receiver. Light is a communication medium corresponding to the electrical signal transmitted from a light source in optical wireless communication.

[0014] ●Configuration of the Light Receiver According to the Present Invention● The configuration of this light receiver will be described below. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of this light receiver. FIG. 2 is a front view of this light receiver.

[0015] This light receiver R receives the light transmitted from a light source (not shown). This light receiver R demodulates the received light and extracts an electrical signal. This light receiver R includes a housing (not shown), light receiving elements (2Aa, 2Ab, 2Ac, 2Ad, 2Ba, 2Bb, 2Bc, 2Bd, 2Ca, 2Cb, 2Cc, 2Cd, 2Da, 2Db, 2Dc, 2Dd) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each light receiving element"), spacers (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each spacer"), reflectors (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each reflector"), a circuit board 5, connection terminals 6, and internal signal lines (not shown). This light receiver R is arranged on the ceiling surface of the room where the light source is used.

[0016] The light source emits light corresponding to an electrical signal. The light emitted from the light source is transmitted to this light receiver R. The light source is an infrared wireless microphone that emits infrared rays.

[0017] Note that the light source in the present invention does not have to be an infrared wireless microphone. That is, for example, the light source according to the present invention may be a laser optical communication device that emits laser light.

[0018] Light is transmitted from the light source to this light receiver R. Light is a communication medium corresponding to the electrical signal transmitted from the light source in optical wireless communication. Light is infrared light.

[0019] Note that the light in the present invention does not have to be infrared light. That is, for example, the light in the present invention may be visible light, laser light, or the like.

[0020] The housing is square when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The housing includes a ceiling portion 11, peripheral wall portions (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each peripheral wall portion"), and a bottom surface portion 13. The housing accommodates each light receiving element, each spacer, each reflector, the circuit board 5, and the internal signal lines in the space formed between the ceiling portion 11, each peripheral wall portion, and the bottom surface portion 13.

[0021] The ceiling part 11 transmits light. The ceiling part 11 is connected to each of the peripheral wall parts continuously.

[0022] Each peripheral wall part transmits light. Each peripheral wall part is arranged corresponding to each side of the quadrangle which is the shape of the housing viewed in the Z-axis direction. The peripheral wall part 12A is connected to the peripheral wall parts (12B, 12C) continuously. The peripheral wall part 12B is connected to the peripheral wall parts (12A, 12C), and the peripheral wall part 12C is connected to the peripheral wall parts (12B, 12D) continuously. The peripheral wall part 12D is connected to the peripheral wall parts (12A, 12C) continuously.

[0023] The bottom face part 13 is connected to each of the peripheral wall parts continuously. The circuit board 5 and the connection terminal 6 are respectively arranged on the bottom face part 13.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the light receiving element 2Aa which constitutes the light receiving unit A of this light receiver R. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light receiving element 2Aa which constitutes the light receiving unit A of this light receiver R. This figure is the Z-Z cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3. The following explanation is centered on the light receiving element 2Aa.

[0025] The light receiving element 2Aa receives the light transmitted from the light source. The light receiving element 2Aa includes a light receiving body 21 and a lens surface 22.

[0026] The light receiving body 21 receives the light transmitted from the light source. The light receiving body 21 demodulates the received light and extracts an electric signal. That is, the light receiving element 2Aa demodulates the received light and extracts an electric signal. The light receiving body 21 includes a light receiving surface 211. That is, the light receiving element 2Aa includes a light receiving surface 211. The light receiving body 21 is a photodiode.

[0027] Note that the light receiving body having the light receiving surface in the present invention does not have to be a photodiode. That is, for example, the light receiving body having the light receiving surface in the present invention may be a phototransistor or the like.

[0028] The light-receiving surface 211 is a surface that receives the light transmitted from the light source.

[0029] The lens surface 22 condenses the light transmitted from the light source and directs it toward the light-receiving surface 211.

[0030] The light-receiving unit A is composed of light-receiving elements (2Aa, 2Ab, 2Ac, 2Ad) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the light-receiving elements of A"). The light-receiving unit B is composed of light-receiving elements (2Ba, 2Bb, 2Bc, 2Bd) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the light-receiving elements of B"). The light-receiving unit C is composed of light-receiving elements (2Ca, 2Cb, 2Cc, 2Cd) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the light-receiving elements of C"). The light-receiving unit D is composed of light-receiving elements (2Da, 2Db, 2Dc, 2Dd) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "the light-receiving elements of D"). That is, this light receiver R includes light-receiving units (A, B, C, D) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "each light-receiving unit").

[0031] The following description will be centered around the peripheral wall portion 12A, the light-receiving unit A, the light-receiving elements of A that constitute the light-receiving unit A, the spacer 3A that holds the light-receiving elements of A, and the reflecting plate 4A that reflects the light transmitted from the light source toward the light-receiving elements of A.

[0032] Each of the light-receiving elements of A is arranged facing the peripheral wall portion 12A. That is, the light-receiving unit A is arranged facing the peripheral wall portion 12A.

[0033] The light-receiving surface 211 of each of the light-receiving elements of A is arranged on a virtual arc L1 line having a curvature center point O located outside the peripheral wall portion 12A in the view in the Z-axis direction. That is, the light-receiving surface 211 of each light-receiving element is arranged on any one of the four virtual arc lines corresponding to each peripheral wall portion.

[0034] The light-receiving surface 211 of the light-receiving element 2Aa is inclined toward the ceiling portion 11 with respect to the XY virtual plane and the Z-axis.

[0035] The angle θ1 between the XY virtual plane and the light-receiving surface 211 is 65 degrees.

[0036] The spacer 3A holds the light-receiving element of A. The spacer 3A is arranged inside the housing rather than the light-receiving element of A in the view in the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The reflector 4A reflects the light transmitted from the light source toward the light-receiving element of A. The reflector 4A is arranged on the bottom surface portion 13 side with respect to the light-receiving element of A in the view in the Z-axis direction. That is, the reflector 4A is arranged on the side opposite to the ceiling portion 11 with respect to the light-receiving element of A in the view in the Z-axis direction. The reflector 4A is arranged on the side of the peripheral wall portion 12A rather than the spacer 3A in the view in the Z-axis direction. The reflector 4A is made of a white resin with mirror finish. The reflector 4A is formed integrally with the spacer 3A.

[0038] Note that the reflector in the present invention only needs to reflect light and does not necessarily need to be made of a white resin with mirror finish.

[0039] Also, the reflector in the present invention does not necessarily need to be formed integrally with the spacer.

[0040] The circuit board 5 mounts each light-receiving element, each spacer, each reflector, internal signal lines, and a circuit necessary for the operation of the present light receiver R.

[0041] The internal signal lines are arranged between each light-receiving element and the connection terminal 6. The internal signal lines include the circuits mounted on the circuit board 5. The internal signal lines are affected by noise (for example, electromagnetic noise, etc.).

[0042] Note that the light receiver according to the present invention may be housed in a housing and include a shield that houses each light-receiving element, the circuit board, and the internal signal lines. In this case, the shield reduces the influence of noise received by each light-receiving element and the internal signal lines respectively.

[0043] The connection terminal 6 is arranged between the internal signal line and an external signal line (not shown). The electrical signals extracted by each light receiving element are transmitted to an external device (not shown) via the internal signal line, the connection terminal 6, and the external signal line. That is, the internal signal line, the connection terminal 6, and the external signal line enable the electrical signals extracted by each light receiving element to be transmitted to the external device. The connection terminal 6 is located at the centroid of the quadrilateral which is the shape of the housing as viewed in the Z-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the internal signal line is arranged inside the virtual line connecting each of the light receiving elements. Each of the light receiving element and the internal signal line is affected by noise in the area inside the virtual line connecting each of the light receiving elements. Details of the external device will be described later.

[0044] The external signal line is arranged between the connection terminal 6 and the external device. The external signal line is a coaxial cable arranged on the back side (outside the room) of the ceiling surface where the present light receiver R is arranged. The external signal line is a signal line according to the present invention.

[0045] Note that the signal line in the present invention does not have to be a coaxial cable.

[0046] The external device receives the electrical signals extracted by each of the light receiving elements from the present light receiver R. The external device is a speaker that demodulates the received electrical signal to extract an audio signal. The external device outputs the extracted audio signal.

[0047] Note that the signal line in the present invention does not have to be a speaker. That is, for example, it may be an amplifier that amplifies the received electrical signal. When the external device is an amplifier, the external device transmits the amplified electrical signal to a speaker or the like capable of demodulating the electrical signal.

[0048] ●Light reception by the light receiver according to the present invention● The light reception by the present light receiver R will be described below. ●Light reception range of the light receiving elements constituting the light reception unit

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the light reception range of each of the light receiving elements of A.

[0050] The central angle θa is the direction (angle) in which the light-receiving element of 2Aa receives light when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The central angle θd is the direction (angle) in which the light-receiving element of 2Ad receives light when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, each of the central angles of the sectors indicated by the dashed-dotted lines is the angle indicating the direction in which each of the light-receiving elements of A receives light when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] The portion where the peripheral wall portion 12A is continuously provided with the peripheral wall portion 12D is included in the direction in which the light-receiving element 2Aa receives light. The portion where the peripheral wall portion 12A is continuously provided with the peripheral wall portion 12B is included in the direction in which the light-receiving element 2Ad receives light. That is, the light-receiving element of A receives the light refracted at the portion where the peripheral wall portion 12A is continuously provided with the peripheral wall portion 12B or the portion where the peripheral wall portion 12A is continuously provided with the peripheral wall portion 12D.

[0052] In this way, the light receiver R receives the light refracted at the portion where each peripheral wall portion is continuously provided.

[0053] Note that the dashed-dotted line of the sector does not indicate the distance or area that the light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention can receive light. Also, the angle indicating the direction in which the light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention receives light is not limited to θa and θd shown in the figure.

[0054] ● Receiving of the light reflected by the reflector FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the state in which the light-receiving element 2Aa of the light receiver R receives light. In the figure, the direction in which the light emitted from the light source travels is indicated by an arrow.

[0055] First, the light emitted from the light source reaches the ceiling portion 11 or the peripheral wall portion 12A.

[0056] Next, the light that reaches the ceiling portion 11 passes through the ceiling portion 11. The light that reaches the peripheral wall portion 12A passes through the peripheral wall portion 12A.

[0057] Next, a part of the light that has passed through the ceiling portion 11 or the peripheral wall portion 12A reaches the lens surface 22 directly. The light that has passed through the ceiling portion 11 or the peripheral wall portion 12A and has not reached the lens surface 22 directly reaches the reflector 4A.

[0058] Next, the light that has reached the reflector 4A is reflected and reaches the lens surface 22.

[0059] Next, the light that has reached the lens surface 22 is condensed on the light receiving surface 211.

[0060] Next, the light receiving surface 211 receives the light.

[0061] Next, the photoreceptor 21 demodulates the received light and extracts an electrical signal. That is, the light receiving element 2Aa demodulates the received light and extracts an electrical signal.

[0062] Next, the extracted electrical signal is transmitted to an external device via the internal signal line, the connection terminal 6, and the external signal line.

[0063] In this way, the light that has passed through the ceiling portion 11 or the peripheral wall portion 12A and has not reached the lens surface 22 directly is reflected by the reflector 4A and reaches the lens surface 22. The light receiving element 2Aa receives the light reflected by the reflector 4A.

[0064] ● Light receiving range of multiple light receivers FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the light receiving range of the present light receiver R.

[0065] The room S is a room (space) where a light source is used.

[0066] The point r is a location on the ceiling surface of the room S where four of the present light receivers R are arranged.

[0067] This figure shows the room S in which four of the present light receivers R are arranged on the ceiling surface as viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0068] When the present light receiver R is arranged at point r, in a view in the Z-axis direction, the arranged present light receiver R receives light transmitted from a light source arranged inside circle α. When a conventional light receiver other than the present light receiver is arranged at point r, in a view in the Z-axis direction, the arranged conventional light receiver receives light transmitted from a light source arranged inside circle β.

[0069] Thus, when the present light receiver R is arranged at point r, in a view in the Z-axis direction, the light-receiving ranges of the four arranged light receivers R cover the entire inside of room S. When a conventional light receiver other than the present light receiver is arranged at point r, in a view in the Z-axis direction, the light-receiving ranges of the four arranged conventional light receivers do not cover the entire inside of room S.

[0070] ●Summary● According to the embodiment described above, the present light receiver R includes each light-receiving element, a housing that is quadrilateral in a view in the Z-axis direction, and each spacer that holds each light-receiving element. The housing includes each peripheral wall portion that transmits light. Each light-receiving unit is arranged facing any one of the peripheral wall portions. That is, each light-receiving unit is not arranged facing the portion where the respective peripheral wall portions are connected to each other. Therefore, the range in which each light-receiving element constituting each light-receiving unit can receive light is not affected by light refraction at the portion where the respective peripheral wall portions are connected to each other and does not shrink. The light-receiving surface 211 of each light-receiving element constituting each light-receiving unit is arranged on a virtual arc L1 line having a curvature center point O located outside each peripheral wall portion in a view in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the range in which each light-receiving element can receive light expands. Each light-receiving unit is arranged for each of the four peripheral wall portions. Therefore, the present light receiver R receives light transmitted from a light source arranged in the omnidirectional direction (inside the circle centered on the light receiver R) of the present light receiver R in a view in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the light receiver R can receive light transmitted from the light source from a wide range.

[0071] In addition, the area inside the virtual lines connecting each light-receiving element can be reduced compared to a conventional light receiver in which each light-receiving element is arranged on a single virtual circle with the center of gravity of the shape of the housing in the Z-axis direction view as the center point. Therefore, the shield for housing each light-receiving element can be miniaturized. As a result, the present light receiver R can receive light transmitted from a light source over a wide range even in a limited housing shape (for example, a small housing).

[0072] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the internal signal lines are arranged inside the virtual lines connecting each light-receiving element. Each light-receiving element and each internal signal line are affected by noise in the area inside the virtual lines connecting each light-receiving element. Therefore, the area where each light-receiving element and each internal signal line are affected by noise can be reduced. As a result, the present light receiver R is less susceptible to noise and has high immunity. The same applies when the present light receiver is provided with a shield.

[0073] Moreover, according to the embodiment described above, the present light receiver R includes each reflector. Each reflector reflects the light transmitted from the light source toward the light-receiving elements constituting each light-receiving unit. The light-receiving surface 211 of each light-receiving element constituting each light-receiving unit is inclined toward the ceiling portion 11 with respect to the XY virtual plane and the Z-axis. Therefore, the light that has passed through the ceiling portion 11 or each peripheral wall portion and has not directly reached the lens surface 22 is reflected by each reflector and reaches the lens surface 22. That is, each light-receiving element can receive the light reflected by each reflector. As a result, the light receiver R can receive light transmitted from the light source over a wide range.

[0074] Moreover, according to the embodiment implemented above, the present light receiver R can receive light transmitted from the light source over a wide range. Therefore, in a room where a plurality of the present light receivers R are used (for example, a large room or a room with obstacles), the number of the plurality of the present light receivers R that need to be arranged on the ceiling surface of the room can be reduced. As a result, the installation man-hours of the present light receiver R can be reduced.

[0075] ●Other Embodiments● ●Arrangement of Light-Receiving Elements Constituting the Light-Receiving Unit In the embodiments described above, the light-receiving surfaces 211 of the light-receiving elements constituting each light-receiving unit were arranged on an imaginary arc L1 line having a curvature center point O located outside each peripheral wall portion in a view in the Z-axis direction. Here, for example, the imaginary arc L1 on which the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention are arranged may be determined based on the length from one end to the other end of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion that the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention face in a view in the Z-axis direction. That is, for example, when the side from one end to the other end of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion that the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention face is taken as the chord L2 of the imaginary arc L1 in a view in the Z-axis direction, the light-receiving surfaces of the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention may be arranged on an imaginary arc line where the value obtained by dividing the length of the imaginary arc L1 that fits within the housing by the length of the chord L2 is 0.9 or more and 1.2 or less. At this time, the range in which the light-receiving elements can receive light is not affected by the refraction of light at the portions where the plurality of peripheral wall portions are connected to each other and does not shrink. As a result, this light receiver can receive the light transmitted from the light source from a wide range.

[0076] Also, the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention may be arranged on an imaginary line drawn so as to move away from the peripheral wall portion side toward the inside of the housing as they go from the end portion of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion to the central portion of the side in a view in the Z-axis direction, and do not necessarily need to be arranged on an imaginary arc line having a curvature center point located outside the peripheral wall portion. That is, for example, the light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention may be arranged on an imaginary straight line drawn so as to move away from the peripheral wall portion side toward the inside of the housing as they go from the end portion of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion to the central portion of the side in a view in the Z-axis direction.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the light-receiving surfaces of the light-receiving elements that constitute each light-receiving unit were all arranged on the same virtual arc line. However, the virtual line on which the light-receiving elements that constitute the light-receiving unit in the present invention are arranged does not have to be the same for each light-receiving unit.

[0078] ● Angle of the light-receiving elements that constitute the light-receiving unit In the embodiments described above, the angle between the light-receiving surface 211 of each light-receiving element that constitutes each light-receiving unit and the XY virtual plane was 65 degrees. However, the angle between the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element that constitutes the light-receiving unit in the present invention and the XY virtual plane is not limited to 65 degrees. That is, for example, the angle between the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element that constitutes the light-receiving unit in the present invention and the XY virtual plane may be 60 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. At this time, the light reflected by the reflector in the present invention easily reaches the lens surface 22.

[0079] Also, for example, the angle between the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element that constitutes the light-receiving unit in the present invention and the XY virtual plane may be determined based on the ceiling height of the room or building in which the light source and the light receiver in the present invention are used.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the angle between the light-receiving surface 211 of each light-receiving element that constitutes each light-receiving unit and the XY virtual plane was the same at 65 degrees. However, the angle between the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element that constitutes the light-receiving unit in the present invention and the XY virtual plane does not have to be the same for each light-receiving element. That is, for example, the angle between the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element that constitutes the light-receiving unit in the present invention and the XY virtual plane may be different for each light-receiving element, or may be different for each light-receiving unit.

[0081] ● Others In the embodiment described above, the housing was square when viewed in the Z-axis direction. However, the housing in the present invention may be polygonal when viewed in the Z-axis direction and does not have to be square. That is, for example, the housing in the present invention may be pentagonal when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the plurality of peripheral wall portions in the present invention may be arranged corresponding to each side of the pentagon which is the shape of the housing when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0082] Also, in the embodiment described above, each light-receiving unit was arranged for each peripheral wall portion. However, each light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention only needs to be arranged facing one of the plurality of peripheral wall portions. When the number of light-receiving units is plural, each of the plurality of light-receiving units does not have to be arranged for each peripheral wall portion. That is, for example, when the housing in the present invention includes four peripheral wall portions, the light-receiving elements may constitute only three light-receiving units.

[0083] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, each light-receiving element included in the present light receiver R constituted one of the light-receiving units. However, the light-receiving unit in the present invention only needs to be constituted by some of the plurality of light-receiving elements included in the present light receiver and does not have to be constituted by all the light-receiving elements included in the present light receiver. That is, for example, among the plurality of light-receiving elements in the present invention, only some of the light-receiving elements may constitute the light-receiving unit. In this case, among the plurality of light-receiving elements, the remaining light-receiving elements do not constitute the light-receiving unit.

[0084] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the number of light-receiving elements constituting each light-receiving unit was four. However, the number of light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention only needs to be two or more and does not have to be four. That is, for example, the number of light-receiving elements constituting the light-receiving unit in the present invention may be three or five.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, this light receiver was disposed on the ceiling surface of the room where the light source was used. However, this light receiver does not necessarily have to be disposed on the ceiling surface of the room where the light source is used. That is, for example, this light receiver may be disposed on the wall surface of the room where the light source is used.

[0086] ●Features of the Light Receiver According to the Present Invention● The features of this light receiver described so far are summarized below.

[0087] This light receiver is a light receiver (for example, this light receiver R) that receives light transmitted from a light source, a plurality of light receiving elements (for example, each light receiving element) that receive the light, a housing that houses the plurality of light receiving elements, and has when three axes orthogonal to each other are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the housing is polygonal (for example, quadrilateral) when viewed in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, provided with a plurality of peripheral wall portions (for example, each peripheral wall portion) corresponding to each side of the polygon, the light is transmissible through the peripheral wall portion, among the plurality of light receiving elements, some of the light receiving elements (for example, light receiving element A) constitute a light receiving unit (for example, light receiving unit A), the number of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is two or more (for example, four), each of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is arranged facing one of the plurality of peripheral wall portions (for example, peripheral wall portion 12A), and is arranged on a virtual line that is drawn so as to move away from the peripheral wall portion side toward the inside of the housing from the end of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion toward the central portion of the side when viewed in the Z-axis direction, characterized by this.

[0088] In this light receiver, The light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit is arranged on a virtual arc line having a center of curvature located outside the peripheral wall portion in the view in the Z-axis direction. It may be such.

[0089] In this light receiver, the housing is provided with a ceiling portion (for example, ceiling portion 11) connected to each of the plurality of the peripheral wall portions, and the light-receiving element has a light-receiving surface (for example, light-receiving surface 211) and a lens surface (for example, lens surface 22) that condenses the light toward the light-receiving surface, and the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit is inclined toward the ceiling portion side with respect to the XY virtual plane along the X-axis and the Y-axis and the Z-axis. It may be such.

[0090] In this light receiver, the angle between the XY virtual plane and the light-receiving surface is 60 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. It may be such.

[0091] This light receiver has a reflector (for example, reflector 4A) that reflects the light toward the light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit. and It may be such.

[0092] This light receiver has a spacer (for example, 3A) that holds the light-receiving element constituting the light-receiving unit. and It may be such.

[0093] In this light receiver, the reflector may be integrally formed with the spacer. It may be such.

[0094] In this light receiver, In a view in the Z-axis direction, the spacer is disposed inside the housing rather than the light-receiving element, In a view in the Z-axis direction, the reflector is disposed on the side opposite to the ceiling portion with respect to the light-receiving element and on the side of the peripheral wall portion rather than the spacer. It may be such.

[0095] This light receiver has a connection terminal (for example, connection terminal 6) to which a signal line (for example, an external signal line) capable of transmitting an electrical signal from each of the plurality of light-receiving elements to an external device is connected. and in a view in the Z-axis direction, the connection terminal is located at the center of gravity of the polygon. It may be such.

[0096] In this light receiver, the light-receiving unit may be disposed for each of the peripheral wall portions. It may be such.

[0097] In this light receiver, in a view in the Z-axis direction, the housing is rectangular, and the number of light-receiving elements constituting each of the plurality of light-receiving units disposed for each of the peripheral wall portions is 3 or more and 5 or less. It may be such.

Explanation of Signs

[0098] R Light receiver 11 Ceiling surface 12A Peripheral wall portion 12B Peripheral wall portion 12C Peripheral wall portion 12D Peripheral wall portion 13 Bottom surface A Light-receiving unit 2Aa Light-receiving element 2Ab Light-receiving element 2Ac Light-receiving element 2Ad Light-receiving element B Light-receiving unit 2Ba Light-receiving element 2Bb light-receiving element 2Bc light-receiving element 2Bd light-receiving element C light-receiving unit 2Ca light-receiving element 2Cb light-receiving element 2Cc light-receiving element 2Cd light-receiving element D light-receiving unit 2Da light-receiving element 2Db light-receiving element 2Dc light-receiving element 2Dd light-receiving element 21 photoreceptor 211 light-receiving surface 22 lens surface 3A spacer 3B spacer 3C spacer 3D spacer 4A reflector 4B reflector 4C reflector 4D reflector 5 circuit board 6 connection terminal

Claims

1. A light receiver that receives light transmitted from a light source, comprising: a plurality of light receiving elements that receive the light; a housing that houses the plurality of light receiving elements; When the three axes orthogonal to each other are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the housing is polygonal in a view along the Z axis direction; comprising a plurality of peripheral wall portions corresponding to the sides of the polygon; the light is transmissible through the peripheral wall portions; Among the plurality of light receiving elements, some of the light receiving elements constitute a light receiving unit, the number of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is two or more, each of the light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit is arranged facing one of the plurality of peripheral wall portions, in a view along the Z axis direction, on a virtual line drawn so as to be away from the inside of the housing from the side of the peripheral wall portion toward the center portion of the side corresponding to the peripheral wall portion as it goes from the end portion of the side to the center portion of the side. A light receiver characterized by the above.

2. The light receiving elements constituting the light receiving unit are arranged on a virtual arc line having a curvature center point located outside the peripheral wall portion in a view along the Z axis direction. The light receiver according to Claim 1.

3. The housing includes a ceiling portion continuously provided to each of the plurality of peripheral wall portions. The light receiving element includes a light receiving surface; a lens surface that condenses the light toward the light receiving surface. The light receiving surface of the light receiving element constituting the light receiving unit is inclined toward the ceiling portion side with respect to the XY virtual plane along the X axis and the Y axis and the Z axis. The light receiver according to Claim 2.

4. The angle between the XY virtual plane and the light receiving surface is 60 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. The light receiver according to Claim 3.

5. A reflector that reflects the light toward the light receiving element constituting the light receiving unit. The light receiver according to Claim 3.

6. A spacer that holds the light receiving element constituting the light receiving unit. The light receiver according to Claim 5.

7. The reflector is integrally formed with the spacer. The light receiver according to Claim 6.

8. The spacer is arranged inside the housing rather than the light receiving element in a view along the Z axis direction. The reflector is arranged on the side opposite to the ceiling portion with respect to the light receiving element and on the side of the peripheral wall portion rather than the spacer in a view along the Z axis direction. The light receiver according to Claim 6.

9. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A connection terminal to which a signal line capable of transmitting an electrical signal from each of the plurality of light receiving elements to an external device is connected, comprises, the connection terminal is located at the center of gravity of the polygon in the view in the Z-axis direction, The light receiver according to claim 1.

10. The light receiving unit is arranged for each of the peripheral wall portions, The light receiver according to claim 1.

11. The housing is square in the view in the Z-axis direction, the number of the light receiving elements constituting each of the plurality of light receiving units arranged for each of the peripheral wall portions is 3 or more and 5 or less, The light receiver according to claim 10.

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