Optical coupling device and laser processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an optical coupling device capable of suppressing decrease in efficiency of optical coupling caused by heat generated when a light beam passes through the optical coupling device.SOLUTION: An optical coupling device 1 includes: a first lens 21; a second lens 26; a housing 10 for accommodating the first lens 21 and the second lens 26; and heat dissipation fins 30. The heat dissipation fins 30 include: a first heat dissipation fin 31; a second heat dissipation fin 32; a third heat dissipation fin 33; and a fourth heat dissipation fin 34. The first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 each have a longitudinal direction extending along a direction in which a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 are separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical coupling device and a laser processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-40072 (Patent Document 1) discloses a laser processing energy dividing device. The laser processing energy dividing device divides a laser beam incident from an incident optical fiber into multiple laser beams and outputs them from multiple output optical fibers. The laser processing energy dividing device includes an input optical fiber, a collimating lens, a dividing optical system, multiple focusing lenses, multiple output optical fibers, and a metal case.

[0003] A laser beam incident from the input optical fiber passes through the collimating lens and is collimated. The splitting optical system splits the collimated laser beam into multiple laser beams. Each of the multiple focusing lenses focuses a corresponding one of the multiple laser beams onto a corresponding one of the multiple output optical fibers. Each of the multiple laser beams passes through a corresponding one of the multiple output optical fibers and is output. The metal case houses the collimating lens, the splitting optical system, and the multiple focusing lenses. A heat sink is provided on the outer surface of the metal case. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-40072 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical coupling device and a laser processing device that can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when a light beam passes through the optical coupling device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The optical coupling device of the present disclosure includes a first lens, a second lens, a housing, and heat dissipation fins. The housing houses the first lens and the second lens. The housing includes a first end face, a second end face, an upper face, a lower face, a first side face, and a second side face. The upper face and the lower face are connected to the first end face and the second end face, respectively. The first side face and the second side face are connected to the first end face, the second end face, the upper face, and the lower face, respectively. An incident port is provided on the first end face. An exit port is provided on the second end face. A light beam emitted from a first optical fiber attached to the incident port passes through the first lens and the second lens and is coupled to a second optical fiber attached to the exit port. A first core diameter of the first optical fiber is different from a second core diameter of the second optical fiber. The heat dissipation fins include a first heat dissipation fin, a second heat dissipation fin, a third heat dissipation fin, and a fourth heat dissipation fin. The first heat dissipation fin is provided on the top surface of the housing. The second heat dissipation fin is provided on the bottom surface of the housing. The third heat dissipation fin is provided on a first side surface of the housing. The fourth heat dissipation fin is provided on a second side surface of the housing. The longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin, the second heat dissipation fin, the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth heat dissipation fin is aligned with the direction in which the first end surface and the second end surface are spaced apart from each other.

[0007] The laser processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes an optical coupling device of the present disclosure, a first metal support plate, and a second metal support plate. The first metal support plate is attached to a first end surface of a housing of the optical coupling device. The second metal support plate is attached to a second end surface of the housing of the optical coupling device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the optical coupling device of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when a light beam passes through the optical coupling device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an optical coupling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic front view of an optical coupling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of an optical coupling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic right side view of an optical coupling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical coupling device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a comparative example of an optical coupling device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an optical coupling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an optical coupling device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of an optical coupling device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the optical coupling device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic left side view of an optical coupling device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic right side view of an optical coupling device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical coupling device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic left side view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic right side view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified optical coupling device of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a laser processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic partially enlarged perspective view of a laser processing device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1 An optical coupling device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The optical coupling device 1 includes a first lens 21, a second lens 26, a housing 10, and a heat dissipation fin 30. The optical coupling device 1 may further include a first optical connector 46, a second optical connector 56, a first ring spacer 22, a second ring spacer 27, a first cylindrical spacer 23, a second cylindrical spacer 28, a first fixing member 24, a second fixing member 29, a first leg 61, and a second leg 62. Note that the first leg 61 and the second leg 62 are not shown in FIG. 3.

[0012] 5, the light beam 2 emitted from the first optical fiber 41 passes through the first lens 21 and the second lens 26 and is coupled to the second optical fiber 51. The first lens 21 and the second lens 26 optically couple the first optical fiber 41 and the second optical fiber 51, which have different core diameters. The first lens 21 is, for example, a plano-convex lens. The second lens 26 is, for example, a plano-convex lens. The convex surface of the first lens 21 and the convex surface of the second lens 26 face each other.

[0013] 1 to 5, housing 10 houses first lens 21 and second lens 26. Housing 10 is made of metal such as aluminum. Housing 10 may be subjected to a surface treatment to increase thermal emissivity. This surface treatment is, for example, black anodizing or black painting.

[0014] The housing 10 includes a first end surface 11, a second end surface 12, an upper surface 13, a lower surface 14, a first side surface 15, and a second side surface 16. The upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are connected to the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12, respectively. The first side surface 15 and the second side surface 16 are connected to the first end surface 11, the second end surface 12, the upper surface 13, and the lower surface 14, respectively. The direction in which the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other is, for example, the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first end surface 11, the second end surface 12, the upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the first side surface 15, and the second side surface 16 are flat surfaces. The upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the first side surface 15, and the second side surface 16 may be curved surfaces. For example, the upper surface 13, the lower surface 14, the first side surface 15 and the second side surface 16 may collectively form the curved outer surface of a cylinder.

[0015] An incident port 17 is provided at the first end face 11. An exit port 18 is provided at the second end face 12. A hole 19 communicating with the incident port 17 and the exit port 18 is provided in the housing 10. The longitudinal direction of the hole 19 is the direction in which the incident port 17 and the exit port 18 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O). The housing 10 includes a protrusion 20 protruding from the inner surface of the hole 19.

[0016] 5, the first lens 21 is disposed between the first ring spacer 22 and the first cylindrical spacer 23. The first ring spacer 22 and the first cylindrical spacer 23 position the first lens 21 in the direction in which the entrance 17 and the exit 18 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O).

[0017] The first ring spacer 22 is disposed within the hole 19, and is disposed between the entrance 17 and the protrusion 20. The first ring spacer 22 is in contact with the protrusion 20, the inner surface of the hole 19, and the first lens 21.

[0018] The longitudinal direction of first cylindrical spacer 23 is the direction in which entrance 17 and exit 18 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of optical axis O). First cylindrical spacer 23 is disposed inside hole 19, and is disposed between first lens 21 and first fixing member 24. First cylindrical spacer 23 is in contact with first lens 21, the inner surface of hole 19, and first fixing member 24.

[0019] The first fixing member 24 is disposed within the hole 19, and is disposed between the incident port 17 and the first cylindrical spacer 23. The first fixing member 24 is in contact with the inner surface of the hole 19 and the first cylindrical spacer 23. The first fixing member 24 has a ring shape. The first fixing member 24 is screwed into the inner surface of the hole 19. The first fixing member 24 is screwed into the hole 19 toward the protrusion 20, and presses the first cylindrical spacer 23 and the first lens 21 toward the first ring spacer 22.

[0020] 5, the second lens 26 is disposed between the second ring spacer 27 and the second cylindrical spacer 28. The second ring spacer 27 and the second cylindrical spacer 28 position the second lens 26 in the direction in which the entrance 17 and the exit 18 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O).

[0021] The second ring spacer 27 is disposed in the hole 19, and is disposed between the light exit 18 and the protrusion 20. The second ring spacer 27 is in contact with the protrusion 20, the inner surface of the hole 19, and the second lens 26.

[0022] The longitudinal direction of second cylindrical spacer 28 is the direction in which incident aperture 17 and exit aperture 18 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of optical axis O). Second cylindrical spacer 28 is disposed within hole 19, and is disposed between second lens 26 and second fixing member 29. Second cylindrical spacer 28 is in contact with second lens 26, the inner surface of hole 19, and second fixing member 29.

[0023] The second fixing member 29 is disposed within the hole 19, and is disposed between the light exit port 18 and the second cylindrical spacer 28. The second fixing member 29 is in contact with the inner surface of the hole 19 and the second cylindrical spacer 28. The second fixing member 29 has a ring shape. The second fixing member 29 is threadedly engaged with the inner surface of the hole 19. The second fixing member 29 is screwed into the hole 19 toward the protrusion 20, and presses the second cylindrical spacer 28 and the second lens 26 toward the second ring spacer 27.

[0024] 1 to 5, the first optical fiber 41 is attached to the input port 17 using a first optical connector 46, for example.

[0025] Specifically, the first optical fiber cable 40 includes a first optical fiber 41 and a first coating layer 44 that coats the first optical fiber 41. The first optical fiber 41 includes a first core 42 and a first clad 43 that coats the first core 42. The refractive index of the first core 42 is greater than the refractive index of the first clad 43. The first optical fiber 41 has a first core diameter. The first core diameter is the diameter of the first core 42. The first coating layer 44 is removed from an end of the first optical fiber 41, and the end of the first optical fiber 41 is exposed from the first coating layer 44.

[0026] 5, the first optical connector 46 includes a first connector body 47 and a first ferrule 48 inserted into the first connector body 47. The end of the first optical fiber 41 exposed from the first coating layer 44 is inserted into the first ferrule 48. The first connector body 47 is inserted into the light entrance 17 of the housing 10 and attached to the light entrance 17.

[0027] 1 and 3 to 5, the second optical fiber 51 is attached to the output port 18 using a second optical connector 56, for example.

[0028] Specifically, the second optical fiber cable 50 includes a second optical fiber 51 and a second coating layer 54 that coats the second optical fiber 51. The second optical fiber 51 includes a second core 52 and a second clad 53 that coats the second core 52. The refractive index of the second core 52 is greater than the refractive index of the second clad 53. The second optical fiber 51 has a second core diameter. The second core diameter is the diameter of the second core 52. The second core diameter of the second optical fiber 51 is different from the first core diameter of the first optical fiber 41. For example, the second core diameter is greater than the first core diameter. The second coating layer 54 is removed from the end of the second optical fiber 51, and the end of the second optical fiber 51 is exposed from the second coating layer 54.

[0029] 5, the second optical connector 56 includes a second connector body 57 and a second ferrule 58 inserted into the second connector body 57. The end of the second optical fiber 51 exposed from the second coating layer 54 is inserted into the second ferrule 58. The second connector body 57 is inserted into the light output port 18 of the housing 10 and attached to the light output port 18.

[0030] 1, 2, 4, and 5, the first leg 61 is fixed to a first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The second leg 62 is fixed to a second end surface 12 of the housing 10. The first leg 61 and the second leg 62 extend downward below the bottom surface 14 and the second heat dissipation fin 32. The first leg 61 and the second leg 62 support the housing 10 and are fixed to an installation surface (not shown) of the optical coupling device 1.

[0031] 1 to 5, the heat dissipation fins 30 are formed of a metal such as aluminum. The heat dissipation fins 30 may be subjected to a surface treatment to increase the thermal emissivity. This surface treatment may be, for example, a black anodized aluminum treatment or a black paint treatment. The heat dissipation fins 30 may be formed integrally with the housing 10, or may be fixed to the housing 10 by caulking, screwing, welding, adhesive, or the like.

[0032] The heat dissipating fins 30 include a first heat dissipating fin 31, a second heat dissipating fin 32, a third heat dissipating fin 33, and a fourth heat dissipating fin 34. The first heat dissipating fin 31 is provided on the upper surface 13 of the housing 10. The second heat dissipating fin 32 is provided on the lower surface 14 of the housing 10. The third heat dissipating fin 33 is provided on the first side surface 15 of the housing 10. The fourth heat dissipating fin 34 is provided on the second side surface 16 of the housing 10. The longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipating fin 31, the second heat dissipating fin 32, the third heat dissipating fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipating fin 34 is aligned along the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O).

[0033] The main surface of the first heat dissipation fin 31 faces in a direction intersecting the normal to the top surface 13 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O (for example, a direction perpendicular to the normal to the top surface 13 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O). The main surface of the second heat dissipation fin 32 faces in a direction intersecting the normal to the bottom surface 14 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O (for example, a direction perpendicular to the normal to the bottom surface 14 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O). The main surface of the third heat dissipation fin 33 faces in a direction intersecting the normal to the first side surface 15 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O (for example, a direction perpendicular to the normal to the first side surface 15 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O). The main surface of the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 faces in a direction intersecting the normal direction to the second side surface 16 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O (for example, a direction perpendicular to the normal direction to the second side surface 16 of the housing 10 and the direction of the optical axis O). In this specification, the main surface of a heat dissipation fin refers to the surface of the heat dissipation fin that has the largest area.

[0034] The first heat dissipating fins 31 are arranged at a first pitch in the direction in which the first side surface 15 and the second side surface 16 are spaced apart from each other. The second heat dissipating fins 32 are arranged at a second pitch in the direction in which the first side surface 15 and the second side surface 16 are spaced apart from each other. The third heat dissipating fins 33 are arranged at a third pitch in the direction in which the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other. The fourth heat dissipating fins 34 are arranged at a fourth pitch in the direction in which the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other. The first pitch of the first heat dissipating fins 31, the second pitch of the second heat dissipating fins 32, the third pitch of the third heat dissipating fins 33, and the fourth pitch of the fourth heat dissipating fins 34 may be equal to one another.

[0035] The first number of first heat dissipating fins 31, the second number of second heat dissipating fins 32, the third number of third heat dissipating fins 33, and the fourth number of fourth heat dissipating fins 34 may be equal to one another. The first height of the first heat dissipating fins 31, the second height of the second heat dissipating fins 32, the third height of the third heat dissipating fins 33, and the fourth height of the fourth heat dissipating fins 34 may be equal to one another. In this specification, the height of the heat dissipating fin means the height of the heat dissipating fin from the surface of the housing on which the heat dissipating fin is provided.

[0036] The operation of the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment will be described in comparison with the optical coupling device 1b of the comparative example shown in Fig. 6. The optical coupling device 1b of the comparative example has the same configuration as the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, but differs from the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment in the following points.

[0037] In the optical coupling device 1b of the comparative example, the main surfaces of the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 are oriented in the direction of the optical axis O. The longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin 31 and the second heat dissipation fin 32 is the direction in which the first side surface 15 and the second side surface 16 are spaced apart from each other. The longitudinal direction of each of the third heat dissipation fin 33 and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is the direction in which the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other.

[0038] The first heat dissipation fins 31 are arranged at a first pitch in the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O). The second heat dissipation fins 32 are arranged at a second pitch in the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O). The third heat dissipation fins 33 are arranged at a third pitch in the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O). The fourth heat dissipation fins 34 are arranged at a fourth pitch in the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O).

[0039] When the light beam 2 passes through the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the second optical fiber 51, the temperatures of the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 increase. Heat is transferred from the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input ends of the second optical fiber 51 to the housing 10. The heat is dissipated from the housing 10 and the heat dissipation fins 30 to the surrounding environment.

[0040] When the direction in which the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other is the vertical direction, in the optical coupling device 1b of the comparative example, the short-side direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin 31 and the second heat dissipation fin 32 is the vertical direction, while the long-side direction of each of the third heat dissipation fin 33 and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is the vertical direction. Due to natural convection of gas (e.g., air) in the surrounding environment, in the optical coupling device 1b of the comparative example, the heat dissipation capacities of the third heat dissipation fin 33 and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 are greater than the heat dissipation capacities of the first heat dissipation fin 31 and the second heat dissipation fin 32. Therefore, the housing 10 is thermally deformed due to heat generated when the light beam 2 is incident on the optical coupling device 1b. The thermal deformation of the housing 10 causes misalignment of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the second optical fiber 51, reducing the optical coupling efficiency of the optical coupling device 1.

[0041] In contrast, in the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is aligned with the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other (the direction of the optical axis O). Therefore, even if the direction in which the upper face 13 and the lower face 14 are spaced apart from each other is vertical, heat is more uniformly dissipated into the surrounding environment from the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34. Thermal deformation of the housing 10 is reduced, and misalignment of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the second optical fiber 51 is reduced. This suppresses a decrease in the optical coupling efficiency of the optical coupling device 1 due to thermal deformation of the housing 10.

[0042] The effects of the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] The optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment includes a first lens 21, a second lens 26, a housing 10, and heat dissipation fins 30. The housing 10 houses the first lens 21 and the second lens 26. The housing 10 includes a first end face 11, a second end face 12, an upper face 13, a lower face 14, a first side face 15, and a second side face 16. The upper face 13 and the lower face 14 are connected to the first end face 11 and the second end face 12, respectively. The first side face 15 and the second side face 16 are connected to the first end face 11, the second end face 12, the upper face 13, and the lower face 14, respectively. An incident port 17 is provided in the first end face 11. An exit port 18 is provided in the second end face 12. The light beam 2 emitted from the first optical fiber 41 attached to the input port 17 passes through the first lens 21 and the second lens 26 and is coupled to the second optical fiber 51 attached to the output port 18. The first core diameter of the first optical fiber 41 is different from the second core diameter of the second optical fiber 51. The heat dissipation fins 30 include a first heat dissipation fin 31, a second heat dissipation fin 32, a third heat dissipation fin 33, and a fourth heat dissipation fin 34. The first heat dissipation fin 31 is provided on the top surface 13 of the housing 10. The second heat dissipation fin 32 is provided on the bottom surface 14 of the housing 10. The third heat dissipation fin 33 is provided on the first side surface 15 of the housing 10. The fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is provided on the second side surface 16 of the housing 10. The longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipating fin 31, the second heat dissipating fin 32, the third heat dissipating fin 33 and the fourth heat dissipating fin 34 is aligned with the direction in which the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are spaced apart from each other.

[0044] Therefore, even if the upper surface 13 and the lower surface 14 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41 and the input end of the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more uniformly dissipated into the surrounding environment from the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34. Thermal deformation of the housing 10 is reduced, and misalignment of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the second optical fiber 51 is reduced. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0045] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first number of first heat dissipation fins 31, the second number of second heat dissipation fins 32, the third number of third heat dissipation fins 33, and the fourth number of fourth heat dissipation fins 34 are equal to each other.

[0046] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more uniformly dissipated into the surrounding environment from the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0047] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first pitch of the first heat dissipation fins 31, the second pitch of the second heat dissipation fins 32, the third pitch of the third heat dissipation fins 33, and the fourth pitch of the fourth heat dissipation fins 34 are all equal to one another.

[0048] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more uniformly dissipated into the surrounding environment from the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0049] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first height of the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second height of the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third height of the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth height of the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 are all equal to one another.

[0050] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more uniformly dissipated into the surrounding environment from the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0051] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the housing 10 and the heat dissipation fins 30 are made of metal.

[0052] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more efficiently dissipated to the surrounding environment. This suppresses a temperature rise in the housing 10, reducing thermal deformation of the housing 10. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0053] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the metal is aluminum.

[0054] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more efficiently dissipated to the surrounding environment. Temperature rise in the housing 10 is suppressed, and thermal deformation of the housing 10 is reduced. A decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the weight of the optical coupling device 1 can be reduced.

[0055] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the housing 10 and the heat dissipation fins 30 are subjected to a surface treatment to increase the thermal emissivity.

[0056] Therefore, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more efficiently dissipated to the surrounding environment. This suppresses a temperature rise in the housing 10, reducing thermal deformation of the housing 10. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0057] Embodiment 2 The optical coupling device 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the optical coupling device 1 of the first embodiment, but differs mainly in the following respects.

[0058] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first heat dissipation fin 31, the second heat dissipation fin 32, the third heat dissipation fin 33 and the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 meander along the direction in which the entrance 17 and the exit 18 are separated from each other (the direction of the optical axis O).

[0059] Therefore, the surface area of ​​the first heat dissipation fin 31, the surface area of ​​the second heat dissipation fin 32, the surface area of ​​the third heat dissipation fin 33, and the surface area of ​​the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 are increased. Heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 is more efficiently dissipated to the surrounding environment. Temperature rise in the housing 10 is further suppressed, and thermal deformation of the housing 10 is reduced. A decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1 can be suppressed.

[0060] Embodiment 3 The optical coupling device 1 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 13. Note that the first leg 61 and the second leg 62 are not shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The optical coupling device 1 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the optical coupling device 1 of the first embodiment, but differs mainly in the following points.

[0061] 8, 9, and 13, the first heat dissipation fins 31 are formed higher in the upper central region 13c, the upper incident end region 13a, and the upper exit end region 13b of the upper surface 13. The upper incident end region 13a is an end region of the upper surface 13 close to the entrance 17 and is a region of the upper surface 13 located above the entrance 17. The upper central region 13c is a region of the upper surface 13 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26 and is a region of the upper surface 13 located above the first lens 21 and the second lens 26. The upper exit end region 13b is an end region of the upper surface 13 close to the exit 18 and is a region of the upper surface 13 located above the exit 18.

[0062] 8, 10, and 13, the second heat dissipation fins 32 are formed higher in the lower central region 14c, the lower incident end region 14a, and the lower exit end region 14b of the lower surface 14. The lower incident end region 14a is an end region of the lower surface 14 that is close to the entrance 17 and is a region of the lower surface 14 that is located below the entrance 17. The lower central region 14c is a region of the lower surface 14 that corresponds to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26 and is a region of the lower surface 14 that is located below the first lens 21 and the second lens 26. The lower exit end region 14b is an end region of the lower surface 14 that is close to the exit 18 and is a region of the lower surface 14 that is located below the exit 18.

[0063] 8 and 11, the third heat dissipation fins 33 are formed higher in a first lateral central region 15c, a first lateral entrance end region 15a, and a first lateral exit end region 15b of the first side surface 15. The first lateral entrance end region 15a is an end region of the first side surface 15 close to the entrance 17, and is a region of the first side surface 15 located on a first side of the entrance 17. The first lateral central region 15c is a region of the first side surface 15 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26, and is a region of the first side surface 15 located on a first side of the first lens 21 and the second lens 26. The first lateral exit end region 15b is an end region of the first side surface 15 close to the exit opening 18, and is a region of the first side surface 15 located on a first side of the exit opening 18.

[0064] 8 and 12, the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is formed higher in the second lateral central region 16c, the second lateral entrance end region 16a, and the second lateral exit end region 16b of the second side surface 16. The second lateral entrance end region 16a is an end region of the second side surface 16 proximal to the entrance 17 and is a region of the second side surface 16 located on a second side of the entrance 17. The second lateral central region 16c is a region of the second side surface 16 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26 and is a region of the second side surface 16 located on a second side of the first lens 21 and the second lens 26. The second lateral exit end region 16b is an end region of the second side surface 16 proximal to the exit opening 18 and is a region of the second side surface 16 located on a second side of the exit opening 18. The second side is opposite to the first side.

[0065] An optical coupling device 1 according to a modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Note that the first leg 61 and the second leg 62 are not shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0066] 14, 15, and 19, the first heat dissipation fins 31 are selectively provided in the upper central region 13c, the upper incident end region 13a, and the upper emitting end region 13b of the upper surface 13. That is, the first heat dissipation fins 31 are not provided in the region of the upper surface 13 between the upper incident end region 13a and the upper central region 13c, or in the region of the upper surface 13 between the upper emitting end region 13b and the upper central region 13c. With reference to FIGS. 14, 16, and 19, the second heat dissipation fins 32 are selectively provided in the lower central region 14c, the lower incident end region 14a, and the lower emitting end region 14b of the lower surface 14. That is, the second heat dissipation fins 32 are not provided in the region of the lower surface 14 between the lower incident end region 14a and the lower central region 14c, or in the region of the lower surface 14 between the lower emitting end region 14b and the lower central region 14c.

[0067] 14 and 17, the third heat dissipation fins 33 are selectively provided in the first lateral central region 15c, the first lateral entrance end region 15a, and the first lateral exit end region 15b of the first side surface 15. That is, the third heat dissipation fins 33 are not provided in the region between the first lateral entrance end region 15a and the first lateral central region 15c of the first side surface 15, and in the region between the first lateral exit end region 15b and the first lateral central region 15c of the first side surface 15. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 18, the fourth heat dissipation fins 34 are selectively provided in the second lateral central region 16c, the second lateral entrance end region 16a, and the second lateral exit end region 16b of the second side surface 16. That is, the fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is not provided in the region of the second side surface 16 between the second lateral entrance end region 16a and the second lateral central region 16c, and in the region of the second side surface 16 between the second lateral exit end region 16b and the second lateral central region 16c.

[0068] The optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the optical coupling device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0069] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first heat dissipation fins 31 are formed higher in an upper central region 13c of the upper surface 13 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26, an upper incident end region 13a of the upper surface 13 close to the incident port 17, and an upper exit end region 13b of the upper surface 13 close to the exit port 18. The second heat dissipation fins 32 are formed higher in a lower central region 14c of the lower surface 14 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26, a lower incident end region 14a of the lower surface 14 close to the incident port 17, and a lower exit end region 14b of the lower surface 14 close to the exit port 18. The third heat dissipation fin 33 is formed higher in a first lateral central region 15c of the first side surface 15 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26, a first lateral incident end region 15a of the first side surface 15 close to the entrance 17, and a first lateral exit end region 15b of the first side surface 15 close to the exit opening 18. The fourth heat dissipation fin 34 is formed higher in a second lateral central region 16c of the second side surface 16 corresponding to the first lens 21 and the second lens 26, a second lateral incident end region 16a of the second side surface 16 close to the entrance 17, and a second lateral exit end region 16b of the second side surface 16 close to the exit opening 18.

[0070] When the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1, heat is generated at the exit end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the entrance end of the second optical fiber 51. Therefore, the temperatures of the upper central region 13c, the upper entrance end region 13a, the upper exit end region 13b, the lower central region 14c, the lower entrance end region 14a, the lower exit end region 14b, the first lateral central region 15c, the first lateral entrance end region 15a, the first lateral exit end region 15b, the second lateral central region 16c, the second lateral entrance end region 16a, and the second lateral exit end region 16b are more likely to rise than the temperatures of other regions of the housing 10.

[0071] In this embodiment, higher heat dissipation fins 30 are formed in the portion of the housing 10 where the temperature is likely to rise. This makes the temperature of the housing 10 more uniform, reducing thermal deformation of the housing 10. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0072] In the optical coupling device 1 of this embodiment, the first heat dissipation fins 31 are selectively provided in the upper central region 13c, the upper incident end region 13a, and the upper exit end region 13b of the upper surface 13. The second heat dissipation fins 32 are selectively provided in the lower central region 14c, the lower incident end region 14a, and the lower exit end region 14b of the lower surface 14. The third heat dissipation fins 33 are selectively provided in the first lateral central region 15c, the first lateral incident end region 15a, and the first lateral exit end region 15b of the first side surface 15. The fourth heat dissipation fins 34 are selectively provided in the second lateral central region 16c, the second lateral incident end region 16a, and the second lateral exit end region 16b of the second side surface 16.

[0073] In this embodiment, higher heat dissipation fins 30 are formed in the portion of the housing 10 where the temperature is likely to rise. This makes the temperature of the housing 10 more uniform, reducing thermal deformation of the housing 10. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0074] Embodiment 4 20 and 21 , a laser processing apparatus 70 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The laser processing apparatus 70 is used for drilling holes in a workpiece W, cutting the workpiece W, welding the workpiece W, or the like. The laser processing apparatus 70 mainly includes a laser light source 71, a first optical fiber cable 40, an optical coupling device 1 according to any one of the first to third embodiments and their modifications, a second optical fiber cable 50, a first metal support plate 72, a second metal support plate 73, an optical head 74, a condenser lens 76, a stage 78, and a stage drive device 79.

[0075] The laser light source 71 is a solid-state laser such as a fiber laser, a semiconductor laser, or a YAG laser, or a gas laser such as a carbon dioxide laser. The laser light source 71 outputs a light beam 2.

[0076] The first metal support plate 72 and the second metal support plate 73 are fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) of the laser processing apparatus 70. A first end surface 11 of the housing 10 of the optical coupling device 1 is attached to the first metal support plate 72. The first end surface 11 is in contact with the first metal support plate 72 and may be directly attached to the first metal support plate 72. The first end surface 11 may be attached to the first metal support plate 72 via a thermal interface material (TIM). A second end surface 12 of the housing 10 of the optical coupling device 1 is attached to the second metal support plate 73. The second end surface 12 is in contact with the second metal support plate 73 and may be directly attached to the second metal support plate 73. The second end surface 12 may be attached to the first metal support plate 72 via the TIM. The TIM is, for example, thermal conductive grease, thermal conductive gel, or thermal conductive sheet.

[0077] As described in the first to third embodiments, the first optical fiber 41 is attached to the input port 17 of the housing 10 using the first optical connector 46 (see FIGS. 1 to 5, etc.), and the second optical fiber 51 is attached to the output port 18 of the housing 10 using the second optical connector 56 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5, etc.). The light beam 2 passes through the first optical fiber 41, the optical coupling device 1, and the second optical fiber 51 and enters the optical head 74.

[0078] The optical head 74 includes a head housing 75 and a window 77. The head housing 75 houses a condensing lens 76. The light beam 2 incident on the optical head 74 passes through the condensing lens 76 and the window 77 and travels toward the workpiece W. The condensing lens 76 condenses the light beam 2 on the workpiece W.

[0079] The stage 78 is, for example, a three-axis stage. The workpiece W is placed on the stage 78. The workpiece W is irradiated with the light beam 2 and processed using the light beam 2.

[0080] The stage driving device 79 is connected to the stage 78 and moves the stage 78. The stage driving device 79 changes the relative position of the workpiece W with respect to the optical head 74. Therefore, the light beam 2 is scanned over the workpiece W. In order to scan the light beam 2 over the workpiece W, the optical head 74 may be moved instead of moving the stage 78.

[0081] The laser processing device 70 of this embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages of the optical coupling device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0082] The laser processing apparatus 70 of this embodiment includes an optical coupling device 1, a first metal support plate 72, and a second metal support plate 73. The first metal support plate 72 is attached to a first end surface 11 of a housing 10 of the optical coupling device 1. The second metal support plate 73 is attached to a second end surface 12 of the housing 10 of the optical coupling device 1.

[0083] When the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1, heat generated at the output end of the first optical fiber 41, the first lens 21, the second lens 26, and the input end of the second optical fiber 51 is dissipated to the first metal support plate 72 and the second metal support plate 73 through the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. This further suppresses the temperature rise in the housing 10, thereby reducing thermal deformation of the housing 10. This can suppress a decrease in optical coupling efficiency caused by heat generated when the light beam 2 passes through the optical coupling device 1.

[0084] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A first lens; A second lens; a housing that houses the first lens and the second lens; a heat dissipation fin including a first heat dissipation fin, a second heat dissipation fin, a third heat dissipation fin, and a fourth heat dissipation fin; the housing includes a first end surface, a second end surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; the upper surface and the lower surface are connected to the first end surface and the second end surface, respectively; the first side surface and the second side surface are connected to the first end surface, the second end surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface, respectively; an entrance port is provided on the first end surface, an exit port is provided on the second end surface, a light beam emitted from a first optical fiber attached to the entrance passes through the first lens and the second lens and is coupled to a second optical fiber attached to the exit; a first core diameter of the first optical fiber is different from a second core diameter of the second optical fiber; the first heat dissipation fin is provided on the upper surface, the second heat dissipation fin is provided on the lower surface, the third heat dissipation fin is provided on the first side surface, the fourth heat dissipation fin is provided on the second side surface, An optical coupling device, wherein the longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin, the second heat dissipation fin, the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth heat dissipation fin is along the direction in which the first end face and the second end face are separated from each other. (Appendix 2) An optical coupling device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the first number of the first heat dissipation fins, the second number of the second heat dissipation fins, the third number of the third heat dissipation fins, and the fourth number of the fourth heat dissipation fins are equal to each other. (Appendix 3) An optical coupling device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the first pitch of the first heat dissipation fin, the second pitch of the second heat dissipation fin, the third pitch of the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth pitch of the fourth heat dissipation fin are equal to each other. (Appendix 4) An optical coupling device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, wherein the first height of the first heat dissipation fin, the second height of the second heat dissipation fin, the third height of the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth height of the fourth heat dissipation fin are equal to each other. (Appendix 5) 5. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat dissipation fin, the second heat dissipation fin, the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth heat dissipation fin are serpentine along the direction. (Appendix 6) the first heat dissipation fins are formed higher in an upper central region of the upper surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, an upper incident end region of the upper surface close to the incident port, and an upper exit end region of the upper surface close to the exit port; the second heat dissipation fins are formed higher in a lower central region of the lower surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a lower incident end region of the lower surface close to the incident port, and a lower exit end region of the lower surface close to the exit port, the third heat dissipation fins are formed higher in a first lateral central region of the first side surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a first lateral incident end region of the first side surface close to the incident port, and a first lateral exit end region of the first side surface close to the exit port, An optical coupling device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, wherein the fourth heat dissipation fin is formed higher in a second lateral central region of the second side surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a second lateral entrance end region of the second side surface close to the entrance port, and a second lateral exit end region of the second side surface close to the exit port. (Appendix 7) the first heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the upper central region, the upper incident end region, and the upper emitting end region of the upper surface, the second heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the lower central region, the lower incident end region, and the lower exit end region of the lower surface, the third heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the first lateral central region, the first lateral incident end region, and the first lateral exit end region of the first side surface, The optical coupling device described in Appendix 6, wherein the fourth heat dissipation fin is selectively provided in the second lateral central region, the second lateral input end region, and the second lateral output end region of the second side surface. (Appendix 8) 8. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the heat dissipation fins are made of metal. (Appendix 9) 9. The optical coupling device of claim 8, wherein the metal is aluminum. (Appendix 10) 10. The optical coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing and the heat dissipation fins are subjected to a surface treatment for increasing thermal emissivity. (Appendix 11) The optical coupling device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10; a first metal support plate attached to the first end surface; a second metal support plate attached to the second end surface.

[0085] The presently disclosed embodiments 1-4 and their modifications should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Unless there is a contradiction, at least two of the presently disclosed embodiments 1-4 and their modifications may be combined. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1b Optical coupling device, 2 Light beam, 10 Housing, 11 First end face, 12 Second end face, 13 Top face, 13a Upper incident end region, 13b Upper exit end region, 13c Upper central region, 14 Bottom face, 14a Lower incident end region, 14b Lower exit end region, 14c Lower central region, 15 First side face, 15a First lateral incident end region, 15b First lateral exit end region, 15c First lateral central region, 16 Second side face, 16a Second lateral incident end region, 16b Second lateral exit end region, 16c Second lateral central region, 17 Incident aperture, 18 Exit aperture, 19 Hole, 20 Protrusion, 21 First lens, 22 First ring spacer, 23 First cylindrical spacer, 24 First fixing member, 26 Second lens, 27 Second ring spacer, 28 Second cylindrical spacer, 29 Second fixing member, 30 Heat dissipation fin, 31 First heat dissipation fin, 32 Second heat dissipation fin, 33 Third heat dissipation fin, 34 Fourth heat dissipation fin, 40 First optical fiber cable, 41 First optical fiber, 42 First core, 43 First clad, 44 First coating layer, 46 First optical connector, 47 First connector body, 48 First ferrule, 50 Second optical fiber cable, 51 Second optical fiber, 52 Second core, 53 Second clad, 54 Second coating layer, 56 Second optical connector, 57 Second connector body, 58 Second ferrule, 61 First leg, 62 Second leg, 70 Laser processing device, 71 Laser light source, 72 First metal support plate, 73 Second metal support plate, 74 Optical head, 75 Head housing, 76 Focusing lens, 77 Window, 78 Stage, 79 stage drive.

Claims

1. A first lens; A second lens; a housing that houses the first lens and the second lens; a heat dissipation fin including a first heat dissipation fin, a second heat dissipation fin, a third heat dissipation fin, and a fourth heat dissipation fin; the housing includes a first end surface, a second end surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; the upper surface and the lower surface are connected to the first end surface and the second end surface, respectively; the first side surface and the second side surface are connected to the first end surface, the second end surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface, respectively; an entrance port is provided on the first end surface; an exit port is provided on the second end surface, a light beam emitted from a first optical fiber attached to the entrance passes through the first lens and the second lens and is coupled to a second optical fiber attached to the exit; a first core diameter of the first optical fiber is different from a second core diameter of the second optical fiber; the first heat dissipation fin is provided on the upper surface, the second heat dissipation fin is provided on the lower surface, the third heat dissipation fin is provided on the first side surface, the fourth heat dissipation fin is provided on the second side surface, An optical coupling device, wherein the longitudinal direction of each of the first heat dissipation fin, the second heat dissipation fin, the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth heat dissipation fin is along the direction in which the first end face and the second end face are separated from each other.

2. 2. The optical coupling device of claim 1, wherein a first number of the first heat dissipation fins, a second number of the second heat dissipation fins, a third number of the third heat dissipation fins, and a fourth number of the fourth heat dissipation fins are equal to each other.

3. 2. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein a first pitch of the first heat dissipating fins, a second pitch of the second heat dissipating fins, a third pitch of the third heat dissipating fins, and a fourth pitch of the fourth heat dissipating fins are equal to one another.

4. 2. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein a first height of the first heat dissipation fin, a second height of the second heat dissipation fin, a third height of the third heat dissipation fin, and a fourth height of the fourth heat dissipation fin are equal to each other.

5. The optical coupling device according to claim 1 , wherein the first heat dissipation fin, the second heat dissipation fin, the third heat dissipation fin, and the fourth heat dissipation fin are serpentine along the direction.

6. the first heat dissipation fins are formed higher in an upper central region of the upper surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, an upper incident end region of the upper surface close to the incident port, and an upper exit end region of the upper surface close to the exit port, the second heat dissipation fins are formed higher in a lower central region of the lower surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a lower incident end region of the lower surface close to the incident port, and a lower exit end region of the lower surface close to the exit port, the third heat dissipation fins are formed higher in a first lateral central region of the first side surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a first lateral incident end region of the first side surface close to the incident port, and a first lateral exit end region of the first side surface close to the exit port, 2. The optical coupling device of claim 1, wherein the fourth heat dissipation fin is formed higher in a second lateral central region of the second side surface corresponding to the first lens and the second lens, a second lateral incident end region of the second side surface close to the incident port, and a second lateral exit end region of the second side surface close to the exit port.

7. the first heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the upper central region, the upper incident end region, and the upper emitting end region of the upper surface, the second heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the lower central region, the lower incident end region, and the lower exit end region of the lower surface, the third heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the first lateral central region, the first lateral incident end region, and the first lateral exit end region of the first side surface, 7. The optical coupling device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth heat dissipation fins are selectively provided in the second lateral central region, the second lateral incident end region, and the second lateral exit end region of the second side surface.

8. 2. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the heat dissipation fins are made of metal.

9. The optical coupling device according to claim 8 , wherein the metal is aluminum.

10. 2. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the heat dissipation fins are subjected to a surface treatment for increasing thermal emissivity.

11. The optical coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a first metal support plate attached to the first end surface; a second metal support plate attached to the second end surface.

Images