JP2001013376A - Optical connector and optical transmission module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector which is designed to be easily miniaturized and an optical transmission module to which this connector is connected. SOLUTION: An optical fiber array for reception 2 and for transmission 4 are provided inside a connector case 26 and a metallic shell 22 for the connector; and the shape of the transmission cross section of an optical signal sent by a receiving optical fiber 28 and by a transmitting optical fiber 30 are both designed to become rectangular at the joining part of the connector at the right end. As a result, the shape is aribitrarily selectable for the transmission cross section of the light at the joining part of the optical connector; hence the degree of freedom can be obtained in the arrangement of an optical waveguide member, making it possible to miniaturize the optical connector and to arrange an electric terminal in the optical connector.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector for connecting an optical fiber and an optical transmission module using the connector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the use of optical fibers has become widespread, the use of optical fiber cables in combination with general electric cables has been increasing. By the way, a connector is usually used for connecting cables and connecting a cable to a device, and an optical fiber cable is no exception.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-114434 discloses an electrical connector and an optical (transmitter) connector in which an electric terminal for connecting an electric wire and an optical terminal for connecting an optical fiber are provided in the same connector. I have.

On the other hand, according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an optical minijack (OMJ) connector having the same shape as an electrical connector known as a minijack has been standardized as IEC603-11. .

The OMJ connector is provided with a POF (plastic optical fiber) at the center of a metal member having the same outer shape as the electrical connector.
In connection with the connector, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-140106 discloses a plug / jack type shared optical transmission device.

[0006]

In the above prior art, it cannot be said that the miniaturization of the connector is considered, but the electric terminal for connecting the electric wire and the optical terminal for connecting the optical fiber are provided in the same connector. In such a case, there is a problem that the size is increased.

That is, in the conventional electrical and optical transmission connector, since both the electrical terminal and the optical terminal are arranged in substantially the same plane in the connector, the size of the connector is large in the arrangement direction of these terminals. It will be. In particular,
In the case of an optical connector intended for a thick POF (plastic optical fiber) having a core diameter of about 1 mm, the problem of the enlargement becomes remarkable.

In the OMJ connector, OMJ
Since only one POF is provided in the connector, it is necessary to use two OMJ connectors for bidirectional communication, which causes a problem that the entire connector becomes large as in the case of the conventional electrical and optical transmission connectors. there were.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector which can be easily reduced in size and an optical transmission module for connecting the optical connector. Is to do.

[0010]

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector for connecting an optical fiber, wherein an optical waveguide member is provided at an end of the optical fiber to be connected, and the optical waveguide member is connected to an end of the optical fiber. Is achieved by providing a cross-sectional shape similar to the surface shape of the end portion, and having a cross-sectional shape different from the surface shape of the end portion on the opposite side.

[0011] The object is to provide a light source, a photodetector,
In an optical transmission module including a socket for connecting an optical connector, an optical waveguide member for connecting the optical connector and the light source, and an optical waveguide member for connecting the optical connector and the photodetector, inside the socket. This is achieved by providing these optical waveguide members such that one end face and the other end face have different surface shapes.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an optical connector and an optical transmission module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an optical connector according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 is a side sectional view and FIG.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. In these figures, 2 is a receiving optical fiber array, 4 is a transmitting optical fiber array, 18a to 18d are connector electric terminals, and 20 is a connector. An insulating member, 22 is a connector metal shell, 24 is a projection, 26 is a connector case, 28 is a receiving optical fiber, and 30 is a transmitting optical fiber.

The receiving optical fiber 28 and the transmitting optical fiber 30 are fixed to the connector case 26 by POF (plastic optical fiber) having a fiber diameter of about 1 mm.
In the receiving optical fiber 28, light is transmitted from left to right in FIG.
Within 0, light is transmitted from right to left.

First, the optical signal sent through the receiving optical fiber 28 is coupled to the receiving optical fiber array 2, and the optical signal from the transmitting optical fiber array 4 is
The light enters the transmission optical fiber 30 and is transmitted therethrough.

The connector metal shell 22 is provided at the joint portion of the optical connector and has four connector electric terminals 18 therein.
a to 18d are provided. Here, in the case of an electrical connector having the same external dimensions and the same dimensions as the optical connector according to the present embodiment, two pairs of shielded twisted pair wires are usually used as the electrical cable to be connected. In this case, , Connector electric terminals 18a to 18
Two to four twisted pair wires are connected to d, and the shield conductor is connected to the connector metal shell 22.

In this embodiment, however, the connector electric terminals 18a are used for connector connection and type identification described later.
And connector electrical terminal 18c and connector electrical terminal 18
It is assumed that b and the connector electric terminal 18d are mutually connected as shown.

In this embodiment, a groove is formed in the connector case 26 in advance, and the receiving optical fiber 28, the transmitting optical fiber 30, the receiving optical fiber array 2, and the transmitting optical fiber array are formed in the groove. The optical connector is configured to be assembled as an optical connector by inserting and enclosing 4.

A connector insulating member 20 is provided inside the connector metal shell 22.
0, connector metal terminals 18a to 18d are arranged. Here, the connector insulating member 20 serves as an insulating material between the connector metal shell 22 and the connector electric terminals 18a to 18d, forms a side wall of the connector together with the connector metal shell 22, and has a structure for coupling to the socket to be connected. It works to form the body.

Next, the receiving optical fiber array 2 will be described. The receiving optical fiber array 2 receives light transmitted in the receiving optical fiber 28 with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and converts the light into elongated rectangular light. , And functions as an optical waveguide member for emitting light from the connection portion (right end in FIG. 1) of the optical connector.

For this reason, as shown in FIG.
At the left end (in FIG. 1) 2a, it is arranged in a state of being bundled in a nearly circular shape in accordance with the end face of the receiving optical fiber 28. From this state, the other end (the same, right end) 2b is arranged as shown in FIG. As shown, it is formed of a plurality of optical fibers that are rearranged so as to be aligned in a straight line.

The receiving optical fiber array 2 and the receiving optical fiber 28 are bonded with a transparent adhesive so as to reduce the reflection loss. At this time, in this embodiment, the receiving optical fiber The array 2 is made of seven plastic optical fibers having a diameter of 0.35 mm, so that the outermost diameter of the receiving optical fiber array 2 is 1.05 mm at the junction with the receiving optical fiber 28.
And is larger than the receiving optical fiber 28 of about 1 mmφ.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, since the light incident end of the receiving optical fiber array 2 is larger than the light emitting end of the receiving optical fiber 28, there is a margin in positioning both ends. In addition, light loss due to misalignment at the joint can be suppressed.

As a result, on the side in which the receiving optical fiber array 2 is arranged in a line, the optical fibers are closely arranged, as shown in FIG. The diameter (height) in the arrangement direction can be physically set to 2.45 mm, which is the sum of the diameters of seven lines. However, in this embodiment, the diameter of the optical fiber on the socket side to be connected to this optical connector is slightly increased so that the optical loss at the time of joining can be reduced. 2.75m high
m.

In this embodiment, although these parts are not shown, the connector case 26
The receiving optical fiber array 2 is arranged so as to fit in the groove, and the whole is fixed in a predetermined shape.

In this embodiment, the receiving optical fiber array 2 is arranged in a vertical line at the exit side. However, when the diameter of the optical fiber is reduced and the number of the optical fibers is increased accordingly, It may be arranged in multiple columns. Therefore, for the receiving optical fiber array 2, 0.1 to 0.5 mmφ
Can be used.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to plastic optical fibers, but may be an optical fiber array made of glass optical fibers. In this case, a glass optical fiber having a thickness of 5 μmφ to 100 μmφ can be used.

Furthermore, the plastic or glass optical fiber used at this time is not limited to a circular cross section, but may be a polygon. In particular, if a regular hexagonal optical fiber is used, the gap between the optical fibers can be reduced, and the optical loss at the time of joining with the receiving optical fiber 28 can be further reduced.

Next, the transmitting optical fiber array 4 will be described. The transmitting optical fiber array 4 is formed as a light beam having a long and narrow cross section from a joining portion (not shown) of the transmitting optical fiber provided in the socket to be connected. It functions as an optical waveguide member for receiving the emitted light and emitting the light in such a manner that the cross-sectional shape becomes substantially circular from the end in contact with the transmission optical fiber 30.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4, three plastic optical fibers are bundled together, where each plastic optical fiber has an outer diameter of 0.35 mm. (The right end in the figure) 4a
In FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical fibers are arranged in a line in a straight line in accordance with the shape of the joint portion of the optical fiber in the socket. From this state, the other end (the same as the left end) Part) 2
In FIG. 2B, the wires are rearranged into a triangular bundle for bonding with the transmission optical fiber 30.

Therefore, the transmission optical fiber array 4 is accommodated in the cross section of the transmission optical fiber 30 on the joint side with the transmission optical fiber 30, so that the transmission optical fiber array 4 and the transmission optical fiber 30 Has a margin in alignment with the above, and light loss at the joint can be suppressed. The transmission optical fiber array 4 and the transmission optical fiber 30 are bonded with a transparent adhesive, thereby reducing reflection loss.

Next, the receiving optical fiber array 2 and the transmitting optical fiber array 4 are provided in the side wall of the connector insulating member 20, as clearly shown in FIG. It can be formed without changing the shape of a conventional electrical connector.

However, in the present invention, the location of the receiving optical fiber array 2 and the transmitting optical fiber array 4 is not limited to the side wall, and crosstalk of optical signals occurs between the optical fiber arrays. It goes without saying that the connector can be arranged at an arbitrary position in the structure of the connector as long as the connector can be separated to the extent not necessary.

Returning to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the protrusion 24
Is provided on the connector metal shell 2, so that a socket for an electrical connector according to the prior art, that is,
Since a conventional socket having no projection cannot be fitted to a socket intended for a connector, there is no possibility that the connector according to this embodiment is erroneously inserted into a socket intended only for an electric signal.

In the embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention,
Since the cross-sectional shape of the optical fiber array, which is an optical waveguide member, is gradually changed, the optical waveguide member can be arranged with a narrow width in the optical connector, thereby forming an optical connector having the same shape as a small electrical connector. can do.

According to this embodiment, the diameter is approximately 1 m.
Even when an optical fiber of m
mm, the two optical transmission units and the electric terminals can be arranged side by side on an optical connector having a width of 6 mm or less. Therefore, when the electric terminals are not required, the direction in which the two optical fiber arrays are arranged is: Even a small optical connector having a narrow width of 2.5 mm to 6.0 mm can be easily realized.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the use of the optical fiber array makes it possible to easily change the cross-sectional shape of the light transmission path, and to reduce the occurrence of light loss even if the optical waveguide member is bent and arranged. , Transmission loss can be suppressed.

As a result, the optical connector according to the embodiment of the present invention has a great effect when it is applied to an optical fiber cable having a large fiber diameter and when it is applied to a small optical connector. A large effect can be expected when applied to communication using a plastic optical fiber having a fiber diameter of 0.5 mmφ or more, for example, 0.75 mmφ or more and 1.25 mmφ or less. Further, according to the present invention, the optical fibers forming the optical fiber arrays 2 and 4 may not be densely arranged as in the above-described embodiment, but may be arranged with a large interval.

Next, the socket in the optical connector of the present invention and the electro-optical transmission module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

First, in this embodiment, the optical fiber array 6 for coupling the detector and the optical fiber array 8 for coupling the light source to the socket insulating member 36, and the socket metal terminals 34a to
34d, and the socket insulating member 36 is provided with a socket metal shell 38. Here, the optical fiber array 6 for coupling the detector and the optical fiber array 8 for coupling the light source are shown.
Are optical waveguide members.

The socket metal shell 38 is provided with a groove 40 which is not provided in the socket for only electric signals, so that it can be combined with both the connector for electric signals and the optical connector. That is, the groove 40 is formed in the projection 2 in the optical connector shown in FIG.
4 is provided in correspondence with FIG.

First, a photodetector module 50 is coupled to the detector coupling optical fiber array 6, and an optical signal input from the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 is input to a photodetector 48. The signal is converted into an electric signal, and is amplified by the amplifier 54 and output.

Next, a light source module 46 is connected to the light source coupling optical fiber array 8 so that an optical signal generated from the light source 42 provided in the light source module 46 is incident. Here, the light source 42 is driven by a driving circuit 52 based on an externally applied electric signal.
, So that an optical signal corresponding to the electric signal is generated.

In the electro-optical transmission module according to this embodiment, since the optical signal is coupled to the photodetector module 50 and the light source module 46 using the optical fiber array, the receiving optical fiber array 6 and the transmitting optical Even when the fiber array 8 is disposed close to the light source module 46, since the photodetector module 50 and the light source module 46 can be separated from each other, the photodetector module 50 and the light source module 46
And electrical crosstalk between them can be sufficiently suppressed. In particular, when optical communication is performed at high speed, crosstalk is likely to occur. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily cope with high-speed communication such as 250 Mbit / sec or more, which is extremely effective.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the optical connector shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is inserted into the socket shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and is connected thereto. The distal end of the receiving optical fiber array 2 is brought into contact with the end of the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 and optically coupled. Similarly, the transmitting optical fiber array 4 is inserted into the shell 38. Are butted against the optical fiber array 8 for light source coupling and coupled.

The connector electric terminals 18a to 18d
Are superimposed on and come into contact with the socket electrical terminals 34a to 34c, and are electrically coupled to each other. Further, the connector metal shell 22 and the socket metal shell 38 are also electrically coupled.

FIG. 8 shows the optical fiber array 6 for coupling detectors. In this embodiment, the fiber diameter is 0.4 m.
7 plastic optical fibers are arranged in a line at the junction with the optical fiber array 2 for detection, and rearranged so as to be substantially circular on the side of the photodetector 48, and bundled and arranged. I have.

At this time, each end of each optical fiber of the optical fiber array 2 for detection corresponds to each end of each fiber of the optical fiber array 6 for detector connection. The diameter of each fiber forming the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 is made larger than the diameter of each fiber of the detection optical fiber array 2, whereby the detection optical fiber array 2 and the detector coupling It is possible to reduce the light loss at the coupling portion of the optical fiber array 6.

Specifically, the receiving optical fiber 28 and the receiving optical fiber array 2 have a numerical aperture of 0.3, and the detector coupling optical fiber array 8 has a numerical aperture of 0.5. Thus, by receiving light using an optical fiber array having a large numerical aperture, the diameter of the optical fiber array can be gradually reduced toward the photodetector without light loss.

At this time, in this embodiment, each fiber having a fiber diameter of 0.4 mm is reduced to 0.25 mmφ. Therefore, the diameter of the optical fiber array on the photodetector 48 side falls within 0.75 mmφ. Since the light detector 48 has a light receiving diameter of 0.8 mmφ, the signal light from the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 can be efficiently detected. Since the 8 mmφ photodetector 48 is used, it is possible to easily detect even a high-speed data optical signal of 500 Mbit / sec or more.

FIG. 9 shows an optical fiber array 8 for coupling light sources. In this embodiment, the fiber diameter is 0.3 mm.
Three plastic optical fibers of φ are used, and these are bundled and used. As a result, the diameter of the light source coupling optical fiber array 8 becomes smaller than that of the transmission optical fiber array 4, so that the optical signal from the semiconductor laser 44 can be efficiently coupled to the transmission optical fiber array 4.

A semiconductor laser 44 is used as the light source 42. As shown in the figure, plastic optical fibers are arranged so as to be aligned in a direction in which the divergence angle is large according to the light emission pattern P of the semiconductor laser 44. The coupling optical fiber array 8 is formed.

When a light emitting diode or the like is used as the light source 42, the light source coupling optical fiber array 8 may be rearranged according to the light emitting pattern of the light source. For example, a light emitting diode emits light in an isotropic manner, and accordingly, the optical fibers may be bundled in a circular shape to form the light source coupling optical fiber array 8.

Next, driving of the electro-optical transmission module according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 will be described below. FIG. 10 shows a drive detection circuit of the electro-optical transmission module. The electro-optical transmission module according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The socket electrical terminals 34a to 34d are connected to the physical layer circuit 62 via the switching circuit 60. At this time, the socket metal shell 38 is grounded and connected to a common potential point.

The physical layer circuit 62 is a circuit for controlling detection and arbitration (arbitration) operation, communication speed negotiation, data communication, and the like of the connection of the partner device. Is detected, and thereafter, whether the inserted connector is an electrical connector or an optical connector is detected, and the switching circuit 60 is switched according to the detection result.

When the connector is an electrical connector, the signal path is switched to the socket electrical terminals 34a to 34d by the switching circuit 60, and communication is performed by transmitting and receiving electrical signals.

Next, when the optical connector is connected, the physical layer circuit 62 switches the switching circuit 60 to the modulation circuit 56 and the demodulation circuit 58. And the modulation circuit 5
6, the electric signal input from the physical layer circuit 62 is
The signal is converted into a code suitable for optical communication such as / 10B modulation, and the code converted into this code is
To drive the light source 42 and send out an optical signal to the light source coupling optical fiber array 8.

On the other hand, the optical signal transmitted through the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 is
The signal is detected by a zero photodetector 48, converted into a current-voltage signal by an amplifier 54, amplified, and input to a demodulation circuit 58. Therefore, the demodulation circuit 58 demodulates the input electric signal, performs code conversion, and supplies the converted signal to the physical layer circuit 62 via the switching circuit 60.

Next, the operation of detecting the type of connector and the communication procedure by the physical layer circuit 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a circuit provided in the switching circuit 60. In operation by an electric signal, the electric terminals 34a and 34b and the electric terminal 3
4c and the electric terminal 34d form a pair, each of which forms one transmission line, which is used for both transmission and reception.

Therefore, the electric terminal 34a and the electric terminal 34
b, an electric signal is transmitted from one drive circuit 64a, a data signal portion of the electric signal transmitted through the drive circuit 64a is received by one receive circuit 66a, and an arbitration signal portion is transmitted to one detection circuit 68a.

Similarly, the electric terminals 34c and 34d
, An electric signal is transmitted from the other drive circuit 64b, a data signal portion of the transmitted electric signal is the other receive circuit 66b, and an arbitration signal portion is a detection circuit 68b.
Then, each is received.

Here, the operation based on the electric signal and the operation based on the optical signal can be automatically detected in accordance with the type of the connected connector. 34b, a bias circuit 70 is connected via a resistor, whereby a bias voltage is applied, and a detection circuit 68a is connected. Next, an electric terminal 34c and an electric terminal 34d are connected.
Is grounded via a resistor, and is connected to a detection circuit 68b.

First, the operation of detecting that the connector is connected to the socket 33 and connected to the communication partner will be described separately for the case where the connector is for an electrical signal and the case for the optical signal.

In the case of an electrical signal connector, when the connector is connected, a voltage is applied from the bias circuit 70 to the electrical cable of the connector. Therefore, when the device is connected to both ends of the electric cable, the voltage applied from the bias circuit on the other side is input to the receiving circuit 66b, and by detecting this, the transmission path is connected to the other side. I understand.

Next, in the case of an optical fiber connector,
As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical terminals are connected to each other. Therefore, when the connector is inserted, as shown, between the socket electrical terminals 34a and 34c, and between the socket electrical terminals 34b and the socket electrical terminals as shown. The terminals 34d are short-circuited.

Therefore, when the connector is inserted, the bias voltage applied from the bias circuit 70 appears between the socket electric terminal 34c and the socket electric terminal 34d, and this is input to the receiving circuit 66b. Connection can be detected.

When the insertion of the connector is detected in this way, it is next determined whether the inserted connector is for an electric signal or an optical signal. Therefore, the drive circuit 6
The arbitration signal is transmitted from the drive circuit 4a and the drive circuit 64b, and the arbitration signal is detected by the detection circuits 68a and 68b.

Here, in the case of the connector for electric signals, an arbitration signal from the other party is detected, whereas in the case of the connector for optical signals, the signal of the drive circuit 64a is detected by the detection circuit 68b. Since the signal is detected and the signal of the drive circuit 64b is detected by the detection circuit 68a, it can be determined whether the connector is for an electrical signal or an optical signal.

The above operation is the operation from the processing 1 to the processing 2 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 until the judgment in the processing 2 becomes either NO (negative) or YES (affirmative). Thereafter, if the result is NO, the operation shifts to the operation of processing 3, and communication is performed according to the communication procedure of the electric signal as in the related art.

If YES, an arbitration signal is first sent out in process 4 by an optical signal. Here, when the transmission path by the optical cable is connected to the other party, a response to the transmitted arbitration signal is transmitted from the other party. By detecting this, the processing 6 is performed by the determination in the processing 5. Then, communication is performed according to the optical signal communication procedure.

On the other hand, despite transmitting the arbitration signal,
If there is no response from the other party, the process proceeds to process 7 based on the determination in process 5. At this time, it indicates that the transmission line by the optical fiber is not connected to the other party, so in this process 7, the process waits until there is a response from the other device, and when the other device responds, the process proceeds to the process 8. After the resetting, the processing proceeds to the processing 6 and the communication is performed according to the communication procedure of the optical signal.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the electrical connector and the optical connector are distinguished by using the electrical terminals provided in the electro-optical transmission module, a special change is required for the optical connector and the electro-optical transmission module. Instead, the operation can be automatically switched.

However, in the present invention, the method of distinguishing between the electrical connector and the optical connector is not limited to the method according to the above-described embodiment. For example, a switch is provided in a concave portion of a socket and a convex portion provided only in the optical connector. The parts may be detected and distinguished, or an electrical connector for identification may be separately provided in the optical connector and the socket to distinguish them.

According to the embodiment of the electro-optical transmission module, one socket can be shared by both the electric cable and the optical cable. Therefore, according to this embodiment, separate insertion ports for electric and optical are provided. It is not necessary to install the interface, and the installation area of the electric / optical interface can be reduced.

As a result, according to this embodiment, a high-speed optical interface can be mounted not only on a stationary device but also on a portable device, and short-distance transmission can be performed by an electric / optical interface. In this case, an electric cable can be used, and an optical cable can be used for a long connection.

Next, a second embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment described here, an optical connector is configured using an optical waveguide instead of an optical fiber array, and therefore, is different from the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. This will be mainly described.

First, FIG. 13 shows a receiving optical waveguide used in place of an optical fiber array in the optical connector and the optical transmission module according to the second embodiment. The optical waveguide 10 is provided in the optical connector, and the optical waveguide for detector coupling 14 is provided in the electro-optical transmission module. Therefore, the receiving optical waveguide 10 corresponds to the optical fiber array 2 shown in FIG. ,
The detector coupling optical waveguide 14 corresponds to the optical fiber array 6 shown in FIG.

Each of these optical waveguides 10 and 14 has a rectangular cross section and is formed by injection molding. In the figure, only the core portion is shown, but a transparent member having a low refractive index is provided as a clad on the surface, thereby forming an optical waveguide structure.

The light transmitted by the receiving optical fiber 28 is emitted from the end and enters the receiving optical waveguide 10. Then, the light is transmitted along the inside of the receiving optical waveguide 10 and becomes a beam long in one direction.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, when the optical connector provided with the receiving optical waveguide 10 is fitted into the optical transmission module, the output end of the receiving optical waveguide 10 is connected to the detector coupling optical waveguide. An optical signal is sent into the optical waveguide 14 for detector coupling while coming into contact with the incident end of the waveguide 14.

The optical signal incident on the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 is narrowed down in the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 and guided to the photodetector. The joint surface of the receiving optical waveguide 10 with the receiving optical fiber 28 has a size including the entire cross section of the receiving fiber 28. As a result, all the optical signals emitted from the receiving fiber 28 are received by the receiving optical fiber. The light enters the wave path 10.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, there is latitude in the positioning of the receiving optical fiber 28 and the receiving optical waveguide 10, and it is possible to sufficiently suppress the optical loss at the junction.

The same applies to the joint between the receiving optical waveguide 10 and the detector coupling optical waveguide 14, and the joint surface of the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 includes the joining surface of the receiving optical waveguide 10. In addition, the joint loss at the contact portion between the receiving optical waveguide 10 and the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 is suppressed.

At this time, the detector coupling optical waveguide 1
By making the numerical aperture of 4 larger than that of the receiving optical waveguide 10, the light emitting end face of the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 is made smaller than the light incident end face of the receiving optical waveguide 10 with almost no light loss. You can narrow down.

Here, the receiving optical fiber 28, the receiving optical waveguide 10, and the detector coupling optical waveguide 14 do not need to be arranged in a straight line. , Angle and shape may be adjusted.

FIG. 14 shows a transmission optical waveguide used in place of an optical fiber array in the optical connector and the optical transmission module according to the second embodiment. The reliable optical waveguide 12 is provided on the optical connector, and the light source coupling optical waveguide 16 is provided on the electro-optical transmission module. Therefore, the transmission optical waveguide 12 corresponds to the optical fiber array 4 shown in FIG. ,
The light source coupling optical waveguide 16 corresponds to the optical fiber array 8 shown in FIG.

Again, these optical waveguides 12, 16
Has a rectangular cross section and is made by injection molding.
Similarly, a transparent member having a low refractive index is provided as a clad on the surface so that an optical waveguide structure can be obtained.

When the light from the light source is incident on the light source coupling optical waveguide 16, this light is transmitted to the contact portion with the transmission optical waveguide 12 and is incident on the transmission optical waveguide 12. Then, the optical signal incident on the transmission optical waveguide 12 is sent to the transmission optical fiber 30 and transmitted to the receiving device side.

At this time, the shape and size of the end where the transmission optical waveguide 12 is joined to the transmission optical fiber 30 are set so as to be included in the end face of the transmission optical fiber 30.
Thus, even if there is a slight shift in the joint, all the optical signals emitted from the transmission optical waveguide 12 enter the transmission optical fiber 30. Therefore, also in this case, there is a margin in the alignment between the transmission optical fiber 30 and the transmission optical waveguide 12, and the optical loss at the junction is sufficiently suppressed.

At the junction between the transmission optical waveguide 12 and the light source coupling optical waveguide 16, the end face of the junction of the transmission optical waveguide 12 is made larger than the junction surface of the light source coupling optical waveguide 16. Is given a margin, and the joint loss at the joint between the transmission optical waveguide 12 and the light source coupling optical waveguide 14 can be suppressed.

Further, it is not necessary to arrange the transmission optical fiber 30, the transmission optical waveguide 12, and the light source coupling optical waveguide 16 in a straight line, and the angle and the shape are changed according to the installation space in the optical connector and the socket. Adjust it.

According to the embodiment of the optical connector, since the optical waveguide is integrally formed, the optical loss when the signal light enters the optical waveguide from the optical fiber can be sufficiently suppressed.
Further, since the optical waveguide can be injection-molded, any shape can be easily formed according to the installation space.

In the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the optical waveguide member in the optical connector or the optical transmission module is as follows.
For example, from a shape with small deviation of the distance from the center, such as a shape close to a circle or a square, for example, a shape long in one direction,
One of the features is that the shape is changed to another shape that is not similar to the center. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the optical waveguide is not limited by the embodiment.

By changing the cross-sectional shape in this manner, the outer peripheral length of the outer joint end surface on the opposite side is longer than the outer peripheral length of the inner joint end surface joined to the optical fiber.

In the above embodiment, the case where the entire optical waveguide is formed of a transparent member has been described.
A metal such as aluminum may be coated on the outside of the clad or directly on the surface of the core without using the clad. By using the metal coating, the inner surface of the optical waveguide becomes a total reflection surface. As a result, even when the light transmission path of the optical waveguide is bent with a large curvature, light loss can be sufficiently suppressed.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical connector according to the present embodiment inserted into a socket and connected thereto, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the embodiment described above, light coupling between the optical fiber arrays is obtained by abutting the respective end faces. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the vicinity of each end face is obtained. , Each side is superimposed so that light coupling can be obtained at the superimposed portion.

For this reason, in the embodiment of FIG. 15, grooves are provided on both outer surfaces of the connector metal shell 22, and the receiving optical fiber array 2 and the transmitting optical fiber array 4 are arranged therein, as shown in FIG. Similarly, the optical fiber array 6 for coupling the detector and the optical fiber array 8 for coupling the light source are formed by providing grooves on both inner surfaces of the socket metal shell 38.

At the end of the receiving optical fiber array 2, about 4
A reflecting surface 76a having an angle of 5 degrees is formed, and a reflecting surface 76b also having an angle of about 45 degrees is formed at the end of the optical fiber array 6 for coupling detectors. The transmission optical fiber array 4 and the light source coupling optical fiber array 8 also
Similarly, a reflection surface 76c and a reflection surface 76d are formed.

As shown, when the optical connector is inserted into the socket, the vicinity of the distal end of the receiving optical fiber array 2 and the vicinity of the distal end of the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 are overlapped, and the transmitting optical fiber array 6 is closed. The optical fiber array 4 and the optical fiber array 8 for coupling the light source are also arranged in an overlapping state.

As a result, the light transmitted through the receiving optical fiber array 2 is reflected by the reflecting surface 76a, exits from the side surface, enters the detector coupling optical fiber array 6 from the side surface, and is reflected by the reflecting surface 76b. Then, the light is guided into the optical fiber array 6 for detector coupling.

The transmission light signal transmitted through the light source coupling optical fiber array 8 is reflected by the reflection surface 76d.
After being reflected by the reflection surface 76c of the transmission optical fiber array 4, the light is transmitted through the transmission optical fiber array 4.

According to this embodiment, even when the distal end of the connector metal shell 22 is molded into a shape that reduces the size of its cross section, light coupling can be easily obtained, and the optical fiber array can be obtained. Since the end of the optical fiber array does not protrude, there is no danger of accidentally damaging the end of the optical fiber array, and handling becomes easy.

Next, FIG. 16 shows an example of an optical connector conversion optical cable using the optical connector according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 72 denotes an electric optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is an optical connector. With the fiber cable 32,
It is connected to a general optical connector 74.

The optical fiber 32 is a two-core optical fiber having two optical fibers. The two optical fibers are used separately for transmission and reception, and are respectively connected to predetermined portions of an optical connector.

As described above, the optical connector according to the present invention comprises:
It can be converted and connected with a conventional optical connector. Further, the optical connector according to the present invention may be provided with an insertion port of a conventional optical connector to constitute an optical connector converter.

In the above embodiments, the optical connector according to the present invention has been described using the embodiment having electric terminals. However, the present invention is not limited to those having electric terminals. May be provided. When no electrical terminal is provided, the optical connector can be further reduced in size.

In the above embodiment, the electric terminals are connected to each other in the connector. However, the electric terminals of the connectors at both ends of the cable may be electrically connected to each other. , Power supply, and low-speed electrical signal communication.

[0108]

According to the present invention, an optical waveguide member is provided inside, and the shape of the light incident end and the light emission end of the optical waveguide member is changed inside the optical connector, and the optical waveguide member at the joint of the optical connector is changed. So that the degree of freedom is given to the arrangement of
The size of the optical connector can be reduced, and both the optical coupling portion and the electric terminal can be arranged in the optical connector.

Further, the optical transmission module according to the present invention comprises:
Since an optical waveguide member is provided inside and light is extracted, both the optical coupling part and the electric terminal can be arranged,
An electric / optical transmission module can be easily provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan sectional view showing a first embodiment of an optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a receiving optical fiber array according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transmission optical fiber array according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a socket and an electro-optical transmission module for an optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a joint portion of a socket.

FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view showing an optical connector and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention joined together.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical fiber array for coupling detectors according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an optical fiber array for coupling light sources according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment including a drive detection circuit of the electro-optical transmission module according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of one embodiment of an electro-optical transmission module according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a communication procedure in one embodiment of the electro-optical transmission module according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical waveguide for reception in a second embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical waveguide for transmission in a second embodiment of the optical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing the optical connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention connected to a socket.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an optical connector conversion optical cable using the optical connector according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 optical fiber array for reception 4 optical fiber array for transmission 6 optical fiber array for detector coupling 8 optical fiber array for light source coupling 10 optical waveguide for reception 12 optical waveguide for transmission 14 optical waveguide for detector coupling 16 optical waveguide for light source coupling 18a to 18d Connector electric terminal 20 Connector insulating member 22 Connector metal shell 24 Projection 26 Connector case 28 Receiving optical fiber 30 Transmitting optical fiber 32 Optical fiber 33 Socket 34a to 34d Socket electric terminal 36 Socket insulating member 38 Socket metal shell 40 Groove 42 Light source 44 Semiconductor laser 46 Light source module 48 Photodetector 50 Photodetector module 52 Drive circuit 54 Amplifier 56 Modulation circuit 58 Demodulation circuit 60 Switching circuit 62 Physical layer circuits 64a, 64b Drive circuits 66a, 6 b receiving circuit 68a, 68b detecting circuit 70 bias circuit 72 electro-optical connector 74 optical connector 76a~76d reflecting surface 80 electro-optical combined module

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An optical connector for connecting an optical fiber, wherein an optical waveguide member is provided at an end of an optical fiber to be connected, and the optical waveguide member has a surface shape of the end at an end of the optical fiber. An optical connector characterized by having a cross-sectional shape similar to that of (a) and a cross-sectional shape different from the surface shape of the end portion on the opposite side. 2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the optical waveguide member on the opposite side is rectangular. 3. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein said optical waveguide member comprises an optical fiber array comprising a plurality of optical fibers. 4. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein an electrical terminal is provided in the optical connector. 5. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein a dimension of a longer side of the rectangle is 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less. 6. The optical connector according to claim 5, wherein two optical waveguide members are provided, and an electric terminal is provided between the optical waveguide members. 7. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is an optical fiber having an outer diameter of 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm. 8. An optical transmission module comprising a light source, a photodetector, and a socket for connecting an optical connector, wherein an optical waveguide member for connecting the optical connector and the light source is provided inside the socket, and the optical connector. And an optical waveguide member for connecting the photodetector, wherein the optical waveguide members have different surface shapes at one end surface and the other end surface. 9. The optical transmission module according to claim 8, wherein said optical waveguide member comprises an optical fiber array. 10. The optical transmission module according to claim 8, further comprising: identification means for identifying a type of a connector connected to the socket, wherein the light source and the light source are connected in accordance with the type of the connector identified by the identification means. An operation of performing optical communication using a photodetector,
An electro-optical transmission module, wherein communication is performed by switching to an operation of performing communication by an electric signal using the electric terminal.