JP2002048920A - Optical communication system for moving body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical communication system for a moving body wherein the range of communication is wide, communication is possible even during the running of the moving body, the range of communication is specified, optical axes are easily aligned and the number of installations of ground optical communication devices is reduced. SOLUTION: Light is introduced from the ground optical communication device 6 to an end surface facing the side surface of V grooves of a plate shaped light introducing body 7 wherein plural reflecting parts 7a consisting of the V grooves are provided in parallel on a plane, introduced light is reflected by the reflecting parts 7a, a luminous flux is emitted and light is radiated from the other plane toward an on-vehicle optical communication device 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mobile communication system for transmitting and receiving optical communication signals between a mobile optical communication device mounted on a mobile object and a terrestrial optical communication device provided on the ground. The invention relates to a body optical communication system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In factories and warehouses, some transport vehicles that transport materials and articles are guided by a track and run unmanned. Such a transport vehicle is provided with a computer, which controls communication with the computer of a base station provided on the ground by controlling the travel of the transport vehicle. Conventionally, optical communication has been adopted between these computers. Specifically, an on-board optical communication device (mobile station) mounted on a carrier and a terrestrial optical communication device provided on the ground side are used. Optical signals are transmitted and received to and from the device (base station).

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional optical communication system of a mobile body and a carrier. In FIG. 31, reference numeral 21 denotes a carrier. The transport vehicle 21 includes four wheels 21a and a carrier 21b on which articles and the like are placed. A light transmitting window 21c is provided on a side surface of the loading platform 21b.
Has an in-vehicle optical communication device 22 and a computer 23 arranged such that the light receiving surface is parallel to the light transmission window 21c. A pedestal 26 having a computer 25 is provided at a predetermined position along the transport path 24 of the transport vehicle 21, and a terrestrial optical communication device 27 is provided on an upper surface of the pedestal 26.

The optical signal transmitted by the terrestrial optical communication device 27 based on the signal output from the computer 25 is received by the on-vehicle optical communication device 22, and the optical signal is given to the computer 23. The optical signal transmitted by the onboard optical communication device 22 based on the signal output by the computer 23 is received by the terrestrial optical communication device 27, and the optical signal is given to the computer 25. In this way, the communication between the computer 23 and the computer 25 is performed, and the destination of the carrier 21 is specified.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another conventional optical communication system for a mobile body and a carrier, and 31 is a carrier. The transport vehicle 31 rotates on a track 32 4
There are provided two wheels 31a and a carrier 31b on which articles and the like are placed. A light transmitting window 31c is provided on the front surface of the loading platform 31b.
In-vehicle optical communication device 33 arranged parallel to 1c
And a computer 34. A pedestal 36 equipped with a computer 35 is installed at the center of the end of the track 32, and the terrestrial optical communication device 3
7 are provided.

The transport vehicle 31 reciprocates between an end on the side of the track 32 where the pedestal 36 is provided and the other end. FIG.
Similarly, the on-board optical communication device 33 and the terrestrial optical communication device 37
The communication between the computer 34 of the carrier 31 and the computer 35 on the ground side is performed via the. And the traveling of the carrier 31 is controlled.

[0007]

In the carrier 21 shown in FIG. 31, the direction of communication between the onboard optical communication device 22 and the terrestrial optical communication device 27 is orthogonal to the traveling direction of the carrier 21;
Unless the transport vehicle 21 stops at an accurate position, the light emitted from the terrestrial optical communication device 27 is not received by the on-vehicle optical communication device 22 and communication cannot be performed. In addition, there is a problem that communication during movement is difficult. And the transport vehicle 21
In order to instruct the destination, the terrestrial optical communication device 27 must be arranged at each of the transfer station and the crossroads such as the crossroads. When installing the terrestrial optical communication device 27, the onboard optical communication device 22
It is necessary to perform optical axis alignment between the optical axis and the optical axis. If the optical axis deviates with time, maintenance and management costs for the adjustment are required, and installation costs are required to prevent the optical axis deviation. There was a problem.

In the transport vehicle 31 shown in FIG. 32, it is necessary to employ a high-output optical communication device when traveling on a long distance track 32. On an L-shaped road, a U-shaped road, and a crossroad, one or a plurality of terrestrial optical communication devices 37 need to be installed for each straight line portion of the track 32, which causes a problem of increasing the number of terrestrial optical communication devices 37 installed. there were. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the transport vehicle 31 travels on a curved portion. As shown in FIG. 33, when the direction of the transport vehicle 31 changes in a curved portion or the like, the communication is temporarily interrupted, and during the interrupt, the state of the transport vehicle 31 becomes unknown. It is necessary to install a plurality of optical communication devices 37.
Further, the terrestrial optical communication device 37 needs to be installed on an extension of the track 32, and cannot be installed when obstacles such as wall surfaces and fire doors are present at the ends of the track 32 (ends of the blind lane and the round-trip road). There was a problem.

The terrestrial optical communication device 27 (37) emits light so as to be diffused.
7 (37), the in-vehicle optical communication device 22 (3
As the distance of 2) increases, the in-vehicle optical communication device 22 (3
2) The amount of light received is reduced. In-vehicle optical communication device 22
In (32), when the light is not received with the light amount equal to or larger than the preset light amount, the optical signal cannot be received. Therefore, the on-vehicle optical communication device 22 (32)
7 (37), it is necessary to specify a range (communication range) that can communicate with the terrestrial optical communication device 2
7 (37) is not only determined by the intensity of light emitted, but also depends on the intensity of external light and the like. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to specify the communication range.

A concave lens may be interposed between the on-vehicle optical communication device 22 (33) and the terrestrial optical communication device 27 (37) in order to diverge the light beam and widen the communication range. However, also in this case, there is a problem that light emitted from the terrestrial optical communication device 27 (37) is diffused, it is difficult to specify a communication range, and it is not possible to install the device close to an orbit.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and introduces light from a terrestrial optical communication device, reflects the introduced light by a reflecting portion, and diverges a light beam, thereby providing the mobile optical communication device. By providing a light guide that emits light toward, the communication range is widened, communication can be performed even while the mobile is traveling, and communication can be easily performed by specifying the shape of the light guide. The range can be specified, the terrestrial optical communication device can be installed near the traveling trajectory of the moving object, and when the light emitting surface of the light guide is configured as a curved surface, it can be used on curved roads, crossroads, etc. It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system that eliminates the need to install a terrestrial optical communication device for each straight line portion and can reduce the number of terrestrial optical communication devices installed.

Another object of the present invention is to make the light guide plate-shaped,
On one plane, a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves are provided, light is introduced from an end face facing the side surface of the groove, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from another plane, so that Light can be emitted from another plane, and the communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the end face of the light guide so as to face each other. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system that requires only a small installation space for a light guide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a plate-like shape, a plurality of reflecting portions each having a groove provided in parallel on one plane, and introducing light from an end face facing the side surface of the groove. Is reflected by the reflecting portion and the light is emitted from another plane, so that the light can be emitted from the other plane, the communication range can be easily specified, and the terrestrial optical communication By arranging the device and the end face of the light guide so as to face each other, the optical axis can be easily aligned, the installation space for the light guide can be reduced, and the intensity of light emitted from another plane can be reduced. Can be made substantially uniform throughout,
An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system that further stabilizes communication between a mobile optical communication device and a terrestrial optical communication device.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a curved plate shape, and to provide a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves on an outer surface,
Light is introduced from the end face facing the side face of the groove, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner face, so that the light can be emitted from the inner face, and the communication range can be obtained. The optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the end surface of the light guide so as to face each other, and the light guide can be guided along the moving path of the moving body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a mobile moving on a curved portion or the like can perform optical communication with a terrestrial optical communication device by bending an optical body.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, to provide a plurality of reflecting portions comprising grooves on one or a plurality of side surfaces in the longitudinal direction, and to introduce light from one end surface. By reflecting the introduced light by the reflecting portion and emitting the light from the side surface facing the side surface,
Light can be emitted from the side surface, and the communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis alignment can be performed by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a plurality of light guides are arranged in parallel so that a mobile and a terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication system of a mobile body which can emit light from a light guide substantially in parallel by using a V-shaped groove.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a plate-like shape, a plurality of reflecting portions each having a hole on one plane, introducing light from one end surface of the light guide, and reflecting the introduced light. By reflecting the light by the unit and emitting the light from another plane, the light can be emitted from the other plane, and the communication range can be easily specified, and the terrestrial optical communication device and An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system in which the optical axis is easily aligned by arranging the one end surface of the light guide so as to face the light guide, and the installation space for the light guide is small.

Still another object of the present invention is to form the light guide into a curved plate shape, and provide a plurality of reflecting portions each having a hole on an outer surface thereof.
Light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, so that light can be emitted from the inner surface.
It is possible to easily identify the communication range,
By arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other, alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the curved part is moved by bending the light guide along the moving path of the moving body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a moving mobile unit can perform optical communication with a terrestrial optical communication device.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, provide a plurality of reflection portions each having a hole on one or a plurality of side surfaces, and introduce light from one end surface of the light guide. And
By reflecting the introduced light by the reflecting portion and emitting the light from the side surface facing the side surface, the light can be emitted from the side surface, and the communication range can be easily specified. In addition, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end face of the light guide so as to face each other, optical axis alignment is facilitated. An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of optical signals simultaneously with a device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication system of a mobile body capable of emitting light from a light guide substantially in parallel by making the hole into a conical shape.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a plate-like shape, a plurality of reflection portions each having a projecting portion protruding from the one plane, and introducing light from one end surface of the light guide. By reflecting the introduced light by the reflector and emitting the light from another plane, the light can be emitted from the other plane, and the communication range can be easily specified. In addition, by disposing the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end face of the light guide so as to face each other, the optical axis can be easily aligned, and a space for installing the light guide can be reduced. It is in.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a curved plate shape, a plurality of reflection portions comprising protrusions protruding from the outer surface provided on an outer surface, and light from one end surface of the light guide. Is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, so that the light can be emitted from the inner surface, and the communication range can be easily specified. In addition, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end face of the light guide so as to face each other, the optical axis alignment is facilitated, and the light guide is curved along the moving path of the moving body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a mobile moving along a curved portion can perform optical communication with a terrestrial optical communication device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and providing, on one or a plurality of side surfaces, a plurality of reflection portions each having a projecting portion projecting from the side surface. Light is introduced from one end face, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side face facing the side face, whereby light can be emitted from the side face, and the communication range can be increased. In addition to being able to easily specify, the optical axis alignment is facilitated by disposing the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other, and a plurality of light guides are arranged in parallel. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a mobile object and a terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication system of a mobile body capable of emitting light from a light guide substantially in parallel by making the shape of the protrusion into a pyramid shape. .

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a plate-like shape, a reflecting portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light on one plane, and providing light from one end face of the light guide. Is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light is emitted from the other plane, so that the light can be emitted from the other plane, and the communication range can be easily specified. In addition, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other, optical axis alignment is facilitated, and a mobile optical communication system that requires a small installation space for the light guide is provided. To provide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a curved plate shape, and a reflection portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light on an outer surface, and one end face of the light guide. By introducing light from the device, reflecting the introduced light by the reflector, and emitting the light from the inner surface, the light can be emitted from the inner surface, and the communication range can be easily specified. And the optical axis alignment is facilitated by disposing the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other, and the light guide is curved along the moving path of the moving body. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical communication system of a mobile body in which a mobile body moving on a curved portion can perform optical communication with a terrestrial optical communication device.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and to provide, on one or a plurality of side surfaces, a reflector made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light,
Light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface, whereby light can be emitted from the side surface. The communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a plurality of light guides are arranged in parallel so that a mobile and a terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system capable of forming a reflector having a stable reflectance by printing a diffuser on a light guide. .

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system in which the size of the reflecting portion can be easily changed by attaching a sheet-like diffuser to the light guide. Is to do.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a plate shape, disperse the particles for scattering the introduced light inside the light guide, and provide a reflecting portion made of a reflector on one plane to guide the light. Light is introduced from one end surface of the light body, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, and the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from another plane. Light can be emitted, the communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system that requires a small installation space for a light guide.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a curved plate shape, disperse particles for scattering the introduced light inside the light guide, and provide a reflection portion made of a reflector on the outer surface. ,
Light is introduced from one end face of the light guide, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner face, whereby the inner face is formed. Light can be emitted from the optical communication device, the communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. A light guide that bends along a moving path of the moving body, whereby the moving body moving along the curved portion can perform optical communication with the terrestrial optical communication device. It is in.

Still another object of the present invention is to form a light guide into a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, disperse particles for scattering the introduced light inside the light guide, and apply one or more side surfaces of the light guide to the reflector. Provide a reflection part, and introduce light from one end surface of the light guide,
The introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side facing the side, so that light can be emitted from the side, The communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a mobile object and a terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals by arranging the optical signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a first light-transmitting member having a round bar shape and a second light-transmitting member having a refractive index different from that of the first light-transmitting member and covering the first light-transmitting member. A light-transmitting member having a light-transmitting member and a reflecting portion formed of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light at a portion between the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member. Provided, light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light is emitted from the side facing the reflector. It is possible to emit light, it is possible to easily specify the communication range, and it is easy to align the optical axis by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. By arranging the light guides in parallel, the mobile unit and the terrestrial optical communication device can transmit and receive multiple optical signals simultaneously. To provide an optical communication system of a moving body can.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a light guide having a round bar shape, and a reflection portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light provided on a side portion of the light guide. Introducing light from one end surface, reflecting the introduced light by the reflecting portion, and configuring the light to be emitted from the side facing the reflecting portion, light can be emitted from the side portion, The communication range can be easily specified, and the optical axis can be easily aligned by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile optical communication system in which a mobile object and a terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals by arranging the optical signals.

Still another object of the present invention is to further provide a reflector for covering the outer periphery of the light guide except for a side facing the reflector, so that the reflector can be formed as compared with the case where there is no reflector. An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile optical communication system capable of increasing the amount of light emitted from a side facing the mobile terminal.

[0036]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile optical communication system comprising: a mobile optical communication device mounted on a mobile body; and a terrestrial optical communication device provided on the ground. In a mobile optical communication system configured to transmit and receive communication signals, light is introduced from the terrestrial optical communication device, the introduced light is reflected by a reflecting portion, and a light beam is diverged. A light guide for emitting light toward the light source.

The mobile optical communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a light guide that diverges a light beam and emits the light toward the mobile optical communication device. The range in which the mobile optical communication device can receive the transmitted optical communication signal is widened, and communication can be performed even while the mobile is moving. Since the communication range is wide, even if there is an obstacle at the end of the transport path or the like, it may be installed near the obstacle. Since the range of light emitted from the light guide is easily limited, the communication range can be easily specified. further,
When the light-emitting surface of the light guide is formed into a curved surface, it is not necessary to install a terrestrial optical communication device for each straight line portion on a curved road or a crossroad, and the number of terrestrial optical communication devices to be installed can be reduced. it can.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, the light guide has a plate-like shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions each formed of a groove are provided on one plane, and a side surface of the groove is provided. Light is introduced from the end face facing the surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the light guide has a plate-like shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves are provided in parallel on one plane. Light is introduced from an end surface facing the side surface of the light source, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the light is introduced from the end face of the light guide by a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves formed on one plane of the plate-shaped light guide. By reflecting light, light can be emitted from other planes, so that the amount of light at the part facing the other plane is larger than the amount of light at other parts outside the light guide, The communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane. Further, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the end face of the light guide so as to face each other, or by joining the two, the optical axis can be easily aligned, and the maintenance cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. . Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of reflecting portions each having a groove are provided in parallel, so that adjacent grooves are provided at appropriate intervals to emit light from another plane. The intensity of the generated light can be made substantially uniform over the entire other plane, and the communication between the mobile optical communication device and the terrestrial optical communication device can be further stabilized at the portion facing the other plane.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, the light guide has a curved plate shape.
On the outer surface, there are provided a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves, and light is introduced from an end surface facing the side surface of the groove, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface. It is characterized by being done.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the light introduced from the end face of the light guide is formed by a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves provided on the outer surface of the curved light guide. By reflecting the light, light can be emitted from the inner surface, so that the amount of light at the central portion of the curve from the inner surface is larger than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide. Therefore, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner side surface. Further, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the end face of the light guide so as to face each other, or by joining the two, the optical axis can be easily aligned, and the maintenance cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. . When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and a reflecting portion comprising a groove is formed on one or a plurality of side surfaces in a longitudinal direction. The light is introduced from one end face, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection section, and the reflected light is emitted from the side face facing the side face.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the light guide is formed by a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves provided on one or more side surfaces of a rod-shaped light guide having a polygonal cross section. By reflecting the light introduced from one end surface, light can be emitted from the side surface facing the side surface, so that the amount of light at the portion facing the side surface that emits light is different from that outside the light guide. Since the light amount is larger than the light amount in the portion, the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
A plurality of light guides, with the moving direction of the moving body as the longitudinal direction,
By arranging in parallel, the mobile unit and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile optical communication system according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the groove is a V-shaped groove.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the inclined surface of the V-groove at an appropriate angle.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the light guide has a plate-like shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions each having a hole are provided on one plane, and the light is transmitted from one end face. Is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the light introduced from one end surface of the light guide is reflected by a plurality of reflection portions formed in one plane of the light guide having a plate shape. By reflecting the light, light can be emitted from another plane. Therefore, the light amount at a portion facing the other plane is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, so that the communication range is increased. Can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

An optical communication system for a mobile object according to an eighth aspect is the mobile communication system according to the first aspect, wherein the light guide has a curved plate shape,
On the outer surface, there are provided a plurality of reflecting portions formed of holes, light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface. Features.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide by a plurality of reflecting portions formed of holes formed on the outer surface of the light guide having a curved plate shape. By reflecting light, light can be emitted from the inner surface, so that the amount of light at the central portion of the curve from the inner surface is larger than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide. Therefore, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the mobile optical communication system according to the first aspect, the light guide has a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and a plurality of reflecting portions each having a hole is provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces. The light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the light guide is formed by a plurality of reflection portions formed of holes formed on one or a plurality of side surfaces of a rod-shaped light guide having a polygonal cross section. By reflecting the light introduced from one end surface, light can be emitted from the side surface facing the side surface, so that the amount of light at the portion facing the side surface that emits light is different from that outside the light guide. Since the light amount is larger than the light amount in the portion, the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
A plurality of light guides, with the moving direction of the moving body as the longitudinal direction,
By arranging in parallel, the mobile unit and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

The mobile optical communication system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the hole has a conical shape.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the peripheral surface of the conical hole at an appropriate angle.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a mobile optical communication system comprising:
In the first invention, the light guide has a plate shape, and a plurality of reflection portions each including a protrusion protruding from the one plane are provided on one plane, and light is introduced from one end face, and the introduced light is reflected. The light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the light introduced from one end surface of the light guide is provided by a plurality of reflection portions formed of projecting portions provided on one plane of the plate-shaped light guide. By reflecting the light, light can be emitted from another plane, and the amount of light at a portion facing the other plane is larger than the amount of light at another portion outside the light guide. The range can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane. In addition, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide are arranged to face each other, or the two are joined to facilitate optical axis alignment,
The maintenance cost for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a curved plate shape, and has a plurality of reflection portions provided on an outer surface formed of protrusions protruding from the outer surface. Light is introduced from one end surface and introduced. The light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twelfth aspect, the light is introduced from one end of the light guide by a plurality of reflecting portions formed of projecting portions provided on the outer surface of the curved light guide. By reflecting the light, the light can be emitted from the inner surface, so that the amount of light at the central portion of the curve from the inner surface is smaller than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide. Since the number of communication ranges increases, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

A mobile optical communication system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and one or more side surfaces are provided with a plurality of reflection portions including protrusions protruding from the side surfaces, and light is introduced from one end surface. Then, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the light guide is formed by a plurality of reflection portions formed on one or a plurality of side surfaces of a rod-shaped light guide having a polygonal cross section. By reflecting the light introduced from one end surface of the light guide, light can be emitted from the side surface facing the side surface. Since the light amount is larger than the light amount in the portion, the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

A mobile optical communication system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, the projecting portion has a pyramid shape.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the peripheral surface of the pyramidal projection at an appropriate angle.

A mobile optical communication system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a plate-like shape, and a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided on one plane, and light is introduced from one end face and introduced. The light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the fifteenth aspect, the light introduced from one end face of the light guide is reflected by the reflecting portion formed of a diffuser provided on one plane of the plate-shaped light guide. By doing so, light can be emitted from the other plane, and the light amount at the part facing the other plane is larger than the light amount at other parts outside the light guide. It can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

A mobile optical communication system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a curved plate shape, and a reflection portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided on an outer surface, and light is introduced from one end surface,
The introduced light is reflected by the reflection section, and the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the light introduced from one end face of the light guide is reflected by a reflector made of a diffuser provided on the outer surface of the light guide having a curved plate shape. By reflecting the light, light can be emitted from the inner surface, so that the amount of light at the central portion of the curve from the inner surface is larger than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide. Therefore, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

A mobile optical communication system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces. Light is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a light guide having a polygonal cross section is provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces of the light guide by means of a reflector made of a diffuser. By reflecting the light introduced from the end face, light can be emitted from the side face facing the side face, so that the amount of light at the portion facing the side face from which the light is emitted is reduced by another portion outside the light guide. Therefore, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
A plurality of light guides, with the moving direction of the moving body as the longitudinal direction,
By arranging in parallel, the mobile unit and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

The mobile optical communication system according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, the reflection portion is formed by printing the diffuser on the light guide.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the reflector is formed by printing a diffuser on the light guide to form a reflector, thereby forming a groove or a hole in the light guide to form the reflector. The variation in the reflectance of the reflection part is smaller than
A reflecting portion having a stable reflectance can be formed.

A mobile communication system according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, the reflection unit is characterized in that the sheet-shaped diffuser is attached to the light guide.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a sheet-shaped diffuser is attached to a light guide to form a reflector, so that the reflector needs to be enlarged. , A diffuser may be attached to the light guide,
When it is necessary to reduce the size of the reflection portion, the size of the reflection portion can be easily changed because the diffuser attached to the light guide may be removed.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile optical communication system comprising:
In the first invention, the light guide has a plate shape, and particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside.
A reflection portion made of a reflector is provided on one plane, light is introduced from one end surface, and the introduced light is scattered by the particles,
The scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twentieth aspect, light introduced from one end face of the light guide is scattered by particles scattered inside the plate-shaped light guide, and The light can be emitted from the other plane by reflecting this light by the reflecting portion made of the reflector provided on one plane, and therefore, the light amount at the portion facing the other plane can be reduced by the light guide. The communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane because the light amount is larger than the light amount in other portions outside the device. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a curved plate shape, particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside, and a reflection portion made of a reflector is provided on an outer surface, and one end surface is provided. The light is introduced from the inside, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-first aspect, light introduced from one end surface of the light guide is scattered by particles scattered inside the curved plate-shaped light guide to guide the light. The light can be emitted from the inner surface by reflecting this light by the reflecting portion formed of the reflector provided on the outer surface of the light body. However, since the light amount is larger than the light amount at other portions outside the light guide, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twenty-second aspect is:
In the first invention, the light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and particles that scatter the introduced light are scattered inside the light guide, and a reflection portion made of a reflector is provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces. The light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface. It is characterized by the following.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-second invention, the light introduced from one end face of the light guide is scattered by particles scattered inside the rod-shaped light guide having a polygonal cross section. By reflecting the light by a reflecting portion formed of a reflector provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces of the light guide, light can be emitted from the side surface facing the side surface, thereby emitting light. Since the light amount at the portion facing the side surface is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. Further, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end face of the light guide are arranged facing each other,
Alternatively, by joining them, optical axis alignment is facilitated, and maintenance and management costs for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a first light-transmitting member having a round bar shape, and a second light-transmitting member having a refractive index different from that of the first light-transmitting member, and covering the first light-transmitting member. And a translucent member,
A reflection portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided in a part between the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member, and introduces light from one end surface, The reflected light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from the side facing the reflector.

In the mobile communication system according to the twenty-third aspect, the first light-transmitting member having a round rod shape and a refractive index different from those of the first light-transmitting member cover the first light-transmitting member. A light guide including a diffuser interposed between a portion of the light guide including the second light transmissive member and the first light transmissive member and the second light transmissive member. By reflecting the light introduced from one end surface, light can be emitted from the side of the light guide facing the reflective portion, and therefore, the amount of light at the portion facing the side from which the light is emitted is reduced. Since the light amount is larger than the light amount in other parts outside the light body, the communication range can be easily specified as the part facing the side part. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first invention, the light guide has a round bar shape, and a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided on a side portion, and light is introduced from one end surface and introduced. The light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the reflected light is emitted from a side portion facing the reflection portion.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the light introduced from one end surface of the light guide is reflected by the reflector made of a diffuser provided on the side of the round light guide. This allows light to be emitted from the side of the light guide that faces the reflective portion, and thus the amount of light at the portion facing the light-emitting side is reduced by other portions outside the light guide. The communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the side portion.
In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

A mobile optical communication system according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention comprises:
A twenty-third or a twenty-fourth invention is characterized by further comprising a reflector covering an outer peripheral surface of the light guide except for a side facing the reflector.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the outer periphery of the light guide is covered with the reflector except for the side facing the reflector for emitting light, thereby excluding the side facing the reflector. It is possible to prevent the light from leaking from the outer periphery of the light emitting device and increase the amount of light emitted from the side facing the reflecting portion.

[0086]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical communication system and a carrier of a mobile unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view thereof. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a transport vehicle. The carrier 1 includes four wheels 1a and a carrier 1b on which articles and the like are placed. A light transmission window 1c is provided on a side surface of the loading platform 1b, and the loading platform 1b incorporates an in-vehicle optical communication device 2 and a computer 3 arranged so that a light receiving surface is parallel to the light transmission window 1c. I have.

At a predetermined position along the transport path 4 of the transport vehicle 1, a rectangular parallelepiped ground station 5 is arranged so that its side surface is parallel to the transport path 4. A window 5a is provided on a side surface of the ground station 5 facing the transport path 4. The ground station 5 includes a terrestrial optical communication device 6, a light guide 7, a computer 8
And built-in. The terrestrial optical communication device 6 is arranged such that the light emitting surface coincides with the vertical direction.

For example, the light guide 7 made of an organic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate having a light-transmitting property is formed in a plate shape, has a predetermined inclination angle on one plane, and has a V-shaped groove parallel to the end face. A plurality of reflecting portions 7a are provided continuously in a direction orthogonal to the end face. The light guide 7 has the end face facing the light emitting face of the terrestrial optical communication device 6, and the other plane faces the ground station 5.
Are arranged so as to face the window 5a.

In the light guide 7, the light introduced from the end face is reflected by each part including the reflection part 7a, and is emitted from another plane (light emission surface) in a state where the light flux is diverged. The inclination angle of the inclined surface of the reflecting portion 7a is set so that the light reflected on the inclined surface is emitted from another plane substantially perpendicularly to this plane. The light emitted from the light guide 7 is received by the in-vehicle optical communication device 2 through the light transmission window 1c of the carrier 1.

The optical signal transmitted by the terrestrial optical communication device 6 based on the signal output by the computer 8 is received by the vehicle-mounted optical communication device 2 via the light guide 7, and the optical signal is given to the computer 3. The optical signal transmitted by the on-vehicle optical communication device 2 based on the signal output by the computer 3 is received by the terrestrial optical communication device 6 via the light guide 7, and the optical signal is given to the computer 8. In this way, the communication between the computer 3 and the computer 8 is performed, and the destination and the like of the carrier 1 are instructed.

In the optical communication system according to the first embodiment, the range in which the optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 6 can be received by the on-vehicle optical communication device 2 is widened, and the communication can be performed even while the carrier 1 is moving. It becomes possible to do. Since the communication range is wide, if there is an obstacle at the position where the ground station 5 is to be installed, it may be installed near the obstacle. And the light guide 7
Is emitted from substantially the entire light emitting surface, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the light emitting surface.

Further, by aligning the light emitting surface of the terrestrial optical communication device 6 with the end surface of the light guide 7 or by joining both, the alignment of the optical axis is facilitated, and the maintenance of the optical axis adjustment is facilitated. Management costs can be reduced. And since the light guide 7 is flat, the installation space is small.

The light guide 7 may cover the end face and the side face opposite to the side receiving light from the terrestrial optical communication device 6 with a white tape or the like, and emit light only from the light emitting surface.
In the first embodiment, the case where the reflecting portion 7a is formed of a V-shaped groove parallel to the end surface of the light guide 7 and a plurality of the grooves are provided continuously in a direction orthogonal to the end surface is described. However, the shape of the reflector 7a may be another shape such as a U-shaped groove. The reflecting portions 7a may be provided at predetermined intervals, or the reflecting portions 7a may be provided in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle from a direction orthogonal to the end face. The angle of light to be incident on the end face of the light guide 7 from the terrestrial optical communication device 6, the inclination angle of the reflector 7 a, the interval between the reflectors 7 a, the angle of each reflector 7 a with respect to the end face of the light guide 7, and the like are changed. Thereby, the light-emitting surface of the light guide 7 is adjusted in accordance with the positional relationship between the in-vehicle optical communication device 2, the terrestrial optical communication device 6, and the light guide 7 and the shape of the transport path 4 on which the carrier 1 travels. The angle of the emitted light can be arbitrarily changed.

Further, in the first embodiment, the configuration in which each reflecting portion 7a is a V-groove provided so as to connect the opposing sides of one plane of the light guide 7 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a plurality of shorter V-grooves may be provided between the opposite sides so as to be linearly arranged at predetermined intervals.

Further, for example, a white sheet may be attached to the surface of the reflecting portion 7a to prevent light from leaking from this portion to the outside. An aluminum alloy may be deposited to further improve the reflectance of the reflecting portion 7a.

In the first embodiment, the reflecting portions 7a are provided continuously without any distance between the adjacent reflecting portions 7a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the distance from the end face on the incident side of the light body 7 increases,
The interval between the adjacent reflecting portions 7a may be narrowed, and the number of the reflecting portions 7a may be increased as the distance from the end face increases. By doing so, the amount of light passing through the inside of the light guide 7 decreases as the distance from the end face on the incident side of the light guide 7 decreases, so that the entire light emission surface of the light guide 7 The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

Further, for example, a white tape is adhered to the end face of the light guide 7 opposite to the end face on the incident side, so that the light received at the end face is reflected to the inside of the light guide. In the middle part of the light guide 7, the distance between the adjacent reflection parts 7 a is reduced.
May be widened at both ends of the reflective portion 7a. By doing so, the number of the reflecting portions 7a is reduced at both end portions of the light guide 7 through which a large amount of light passes,
In the middle portion of the light guide 7 where the amount of light passing therethrough is small,
Since the number of “a” increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 7.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another light guide.
On the plane of the light guide 7, a reflecting portion 7a formed by a V groove inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the end face of the light guide 7 and a V groove inclined to the opposite side to the V groove is provided. Two types of V-grooves are provided in an alternately arranged state. In this light guide 7, light is incident on one end face in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, and this light is reflected by each part including the reflection part 7a, and is emitted from another plane in a state where the light flux is diverged. I do. Further, for example, as the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the number of the reflecting portions 7a is increased in the vertical direction while increasing the number of the reflecting portions 7a. The amount can be made substantially uniform.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. In the plane of the light guide 7, there is provided a reflection portion 7a composed of a plurality of quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusions. In the light guide 7, as shown by arrows in the drawing, the end face and side faces are provided. Light can be incident from two directions. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflection portions 7a as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emission surface of the light guide 7.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. On the plane of the light guide 7, there is provided a reflecting portion 7a composed of a plurality of conical holes. As shown by arrows in the figure, the light guide 7 also has two end faces and side faces. Light can be incident from a direction. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 7a as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 7 can be
The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another light guide, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light path in the light guide. On the plane of the light guide 7, a plurality of strip-shaped reflecting portions 7a are provided. The reflecting portion 7a is configured by printing a white light diffusing agent on the flat surface, or attaching a white light diffusing sheet to the flat surface, for example. When the light introduced into the light guide 7 hits the reflecting portion 7a, the light is diffused and reflected, and a part of the reflected light is emitted from the light emitting surface. Further, in the light guide 7, in order to make the amount of light to be emitted substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 7, as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the reflection portion 7 a Although the width is increased and the interval between the adjacent reflecting portions 7a is reduced, for example, the reflecting portions 7a
a may cover the entire plane of the light guide 7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another light guide, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light path in the light guide. Inside the light guide 7, particles 7b made of a translucent material having a different refractive index from the material of the light guide 7 are provided.
Are provided on the plane of the light guide 7, and a reflecting portion 7d formed by applying a white reflecting agent or pasting a white reflecting sheet, for example, is formed. Light guide 7
When the light introduced into the light strikes the particles 7b, the light is diffused. This is further diffused by other particles 7b,
Light propagates while repeating such diffusion, and light is emitted from the light emitting surface. Also in this light guide 7, in the figure,
As shown by the arrows, light can be incident from two directions, the end face and the side face.

The present inventor conducted comparative experiments on various light guides having a V-groove-shaped reflecting portion as shown in FIG. A 100 mm wide, 500 mm long, 5 mm thick synthetic resin plate sold by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. under the trade name Acrylite (hereinafter referred to as a light guide plate)
A groove having a depth of 3 mm and a width of 3 mm was formed on a first test piece in which a groove-shaped reflecting portion having a depth of 1 mm and a width of 1 mm was continuously provided without any interval, and a light guide plate having the same dimensions as the first test piece. A second test piece, which is provided continuously without any spacing, with a width of 100 m
m, a length of 500 mm and a thickness of 10 mm
mm, a groove-shaped reflecting portion having a width of 1 mm, and a light guide plate having the same dimensions as the third sample, in which a groove-shaped reflecting portion having a width of 3 mm is continuously provided without any space therebetween. A grooved reflecting portion having a depth of 5 mm and a width of 5 mm is formed on a fourth test piece provided with a reflecting portion continuously without any gap and a light guide having the same size as the third testing piece, with a gap. 5th specimen continuously provided without
0mm, length 340mm, thickness 8mm light guide plate,
As will be described below, using a sixth specimen in which a plurality of groove blocks each including a plurality of groove-shaped reflecting portions having a depth of 0.1 mm and having a distance of 2 mm are provided at intervals of about 10 mm. Experiment was performed. After turning, the first to fifth specimens were buffed to form grooves, and the sixth specimen was formed by laser processing.

A light emitting surface of a transmitter for transmitting an optical signal is joined to an end face of the light guide, and 0 mm and 30 m from the light emitting surface of the light guide.
m, 60 mm, and 90 mm, a receiver for receiving an optical signal is arranged in a state where the light receiving surfaces are separated from each other, and a distance between the light emitting surface of the light guide and the light receiving surface of the receiver. While maintaining the distance between the transmitter and the receiver, the distance in the longitudinal direction of the light guide is changed, and the limit of the longitudinal distance at which the transmitter and the receiver can communicate (hereinafter referred to as a communicable range). Was measured.

Table 1 shows the experimental results.

[0106]

[Table 1]

As a result of the experiment, the communicable range of the fourth test piece was the largest, and the communicable range of the sixth test piece was the next largest. In addition, the thickness of the light guide is 10 m more than that of the light guide of 5 mm.
It has been found that the light guide of m has a larger communicable range. Further, since the communicable range of the sixth test piece is larger than that of the third test piece, the one in which the V-groove is formed by laser processing is better than the one in which the V-groove is formed by buffing after turning. It is considered that the communicable range becomes large.

From the above experimental results, in the light guides such as the first to sixth test pieces, the thickness of the light guide is not more than 5 mm and not more than 5 mm.
0 mm is preferable, and it is considered that most of the light introduced into the light guide is reflected near the bottom of the V-groove. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an appropriate space between adjacent V-grooves. It turned out to be favorable. Also, since the surface roughness of the inclined surface of the V-groove created by laser processing was lower than the surface roughness of the inclined surface of the V-groove created by buffing after turning, the surface roughness of the inclined surface of the V-groove was reduced. It was found that the lower the value, the larger the communicable range.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view thereof. The light guide 9 of this optical communication system has a curved plate shape with a C-shaped cross section, and a plurality of threaded reflection portions 9a are provided on the outer surface in a direction perpendicular to the end surface. The terrestrial optical communication device 10 also has a curved plate shape with a C-shaped cross section, and the light guide 9 and the terrestrial optical communication device 10 are arranged with their end faces facing each other. The rectangular parallelepiped in-vehicle optical communication device 11 built in a carrier (not shown) has a communication surface on the side, and the communication surface is connected to the longitudinal direction through a light transmission window provided on the side of the carrier. The light guide 9 moves in the axial direction of the light guide 9 in a state where the light guide 9 faces the inner surface of the light guide 9 so as to match the axial direction of the light guide 9.

In this optical communication system, light emitted from the light emitting surface of the terrestrial optical communication device 10 is incident on the end face of the light guide 9, and the incident light is reflected by each unit including the reflecting unit 9a. The luminous flux is emitted from the inner surface (light emitting surface) in a divergent state. The inclination angle of the reflecting portion 9a is set so that the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface substantially perpendicularly to the tangent line.

In the case of this optical communication system, the range in which the on-board optical communication device 11 can receive the optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 10 is long in the traveling direction of the carrier,
Communication can be performed even while the in-vehicle optical communication device 11 is moving. Since light is emitted from substantially the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of curvature than the light emitting surface. In addition, by aligning the light emitting surface of the terrestrial optical communication device 10 with one end surface of the light guide 9 or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance and management cost of the optical axis adjustment is improved. Can be reduced.

The light guide 9 may be covered with a white tape or the like except for the inner surface and the outer surface so that light is emitted only from the light emitting surface. Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the reflecting portion 9a is formed of a V-shaped groove parallel to the end face of the light guide 9 and a plurality thereof are provided continuously in a direction perpendicular to the end face is described. It is not limited to
The shape of the reflecting portion 9a may be another shape such as a U-shaped groove. Then, each reflecting portion 9a may be provided at a predetermined interval, or each reflecting portion 9a may be provided in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the end face. The angle of light incident on the end face of the light guide 9 from the terrestrial optical communication device 10, the angle of inclination of the reflector 9a, the interval between the reflectors 9a, and the light guide 9 of each reflector 9a
By changing the angle with respect to the end face of the light guide, the light guide is made to correspond to the positional relationship between the on-vehicle optical communication device 11, the terrestrial optical communication device 10, and the light guide 9 and the shape of the transport path on which the transport vehicle travels. 9 can arbitrarily change the angle of light emitted from the light emitting surface.

Further, in the second embodiment, the configuration in which the reflecting portions 9a are provided in parallel with each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction.

Further, in the second embodiment, each reflecting portion 9a is formed along the arc of the outer surface of the light guide 9 by the light guide 9a.
Although the configuration in which the V-grooves are provided so as to connect between the two end faces has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of V-grooves shorter than the arc may be formed between the two end faces along the arc. May be provided so as to be arranged at predetermined intervals.

Further, for example, a white sheet may be adhered to the surface of the reflecting portion 9a to prevent light from leaking from this portion to the outside. An aluminum alloy may be deposited to further improve the reflectance of the reflecting portion 9a.

In the second embodiment, the reflecting portions 9a are provided continuously without any distance between the adjacent reflecting portions 9a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the distance from the end face of the light body 9 on the incident side increases,
The interval between the adjacent reflecting portions 9a may be narrowed, and the number of the reflecting portions 9a may be increased as the distance from the end surface increases. By doing so, the amount of light passing through the inside of the light guide 9 decreases as the distance from the end face on the incident side of the light guide 9 decreases, so that the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9 is The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

Further, for example, a white tape is adhered to the end face of the light guide 9 opposite to the end face on the incident side, so that the light received at the end face is reflected to the inside of the light guide. 9, the interval between the adjacent reflection portions 9 a is reduced, and the light guide 9 is formed.
May be widened at both ends of the reflective portion 9a. By doing so, the number of the reflecting portions 9a is reduced at both end portions of the light guide 9 which transmits a large amount of light,
In the middle of the light guide 9 where the amount of light passing therethrough is small,
Since the number of “a” increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another light guide. On the outer surface of the light guide 9, there is provided a reflection portion 9 a composed of a plurality of quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusions. Light can be incident from two directions. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 9a as the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9 can be
The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. On the outer surface of the light guide 9, there is provided a reflecting portion 9 b composed of a plurality of conical holes.
In this case, as shown by arrows in the drawing, light can be incident from two directions, the end face and the side face. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 9 a as the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. A plurality of strip-shaped reflecting portions 9a are provided on the outer surface of the light guide 9. The reflecting portion 9a is formed by printing a white light diffusing agent on the outer surface, for example, or attaching a white light diffusing sheet to the outer surface. In addition, in the light guide 9, in order to make the amount of emitted light substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 9, as the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the reflection portion 9 a Although the width is increased and the interval between the adjacent reflecting portions 9a is narrowed, for example, the reflecting portion 9a may cover the entire outer surface of the light guide 9.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. Inside the light guide 9, particles 9b made of a translucent material having a refractive index different from that of the material of the light guide 9 are scattered. A reflecting portion 9c formed by applying a reflecting agent or pasting a white reflecting sheet is formed. This light guide 9
In this case, as shown by arrows in the drawing, light can be incident from two directions, the end face and the side face.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical communication system for a mobile according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view thereof. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this optical communication system, the end face of the light guide 9 and the terrestrial optical communication device 10
And the light guide 9 is installed below the terrestrial optical communication device 10. The light guide 9 is arranged beside the transport path with the inner surface facing the transport path of a transport vehicle (not shown). The rectangular parallelepiped in-vehicle optical communication device 11 has a communication surface on a side surface, and the communication surface is set to have its longitudinal direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the light guide 9 through a light transmission window provided on the side surface of the carrier. In a state where the light guide 9 faces the inner surface of the light guide 9, the light guide 9 moves along a curve (from left to right in the drawing) along the inner surface of the light guide 9.

In this optical communication system, light emitted from the light emitting surface of the terrestrial optical communication device 10 is incident on the end face of the light guide 9, and the incident light is reflected by each part including the reflecting portion 9 a to form a light flux. Is emitted from the inner surface in a state where the divergence occurs. The inclination angle of the reflecting portion 9a is set so that the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface substantially perpendicularly to the tangent line.

In the case of this optical communication system, the in-vehicle optical communication device 11 can receive an optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 10 in a wide range.
It is possible to perform communication even when is moving.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the carrier travels on a curved portion, it is not necessary to install a plurality of terrestrial optical communication devices 10 as in a conventional optical communication system, and one terrestrial optical communication device is used. Communication can be performed by the communication device 10.

In the third embodiment, the light guide 9 having the groove-shaped reflecting portion 9a is arranged along the curved portion of the transport path of the transport vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is needless to say that the light guide shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 may be arranged along the curved portion of the transport path of the transport vehicle.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The carrier (not shown) includes two in-vehicle optical communication devices 14 and 14. The in-vehicle optical communication device 14, 1
Numeral 4 is arranged vertically so that two light passing windows (not shown) provided on the upper and lower sides of the carrier of the carrier have light receiving surfaces facing each other. Each in-vehicle optical communication device 1
4 and 14 are connected to a computer (not shown) built in the carrier.

In the vicinity of a part of the transport path of the transport vehicle, rod-shaped light guides 12 having a rectangular cross section are arranged vertically in a state parallel to the transport path. Light guide 12,
Numeral 12 is configured such that one end face thereof faces the light emitting surface of each of the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 arranged vertically in a ground station (not shown). On a side surface of each of the light guides 12, 12 opposite to the transport path, a plurality of groove-shaped reflecting portions 12a, 12a having a longitudinal direction as a longitudinal direction are provided in a longitudinal direction of the light guides 12, 12. I have. Terrestrial optical communication device 13,
The light emitting surface 13 has substantially the same size as the end surfaces of the light guides 12 and 12.

In this optical communication system, the lights respectively emitted from the light emitting surfaces of the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 respectively enter the end faces of the light guides 12 and 12 and the respective incident lights are reflected by the reflecting portions. The light beams are reflected by the respective portions including 12a and 12a, respectively, and are emitted from the side surface on the side of the transport path in a state where the light beams are diverged. The inclination angles of the reflecting portions 12a, 12a are set such that the reflected light is emitted substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the light guides 12, 12.

In the case of this optical communication system, the range in which an optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 13 can be received by one in-vehicle optical communication device 14 is long in the traveling direction of the carrier, and Communication can be performed while the device 14 is moving. In addition, two terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13
, The two on-vehicle optical communication devices 14 and 14 can simultaneously receive different optical signals respectively transmitted at the same time. Then, since light is emitted from substantially the entire light emitting surface of each of the light guides 12, 12, it is possible to easily specify the communication range as a portion facing each of the light emitting surfaces. In addition, by aligning the light emitting surface of each of the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 and the end surface of each of the light guides 12 and 12 or by joining the two, the optical axis alignment is facilitated, and the optical axis is easily adjusted. Adjustment maintenance management costs can be reduced.

The light guides 12, 12 may be covered with a white tape or the like except for the light emitting surface and the side surface on which the reflecting portions 12a, 12a are provided, so that light is emitted only from the light emitting surface. Good. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the reflecting portion 12
a is constituted by a V-shaped groove parallel to the end face of the light guide 12, and a plurality of the grooves are provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 1
The shape of 2a may be another shape such as a U-groove. Each of the reflecting portions 12a may be provided at a predetermined interval, or each of the reflecting portions 12a may be provided in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the end face. The angle of the light to be incident on the end face of the light guide 12 from the terrestrial optical communication device 13, the inclination angle of the reflector 12 a, the interval between the respective reflectors 12 a, the angle of each reflector 12 a with respect to the end face of the light guide 12, and the like are changed. By doing
In-vehicle optical communication device 14, terrestrial optical communication device 13, and light guide 1
The angle of the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide 12 can be arbitrarily changed in accordance with the positional relationship 2 and the shape of the transport path on which the transport vehicle travels.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the reflecting portions 12a are provided in parallel with each other has been described.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of reflectors 12a that are not parallel to each other may be provided side by side in a direction perpendicular to the end face.

In Embodiment 4, each reflecting portion 12a is described as a V-groove provided so as to connect the opposing sides of one side surface of the light guide 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, a plurality of shorter V-grooves may be provided between the opposite sides so as to be linearly arranged at predetermined intervals.

Further, for example, a white sheet may be adhered to the surface of the reflecting portion 12a so as to prevent light from leaking from this portion to the outside.
For example, an aluminum alloy may be deposited to further improve the reflectance of the reflecting portion 12a.

In the fourth embodiment, the reflecting portions 12a are provided continuously without any distance between the adjacent reflecting portions 12a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the distance from the end face of the light body 12 on the incident side increases, the distance between the adjacent reflection sections 12a may be reduced, and the number of the reflection sections 12a may increase as the distance from the end face increases. By doing so, the light amount passing through the inside of the light guide 12 decreases as the distance from the end face on the incident side of the light guide 12 decreases, so that the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 12 The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

Further, for example, a white tape is adhered to an end face of the light guide 12 opposite to the end face on the incident side, so that light received at the end face is reflected to the inside of the light guide. In the middle part of the light guide 12, the distance between the adjacent reflection parts 12 a may be narrowed, and at both ends of the light guide 12, the distance between the adjacent reflection parts 12 a may be widened. By doing so, the number of reflecting portions 12a is reduced at both ends of the light guide 12 that passes a large amount of light, and the number of reflecting portions 12a is reduced at an intermediate portion of the light guide 12 that passes a small amount of light. The light guide 12
The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another light guide. On the side surface of the light guide 12 opposite to the transport path, there is provided a reflection portion 12a composed of a plurality of quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusions. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 12a as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 12.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. On the side surface of the light guide 12 opposite to the conveyance path, there is provided a reflection portion 12b composed of a plurality of conical holes. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 12a as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 12.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. A plurality of strip-shaped reflecting portions 12a are provided on a side surface of the light guide 12 opposite to the transport path. The reflection part 1
2a is formed, for example, by printing a white light diffusing agent on the outer surface or by attaching a white light diffusing sheet to the outer surface. Further, in the light guide 12, in order to make the amount of emitted light substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 12, the distance from the end face on the incident side increases as the distance from the reflecting portion 12 a increases. Although the width is made large and the interval between the adjacent reflectors 12a is made smaller, for example, the reflector 12a may cover the entire side surface of the light guide 12 opposite to the transport path.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. Particles 12 b made of a translucent material having a different refractive index from the material of the light guide 12 are provided inside the light guide 12.
Are scattered, and on the side surface of the light guide 12 opposite to the conveyance path, for example, a reflective portion 12c formed by applying a white reflective agent or pasting a white reflective sheet is formed. ing.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a light guide used in the mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The light guide 15 has a rod shape having a triangular cross section, and is arranged parallel to the transport path with one side surface facing the transport path side. On two sides other than the one side, a plurality of V-groove-shaped reflectors 15 a extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light guide 15 are provided in a plurality in the longitudinal direction of the light guide 15. In the vicinity of a part of the transport path of the transport vehicle, two light guides 15, 15 are vertically arranged in parallel with the transport path, and one end face of each of the light guides 15, 15 is provided. The terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 arranged in the ground station are opposed to each other. Other configurations of the mobile optical communication system according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the mobile optical communication system according to the fourth embodiment.

In this optical communication system, the lights respectively emitted from the light emitting surfaces of the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 are respectively incident on the end faces of the light guides 15 and the respective incident lights are reflected by the reflecting portions. The light beams are reflected by the respective portions including the light emitting portions 15a and 15a, respectively, and are emitted from the side surfaces on the side of the transport path in a state where the light beams are diverged. The inclination angles of the reflecting portions 15a, 15a are angles at which the reflected light exits substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the light guides 15, 15.

In the case of this optical communication system, the range in which the optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 13 can be received by one on-vehicle optical communication device 14 is long in the traveling direction of the carrier, and Communication can be performed while the device 14 is moving. In addition, two terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13
, The two on-vehicle optical communication devices 14 and 14 can simultaneously receive different optical signals respectively transmitted at the same time. Then, since light is emitted from substantially the entire light emitting surface of each of the light guides 15, 15, the communication range can be easily specified as portions facing the light emitting surface. In addition, by aligning the light emitting surface of each of the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 and 13 with the end surface of each of the light guides 15 and 15 or by joining the two, the optical axis alignment is facilitated, and the optical axis is easily adjusted. Adjustment maintenance management costs can be reduced.

The light guides 15 may be covered with white tape or the like on the side opposite to the side receiving light from the terrestrial optical communication devices 13 so that light is emitted only from the light emitting surface. . Further, in the fifth embodiment, the reflecting portion 15a
Are composed of V-grooves parallel to the end face of the light guide 15, and the light guide 1
5 is described in the case where a plurality of the reflecting portions 15 are provided continuously in the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The shape of a may be another shape such as a U-groove. And each reflection part 15a may be provided at a predetermined interval,
Each reflecting portion 15a may be provided in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the end face. Light guide 1 from terrestrial optical communication device 13
5 by changing the angle of the light incident on the end face of 5, the inclination angle of the reflecting portion 15a, the interval between the reflecting portions 15a, the angle of each reflecting portion 15a with respect to the end face of the light guide 15, and the like. Arbitrarily changing the angle of the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light guide 15 according to the positional relationship between the terrestrial optical communication device 13 and the light guide 15 and the shape of the transport path on which the transport vehicle travels. Can be.

In the fifth embodiment, the configuration in which the reflecting portions 15a are provided in parallel with each other has been described.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of non-parallel reflecting portions 15a may be arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the end face.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the configuration is described in which each of the reflecting portions 15a is a V-groove provided so as to connect between opposing sides of the side surface on the side opposite to the conveyance path of the light guide 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of shorter V-grooves are provided between the opposed sides so as to be linearly arranged at predetermined intervals.

Further, for example, a white sheet may be adhered to the surface of the reflecting portion 15a to prevent light from leaking from this portion to the outside.
For example, an aluminum alloy may be deposited to further improve the reflectance of the reflecting portion 15a.

In the fifth embodiment, the reflecting portions 15a are provided continuously without any distance between the adjacent reflecting portions 15a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the distance from the end face of the light body 15 on the incident side increases, the distance between the adjacent reflection sections 15a may be reduced, and the number of the reflection sections 15a may increase as the distance from the end face increases. By doing so, the amount of light passing through the inside of the light guide 15 decreases as the distance from the end face on the incident side of the light guide 15 decreases, so that the entire light emission surface of the light guide 15 is The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform.

Further, for example, a white tape is adhered to the end face of the light guide 15 opposite to the end face on the incident side, so that the light received at the end face is reflected inside the light guide, In an intermediate portion of the light guide 15, the distance between the adjacent reflection portions 15a may be reduced, and at both ends of the light guide 15, the distance between the adjacent reflection portions 15a may be increased. By doing so, the number of reflecting portions 15a is reduced at both ends of the light guide 15 that passes a large amount of light, and the number of reflecting portions 15a is reduced at the middle portion of the light guide 15 that passes a small amount of light. The light guide 15
The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another light guide. On two side surfaces of the light guide 15 opposite to the conveyance path, there are provided reflection portions 15a each formed of a plurality of quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusions. Further, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 15 a as the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 15.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. On two side surfaces of the light guide 15 opposite to the transport path, reflection portions 15b each having a plurality of conical holes are provided. Also, for example, by increasing the number of the reflecting portions 15a as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases,
The amount of emitted light can be made substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 15.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. A plurality of strip-shaped reflecting portions 15a are provided on the side of the light guide 15 opposite to the transport path. The reflecting portion 15a is formed by printing a white light diffusing agent on the outer surface, or by attaching a white light diffusing sheet to the outer surface, for example. Further, in the light guide 15, in order to make the amount of emitted light substantially uniform over the entire light emitting surface of the light guide 15, as the distance from the end surface on the incident side increases, the reflection portion 15 a The width has been increased,
Although the interval between the adjacent reflecting portions 15a is narrowed, for example, the reflecting portion 15a may cover the entire two side surfaces of the light guide 15 opposite to the transport path.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. Particles 15 b made of a translucent material having a refractive index different from the material of the light guide 15 are provided inside the light guide 15.
Are scattered, and on the side surface of the light guide 15 opposite to the transport path, for example, a reflective portion 15c formed by applying a white reflective agent or pasting a white reflective sheet is formed. ing.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the case where the shape of the light guides 12 and 15 is a rod having a square cross section and a triangular cross section has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The body into a rod shape with a hexagonal cross section,
The light guide is arranged such that a pair of hexagonal opposing vertices are lined up and down,
It is also possible to arrange the light guide in a rod shape having another polygonal cross section, for example, by arranging the light guide along the transport path and providing reflection portions on three sides opposite to the transport path of the light guide. Not even.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The carrier (not shown) includes two in-vehicle optical communication devices 18. The in-vehicle optical communication device 18, 1
Numerals 8 are arranged vertically so that two light passing windows (not shown) provided on the upper and lower sides of the carrier of the carrier have their light receiving surfaces facing each other. Each in-vehicle optical communication device 1
Reference numerals 8 and 18 are connected to a computer (not shown) built in the carrier.

In the vicinity of a part of the transport path of the transport vehicle, round bar-shaped light guides 16, 16 are arranged vertically in parallel with the transport path. Each of the light guides 16, 16 has one end face opposed to the light emitting surface of each of the terrestrial optical communication devices 17, 17 disposed vertically in a ground station (not shown). The light emitting surfaces of the terrestrial optical communication devices 17 and 17 have substantially the same size as the end surfaces of the light guides 16 and 16.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing the structure of the light guide 16. The light guide 16 has a cylindrical light-transmitting material having a refractive index different from that of the first light-transmitting member 16b on the outside of the first light-transmitting member 16b made of a round bar-shaped light-transmitting material. 2
The light guide 16 includes a light-transmitting member 16c.
Between the first light-transmitting member 16b and the second light-transmitting member 16c on the side opposite to the conveyance path, a reflecting portion 16a made of a white synthetic resin having a substantially D-shaped vertical cross section. Is provided.

In the sixth embodiment, the light guide 16 is provided with the reflecting portion 16a having a substantially D-shaped vertical cross section. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The body 16 may be provided with a reflecting portion 16a having an arc shape in a vertical cross section.

With such a configuration, when the light introduced into the light guide 16 hits the boundary between the first light transmitting member 16b and the second light transmitting member 16c, the light is totally reflected to the opposite side. When the light hits the reflecting portion 16a, the light is scattered and reflected, and is emitted from the side (light emitting portion) of the light guide 16 on the side of the transport path.

In the case of this optical communication system, the range in which an optical signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device 17 can be received by one in-vehicle optical communication device 18 is long in the traveling direction of the carrier, and Communication can be performed while the device 18 is moving. In addition, two terrestrial optical communication devices 17, 17
, The two on-vehicle optical communication devices 18 and 18 can simultaneously receive different optical signals respectively transmitted at the same time. Then, since light is emitted from substantially the entire light emitting portion of each of the light guides 16, 16, the communication range can be easily specified as portions facing the light emitting surface. In addition, by aligning the light emitting surface of each of the terrestrial optical communication devices 17 and the end surface of each of the light guides 16 and 16 or by joining the two, the optical axis alignment is facilitated, and the optical axis is easily adjusted. Adjustment maintenance management costs can be reduced.

The light guides 16 may be covered with a white tape or the like on the end face opposite to the side receiving light from the terrestrial optical communication devices 17 and 17 so that light is emitted only from the light emitting section. .

Further, for example, a white tape may be adhered to the outer periphery of the light guide 16 except for the light emitting portion so as to prevent light from leaking from the outer periphery to the outside.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing still another light guide. The light guide 16 is made of a translucent material having a round bar shape, and is provided with a plurality of square reflecting portions 16a on the side opposite to the transport path. The reflecting portion 16a is configured by, for example, applying a white light diffusing agent to the side portion, or attaching a white light diffusing sheet to the side portion. In addition, in this light guide 16, in order to make the amount of emitted light substantially uniform over the entire light emitting portion of the light guide 16.
As the distance from the end face on the incident side increases, the size of the reflecting portion 16a is increased, and the distance between adjacent reflecting portions 16a is reduced.
May be covered.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the case where the light guide 7 (9, 12, 15, 16) is arranged on the terrestrial optical communication device 6 (10, 13, 17) side will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be arranged on the vehicle-mounted optical communication device 2 (11, 14, 18) side.

In the first to sixth embodiments,
Light emitting surface (light emitting portion) of light guide 7 (9, 12, 15, 16)
For example, a brightness enhancement film sold by Sumitomo 3M Limited under the trade name of “Vuity” may be attached. This makes it possible to further increase the amount of light emitted substantially in parallel from the light emitting surface (light emitting portion).

[0165]

As described above in detail, in the case of the mobile optical communication system of the first invention, light is introduced from the terrestrial optical communication device, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light beam is diverged. In addition, since a light guide that emits light toward the mobile optical communication device is provided, the range in which the mobile optical communication device can receive an optical communication signal transmitted from one terrestrial optical communication device is widened. It is possible to perform communication even while the moving object is moving. Since the communication range is wide, even if there is an obstacle at the end of the transport path or the like, it may be installed near the obstacle. Since the range of light emitted from the light guide is easily limited, the communication range can be easily specified. Further, when the light emitting surface of the light guide is formed into a curved surface, it is not necessary to install a terrestrial optical communication device for each straight line portion on a curved road, a crossroad, or the like, thereby reducing the number of terrestrial optical communication devices installed. be able to.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the light guide has a plate-like shape, and a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves are provided on one plane, and The light is introduced from the end face facing the surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the light is emitted from the other plane, so that the light can be emitted from the other plane. The light amount at the portion facing the light guide is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And since the light guide is flat,
Installation space is small.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the third aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of reflecting portions composed of grooves are provided in parallel, by providing adjacent grooves at appropriate intervals, light emitted from another plane can be obtained. Can be made substantially uniform over the entire other plane, and at the portion facing the other plane,
Communication between the mobile optical communication device and the terrestrial optical communication device can be further stabilized.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the light guide is formed in a curved plate shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves are provided on the outer surface, and light is reflected from the end face facing the side surface of the groove. Is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, so that the light can be emitted from the inner surface, and therefore, the center side of the curve from the inner surface. The light amount at the portion is larger than the light amount at other portions outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner surface. Further, by arranging the terrestrial optical communication device and the end face of the light guide so as to face each other, or by joining the two, the optical axis can be easily aligned, and the maintenance cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. . When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the light guide is formed in a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and a plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves are provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces in the longitudinal direction. Light is introduced from one end face, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side face facing the side face, so that light can be emitted from the side face facing the side face. Therefore, the amount of light at the portion facing the side surface from which light is emitted is larger than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. Can be. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system of the sixth invention, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the inclined surface of the V-groove at an appropriate angle.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the light guide is formed in a plate shape, and a plurality of reflection portions each having a hole are provided on one plane, and light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide. And
Since the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion and the light is emitted from another plane, the light can be emitted from the other plane. The light amount is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And
Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the light guide is formed in a curved plate shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions formed of holes are provided on the outer surface. Is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, so that the light can be emitted from the inner surface, and therefore, the center side of the curve from the inner surface. The light amount at the portion is larger than the light amount at other portions outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the ninth aspect, the light guide is formed in a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and one or more side surfaces are provided with a plurality of reflecting portions each having a hole. The light is introduced from one end face of the light-emitting element, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side face facing the side face, so that the light is emitted from the side face facing the side face. Therefore, the light amount at a portion facing the side surface from which light is emitted is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range is easily specified as the portion facing the side surface. be able to. Further, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end face of the light guide are arranged facing each other,
Alternatively, by joining them, optical axis alignment is facilitated, and maintenance and management costs for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile communication system according to the tenth aspect, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the peripheral surface of the conical hole at an appropriate angle.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the eleventh aspect, the light guide is formed in a plate shape, and a plurality of reflecting portions each including a protruding portion projecting from the one plane are provided on one plane. Since light is introduced from one end face of the light source, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from another plane, light can be emitted from the other plane. The light amount at the portion facing the light guide is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the other plane.
In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

In the case of the mobile communication system according to the twelfth aspect, the light guide is formed in a curved plate shape, and the outer surface is provided with a plurality of reflection portions each including a protrusion projecting from the outer surface. Light is introduced from one end surface of the light body, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, so that light can be emitted from the inner surface, and therefore, The amount of light at the center of the curve from the inner surface is larger than the amount of light at the other portion outside the light guide, and the communication range is easily specified as the portion of the curve closer to the center than the inner surface. be able to. In addition, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide are arranged to face each other, or the two are joined to facilitate optical axis alignment,
The maintenance cost for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the thirteenth aspect, the light guide is formed in a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and one or more side surfaces are provided with a plurality of reflection portions formed of protrusions protruding from the side surfaces. The light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface. Light can be emitted, and therefore, the light amount at a portion facing the side surface from which the light is emitted is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range is opposed to the side surface. It can be easily identified as a part. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the fourteenth aspect, light can be emitted from the light guide substantially in parallel by inclining the peripheral surface of the pyramid-shaped projection at an appropriate angle. .

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the fifteenth aspect, the light guide is formed in a plate shape, and a reflecting portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light is provided on one plane. Light is introduced from one end surface of the light body, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from another plane. Therefore, light can be emitted from another plane. The amount of light at the portion facing the other plane is larger than the amount of light at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range can be easily specified as the portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the sixteenth aspect, the light guide is formed in a curved plate shape, and a reflection portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light is provided on the outer surface. Since light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the inner surface, light can be emitted from the inner surface, Therefore, the amount of light at the central portion of the curve from the inner surface is larger than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide, and the communication range is easily set as the central portion of the curve from the inner surface. Can be identified. In addition, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide are arranged to face each other, or the two are joined to facilitate optical axis alignment,
The maintenance cost for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the seventeenth aspect, the light guide is formed in a rod shape having a polygonal cross section, and a reflection member made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light on one or a plurality of side surfaces. Part is provided, light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface. Light can be emitted from the facing side surface, so that the light amount at a portion facing the light emitting side surface is larger than the light amount at another portion outside the light guide, and the communication range is increased. Can be easily specified as a portion facing the In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the reflector is formed by printing a diffuser on the light guide to form a groove or a hole in the light guide to form the reflector. Compared with the case of forming, the variation in the reflectance of the reflection portion can be reduced, and the reflection portion having a stable reflectance can be formed.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the reflector is formed by attaching a sheet-like diffuser to the light guide to form a reflector. It is sufficient to attach a diffuser to the light guide, and if it is necessary to reduce the size of the reflective portion, the diffuser attached to the light guide may be removed. Can be changed.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the twentieth aspect, the light guide is formed in a plate shape, and particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside the light guide. Is provided, a light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflection part, and the light is emitted from another plane. Light can be emitted from other planes, so that the amount of light at the portion facing the other plane is greater than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide, and The range can be easily specified as a portion facing the other plane. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. Since the light guide is flat, the installation space is small.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-first aspect, the light guide is formed into a curved plate shape, and particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside the light guide and reflected on the outer surface. A reflecting portion made of a body is provided, light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and this light is reflected from the inner surface. It is configured to emit light, so that light can be emitted from the inner surface, so that the amount of light at the center side of the curve from the inner surface is smaller than the amount of light at other parts outside the light guide. Thus, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion closer to the center of the curve than the inner side surface. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. When the moving path of the moving body includes the curved portion, the moving light body moving along the curved portion can be arranged without disturbing the ground light by arranging the curved light guide along the curved portion. Optical communication can be performed with the communication device.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-second aspect, the light guide is shaped like a rod having a polygonal cross section, and particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside the light guide. A plurality of side surfaces are provided with a reflection portion made of a reflector, light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, and the scattered light is reflected by the reflection portion. Since the light is emitted from the side facing the side surface, the light can be emitted from the side facing the side surface. Therefore, the amount of light at the portion facing the side emitting the light is reduced by the light guide. The light amount is larger than the light amount in other parts outside the communication area, and the communication range can be easily specified as a part facing the side surface. In addition, the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide are arranged to face each other, or the two are joined to facilitate optical axis alignment,
The maintenance cost for optical axis adjustment can be reduced. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-third aspect, the first light-transmitting member having a round bar shape has a different refractive index from the first light-transmitting member, and the first light-transmitting member has a different refractive index. A light-transmitting member including a second light-transmissive member that covers the transparent member, a reflection part made of a diffuser is provided in a part between the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member, Since light is introduced from one end face of the light guide, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the light is emitted from the side facing the reflection portion.
Light can be emitted from the side of the light guide that faces the reflective portion, so that the amount of light at the portion facing the side that emits light is less than the amount of light at other portions outside the light guide. As compared with the above, the communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the side portion. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. By arranging the plurality of light guides in parallel with the moving direction of the moving body as a longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the light guide is formed in a round bar shape, and a reflecting portion made of a diffuser for diffusing and reflecting incident light is provided on a side of the light guide. Since light is introduced from one end surface of the light guide, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the light is emitted from the side facing the reflector. Light can be emitted from the side facing the reflection portion, and therefore, the amount of light at a portion facing the side from which light is emitted is larger than the amount of light at another portion outside the light guide. The communication range can be easily specified as a portion facing the side portion. In addition, by aligning the terrestrial optical communication device and the one end surface of the light guide so as to face each other or by joining the two, the alignment of the optical axis becomes easy, and the maintenance management cost of the optical axis adjustment can be reduced. it can. And, a plurality of light guides,
By arranging the moving body in parallel with the moving direction as the longitudinal direction, the moving body and the terrestrial optical communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive a plurality of optical signals.

In the case of the mobile optical communication system according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the outer periphery of the light guide is covered with the reflector except for the side facing the reflector for emitting light, thereby forming the side facing the reflector. To prevent light from leaking from the outer periphery,
The present invention has an excellent effect, for example, the amount of light emitted from the side facing the reflection portion can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical communication system of a mobile object and a carrier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a configuration of an optical communication system of a mobile object and a carrier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another light guide.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light path in the light guide.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light path in the light guide.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another light guide.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another light guide.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another light guide.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a mobile optical communication system according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a light guide.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing still another light guide.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional optical communication system for a mobile object and a carrier.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a configuration of another conventional optical communication system of a mobile body and a carrier.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the carrier travels on a curved portion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car carrier 2,11,14,18 In-vehicle optical communication apparatus 3 Computer 4 Conveyance path 6,10,13,17 Terrestrial optical communication apparatus 7,9,12,15,16 Light guide 7a, 9a, 12a, 15a, 16a Reflector 7b, 9b, 12b, 15b Particle 16b First translucent member 16c Second translucent member 8 Computer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 10/105 H04B 9/00 R 10/10 10/22

Claims (25)

[Claims] A mobile optical communication system for transmitting and receiving an optical communication signal between a mobile optical communication device mounted on a mobile object and a terrestrial optical communication device provided on the ground. A light guide that introduces light from the terrestrial optical communication device, reflects the introduced light by a reflector, diverges a light flux, and emits the light toward the mobile optical communication device. Mobile optical communication system. 2. The light guide has a plate shape, and is formed in one plane.
A plurality of reflecting portions each including a groove are provided, and light is introduced from an end face facing the side surface of the groove, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. Item 2. An optical communication system for a mobile object according to item 1. 3. The light guide has a plate shape, and is formed in one plane.
A plurality of reflecting portions formed of grooves are provided in parallel, light is introduced from an end face facing the side surface of the groove, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 1. 4. The light guide has a curved plate shape, and has a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves on an outer surface thereof. Light is introduced from an end surface facing a side surface of the groove, and the introduced light is reflected. The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from an inner surface. 5. The light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and a plurality of reflection portions formed of grooves are provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces in a longitudinal direction, and light is introduced from one end surface. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the reflected light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface. 6. The optical communication system according to claim 2, wherein the groove is a V-shaped groove. 7. The light guide has a plate shape, and is formed in one plane.
2. The reflection part according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reflection parts comprising holes are provided, light is introduced from one end face, the introduced light is reflected by the reflection part, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. Mobile optical communication system. 8. The light guide has a curved plate-like shape, and has a plurality of reflective portions each having a hole on an outer surface. Light is introduced from one end surface, and the introduced light is reflected by the reflective portion. 2. The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the reflected light is emitted from the inner surface. 9. The light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and has a plurality of reflective portions formed of holes on one or a plurality of side surfaces. Light is introduced from one end surface, and the introduced light is The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface. 10. The hole according to claim 7, wherein said hole has a conical shape.
10. A mobile optical communication system according to any one of claims 9 to 9. 11. The light guide has a plate-like shape, and is provided on a plane with a plurality of reflection portions formed of protrusions protruding from the one plane. Light is introduced from one end face, and the introduced light is The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected by the reflection unit, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. 12. The light guide has a curved plate shape,
On the outer side surface, there are provided a plurality of reflecting portions each including a protruding portion projecting from the outer side surface, light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is output from the inner side surface. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication system is adapted to emit light. 13. The light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and one or more side surfaces are provided with a plurality of reflection portions formed of protrusions protruding from the side surfaces, and light is introduced from one end surface. The optical communication system for a mobile object according to claim 1, wherein the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface. 14. The optical communication system according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion has a pyramid shape. 15. The light guide has a plate-like shape, and is provided with a reflector made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light on one plane, and introduces light from one end face. 2. The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. 16. The light guide has a curved plate shape,
On the outer surface, there is provided a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light, introduces light from one end surface, reflects the introduced light by the reflecting portion, and reflects the reflected light on the inner surface. The optical communication system for a mobile object according to claim 1, wherein the light is emitted from the mobile terminal. 17. The light guide has a rod shape having a polygonal cross-section, and has a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light on one or a plurality of side surfaces. The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is introduced, the introduced light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from a side surface facing the side surface. 18. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 15, wherein the reflection unit prints the diffuser on the light guide. 19. The optical communication system for a mobile unit according to claim 15, wherein said reflection unit is formed by attaching said sheet-shaped diffuser to said light guide. 20. The light guide has a plate-like shape, in which particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside, and a reflecting portion made of a reflector is provided on one plane, and light is reflected from one end face. The light of the moving body according to claim 1, wherein the light is introduced, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light is emitted from another plane. Communications system. 21. The light guide has a curved plate shape,
Particles that scatter the introduced light are scattered inside, and a reflection portion made of a reflector is provided on the outer surface, light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, and scattered. The optical communication system for a mobile object according to claim 1, wherein the reflected light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from an inner surface. 22. The light guide has a rod-like shape having a polygonal cross section, and particles for scattering the introduced light are scattered inside the light guide, and a reflection portion made of a reflector is provided on one or a plurality of side surfaces. The light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is scattered by the particles, the scattered light is reflected by the reflection portion, and the reflected light is emitted from the side surface facing the side surface. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 1. 23. The light guide, wherein the first light-transmissive member has a round bar shape, and has a different refractive index from the first light-transmissive member.
A second light-transmissive member that covers the first light-transmissive member, and a part between the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member;
A reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light is provided, light is introduced from one end surface, the introduced light is reflected by the reflecting portion, and the reflected light faces the reflecting portion. The optical communication system for a mobile object according to claim 1, wherein the light is emitted from the unit. 24. The light guide has a round bar shape, and has a reflecting portion made of a diffuser that diffuses and reflects incident light on a side portion, and light is introduced from one end surface and introduced. The optical communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected by the reflector, and the reflected light is emitted from a side facing the reflector. 25. The mobile optical communication system according to claim 23, further comprising a reflector covering an outer peripheral surface of the light guide except a side facing the reflector.