JP2001083378A - Receptacle, method for manufacture thereof and optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a receptacle and the like enhancing work efficiency, further suppressing optical loss and contributing to cost reduction. SOLUTION: The receptacle 3 is equipped with an optical element module sub-assembly 31, 32 having a lead frame 37, 38 with an optical element 35, 36, a mold part 39, 40 formed of a transparent resin in which light can be propagated, and and a core part 41, 42 integrally molded with the mold part 39, 40 using the transparent resin. In addition, the receptacle 3 is constituted such that the optical element module sub-assembly 31, 32 is integrally molded with a connector housing 33 using a transparent material whose refractive index is smaller than that of the transparent resin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical connector used in a multiplex transmission circuit of a vehicle such as an automobile, a receptacle constituting the optical connector, and a method of manufacturing the receptacle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An optical fiber and an optical element module (receiving / emitting module, receiving / transmitting module, or FOT (Fib
er Optic Transceiver) may be used as the optical connector in which sleeves are interposed.
No. 43) is generally known.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 101 denotes the sleeve, and reference numeral 102 denotes the optical connector.

[0004] The sleeve 101 is provided on a receptacle 103 (device side connector) constituting the optical connector 102, and the optical element modules 104, 104 (light emitting element module 10) also provided on the receptacle 103.
4, light receiving element module 104) and receptacle 10
The optical element module is interposed between optical fibers 106 and 106 (only one is shown, the same applies hereinafter) provided on an optical plug (optical fiber side connector) 105 constituting the optical connector 102 as a mating partner of the optical connector module 3 The members 104 and 104 are positioned as members capable of making an optical connection between the optical fibers 106 and 106.

The optical connector 102 will be described in more detail together with the sleeves 101 and 101. The optical connector 102 includes the receptacle 103 and the optical plug 105 fitted to the receptacle 103.

The receptacle 103 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, a housing 107 made of synthetic resin is provided, and optical element modules 104, 104 are supported by back sheets 109, 109 made of an elastic member such as rubber in housing chambers 108, 108 inside the housing 107. It is housed in a state where it has been placed. A cap 110 is mounted on the back surface. The lens 1 is located in front of the storage chambers 108, 108 where the optical element modules 104, 104 are supported.
Receiving cylinder 11 extending forward in accordance with the axes of 11, 111
2, 112 are provided. In the receiving cylinders 112, 112, the sleeves 101, 101 are mounted by insertion.

[0007] The sleeves 101, 101 are constituted by adhering and fixing an optical fiber 113 (multi-mode plastic optical fiber) comprising a core and a clad (not shown) to a cylindrical holder 114. Precision polished.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a ferrule for covering the optical fibers 106, 106 with the end faces of the optical fibers 106, 106 exposed at the distal end, as shown in FIGS. The body 115, 115 and the ferrule assembly 115, 1
And a plug housing 117 provided with a cylindrical partition 116 for accommodating and protecting the inside of the plug housing 11.
7 and a boot 119 fitted to the rear of the spring cap 118
It is comprised including.

The plug housing 117 has a shoulder 1 engaging with flange-shaped flanges 115a provided on the rear half of the outer periphery of the ferrule assemblies 115.
17a and 117a are formed, and the flange portion 115
a, 115a and inner cylinder part 11 of spring cap 118
8a, 118a interposed between springs 120, 120
Are designed to constantly urge the ferrule assemblies 115, 115 forward.

When the flanges 115a, 115a and the shoulders 117a, 117a are engaged (see FIG. 14), the ferrule assemblies 115, 115 are engaged.
14 (see FIG. 14; corresponding to the positions of the input and output end faces of the optical fiber 106) do not protrude from the front end face b (see FIG. 14) of the plug housing 117, and are always drawn inside. It is configured to be.

In the above configuration, the connection between the receptacle 103 and the optical plug 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the optical plug 105 is fitted into the receptacle 103, the receiving cylinders 112 and 112 enter the plug housing 117, and at the same time, the ferrule assembly 11
5 and 115 enter the receiving cylinders 112 and 112. Also,
The ferrule assembly 115, 115 includes a receiving cylinder 112,
An appropriate contact pressure is maintained by the elastic force of the springs 120, abutting on the tip of the contact 112.

In this state, the tip a (see FIG. 14) and the sleeves 101, 101 are arranged with the gap (not shown) kept to a minimum, and the gap loss is kept to a minimum.

[0014]

In the above-mentioned prior art, the sleeves 101, 101 and the optical element modules 104, 104 are mounted and housed in the housing 107, respectively. However, it is very troublesome, the workability is deteriorated, and the cost is increased.

Further, since the sleeves 101, 101 and the optical element modules 104, 104 are formed separately, the above-mentioned tip a (FIG.
) And the sleeves 101, 101, a light loss (gap loss) is newly generated. As a result, there is a possibility that optical communication will be affected.

Further, the receptacle 103 is formed by a process of forming the housing 107, a process of manufacturing the optical element module 104, a process of manufacturing the sleeve 101, and a process of forming the cap 110. Since it is manufactured through a process of assembling the members in order, it must be said that the number of processes is large, and as a result, the cost is affected. The steps of manufacturing the optical element module 104 include a step of manufacturing a lead frame (not shown) having an optical element and a step of molding a molded portion (not shown) for protecting the lead frame with a transparent resin. And

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and firstly, a receptacle which improves workability, further suppresses light loss, and contributes to cost reduction, and a manufacturing method for manufacturing the receptacle. And to provide. Second, it is another object of the present invention to provide an optical connector capable of performing better optical communication at low cost.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a receptacle, wherein an optical plug having an optical fiber having a ferrule attached to a terminal is fitted thereto. A method for manufacturing a receptacle, wherein one lead frame having an optical element of either a light emitting element or a light receiving element, or two leads each having the light emitting element and the light receiving element separately and being divided by the type of the optical element A step of manufacturing any one of a lead frame and a mold part for protecting the optical element, and a core part corresponding to the position of the optical element and protruding from the mold part, capable of transmitting light. A step of manufacturing an optical element module sub-assembly by integrally molding the lead frame with a transparent resin material, and having a refractive index higher than that of the transparent resin material. Fence, is characterized in that it comprises a step of integrally molding a transparent housing having a fitting portion to the optical device module sub-assembly with respect to the optical plug and the cladding portion which is provided around the core portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the receptacle manufacturing method according to the first aspect, wherein the lead frame manufactured in the step of manufacturing the lead frame is manufactured during the manufacturing process. It is characterized in that the process proceeds to the next step with the carrier formed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a receptacle according to the second aspect, when the number of the lead frames is two, the carrier includes the light emitting element. And the lead frame having the light receiving element are alternately coupled.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the receptacle manufacturing method according to the second or third aspect, further comprising a cutting step for the carrier after the next step. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the method of manufacturing a receptacle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the lead frame manufactured in the step of manufacturing the lead frame is formed by two or more steps. In one case, the optical element module sub-assembly is manufactured between the light emitting element and the light receiving element by interposing a light shielding member for partitioning the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method of manufacturing a receptacle according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, after the housing is integrally molded with the optical element module sub-assembly, It is characterized in that the housing is subjected to a conductive treatment.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receptacle for fitting an optical plug having an optical fiber with a ferrule attached to a terminal, comprising a light emitting element or a light receiving element. One lead frame having any one of the optical elements, or any one of the two lead frames having the light emitting element and the light receiving element separately and divided by the type of the optical element, A mold portion integrally formed on the lead frame with a transparent resin material capable of transmitting light to protect the optical element, and a core protruding from the mold portion and integrally formed on the mold portion with the transparent resin material And an optical element module sub-assembly having: a lower refractive index than the transparent resin material; That has a fitting portion cladding portion and with respect to the optical plug, and characterized in that it is configured with a transparent housing which is integrally molded to the optical device module subassembly.

[0025] The receptacle of the present invention described in claim 8 is:
8. The receptacle according to claim 7, wherein when the number of the lead frames is two, the optical element module sub-assembly has a light shielding member between the light emitting element and the light receiving element for partitioning the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

The receptacle of the present invention according to claim 9 is:
The receptacle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a conductive processing portion is formed at least in the housing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical connector comprising: a receptacle manufactured by the method for manufacturing a receptacle according to any one of the first to sixth aspects; An optical plug having an optical fiber to which a ferrule is attached and fitted to the receptacle is provided.

An optical connector according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention for solving the above second problem has the receptacle according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects and an optical fiber having a ferrule attached to a terminal. And an optical plug fitted to the receptacle.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the production including the above-described steps reduces the number of steps compared to the steps related to the production of the conventional receptacle. Also,
The workability is also improved (in the following description, when there is a risk of confusion between the component of the present invention and the component described in the conventional example, the component described in the conventional example is referred to as “conventional”. And clearly differentiated). That is, the core of the optical element module sub-assembly and the clad of the housing have the function of a conventional sleeve, so that the conventional manufacturing process of the sleeve is unnecessary. In other words, there is no need to bond and fix the optical fiber to the cylindrical holder and to grind the both end surfaces thereof with ultra-precision. Also, since the optical element module sub-assembly is integrated with the housing,
The step of molding a conventional cap is not required. Furthermore, the conventional assembly process is simplified. On the other hand, accompanying with the above, the workability is improved. On the other hand, because it has the function of the conventional sleeve, when the optical plug is fitted to the receptacle, that is, the fitting part of the housing,
It is possible to make the conventional sleeve act as if facing the end of the optical fiber. Further, since the gap generated between the conventional sleeve and the conventional optical element module is eliminated, the gap loss can be suppressed as much as possible.

According to the present invention, firstly, the form of the lead frame in the next step is stabilized. That is, when the lead frame is made up of a plurality of members, it may be easier to perform the next step with the carrier attached. Second, the holding of the lead frame is facilitated. That is, the holding area is increased by the amount of the carrier, which is effective, for example, when the holding is performed in a molding die. Third, when there are two lead frames, positioning becomes easy when manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly or when integrally molding the housing with the optical element module sub-assembly.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of steps in the process of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly. Further, the positioning of the optical element module sub-assemblies becomes easy. Furthermore, it becomes easier to mold the mold portion over two lead frames.

According to the present invention, since it is not necessary to cut and separate the carrier in the step of manufacturing the lead frame, the operational effect of the second or third aspect is derived.

According to the present invention, the light from the light emitting element is not received by the light receiving element.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at least the housing has conductivity, and shields against external and internal electric noise.
Demonstrate the nature.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the optical element module sub-assembly and the housing form an integral receptacle. Further, since a waveguide for light is formed by the core part of the optical element module sub-assembly and the clad part of the housing, the receptacle has the function without the conventional sleeve. Furthermore, the receptacle has no conventional sleeve or conventional cap. On the other hand, in the optical device module sub-assembly, since the mold portion and the core portion are integrated, there is no gap between the conventional sleeve and the conventional optical device module. When the optical plug is fitted to the receptacle, it is possible to act as if the conventional sleeve is facing the end of the optical fiber. Thereby, when the optical element of the lead frame is, for example, a light emitting element, light emitted from the light emitting element propagates through the mold section and the core section,
The light enters the end of the optical fiber. Conversely, when the optical element is a light receiving element, light emitted from the optical fiber propagates through the core and the mold and is received by the light receiving element. Further, when two lead frames each having a light emitting element and a light receiving element separately are provided, the above-described two functions are obtained.

According to the present invention, the light from the light emitting element is not received by the light receiving element.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, at least the housing has conductivity, and exhibits a shielding property against electric noise from outside and inside.

According to the present invention described in claim 10,
An optical connector provided with the receptacle having the operation and effect according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is provided.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
An optical connector provided with the receptacle having the function and effect according to any one of claims 7 to 9 is provided.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector showing an embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical plug of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 as viewed from behind, FIG. 4 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates the optical connector used in a multiplex transmission circuit of a vehicle such as an automobile, for example. The optical connector 1 includes an optical plug 2 and a receptacle 3. I have.

The receptacle 3 has much higher workability in assembling than conventional ones, suppresses light loss, and contributes to cost reduction. Optical connector 1
By using the receptacle 3, not only can better optical communication be achieved, but also it can be provided at low cost.

To explain the configuration of the optical plug 2, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical plug 2 has ferrule assemblies 4, 4, and the ferrule assemblies 4, 4 are inserted therein.
Plug housing 5 to be accommodated, plug housing 5
And a spring cap 6 which is fitted to the rear part.

The ferrule assembly 4 includes an optical fiber 7
And a ferrule 8 attached to the end of the optical fiber 7
And a spring 9 inserted into the optical fiber 7.

The optical fiber 7 includes a core 10 made of a transparent resin material such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate (methacrylic resin)) and a primary sheath 1 made of synthetic resin.
1 and a secondary sheath 12 also made of synthetic resin,
The terminal is mounted on the ferrule 8 in a state where the terminal is peeled off.

The ferrule 8 is made of a synthetic resin and has a substantially cylindrical small-diameter portion 13 and a large-diameter portion 14. The core portion 10 of the optical fiber 7 is in the small-diameter portion 13, and the primary sheath 11 is The large diameter portion 14 is accommodated. Further, the ferrule 8 and the optical fiber 7 are firmly fixed with an adhesive or the like, so that the optical fiber 7 does not fall off from the ferrule 8.

The large diameter portion 14 has two flange portions 15,
A spring 9 is interposed between the rear flange 15 and the spring cap 6.

The plug housing 5 has a hollow accommodation chamber 16 capable of accommodating the ferrule assemblies 4, 4.
16, a locking arm 17 and a pair of guide rails 18, 18 for the spring cap 6 are provided on the upper wall of the plug housing 5.
And the guide flanges 19, 1 for the optical fibers 7, 7
9 are integrally formed.

Further, on both side walls of the plug housing 5,
Claw-shaped engaging projections 20, 2 for the spring cap 6
0 (only one is shown, the same applies hereinafter).

The guide rails 18, 18 are strips extending in the fitting direction of the spring cap 6, and are the same as the side walls from the rear end surface of the plug housing 5 to a substantially middle portion. It is arranged and formed on a plane (upright coupling with both side edges of the upper wall).

The guide flanges 19, 19 are cantilever-shaped protrusions formed on the lead-out portions of the optical fibers 7, 7 led out from the rear end face of the plug housing 5, and have flexibility. The optical fibers 7, 7 are prevented from being severely bent upward.

The spring cap 6 has a base wall 21 facing the lower wall of the plug housing 5, and a pair of side walls 22 erected at both ends of the base wall 21 and opposed to both side walls of the plug housing 5. , 22 and a rear wall 23 which is connected to the rear edge of the base wall 21 and is continuous with the ends of the side walls 22, 22. It is formed so that it can be.

On the side walls 22, 22, the engaging projections 20,
Engaging portions 24, 24 that engage with 20 are formed. Further, guide grooves 25, 25 which slide on the guide rails 18, 18 at the time of fitting with the plug housing 5, are also formed.

Reference numerals 26 and 26 denote slits to reduce rigidity at the time of fitting.

The guide grooves 25 are formed in a substantially inverted U-shape (not shown) in cross section by extending along the above-mentioned fitting direction and opening the base wall 21 side. 1
8, 18 are inserted. The other ends of the guide grooves 25 are closed by a rear wall 23.

In the rear wall 23, the fiber leading portions 27, 27 through which the optical fibers 7, 7 are inserted and the other ends of the springs 9, 9 abut, and the fiber leading portions 27, 27,
U, a cross-sectional view supporting the optical fibers 7, 7
The support portions 28 are formed in a U-shape.

Next, the receptacle 3 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the receptacle 3 includes optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32 (receiving / light emitting module, receiving / transmitting module, or FOT (Fiber Optic Transceiver)).
iver) or the like, and a connector housing 33 (equivalent to the housing described in the claims) integrally formed therewith.

The optical plug 2 (see FIG. 1 or 2) is fitted into the front opening 34 (see FIG. 4) of the connector housing 33. The optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32
It is integrally molded so as to be buried in the rear side.

Hereinafter, the constituent members will be specifically described. FIG.
5, the optical element module sub-assemblies 31, 32 include lead frames 37, 38 having optical elements 35, 36, molded portions 39, 40 for protecting them, and optical elements 35, 36. Core portions 41 and 42 projecting from mold portions 39 and 40 corresponding to the positions are provided.

When the optical element 35 of the lead frame 37 is, for example, a light emitting element (for example, a light emitting diode (LED)), the optical element 36 of the lead frame 38 becomes a light receiving element (for example, a photodiode (PD)). It is configured as follows.

The lead frames 37 and 38 will be described in detail when describing the manufacturing method.

The mold sections 39 and 40 are made of a transparent resin material (for example, epoxy resin, preferably having the same refractive index as that of the optical fiber 7) through which light can propagate. Including lead frames 37, 38
Is formed so as to embed approximately the upper half thereof.

The core portions 41 and 42 are
This is a columnar transparent member made of the same material as 0 and formed at the same time as the mold portions 39 and 40, and is arranged and formed coaxially with the optical elements 35 and 36 (not shown).

The core portions 41 and 42 are not limited to the columnar shape. That is, the shape of the core portions 41 and 42 may be substantially frustoconical (effective when condensing the propagating light).

Next, the connector housing 33 will be described. 3 to 5, the connector housing 33 is made of a transparent material having a refractive index smaller than that of the core portions 41 and 42 and the mold portion 39, in other words, smaller than the refractive index of the transparent resin material. It is molded using a resin material. By integrally molding the connector housing 33, the core portions 41 and 42 constitute a waveguide for light.

In this embodiment, the connector housing 33 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape having a step in the middle in the front-rear direction in appearance, and a guide portion 44 is provided on the upper wall 43 of the connector housing 33. , And left and right walls 4
5, 46 (referred to as left and right with respect to the front surface of the connector housing 33) are formed with substantially cylindrical attachment portions 47, 47. Further, on the lower wall 48, pins 49, 49 for fixing to a mounting partner (wiring board) (not shown) are provided.
Is protruding.

Inside the connector housing 33, a fitting portion 50 into which the optical plug 2 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) fits through the front opening portion 34, and a receiving portion protruding into the fitting portion 50. Tubes 51, 51 are formed.

The guide portion 44 projects outward on the front side of the upper wall 43, and has guide grooves 52, 52 communicating with the fitting portion 50 and the optical plug 2 (FIG. 1 or FIG.
(See FIG. 3).

The fitting portion 50 is provided in the plug housing 5 (see FIG. 1 or 2) of the optical plug 2 (see FIG. 1 or 2).
Are formed in the fitting portion 50 at substantially the center of the lower wall 48 so as to protrude vertically inward. In addition, the fitting portion 50
As described above, the receiving cylinders 51, 51 are formed to protrude therein.

The receiving cylinders 51, 51 are formed in a stepped cylindrical shape on both the inside and the outside, and the ferrules 8, 8 of the optical plug 2 (see FIG. 1 or FIG.
(See FIG. 2). Also, the core portions 4 are provided on the rear large diameter portions 56, 56 of the receiving cylinders 51, 51 (corresponding to the clad portions described in the claims).
1, 42 are located. Therefore, a waveguide for light is formed by the core portions 41 and 42 and the rear large-diameter portions 56 and 56.

The receiving cylinders 51, 51 are formed such that the axes of the ferrules 8, 8 (see FIG. 2) and the cores 41, 42 coincide (not shown) on their axes.

The waveguide (formed of the core portions 41 and 42 and the rear large-diameter portions 56 and 56) of the waveguide has a N.D. A. (Numerical aperture) is determined by the N.D. of each of the cores 10, 10 (see FIG. 2) of the optical fibers 7, 7 (see FIG. 2). A. (For example, the NA of the core portions 10 and 10 is NA =
If 0.6, the N.D. A. Is more than that).

Next, a method of manufacturing the receptacle 3 (see FIG. 3) (a step related to the manufacturing) will be described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG.

First, as an outline, the receptacle 3
(See FIG. 3) includes a step of manufacturing a lead frame, a step of manufacturing an optical element module sub-assembly, and a step of integrally molding a connector housing with the optical element module sub-assembly.

The steps for manufacturing the above-described lead frame will be described. In FIG. 6, in the step of manufacturing the lead frame, after the conductive metal plate is pressed and the conductive metal plate is punched out, the optical elements 35 and 36 are alternately mounted, and wire bonding is performed on each of the optical elements 35 and 36. 3
A plurality of sets 7 and 38 are manufactured in a horizontal line via the carrier 57 (the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, the optical element 35)
Lead frame 3 with wire mounted and wire bonded
7 may be manufactured in one horizontal row).

Reference numeral 58 indicates a lead frame assembly, which indicates the whole manufactured in a horizontal line.

The interval S1 between each set of the lead frames 37 and 38 is set wide so that a plurality of receptacles 3 (see FIG. 3) can be manufactured at one time. The interval S2 between the lead frames 37, 38 is set such that the interval between the optical elements 35, 36 matches the pitch between the optical fibers 7, 7 (see FIG. 2).

The carrier 57 is not cut in this step. That is, the lead frame 37,
Then, the process proceeds to the next step in a state where it is attached to 38. Thereby, the form of the lead frames 37 and 38 in the next step is stabilized. Further, the lead frames 37 and 38 can be easily held. Further, the optical element module sub-assemblies 31, 3
2 (see FIG. 8) can be easily positioned. Furthermore, it becomes easier to mold the mold portion 64 (see FIG. 9 and described later) across the two lead frames 37 and 38.

A cutting step for the carrier 57 is separately provided after the next step (the carrier 57 may be cut and removed in this step, but it is necessary to prevent the lead frames 37 and 38 from falling apart). . The carrier 57 is cut and separated at the position indicated by the imaginary line L1 in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 7, the carrier 57 may be separated for each set (see the position of the virtual line L2). Further, the lead frames 37, 38 are separated individually, and the lead frames 37, 38 with the carrier 57 are separated.
May be formed alone (separated at the positions of the virtual lines L2 and L3). This may be performed in the next step of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly.

When the process of manufacturing the lead frame is completed, the process proceeds to the process of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly. In the process of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly, as shown in FIG.
The mold portions 39 and 40 and the core portions 41 and 42 are formed integrally with the lead frames 37 and 38 every 38. That is, the lead frames 37, 38 (or the above set, the lead frame assembly 58) are set in a molding die (not shown), and the mold portions 39, 40 and the core portions 41, 4
2 is formed of the transparent resin material. Thus, the optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32 are manufactured.

Then, when the step of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly is completed, the process proceeds to the step of integrally molding the connector housing with the optical element module sub-assembly. In the step of integrally molding the connector housing with the optical element module sub-assembly, as shown in FIG.
The optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32 are set in a housing molding die 59, and the connector housing 33 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) is integrally formed with the optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32.

The housing forming die 59 is a fixed die 6 on which the optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32 are set.
0 and the movable mold 61 that is closed with respect to the fixed mold 60
And a slide mold 62 for forming the fitting portion 50 (see FIG. 5) and the receiving cylinders 51, 51 (see FIG. 5), etc., and a space defined by these molds. The inside is filled with a transparent resin material having a lower refractive index than the transparent resin material at the time of molding (the gate is not shown because it is a side gate). The housing molding die 59
Is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. The same applies to the portion of the fixed die 60 where the lead frames 37 and 38 are inserted and set.

Finally, the molded product is transferred to the housing molding die 59.
, And the carrier 57 is cut (not shown).
A series of manufacturing steps for the receptacle 3 (see FIG. 3) is completed.

After the above steps, a step of conducting a conductive treatment on at least the connector housing 33 may be added. The conductive treatment is performed at least in the connector housing 3.
3, for example, by plating or depositing a conductive member on the surface. The portion subjected to the conductive processing corresponds to the conductive processing section described in the claims. Not surprisingly,
Care must be taken not to perform the above processing on the lead frames 37 and 38.

Thus, at least the connector housing 33 has conductivity and exhibits a shielding property against electric noise from outside and inside. This is effective in realizing better optical communication.

The receptacle 3 manufactured by the above-described manufacturing method contributes to cost reduction because the number of steps related to the manufacturing is smaller than the conventional steps. In addition, workability is improved accordingly.

That is, the optical element module sub-assembly 3
1, 32 core portions 41, 42 and connector housing 33
The rear large diameter portion 56 of the conventional sleeve 10
1 (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the manufacturing process of the conventional sleeve 101 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) becomes unnecessary. That is, the optical fiber 11
3 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) with a cylindrical holder 114
(Refer to FIGS. 12 and 13).

The optical device module sub-assembly 3
Since the connectors 1 and 32 are integrated with the connector housing 33, the step of molding the conventional cap 110 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) is not required. Further, from the above, the conventional assembly process is simplified. In addition to this, workability is improved.

On the other hand, a conventional sleeve 101 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) and a conventional optical element module 104 (see FIG. 12)
And FIG. 13).
Gap loss is minimized.

On the other hand, the receptacle 3 has the function of the conventional sleeve 101 (see FIGS. 12 and 13).
In other words, when the optical plug 2 is fitted into the fitting portion 50 of the connector housing 33, it acts as if the conventional sleeve 101 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) faces the ends of the optical fibers 7, 7. I do.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a receptacle and a method of manufacturing the receptacle, which enhance workability, further suppress light loss, and contribute to cost reduction.

Further, since the optical connector 1 is configured to include the receptacle 3, it is of course possible to perform inexpensive and better optical communication.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. That is, a connector housing (not shown) corresponding to one of the optical element module sub-assemblies 31 and 32 only.
May be integrally formed.

Further, an optical element module sub-assembly 63 as shown in FIG. 9 may be manufactured. The optical element module sub-assembly 63 includes lead frames 37 and 38.
And a mold portion 64 formed over the lead frames 37 and 38, and core portions 41 and 42 integrated with the mold portion 64 (basically, the same configuration as described above has the same configuration. Signed).

The use of the optical element module sub-assembly 63 has the advantage that it can be easily set in the housing molding die 59 (see FIG. 8) and the workability can be improved.

Incidentally, since the connector housing 33 (see FIG. 3) is transparent, it may be necessary to take measures against crosstalk. In that case, the receptacle 6 in which the light shielding member 65 shown in FIGS.
6 can be used.

The receptacle 66 is provided with the receptacle 3
3 (see FIG. 3), the light shielding member 65 is buried (basically the same configuration as described above is denoted by the same reference numeral). The light-blocking member 65 is connected to the optical element 35 (FIG. 6).
(See FIG. 6) is formed of a material that does not receive the light from the optical element 36 (see FIG. 6). Also, the light shielding member 6
5 is the optical element 35 (see FIG. 6) and the optical element 36
(See FIG. 6). The shape is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The light-shielding member 65 is illustrated to match the inner wall of the fitting portion 50.
It may be extended to 6, 56 (in the present embodiment, the light can be shielded by the accommodation chambers 16, 16 of the optical plug 2 (see FIG. 2), so that it is aligned with the above-mentioned inner wall. For the light of the above, on the outer surface of the connector housing 33,
For example, it can be handled by coating a light-shielding member). As an application example, the light shielding member 6
Embedding a light-shielding member such as 5 can be mentioned.

[0099]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of steps for manufacturing a receptacle is smaller than that of a conventional step, which contributes to cost reduction. In addition, workability is improved accordingly. further,
According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, the core of the optical element module sub-assembly and the clad of the housing have the function of the conventional sleeve, so that the distance between the conventional sleeve and the conventional optical element module is reduced. The gap that has occurred in the above is eliminated, and gap loss is minimized. Thereby, better optical communication can be achieved. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing a receptacle that improves workability, further suppresses optical loss, and contributes to cost reduction.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lead frame moves to the next step with the carrier formed during the manufacturing process attached, so that the form of the lead frame in the next step is changed. Stabilize. Further, the lead frame can be easily held. Further, when there are two lead frames, positioning becomes easy when manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly or when integrally molding the housing with the optical element module sub-assembly. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability can be further improved, which can contribute to cost reduction.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when two lead frames are accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing, the carrier includes a lead frame having a light emitting element and a lead frame having a light receiving element. Are alternately coupled with each other, so that the number of steps in the process of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly can be reduced. Further, the positioning of the optical element module sub-assemblies becomes easy. Furthermore, it becomes easier to mold the mold portion over two lead frames. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability can be further improved, which can contribute to cost reduction.

According to the present invention, after the next step, that is, the step of manufacturing a lead frame,
Since the method further includes the step of cutting the carrier, it is not always necessary to cut and separate the carrier in the step of manufacturing the lead frame. Therefore, the effect of claim 2 or claim 3 can be derived.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when two lead frames are manufactured in the step of manufacturing a lead frame, a light-shielding member for partitioning these is provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Since the manufactured optical element module sub-assembly is manufactured, the light from the light emitting element is not received by the light receiving element. Therefore, there is an effect that crosstalk can be prevented and better optical communication can be realized.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, after the housing is integrally formed with the optical element module sub-assembly, at least the housing is subjected to a conductive treatment, so that the housing has conductivity. In other words, it exerts a shielding property against electric noise from outside and inside. Therefore, there is an effect that better optical communication can be realized.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the optical element module sub-assembly and the housing form an integral receptacle. Further, since a waveguide for light is formed by the core part of the optical element module sub-assembly and the clad part of the housing, the receptacle has the function without the conventional sleeve. Furthermore, the receptacle has no conventional sleeve or conventional cap. From the above, the manufacturing process and the assembling process are simplified, and the workability can be improved. It also contributes to cost reduction. On the other hand, in the optical device module sub-assembly, since the mold portion and the core portion are integrated, there is no gap between the conventional sleeve and the conventional optical device module. This minimizes gap loss. Further, better optical communication can be achieved. Therefore, it is possible to provide a receptacle that improves workability, further suppresses optical loss, and contributes to cost reduction.

According to the present invention, in the case where the number of lead frames is two, the optical element module sub-assembly has a light shielding member between the light emitting element and the light receiving element for partitioning them. The light from the light emitting element is not received by the light receiving element. Therefore, there is an effect that crosstalk can be prevented and better optical communication can be realized.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the conductive processing portion is formed at least in the housing,
At least the housing has conductivity, and exhibits a shielding property against electric noise from outside and inside. Therefore, there is an effect that better optical communication can be realized.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
An optical connector comprising the receptacle manufactured by the method for manufacturing a receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an optical plug. Become a connector.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
Since the optical connector includes the receptacle according to any one of claims 7 to 9 and the optical plug, the optical connector is naturally inexpensive and can perform better optical communication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optical connector showing one embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical plug of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a step of manufacturing the lead frame, and is a perspective view of the lead frame assembly.

7 is a view for explaining a process of manufacturing the optical element module sub-assembly, and is a perspective view of a state in which a mold section and a core section are integrally formed on each lead frame of the lead frame assembly of FIG. .

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a step of integrally molding the housing with the optical element module sub-assembly, and is a longitudinal sectional view of the housing molding die in a state where the optical element module sub-assembly is set.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an optical element module sub-assembly in which a molded portion is formed over two lead frames.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a receptacle having a light blocking member.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a conventional optical connector.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the receptacle of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the optical plug of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical connector 2 Optical plug 3 Receptacle 7 Optical fiber 8 Ferrule 31, 32 Optical element module sub-assembly 33 Connector housing (housing) 35, 36 Optical element 37, 38 Lead frame 39, 40 Mold part 41, 42 Core part 50 Fitting Part 51 Receiving cylinder 55 Front small diameter part 56 Rear large diameter part (cladding part) 57 Carrier 58 Lead frame assembly 59 Housing molding die 60 Fixed die 61 Movable die 62 Slide die 63 Optical element module sub-assembly 64 Mold part 65 Light shielding member 66 Receptacle

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 10/13 10/12 F term (Reference) 2H037 AA01 BA02 BA11 DA03 DA04 DA06 DA15 DA33 DA36 DA40 5F073 BA02 EA15 FA07 5F088 AA01 BA10 BB01 EA09 EA11 JA02 JA14 LA01 5K002 AA01 AA03 AA05 AA07 BA02 BA07 BA32 FA01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method for manufacturing a receptacle in which an optical plug having an optical fiber having a terminal fitted with a ferrule is fitted, wherein one lead frame having either a light emitting element or a light receiving element or the light emitting element is provided. A step of manufacturing any one of two lead frames, each having an element and the light receiving element separately, and divided according to the type of the optical element; a mold section for protecting the optical element; and the optical element. Forming a core part corresponding to the position and projecting from the mold part with a transparent resin material capable of transmitting light integrally with the lead frame to manufacture an optical element module sub-assembly; A transparent housing having a refractive index smaller than that of the optical housing and having a clad part provided around the core part and a fitting part for the optical plug is provided. A step of integrally molding the optical recording module subassembly. 2. The method for manufacturing a receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the lead frame manufactured in the step of manufacturing the lead frame moves to the next step with the carrier formed in the manufacturing process attached. A method of manufacturing a receptacle. 3. The method of manufacturing a receptacle according to claim 2, wherein when the number of the lead frames is two, the carrier includes the lead frame having the light emitting element and the lead frame having the light receiving element. A method of manufacturing a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is alternately coupled. 4. The method for manufacturing a receptacle according to claim 2, further comprising a cutting step for said carrier after said next step. 5. The method for manufacturing a receptacle according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the number of the lead frames manufactured in the step of manufacturing the lead frame is two, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are connected to each other. A method for manufacturing a receptacle, wherein the optical element module sub-assembly is manufactured with a light-blocking member separating them therebetween. 6. The method for manufacturing a receptacle according to claim 1, wherein after the housing is integrally formed with the optical element module sub-assembly, at least the housing is subjected to a conductive treatment. Manufacturing method of receptacle. 7. A receptacle into which an optical plug having an optical fiber having a ferrule attached to a terminal is fitted, wherein one lead frame having one of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, or one of the light emitting element and the light emitting element, Any one of two lead frames, each having a light receiving element separately and divided according to the type of the optical element, and the lead frame made of a transparent resin material capable of transmitting light to protect the optical element An optical element module sub-assembly having a mold part integrally formed with the resin part, and a core part projecting from the mold part and integrally formed with the mold part by the transparent resin material; and a refractive index higher than that of the transparent resin material. The optical element module, comprising: a cladding portion provided around the core portion; and a fitting portion for the optical plug. Receptacle characterized in that it is configured with a transparent housing which is integrally molded on Buasshi. 8. The receptacle according to claim 7, wherein, when the number of the lead frames is two, the optical element module sub-assembly has a light shielding member between the light emitting element and the light receiving element for partitioning them. The receptacle characterized by the above-mentioned. 9. The receptacle according to claim 7, wherein a conductive processing portion is formed at least in the housing. 10. A receptacle manufactured by the method for manufacturing a receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an optical plug having an optical fiber with a ferrule attached to a terminal and fitted to the receptacle. An optical connector characterized by being constituted by: 11. A receptacle comprising: the receptacle according to any one of claims 7 to 9; and an optical plug having an optical fiber with a ferrule attached to a terminal and fitted into the receptacle. Optical connector.