JP2011158643A - Optical connector and lens block-connecting structure, and optical module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical connector and lens block-connecting structure that can lower the height between a connecting place of an optical connector with a lens block and a substrate. <P>SOLUTION: The optical connector and lens block-connecting structure includes: a lens frame 5 that is fixed to a substrate 2 in a manner surrounding an optical element 3 mounted on the substrate 2 and provided with an optical path vertical to the substrate 2; a lens block 6 that is adhesively fixed to the lens frame 5, with the optical axis aligned with the optical element 3; and an optical connector 7 provided at a fore end of an optical fiber cable 4. The substrate 2 is provided with a housing hole 15 for housing a projection 7c of the optical connector 7 and, when the optical connector 7 and the lens block 6 are connected, the projection 7c of the optical connector 7 is arranged in a state housed in the housing hole 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector / lens block connection structure for connecting an optical connector provided at an end of an optical fiber cable and a lens block, and an optical module.

  Conventionally, in devices such as an optical transceiver, an optical element array (for example, a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) array or a PD (photo diode) array) in which surface light emitting elements and surface light receiving elements are arranged in an array is generally used. Yes.

  In an optical element array using a surface light emitting element or a surface light receiving element, the optical path of light entering and exiting the optical element array is perpendicular to the substrate on which the optical element array is mounted. On the other hand, in a device such as an optical transceiver, an optical fiber cable optically connected to an optical element array is generally arranged in parallel to a substrate on which the optical element array is mounted.

  In order to optically connect the optical element array and the optical fiber cable, a lens block is disposed above the optical element array to convert the optical path where the optical element array enters and exits into an optical path parallel to the substrate by 90 degrees. There is known a structure in which an MT (Mechanically Transferable) ferrule provided at an end of an optical fiber cable is attached to and fixed to a block (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-224954 A JP 2006-11092 A

  By the way, in a device such as an optical transceiver, there may be a case where a sufficient space cannot be secured above the substrate by design (for example, to conform to the I / O interface standard). In such a case, if the height between the connection portion between the optical connector and the lens block and the substrate is high, the connection structure between the optical connector and the lens block may not be disposed in a narrow space above the substrate. .

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector and lens block connection structure and an optical module that can solve the above-described problems and can reduce the height between the connection portion of the optical connector and the lens block and the substrate. There is to do.

  The present invention was devised to achieve the above object, and is fixed to the substrate so as to surround the optical device, the optical device mounted on the substrate, having an optical path perpendicular to the substrate, and the optical device. A lens frame that is bonded and fixed to the lens frame with the optical axis aligned with the optical element, a lens block that converts an optical path of the optical element into an optical path parallel to the substrate, and a parallel to the substrate An optical connector provided at the tip of the optical fiber cable, and the substrate has a storage hole for storing the convex portion of the optical connector, and connects the optical connector and the lens block In this case, the optical connector and the lens block are connected to each other so that the convex portion of the optical connector is housed in the housing hole.

  The substrate includes a circuit board in which a notch is formed and a base provided so as to close the notch from the back side of the circuit board, the housing hole is provided in the circuit board, and the surface of the base In addition, the lens block and the lens frame may be fixed.

  An optical connector frame comprising two side ribs surrounding both sides of the optical connector, and a rear rib connecting the other end portions of the two side ribs, and between the rear rib of the optical connector frame and the optical connector An elastic member disposed, and after mounting the optical connector on the lens block and pressing the optical connector to the lens block side with a rear rib of the optical connector frame via the elastic member, The optical connector frame may be fixed to the substrate.

  The optical connector frame has a protrusion protruding downward from the optical connector frame, and the substrate has an engagement hole for engaging the protrusion of the optical connector frame around the storage hole, The connector frame may be fixed to the substrate by engaging the protrusion with the engagement hole of the substrate.

  The optical connector may be an MT ferrule, and the convex portion may be a flange formed at a rear end portion of the MT ferrule.

  The present invention has been made in order to achieve the above object, and is an optical module provided with a connection structure between the above optical connector and a lens block.

  A transmission-side substrate and a reception-side substrate; a connection structure between the optical connector and the lens block on the surface side of the transmission-side substrate; and a connection between the optical connector and the lens block on the surface side of the reception-side substrate. The optical connector frame has a predetermined distance that the vertical height should be maintained between the transmission side substrate and the reception side substrate, and the transmission side substrate, the reception side substrate, Are arranged up and down with the surfaces facing each other, and the surface of the transmission side substrate and the surface of the reception side substrate are in contact with the optical connector frame so that the transmission side substrate and the reception side substrate are The interval may be kept at a predetermined interval.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connection structure of an optical connector and a lens block which can make the height between the connection location and board | substrate of an optical connector and a lens block low, and an optical module provided with the same can be provided.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the connection structure of the optical connector and lens block which concern on one embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the other direction of the connection structure of the optical connector of FIG. 1, and a lens block. It is a perspective view which shows the board | substrate of the connection structure of the optical connector of FIG. 1, and a lens block. It is a perspective view which shows the lens frame of the connection structure of the optical connector of FIG. 1, and a lens block. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the optical connector frame of the connection structure of the optical connector and lens block of FIG. (A), (b) is a figure explaining the procedure which fixes an optical connector to a lens block in the connection structure of the optical connector of FIG. 1, and a lens block. (A) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the connection structure of the optical connector and lens block of FIG. 1, (b) is the side view. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the optical module which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a transmission-side substrate of the optical module in FIG. 8, wherein FIG. 9A is a perspective view when a light emitting element array and a driver IC are mounted on a base, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for fixing the optical connector to the lens block in the transmission side substrate of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for fixing the optical connector to the lens block in the transmission side substrate of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for fixing the optical connector to the lens block in the transmission side substrate of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a side view of the optical module of FIG. 8 when a transmission side substrate and a reception side substrate are superposed vertically.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are exploded perspective views showing a connection structure between an optical connector and a lens block according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical connector / lens block connection structure 1 includes an optical element 3 (see FIG. 3) mounted on a substrate 2 and an optical fiber cable 4 for optical connection. A lens block 6 disposed above the element 3 and supported by a lens frame 5 fixed to the substrate 2 and an MT ferrule 7 as an optical connector provided at the tip of the optical fiber cable 4 are fixed. Structure.

[Optical element, substrate]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical element 3 is mounted on the substrate 2 and has an optical path perpendicular to the substrate 2. The optical element 3 is, for example, a VCSEL array or PD array in which surface light emitting elements or surface light receiving elements that vertically enter light from above the substrate 2 are arranged in an array. Here, a case where a VCSEL array in which 12 surface light emitting elements are arranged in an array is used as the optical element 3 will be described.

  The board | substrate 2 consists of metals, such as printed circuit boards, such as a glass epoxy board | substrate, or Kovar, for example. On the substrate 2, the optical element 3, the driver IC 8 that drives the optical element 3, the lens frame 5 for holding the lens block 6, and the MT ferrule 7 are fixed to the lens block 6 in a mounted state. An optical connector frame 10 is mounted. The substrate 2 is formed with four lens frame fixing holes 2a for positioning and fixing the lens frame 5, and a storage hole 15 for storing the convex portion (the flange portion 7c) of the MT ferrule 7. Is done. Engagement holes 13a and 13b for engaging a front protrusion 12a and a rear protrusion 12b of the optical connector frame 10 to be described later are formed around the storage hole 15.

[Lens frame]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the lens frame 5 includes two side ribs 5 a and front ribs 5 b that connect one end portions (the end portion on the right back side in FIG. 4) of both side ribs 5 a. And is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from above. The lens frame 5 is formed by cutting and bending a single metal plate.

  Two leg portions 5c that are fitted into the lens frame fixing holes 2a of the substrate 2 are formed on the both side ribs 5a of the lens frame 5 so as to protrude downward from the lower ends thereof. The lens frame 5 is positioned and fixed with respect to the substrate 2 by fitting the leg portion 5c into the lens frame fixing hole 2a of the substrate 2. The lens frame 5 is fixed to the substrate 2 so as to surround the optical element 3.

[Lens block]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lens block 6 includes an optical path of light that enters and exits the optical element 3 in order to optically connect the optical element 3 and the MT ferrule 7 disposed in parallel with the substrate 2. Is converted into an optical path parallel to the substrate 2 by 90 °. The lens block 6 has a substrate facing surface 6a facing the optical element 3 disposed on the substrate 2, an MT ferrule connection surface 6b perpendicular to the substrate facing surface 6a, and the substrate facing surface 6a and the MT ferrule connection surface 6b. And an inclined surface 6c inclined by 45 ° and formed in a substantially triangular prism shape. Twelve lenses 6d corresponding to the light emitting elements of the optical element 3 are arranged in alignment on the substrate facing surface 6a and the MT ferrule connection surface 6b.

  The lens block 6 is bonded and fixed between both side ribs 5a of the lens frame 5 in a state where the optical elements 3 are aligned with 12 lenses (not shown) formed on the substrate facing surface 6a. Specifically, after aligning the optical axes of the lens block 6 and the optical element 3, UV curable resin is supplied between the lens block 6 and the ribs 5a on the both sides of the lens frame 5, and ultraviolet (UV) is supplied. Irradiation is performed to cure the UV curable resin, and the lens block 6 is bonded and fixed to the lens frame 5.

  Pins 9 for positioning the MT ferrule 7 are formed on both sides of the MT ferrule connection surface 6 b of the lens block 6. An enlarged diameter portion 9 a is formed at the base end portion of the pin 9. The diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 9 a is formed larger than the fitting hole 7 b of the MT ferrule 7. Further, the enlarged diameter portion 9a is an optical axis that holds the tip surface 7a of the MT ferrule 7 and the MT ferrule connection surface 6b of the lens block 6 at a predetermined interval so that the tip surface 7a of the MT ferrule 7 does not interfere with the lens 6d. It is the length of the direction.

[Optical fiber cable, optical connector]
The optical fiber cable 4 is a bundle of 12 optical fibers, and a 12-core MT ferrule 7 as an optical connector is provided at an end of the optical fiber cable 4. In this embodiment, the case where an MT ferrule is used as an optical connector will be described, but the optical connector is not limited to an MT ferrule.

  The MT ferrule 7 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and fitting holes 7b that fit into the pins 9 of the lens block 6 are formed on both side portions of the distal end surface 7a. The MT ferrule 7 is positioned with respect to the lens block 6 by fitting the fitting hole 7 b with the pin 9, and is attached to the lens block 6.

  Further, a flange portion 7 c is formed at the rear end portion of the MT ferrule 7, and this flange portion 7 c becomes a convex portion in the MT ferrule 7. When the MT ferrule 7 and the lens block 6 are connected, the flange portion 7 c is accommodated in the accommodation hole 15 formed in the substrate 2.

  By attaching the MT ferrule 7 to the lens block 6, the optical element 3 and the optical fiber cable 4 are optically connected via the lens block 6 and the MT ferrule 7.

[Optical connector frame, elastic member]
Around the MT ferrule 7, an optical connector frame 10 is provided for fixing the MT ferrule 7 in a state of being mounted on the lens block 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the optical connector frame 10 includes two side ribs 10a surrounding both sides of the MT ferrule 7, and one end portion of these side ribs 10a (on the right front side in FIG. 5 (a)). And a rear rib 10b for connecting the end portions) to each other, and is formed in a substantially U shape in a top view. The optical connector frame 10 is formed by cutting and bending a single metal plate. The metal plate is made of a spring material, for example, SUS.

  The interval between the ribs 10 a on both sides of the optical connector frame 10 is larger than the width of the MT ferrule 7, and when the optical connector frame 10 is engaged with the substrate 2, the both side ribs 10 a of the optical connector frame 10 are connected to the MT ferrule 7. Avoid contact.

  Both side ribs 10a of the optical connector frame 10 are respectively formed with front projections 12a that project downward from the other end (the left back end in FIG. 5A). Two rear protrusions 12b projecting downward from the rear rib 10b are formed on 10b. The front projection 12a is formed with a collar portion 12c extending from the lower end of the front projection 12a to the other end side (the right front side in FIG. 5A). Although the details will be described later, the flange 12c is for preventing the optical connector frame 10 from coming out above the substrate 2.

  A notch 10c for passing the optical fiber cable 4 is formed in the rear rib 10b of the optical connector frame 10. The notch 10c is formed in the rear rib 10b so that its lower part opens.

  A coil spring 14 as an elastic member is disposed between the rear rib 10 b of the optical connector frame 10 and the MT ferrule 7. The coil spring 14 is supported by the optical fiber cable 4 by passing the optical fiber cable 4 through the hollow portion.

[Connecting structure of optical connector and lens block]
When fixing the MT ferrule 7 to the lens block 6, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, the pin 9 of the lens block 6 and the fitting hole 7 b of the MT ferrule 7 are fitted to each other. 6 is equipped with MT ferrule 7. At this time, the flange portion 7 c, which is a convex portion of the MT ferrule 7, is housed and disposed in the housing hole 15.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, the MT ferrule 7 is pressed against the lens block 6 with the rear rib 10 b of the optical connector frame 10 via the coil spring 14, and then the optical connector frame 10 is fixed to the substrate 2. Thus, the lens block 6 and the MT ferrule 7 are fixed.

  At this time, in the optical connector / lens block connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the optical connector frame 10 has the front protrusion 12a as the engagement hole 13a of the substrate 2 and the rear protrusion 12b as the engagement hole 13b. By being engaged, the substrate 2 is fixed.

  More specifically, by pressing the optical connector frame 10 toward the lens block 6, the MT ferrule 7 and the coil spring 14 are pressed toward the lens block 6 with the rear rib 10 b of the optical connector frame 10. 12a is engaged with the engagement hole 13a of the substrate 2, and the rear projection 12b is engaged with the engagement hole 13b. Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the optical connector frame 10 is removed, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the optical connector frame 10 is urged rearward by the coil spring 14, and both protrusions 12a and 12b. Is pressed against the other end side (the right side in FIG. 7B) of the engagement holes 13a and 13b, and the optical connector frame 10 is fixed to the substrate 2.

  In this embodiment, since the flange portion 12c is formed at the lower end portion of the front projection 12a, when the optical connector frame 10 is urged rearward, the flange portion 12c wraps around the back side of the substrate 2 and engages with the substrate 2. Combined. As a result, the optical connector frame 10 is prevented from coming out above the substrate 2.

  To release the engagement between the board 2 and the optical connector frame 10, the optical connector frame 10 is pressed against the lens block side to release the engagement of the flange portion 12c, and in this state, the optical connector frame 10 can be lifted upward. That's fine. Thereby, the engagement between the substrate 2 and the optical connector frame 10 is released, and the MT ferrule 7 can be removed from the lens block 6.

[Operation of this embodiment]
The operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  In the optical connector / lens block connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, when the MT ferrule 7 and the lens block 6 are connected, the flange portion 7c that is a convex portion of the MT ferrule 7 is housed in the housing hole 15. Therefore, the interference between the MT ferrule 7 and the substrate 2 can be eliminated, and the height between the connection portion between the MT ferrule 7 and the lens block 6 and the substrate 2 can be reduced. Therefore, even when a sufficient space cannot be secured on the substrate 2, the optical connector and lens block connection structure 1 can be arranged in the narrow space.

  Further, in the connection structure 1 between the optical connector and the lens block, the position of the MT ferrule 7 is not fixed with respect to the optical connector frame 10. Therefore, when the MT ferrule 7 is attached and fixed to the lens block 6, even if the position of the lens block 6 with respect to the lens frame 5 is different one by one, the MT ferrule 7 corresponds to the position of the lens block 6. It can be positioned and fixed. Thereby, unnecessary force is not applied to the lens block 6 and the MT ferrule 7. Therefore, it is possible to employ a structure in which the lens block 6 is bonded and fixed to the lens frame 5 fixed to the substrate 2 so that the optical axis is hardly displaced between the optical element 3 and the lens block 6.

  Further, in the connection structure 1 between the optical connector and the lens block, the optical connector frame 10 is fixed to the substrate 2, so that the optical connector is compared with a structure in which the optical connector frame 10 is engaged with the lens frame 5, for example. It is possible to hold the frame 10 stably.

  Furthermore, in the connection structure 1 between the optical connector and the lens block, the MT ferrule 7 and the protrusion 12a and 12b projecting downward from the optical connector frame 10 are engaged with the engagement holes 13a and 13b formed in the substrate 2. There is no member protruding above the lens block 6, and the connection structure 1 between the small optical connector and the lens block as a whole can be realized.

  Further, in the connection structure 1 between the optical connector and the lens block, since the flange portion 12c is formed at the lower end portion of the front projection 12a, it is possible to prevent the optical connector frame 10 from being pulled out above the substrate 2. In addition, when there is no possibility that the optical connector frame 10 is pulled out above the substrate 2 such as when the optical connector frame 10 is pressed from the upper side, the flange portion 12c can be omitted.

  Further, in the optical connector / lens block connection structure 1, a notch 10 c for passing the optical fiber cable 4 is formed in the rear rib 10 b of the optical connector frame 10. The optical connector frame 10 can be attached so that the optical fiber cable 4 is covered with the optical connector frame 10 from above and the optical fiber cable 4 passes through the notch 10c. Therefore, when the optical connector frame 10 is attached, the optical connector frame 10 can be easily attached and detached while the MT ferrule 7 is attached to the lens block 6, and the handling becomes easy.

  Further, in the connection structure 1 between the optical connector and the lens block, the optical connector frame 10 is pressed against the lens block 6 side to release the engagement of the collar portion 12c, and then the optical connector frame 10 is lifted upward, The engagement of the optical connector frame 10 can be easily released, and the MT ferrule 7 can be easily removed from the lens block 6.

[Optical module]
Next, an optical module having a connection structure between the optical connector and the lens block of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an optical module including the optical connector and lens block connection structure 1 described in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the optical module 100 includes a transmission-side substrate 101 on which a light emitting element and a driver IC that drives the light emitting element are mounted, and a light receiving element and an amplifier IC that amplifies an electric signal from the light receiving element. A receiving-side substrate 102 mounted on the surface, and a housing 105 including an upper housing 103 and a lower housing 104 that accommodate both the substrates 101 and 102 are provided.

  Both the substrates 101 and 102 are arranged vertically with their surfaces facing each other. In this embodiment, the transmission side substrate 101 is disposed on the lower side and the reception side substrate 102 is disposed on the upper side. However, the upper and lower arrangements of the transmission side substrate 101 and the reception side substrate 102 are I / Os that use the optical module 100. Follow O interface standards.

  In the present embodiment, the transmission side substrate 101 and the reception side substrate 102 have the same structure including the connection structure of the optical connector and the lens block. Hereinafter, the transmission side substrate 101 will be described in detail.

[Transmitter board]
As shown in FIG. 9A, a notch 106a is formed on one side of the transmission side circuit board 101a (right front side in FIG. 9A), and the notch 106a is formed on the transmission side circuit board 101a. A base 107a is provided so as to be closed from the back side. The transmission side substrate 101 is composed of a transmission side circuit substrate 101a and a base 107a.

  The transmission side circuit board 101a is made of, for example, a laminated board. A connection terminal 109a is formed at one end of the transmission side circuit board 101a, and a card edge connector 110a is formed.

  The base 107a is made of a conductive member, for example, a metal such as copper tungsten (Cu-W) or Kovar, and is electrically connected to a ground pattern (not shown) formed in the inner layer of the transmission side circuit board 101a. Further, the base 107 a is configured to come into contact with the lower housing 104 via a heat radiating sheet (not shown) when the transmission side substrate 101 is accommodated in the housing 105, and is in close thermal contact with the lower housing 104. To be done.

  On the base 107a, a light emitting element array (for example, VCSEL array) 3A and a driver IC 8A for driving the light emitting element array 3A are mounted. As shown in FIG. 9B, a lens block 6A is disposed above the light emitting element array 3A. Although not shown in FIG. 9B, the lens block 6A is supported by a lens frame 5A fixed to the base 107a. Four lens frame fixing holes 2a are formed in the base 107a, and engagement holes 13a and 13b for engaging the protrusions 12a and 12b of the optical connector frame 10A are formed in the transmission side circuit board 101a. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lens frame 5A is fixed to the base 107a by fitting the leg portions 5c of the lens frame 5A into the lens frame fixing holes 2a formed in the base 107a. The lens block 6A is bonded and fixed to the lens frame 5A in a state where the optical axis coincides with the light emitting element array 3A.

  The MT ferrule 7A of the transmission side optical fiber cable 4A is connected to the lens block 6A, and the light emitting element array 3A and the transmission side optical fiber cable 4A are optically connected via the lens block 6A.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the MT ferrule 7A is fixed to the lens block 6A, the MT ferrule 7A is attached to the lens block 6A, and then the MT ferrule is attached to the rear rib 10b of the optical connector frame 10A via the coil spring 14A. 7A is pressed against the lens block 6A side. In this state, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusions 12a and 12b of the optical connector frame 10A are engaged with the engagement holes 13a and 13b, and the optical connector frame 10A is fixed to the transmission side circuit board 101a. The transmitting circuit board 101a below the MT ferrule 7A is formed with a storage hole 108a for storing the flange portion 7c, which is a convex portion of the MT ferrule 7A, in order to avoid interference with the MT ferrule 7A.

  In this way, the transmission side substrate 101 is composed of the transmission side circuit substrate 101a and the base 107a, the lens block 6A and the lens frame 5A are fixed to the base 107a, and the flange portion 7c of the MT ferrule 7A is fixed to the transmission side circuit substrate 101a. By forming the storage hole 108a to be stored, compared to the case where the transmission side substrate 101 is formed by a single circuit board, the connection location of the lens block 6A and the MT ferrule 7A, and the circuit board (transmission side circuit board 101a) ) Can be lowered.

  In addition, spacer fixing notches 111a are formed on both sides of the transmitting circuit board 101a on the card edge connector 110a side of the position where the notches 106a are formed. The spacer fixing notches 111a will be described later. The spacer 112 is fixed.

[Receiving board]
The reception side substrate 102 has the same structure as the transmission side substrate 101 when the light emitting element array 3A is replaced with a light receiving element array and the driver IC 8A is replaced with an amplifier IC 8B for amplifying an electric signal.

  The reception side substrate 102 includes a reception side circuit substrate 102b and a base 107b. The receiving side circuit board 102b is formed with a storage hole 108b for storing the flange part 7c of the MT ferrule 7B, and a connection terminal 109b is formed at one end of the receiving side circuit board 102b. An edge connector 110b is formed.

[Optical fiber cable]
As shown in FIG. 8, the transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 is a bundle of a transmission-side optical fiber cable 4A and a reception-side optical fiber cable 4B.

  A protective cover 117 made of resin is provided at the end of the transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 to protect the end of the transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116. The protective cover 117 is made of, for example, rubber boots, and protects the transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 so that the transmission-side optical fiber cable 4A and the reception-side optical fiber cable 4B do not bend beyond an allowable bending radius.

  The transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 branches at its end into a transmission side optical fiber cable 4A and a reception side optical fiber cable 4B. An MT ferrule 7A is provided at the end of the transmission side optical fiber cable 4A, and an MT ferrule 7B is provided at the end of the reception side optical fiber cable 4B.

[Case, Upper Case, Lower Case]
The optical module 100 includes a housing 105 that accommodates both the substrates 101 and 102.

  The casing 105 is divided into upper and lower parts and includes an upper casing 103 and a lower casing 104. The upper housing 103 and the lower housing 104 are made of metal. The upper housing 103 and the lower housing 104 are fixed with screws (not shown).

  A flange shape for engaging a protective cover 117 made of a rubber boot provided at an end portion of the transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 on the rear surfaces of the upper housing 103 and the lower housing 104 (surface on the left front side in FIG. 8). Engaging portions 103a and 104a are formed. The transmission / reception optical fiber cable 116 is fixed to the housing 105 by engaging the protective cover 117 made of rubber boots with the engaging portions 103a and 104a.

[Spacer]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, the spacer 112 is a member for keeping the transmission side substrate 101 and the reception side substrate 102 at a predetermined interval. The spacer 112 is formed so as to protrude further from the upper and lower sides of the plate-shaped plate portion 113, the prismatic support base 114 formed so as to protrude up and down at a predetermined height from both ends thereof. The pin 115 is formed. The plate portion 113, the support base 114, and the pin 115 are integrally formed.

  The spacer 112 inserts the pin 115 protruding downward into the spacer fixing notch 111a of the transmission side circuit board 101a, and inserts the pin 115 protruding upward into the spacer fixing notch 111b of the reception side circuit board 102b. It is attached between the side circuit board 101a and the receiving side circuit board 102b. At this time, the lower surface of the support 114 is in contact with the surface of the transmission circuit board 101a, and the upper surface of the support 114 is in contact with the surface of the reception circuit board 102b.

  Furthermore, in the optical module 100 according to the present embodiment, the optical connector frames 10A and 10B also serve as spacers. The above-described spacer 112 and the optical connector frames 10A and 10B serve as the transmission side circuit board 101a and the reception. The side circuit board 102b is kept at a predetermined interval.

  The lower part of the optical connector frame 10A provided on the transmission side circuit board 101a abuts on the surface of the transmission side circuit board 101a, and the upper part abuts on the surface of the reception side circuit board 102b. The lower part of the optical connector frame 10B provided on the reception side circuit board 102b is in contact with the surface of the reception side circuit board 102b, and the upper part thereof is in contact with the surface of the transmission side circuit board 101a.

  Thus, by making the optical connector frames 10A and 10B also serve as a spacer, it is not necessary to provide a separate spacer, and it is not necessary to secure a space for providing the spacer on the substrates 101 and 102. Contributes to cost reduction and downsizing.

  In the optical module 100, the optical connector frame 10A is pressed against the transmission side circuit board 101a by the reception side circuit board 102b, and the optical connector frame 10B is pressed against the reception side circuit board 102b by the transmission side circuit board 101a. Therefore, there is no possibility that the optical connector frames 10A and 10B are detached from the substrates 101 and 102.

  The length between the upper surface and the lower surface of the support 114 of the spacer 112 and the vertical heights of the optical connector frames 10A and 10B are determined by the card edge connector 110a of the transmission side circuit board 101a defined by the I / O interface standard. And the distance to be kept between the card edge connector 110b of the receiving side circuit board 102b. The optical module 100 is configured to accommodate the flanges 7c, which are the convex portions of the MT ferrules 7A and 7B, in the accommodation holes 108a and 108b, respectively, and further, the lens blocks 6A and 6B and the lens frames 5A and 5B. Is fixed to bases 107a and 107b provided so as to close the notches of the circuit boards 101a and 102b from the back side, and the connection points between the lens blocks 6A and 6B and the MT ferrules 7A and 7B and the circuit board The height between 101a and 102b is low. Therefore, even if the gap between the circuit boards 101a and 102b is narrow, it can be handled.

  Alternatively, upper protrusions protruding upward may be formed on the side ribs 10a of the optical connector frames 10A and 10B, and the upper portions of the upper protrusions may be in contact with the opposing circuit boards 102b and 101a. This reduces the area where the optical connector frames 10A and 10B come into contact with the opposing circuit boards 102b and 101a, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the wiring patterns formed on the surfaces of both circuit boards 101a and 102b. Further, the upper protrusion may be bent to form a leaf spring. Thereby, it can suppress that the circuit board 101a, 102b of the part which the upper protrusion contacted is damaged.

  Further, the optical connector frames 10A, 10B and the lens frames 5A, 5B are electrically connected to the ground pattern of the circuit boards 101a, 102b and grounded, and the optical connector frames 10A, 10B and the lens frames 5A, 5B are You may make it interrupt | block the noise to optical element 3A, 3B. In this case, the side ribs 10a of the optical connector frames 10A and 10B are extended toward the lens frames 5A and 5B so that no gap is left between the optical connector frames 10A and 10B and the lens frames 5A and 5B. desirable.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connection structure of optical connector and lens block 2 Board | substrate 3 Optical element 4 Optical fiber cable 5 Lens frame 5a Side rib 5b Front rib 6 Lens block 7 MT ferrule (optical connector)
7c collar (convex)
8 IC
10 optical connector frame 10a side rib 10b rear rib 12a front projection 12b rear projection 13a, 13b engagement hole 14 coil spring (elastic member)
15 Storage hole

Claims (7)

A substrate,
An optical element mounted on the substrate and having an optical path perpendicular to the substrate;
A lens frame fixed to the substrate so as to surround the optical element;
A lens block that is bonded and fixed to the lens frame in a state where the optical axis coincides with the optical element, and converts the optical path of the optical element into an optical path parallel to the substrate;
An optical connector provided at the tip of the optical fiber cable, which is arranged in parallel with the substrate,
The substrate has a storage hole for storing the convex portion of the optical connector;
When the optical connector and the lens block are connected, the convex portion of the optical connector is housed and disposed in the housing hole.
Connection structure of optical connector and lens block. The substrate comprises a circuit board in which a notch is formed, and a base provided so as to close the notch from the back side of the circuit board.
The storage hole is provided in the circuit board,
The optical connector and lens block connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the lens block and the lens frame are fixed to a surface of the base. An optical connector frame comprising two side ribs surrounding both sides of the optical connector, and a rear rib connecting the other end portions of the two side ribs;
An elastic member disposed between the rear rib of the optical connector frame and the optical connector;
The optical connector is mounted on the lens block, and the optical connector frame is fixed to the substrate after the optical connector is pressed against the lens block side with a rear rib of the optical connector frame via the elastic member. Item 3. A connection structure between the optical connector according to Item 1 or 2 and a lens block. The optical connector frame has a protrusion protruding downward from the optical connector frame,
The board has an engagement hole that engages the protrusion of the optical connector frame around the storage hole, and the optical connector frame engages the protrusion with the engagement hole of the board. The connection structure between the optical connector and the lens block according to claim 3, which is fixed to the substrate. The optical connector is an MT ferrule;
The optical connector and lens block connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the convex portion is a flange portion formed at a rear end portion of the MT ferrule.   An optical module comprising the optical connector and lens block connection structure according to claim 1. A transmission board,
A receiving side board,
Provided with a connection structure of the optical connector and the lens block on the surface side of the transmission side substrate,
Provided with a connection structure of the optical connector and the lens block on the surface side of the receiving side substrate,
The optical connector frame has a predetermined gap length that should be maintained between the transmission side board and the reception side board in the vertical height.
The transmission side substrate and the reception side substrate are arranged up and down with the surfaces facing each other, and the surface of the transmission side substrate and the surface of the reception side substrate are in contact with the optical connector frame, and The optical module according to claim 6, wherein a predetermined distance is maintained between the transmission side substrate and the reception side substrate.

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