JP2016086098A - Optical coupling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical coupling device that can secure an electrical insulation distance between a light emission unit and a light receiving unit with high precision.SOLUTION: An optical coupling device 10A has a light emission unit 1, a light receiving unit 2 for receiving light from the light emission unit 1, a fitting member 3 to which the light receiving unit 2 is fitted, a spacer 5 having electrical insulation performance, and a sealing member 4 for sealing the light emission unit 1, the light receiving unit 2, the fitting member 3 and the spacer 5. The light emission unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are arranged to confront each other through the spacer 5. The spacer 5 are in contact with the light emission unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an optical coupling device, and more particularly to an optical coupling device in which a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are optically coupled.

  Conventionally, a photocoupler in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are optically coupled is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the photocoupler described in Patent Document 1, the light emitting element is bonded onto the light receiving element with an adhesive.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-284755

  In the photocoupler described in Patent Document 1, since the light emitting element is bonded onto the light receiving element with an adhesive, it is difficult to accurately secure an electrical insulation distance between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

  The objective of this invention is providing the optical coupling device which can ensure the electrical insulation distance of a light emission part and a light-receiving part accurately.

  The optical coupling device of the present invention includes a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit that receives light from the light emitting unit, a mounting member to which the light receiving unit is attached, an electrically insulating spacer, the light emitting unit, and the light receiving unit. And a sealing member for sealing the attachment member and the spacer. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the spacer interposed therebetween. The spacer is in contact with the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

  In this optical coupling device, it is preferable that the spacer is formed in a plate shape using a material that transmits light from the light emitting portion.

  In this optical coupling device, it is preferable that the spacer is formed in a particle shape from a material that transmits light from the light emitting portion.

  In this optical coupling device, the light receiving section includes a plurality of light receiving elements, and the plurality of light receiving elements are arranged such that the light receiving surfaces are arranged in one plane and are electrically connected in series. Is preferred.

  In this optical coupling device, the area of the light receiving surfaces of the first light receiving elements located at both ends in the arrangement direction, which is a direction in which three or more of the plurality of light receiving elements are aligned in a straight line, is the plurality of light receiving elements. It is preferable that the area of the light receiving surface of the second light receiving element located at the center in the arrangement direction among the light receiving elements is set larger.

  In this optical coupling device, the five or more light receiving elements are arranged in the arrangement direction, and the area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements is from the central part to the both end parts in the arrangement direction. It is preferably set so as to gradually increase.

  In this optical coupling device, the sealing member is made of a material that reflects light from the light emitting portion, and the sealing member is at least an outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements. It is preferable to cover a part of the light-receiving surface of the third light-receiving element disposed in the.

  The optical coupling device further includes a reflection member that reflects light from the light emitting unit, the reflection member configured to cover the light emitting unit and the spacer, and the reflection member includes the plurality of light receiving elements. It is preferable that at least a part of the light receiving surface of the third light receiving element disposed at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane is covered.

  In the optical coupling device, an area of the spacer in a plane orthogonal to a direction in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit face each other is larger than an area of a light emitting surface of the light emitting unit, and in the plurality of light receiving elements. It is preferable that the area is set to be equal to or smaller than the area of the light receiving surface.

  In the optical coupling device of the present invention, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the spacer interposed therebetween. The spacer is in contact with the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of this invention, it becomes possible to ensure the electrical insulation distance of the said light emission part and the said light-receiving part with a sufficient precision.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting unit in the optical coupling device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 4. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway schematic side view of the optical coupling device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 13A is a schematic side view of a light emitting unit, a spacer, and a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 13B is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to Embodiment 8. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 18 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6. FIG. 20A is a schematic side view of a light emitting unit, a spacer, and a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 20B is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 21A is a schematic side view of a light emitting unit, a spacer, and a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 21B is a plan view of a plurality of light receiving elements in the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the optical coupling device 10A according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  10 A of optical coupling devices are provided with the light emission part 1, the light-receiving part 2, the attachment member 3, the spacer 5, the sealing member 4, a pair of input terminal, and a pair of output terminal. In FIG. 1, one input terminal 6 of the pair of input terminals is visible. In FIG. 1, one output terminal 7 of the pair of output terminals is visible. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, one input terminal 6 is referred to as a “first input terminal 6”, and the other input terminal is referred to as a “second input terminal”. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, one output terminal 7 is referred to as a “first output terminal 7”, and the other output terminal is referred to as a “second output terminal”.

  The light emitting unit 1 is, for example, an LED (more specifically, an LED chip). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the light emitting unit 1 includes a substrate 11, a light emitting layer 12, a reflective layer 13, and a pair of electrodes 14 a and 14 b.

  The substrate 11 is configured to have translucency and electrical insulation. The substrate 11 is, for example, a sapphire substrate. The substrate 11 is not limited to a sapphire substrate, and may be a gallium nitride substrate, for example.

  The light emitting layer 12 is formed on one surface (the upper surface in FIG. 2) of the substrate 11. The light emitting layer 12 includes a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is, for example, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer is, for example, an n-type nitride semiconductor layer.

  The reflective layer 13 is configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting layer 12. The reflective layer 13 is formed on one surface of the light emitting layer 12 opposite to the substrate 11 side (the upper surface in FIG. 2).

  The pair of electrodes 14a and 14b are exposed from one surface (upper surface in FIG. 2) of the reflective layer 13 on the side opposite to the light emitting layer 12 side. The electrode 14 a is electrically connected to the p-type semiconductor layer of the light emitting layer 12. The electrode 14 b is electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor layer of the light emitting layer 12. That is, the electrode 14 a is the anode of the light emitting unit 1, and the electrode 14 b is the cathode of the light emitting unit 1.

  The light emitting unit 1 is configured such that light emitted from the light emitting layer 12 is emitted through the substrate 11. Further, the light emitting unit 1 is configured such that light emitted from the light emitting layer 12 is reflected by the reflective layer 13 and light reflected by the reflective layer 13 is emitted through the substrate 11.

  The light emitting unit 1 includes the reflective layer 13, but may not include the reflective layer 13. However, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, since the light emitting unit 1 includes the reflective layer 13, it is possible to increase the amount of light to the light receiving unit 2 compared to the case where the light emitting unit 1 does not include the reflective layer 13. Become.

  The light receiving unit 2 is configured to receive light from the light emitting unit 1. The light receiving unit 2 includes a plurality of light receiving elements 8, a pair of electrodes 9 a and 9 b, and a substrate 15.

  Each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is, for example, a photodiode. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged such that their light receiving surfaces are arranged in one plane. In other words, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in an array. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are electrically connected in series. In short, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are photodiode arrays. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 need not all be electrically connected in series. For example, some of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 may be electrically connected in series.

  In the optical coupling device 10A, the areas of the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are set to the same size (see FIG. 3). Further, in the optical coupling device 10A, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array of 4 rows and 4 columns, for example (see FIG. 3). That is, the outer peripheral shape of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is a square shape. Furthermore, in the optical coupling device 10A, the light emitting unit 1 is disposed so as to face the central portion of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the center part in the some light receiving element 8 means the center part of a photodiode array.

  The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array of 4 rows and 4 columns, but are not limited to this arrangement, and may be arranged in a two-dimensional array of 2 rows and 4 columns, for example. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array, but may be arranged in a one-dimensional array of one row and four columns, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 may be referred to as “photodiode array 8A”.

  The electrode 9a is electrically connected to the anode side connection end of the photodiode array 8A. The electrode 9b is electrically connected to the connection end on the cathode side of the photodiode array 8A.

  The board | substrate 15 is a printed circuit board, for example. The substrate 15 is provided with a photodiode array 8A and a pair of electrodes 9a and 9b. In addition, the board | substrate 15 is not restricted to a printed circuit board, For example, a silicone substrate etc. may be sufficient.

  In the optical coupling device 10A, a photodiode is used as the light receiving element 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a phototransistor, a solar cell, or the like may be used.

  The attachment member 3 is configured such that the light receiving unit 2 is attached. Moreover, the attachment member 3 is comprised integrally with the 1st output terminal 7, for example.

  In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the mounting member 3, the first input terminal 6, the second input terminal, the first output terminal 7, and the second output terminal constitute a lead frame. That is, in the optical coupling device 10A, the mounting member 3 is a die pad of a lead frame, and each of the first input terminal 6, the second input terminal, the first output terminal 7, and the second output terminal is a lead frame lead. . Note that the attachment member 3 is not limited to the die pad of the lead frame, and may be an insulating substrate having electrical insulation, for example. Examples of the insulating substrate include a glass epoxy substrate and a ceramic substrate.

  The light receiving unit 2 is attached to the attachment surface of the attachment member 3 by, for example, a joining member (hereinafter referred to as “first joining member”). In the optical coupling device 10A, for example, a silver paste is used as the first bonding member. The silver paste is, for example, an epoxy resin containing silver powder. In the optical coupling device 10A, silver paste is used as the first bonding member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, solder or the like may be used.

  The light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are arranged to face each other with the spacer 5 interposed therebetween. In the optical coupling device 10A, a spacer 5 is provided between the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A.

  The spacer 5 is made of a material having electrical insulation. In addition, the spacer 5 is made of a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit 1. The material having electrical insulation and translucency is, for example, glass. Moreover, the spacer 5 is formed in plate shape (in FIG. 1, rectangular plate shape). Note that the material having electrical insulation and translucency is not limited to glass, and may be, for example, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or the like.

  The spacer 5 is disposed between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 so as to contact the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2.

  In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are joined by a joining member 20 (hereinafter “second joining member”) 20 having electrical insulation and translucency. The second bonding member 20 is, for example, a silicone resin.

  For example, the second joining member 20 is configured to wrap the spacer 5 and join the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 together. Further, the second bonding member 20 is configured to cover the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1 (the lower surface of the substrate 11 in FIG. 2) and the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8A. In addition, the 2nd joining member 20 does not need to completely wrap the spacer 5, For example, a part of spacer 5 may be exposed. Further, the second bonding member 20 does not need to completely cover the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1. Further, the second bonding member 20 does not need to completely cover the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8A.

  The spacer 5 is preferably configured to have a refractive index equivalent to the refractive index of the second bonding member 20 with respect to the light from the light emitting unit 1. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10A, the difference in refractive index between the spacer 5 and the second bonding member 20 can be reduced, and the light from the light emitting unit 1 is reflected at the interface between the spacer 5 and the second bonding member 20. Can be suppressed. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the light-emitting unit 1 and the light-receiving unit 10 </ b> A are compared with the case where the spacer 5 is configured to have a refractive index different from the refractive index of the second bonding member 20 with respect to the light from the light-emitting unit 1. The optical coupling efficiency with the part 2 can be improved.

  In addition, the spacer 5 is preferably made of the same material as that of the second bonding member 20. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10A, the difference in refractive index between the spacer 5 and the second bonding member 20 can be further reduced, and the light from the light emitting unit 1 is transmitted at the interface between the spacer 5 and the second bonding member 20. It is possible to further suppress reflection. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10A, the spacer 5 and the light emitting unit 1 are compared with the case where the spacer 5 is configured to have a refractive index equivalent to the refractive index of the second bonding member 20 with respect to the light from the light emitting unit 1. The optical coupling efficiency with the light receiving unit 2 can be further improved. In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the spacer 5 is made of the same material as that of the second bonding member 20, so that the adhesion between the spacer 5 and the second coupling member 20 can be improved. .

  The electrode 14 a of the light emitting unit 1 is electrically connected to the second input terminal via the first wire 16. The electrode 14 b of the light emitting unit 1 is electrically connected to the first input terminal 6 through the second wire 17. The electrode 9 a of the light receiving unit 2 is electrically connected to the first output terminal 7 via the third wire 18. The electrode 9 b of the light receiving unit 2 is electrically connected to the second output terminal via the fourth wire 19. Each of the first wire 16, the second wire 17, the third wire 18, and the fourth wire 19 is, for example, a bonding wire.

  The sealing member 4 includes, for example, the light emitting unit 1, the light receiving unit 2, the mounting member 3, the spacer 5, the second joining member 20, one end of the first input terminal 6, one end of the second input terminal, and the first output terminal. 7, one end of the second output terminal, and the wires 16 to 19 are sealed. The one end portion of the first input terminal 6 means an end portion to which the second wire 17 is electrically connected. The one end portion of the second input terminal means an end portion to which the first wire 16 is electrically connected. One end portion of the first output terminal 7 means an end portion to which the third wire 18 is electrically connected. The one end portion of the second output terminal means an end portion to which the fourth wire 19 is electrically connected.

  The sealing member 4 is made of a material having electrical insulating properties and light shielding properties. The material having electrical insulating properties and light shielding properties is, for example, an epoxy resin mixed with a black pigment. The material having electrical insulating properties and light shielding properties is not limited to an epoxy resin mixed with a black pigment, and may be, for example, a silicone resin mixed with a black pigment. Moreover, the sealing member 4 should just be comprised so that the light emission part 1, the light-receiving part 2, and the attachment member 3 may be sealed at least.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the inventor of the present application considered an optical coupling device 90A in which the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A of the light receiving unit 2 are not joined. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the optical coupling device 90A is referred to as “optical coupling device 90A of Comparative Example 1”. Further, in the optical coupling device 90A of Comparative Example 1, the same components as those of the optical coupling device 10A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the optical coupling device 90A of Comparative Example 1, since the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are close to each other, it is possible to improve the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 as compared with the optical coupling device 10A. It becomes. However, in the optical coupling device 90 </ b> A of Comparative Example 1, it is difficult to ensure an electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2. Further, in the optical coupling device 90A of Comparative Example 1, since the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A are not joined, it is difficult to improve the relative positional accuracy between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the inventor of the present application considered an optical coupling device 90 </ b> B in which the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8 </ b> A of the light receiving unit 2 are joined by a joining member 91. The joining member 91 is, for example, a silicone resin. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the optical coupling device 90B is referred to as “optical coupling device 90B of Comparative Example 2”. Further, in the optical coupling device 90B of Comparative Example 2, the same components as those of the optical coupling device 90A of Comparative Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  In the optical coupling device 90B of Comparative Example 2, since the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A are joined by the joining member 91, the relative positional accuracy between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be improved. It becomes. However, in the optical coupling device 90B of the comparative example 2, it is difficult to ensure an electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 as in the optical coupling device 90A of the comparative example 1.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the inventor of the present application considered an optical coupling device 90 </ b> C and an optical coupling device 90 </ b> D in which the light receiving unit 2 is arranged to face the light emitting unit 1 with a predetermined interval. . Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the optical coupling device 90C is referred to as “optical coupling device 90C of comparative example 3”, and the optical coupling device 90D is referred to as “optical coupling device 90D of comparative example 4.” In addition, in the optical coupling device 90C of the comparative example 3 and the optical coupling device 90D of the comparative example 4, the same components as those of the optical coupling device 90B of the comparative example 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  In the optical coupling device 90C of the comparative example 3 and the optical coupling device 90D of the comparative example 4, the light receiving unit 2 is disposed so as to face the light emitting unit 1 with a predetermined interval therebetween, so the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 It is possible to ensure an electrical insulation distance from the above. However, in the optical coupling device 90C of the comparative example 3 and the optical coupling device 90D of the comparative example 4, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are joined by the joining member 91. It is difficult to ensure a precise insulation distance with high accuracy.

  On the other hand, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A according to the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are disposed so as to face each other with the spacer 5 interposed therebetween. The spacer 5 is disposed between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 so as to contact the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10A, compared with the optical couplers 90A to 90D of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 and the photocoupler described in Patent Document 1, the electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 is increased. It is possible to ensure with high accuracy.

  In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are joined by the second joining member 20, but may not be joined by the second joining member 20. However, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, when the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are joined by the second joining member 20, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are not joined by the second joining member 20. It is possible to improve the relative positional accuracy between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2. As a result, in the optical coupling device 10A, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be improved.

  Further, in the optical coupling device 10A, an LED is used as the light emitting unit 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an LD (Laser Diode) may be used.

  In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the light emitting unit 1 may be attached to, for example, an attachment member configured integrally with the first input terminal 6.

  The optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment described above includes the light emitting unit 1, the light receiving unit 2 that receives light from the light emitting unit 1, and the attachment member 3 to which the light receiving unit 2 is attached. The optical coupling device 10 </ b> A includes an electrically insulating spacer 5 and a light emitting unit 1, a light receiving unit 2, an attachment member 3, and a sealing member 4 that seals the spacer 5. The light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are arranged to face each other with the spacer 5 interposed therebetween. The spacer 5 is in contact with the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2. As a result, in the optical coupling device 10A, it is possible to ensure the electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 with higher accuracy than the photocoupler described in Patent Document 1.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the spacer 5 is formed in plate shape with the material which has translucency with respect to the light from the light emission part 1, as mentioned above. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the light transmittance of the spacer 5 can be improved. Further, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, the electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be adjusted by the thickness of the spacer 5.

  Furthermore, the area of the spacer 5 in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 face each other (vertical direction in FIG. 1) is larger than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode. It is preferably set to be equal to or smaller than the area of the light receiving surface of the array 8A. As a result, in the optical coupling device 10 </ b> A, heat generated in the light emitting unit 1 can be efficiently conducted to the light receiving unit 2 through the spacer 5, and deterioration of the light emitting unit 1 can be suppressed. Further, in the optical coupling device 10A, when the spacer 5 is formed in a plate shape with a material that is transparent to the light from the light emitting unit 1, the spacer 5 can be used as a light guide member, and light emission The optical coupling efficiency between the part 1 and the light receiving part 2 can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device 10B according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10A according to the first embodiment, and includes a spacer 21 having a shape different from that of the spacer 5 in the optical coupling device 10A as shown in FIG. The points are different from the optical coupling device 10A. In the optical coupling device 10B, the same components as those in the optical coupling device 10A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are arranged to face each other with a plurality of spacers 21 interposed therebetween. In the optical coupling device 10B, a plurality of spacers 21 are provided between the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A. In the optical coupling device 10B, the plurality of spacers 21 are arranged on the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8A.

  Each of the plurality of spacers 21 is made of an electrically insulating material. In addition, each of the plurality of spacers 21 is made of a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit 1. The material having electrical insulation and translucency is, for example, glass. Each of the plurality of spacers 21 is formed in a particle shape. Note that the material having electrical insulation and translucency is not limited to glass, and may be, for example, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or the like.

  Each of the plurality of spacers 21 is disposed between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 so as to be in contact with the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2.

  For example, the second joining member 20 is configured to wrap the plurality of spacers 21 and join the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 together. In addition, the 2nd joining member 20 does not need to completely wrap the some spacer 21, For example, some spacers 21 may be exposed.

  The optical coupling device 10B according to the second embodiment described above includes a plurality of spacers 21 instead of the spacers 5 in the optical coupling device 10A according to the first embodiment.

  In addition, as described above, the spacer 21 is preferably formed in a particle shape using a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit 1. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10B, the light transmittance of the spacer 21 can be improved. In the optical coupling device 10 </ b> B, the electrical insulation distance between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be adjusted by the size of the spacer 21.

(Embodiment 3)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device of the third embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the sealing member 4 is different from that of the optical coupling device 10A. In the optical coupling device according to the third embodiment, description of the same components as those of the optical coupling device 10A will be omitted as appropriate.

  The sealing member 4 is made of a material that reflects light from the light emitting unit 1. The material that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1 is, for example, a silicone resin in which particles of silicon oxide or titanium oxide are mixed. The material that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1 is not limited to a silicone resin mixed with silicon oxide or titanium oxide particles, but may be, for example, an epoxy resin mixed with silicon oxide or titanium oxide particles. Also good.

  The sealing member 4 includes a light emitting unit 1, a light receiving unit 2, a mounting member 3, a spacer 5, a second joining member 20, one end of the first input terminal 6, one end of the second input terminal, and the first output terminal 7. One end, one end of the second output terminal, and the wires 16 to 19 are configured to be sealed.

  The sealing member 4 in the optical coupling device of the third embodiment may be applied to the optical coupling device 10B of the second embodiment.

  In the optical coupling device of Embodiment 3 described above, the sealing member 4 is made of a material that reflects light from the light emitting unit 1. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 3, it becomes possible to reflect the light from the light emission part 1 with the sealing member 4, and can increase the light received by the light-receiving part 2 rather than the optical coupling device 10A. It becomes possible. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 3, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be improved as compared with the optical coupling device 10A.

(Embodiment 4)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device 10D of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device of the third embodiment, and the shape of the sealing member 4 is different from that of the optical coupling device of the third embodiment as shown in FIG. . In the optical coupling device 10D, the same components as those in the optical coupling device of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The sealing member 4 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged on the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8.

  The sealing member 4 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81, but may be configured to cover the entire light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81. Further, the sealing member 4 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sealing member 4 covers all of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 and the light receiving element. 81 may be configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 8 disposed next to the light receiving element 81. That is, the sealing member 4 only needs to cover at least a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8.

  The configuration of the sealing member 4 in the optical coupling device 10D of the fourth embodiment may be applied to the optical coupling device 10B of the second embodiment.

  In the optical coupling device 10D of the fourth embodiment described above, the sealing member 4 is made of a material that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1 as in the optical coupling device of the third embodiment. The sealing member 4 covers at least a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Accordingly, in the optical coupling device 10D, when the light from the light emitting unit 1 is transmitted through the sealing member 4 without being reflected by the sealing member 4, the transmitted light can be received by the light receiving element 81. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10D, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be further improved as compared with the optical coupling device of the third embodiment. In the optical coupling device 10D, the light receiving element 81 corresponds to a third light receiving element.

(Embodiment 5)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device 10E according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10A according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the optical coupling device 10E further includes a reflection member 23. Is different. In the optical coupling device 10E, the same components as those in the optical coupling device 10A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The reflection member 23 is configured to reflect light from the light emitting unit 1. Moreover, the reflection member 23 is comprised so that the light emission part 1, the spacer 5, and the 2nd joining member 20 may be covered, for example. The reflection member 23 is formed of a material that reflects light from the light emitting unit 1. The material that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1 is, for example, a silicone resin in which particles of silicon oxide or titanium oxide are mixed. The material that reflects the light from the light emitting portion 1 is not limited to a silicone resin mixed with silicon oxide or titanium oxide particles, but may be an epoxy resin mixed with silicon oxide or titanium oxide particles, for example. Good. Moreover, the reflection member 23 should just be comprised so that the light emission part 1 and the spacer 5 may be covered at least.

  The sealing member 4 includes, for example, the light emitting unit 1, the light receiving unit 2, the mounting member 3, the spacer 5, the second bonding member 20, the reflecting member 23, one end of the first input terminal 6, one end of the second input terminal, One end of the first output terminal 7, one end of the second output terminal, and the wires 16 to 19 are configured to be sealed.

  The reflecting member 23 is preferably made of the same resin material as that of the second bonding member 20. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10E, it is possible to improve the adhesiveness between the reflecting member 23 and the second joining member 20 as compared with the case where the reflecting member 23 and the second joining member 20 are made of different resin materials. It becomes.

  The reflection member 23 in the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment may be applied to the optical coupling device 10B of the second embodiment.

  The optical coupling device 10E of Embodiment 5 described above further includes the reflecting member 23 that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1. The reflecting member 23 is configured to cover the light emitting unit 1 and the spacer 5. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10E, the light from the light emitting unit 1 can be reflected by the reflecting member 23, and the light received by the light receiving unit 2 can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment. It becomes possible. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10E, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be improved as compared with the optical coupling device 10A.

  In the optical coupling device 10E, the area of the spacer 5 in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 face each other is larger than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1 and the photodiode array 8A. It is preferable that it is set to be equal to or smaller than the area of the light receiving surface. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10E, it becomes possible to reduce the 2nd joining member 20 which exists between the reflection member 23 and the spacer 5, and it becomes possible to increase the light received by the light-receiving part 2 more. Become. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10E, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be further improved as compared with the optical coupling device 10A.

(Embodiment 6)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device 10F of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 11, the shape of the reflecting member 23 is different from that of the optical coupling device 10E. In addition, in the optical coupling device 10F of Embodiment 6, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to the optical coupling device 10E, and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The reflecting member 23 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8.

  The reflection member 23 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81, but may be configured to cover all of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81. In addition, the reflection member 23 is configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the reflecting member 23 covers all of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 and the light receiving element 81. It may be configured to cover a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 8 arranged next to the light receiving element 8. That is, the reflecting member 23 only needs to cover at least a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8.

  The configuration of the reflecting member 23 in the optical coupling device 10F of the sixth embodiment may be applied to the optical coupling device 10B of the second embodiment.

  The optical coupling device 10F of the sixth embodiment described above further includes the reflection member 23 that reflects the light from the light emitting unit 1, similarly to the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment. The reflection member 23 is configured to cover the light emitting unit 1 and the spacer 5 similarly to the optical coupling device 10E. The reflecting member 23 covers at least a part of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 81 arranged at the outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10F, when the light from the light emitting unit 1 is transmitted through the reflecting member 23 without being reflected by the reflecting member 23, the transmitted light can be received by the light receiving element 81. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10F, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 can be further improved as compared with the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment. In the optical coupling device 10F, the light receiving element 81 corresponds to a third light receiving element.

(Embodiment 7)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device 10G of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the optical coupling device 10E further includes a light-transmissive member 24. Is different. Note that in the optical coupling device 10G, the same components as those in the optical coupling device 10E are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The translucent member 24 is configured to cover, for example, the light emitting unit 1, the spacer 5, and the second bonding member 20. The translucent member 24 is made of a material having electrical insulation and translucency. The material having electrical insulation and translucency is, for example, a silicone resin. The material having electrical insulation and translucency is not limited to silicone resin, and may be acrylic resin, for example. Moreover, the translucent member 24 should just be comprised so that the light emission part 1 and the spacer 5 may be covered at least.

  The reflection member 23 is configured to cover, for example, the light emitting unit 1, the spacer 5, the second bonding member 20, and the translucent member 24. In addition, the reflection member 23 should just be comprised so that the light emission part 1, the spacer 5, and the translucent member 24 may be covered at least.

  The sealing member 4 is configured to seal the light emitting unit 1, the light receiving unit 2, the mounting member 3, the spacer 5, the second bonding member 20, the reflecting member 23, and the light transmitting member 24. The sealing member 4 seals one end of the first input terminal 6, one end of the second input terminal, one end of the first output terminal 7, one end of the second output terminal, and the wires 16-19. Is configured to do.

  The translucent member 24 is preferably made of the same resin material as that of the second bonding member 20. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10G, the adhesiveness between the light transmissive member 24 and the second bonding member 20 is improved as compared with the case where the light transmissive member 24 and the second bonding member 20 are made of different resin materials. Is possible.

  The translucent member 24 is preferably made of the same resin material as that of the reflecting member 23. Thereby, in optical coupling device 10G, it becomes possible to improve the adhesiveness of translucent member 24 and reflective member 23 rather than the case where translucent member 24 and reflective member 23 are constituted by different resin materials. .

  The light transmissive member 24 in the optical coupling device 10G of the seventh embodiment may be applied to the optical coupling device 10B of the second embodiment together with the reflecting member 23 in the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment.

  The optical coupling device 10G of the seventh embodiment described above further includes the light transmissive member 24 made of a material having electrical insulating properties and light transmissive properties. The translucent member 24 is configured to cover the light emitting unit 1 and the spacer 5. The reflection member 23 is configured to cover the light emitting unit 1, the spacer 5, and the translucent member 24. Thereby, in the optical coupling device 10G, similarly to the optical coupling device 10E of the fifth embodiment, the light from the light emitting unit 1 can be reflected by the reflecting member 23, and compared with the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment. The light received by the light receiving unit 2 can be increased. Therefore, in the optical coupling device 10G, it is possible to improve the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 as compared with the optical coupling device 10A.

(Embodiment 8)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the areas of the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 have the same size. The point which is not set is different from the optical coupling device 10A. Note that in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 8, the same components as those of the optical coupling device 10A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83 located at both ends in the arrangement direction, in which three or more light receiving elements 8 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a straight line, is the arrangement direction of the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Is set to be larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84 located at the center of the light receiving element 84. The arrangement direction corresponds to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction in FIG. 13B. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment may be referred to as “photodiode array 8B”.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8B is a square shape like the photodiode array 8A. Further, the outer peripheral shape of the light receiving surface of each of the light receiving element 83 and the light receiving element 84 is a square shape.

  The length of one side of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84 is set to 2/3 of the length of one side of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 8, two light receiving elements 83 and three light receiving elements 84 can be arranged in parallel in the arrangement direction. In the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment, the width dimension of the two light receiving elements 83 in the arrangement direction is the same as the width dimension of the three light receiving elements 84 in the arrangement direction. The three light receiving elements 84 can be accommodated within the width dimension of 83.

  The photodiode array 8B in the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment may be applied to each of the optical coupling devices 10A to 10G of the first to seventh embodiments.

  In the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment described above, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83 located at both ends in the arrangement direction, in which three or more light receiving elements 8 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are aligned in a straight line. Is larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84 located in the central portion of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the arrangement direction. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment, when the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8B is the same as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8A in the optical coupling device 10A, it is more than that of the optical coupling device 10A. The number of light receiving elements 8 can be increased. Therefore, in the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment, the voltage between the pair of output terminals (hereinafter, “output voltage”) can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device 10A. In the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment, the light receiving element 83 corresponds to the first light receiving element, and the light receiving element 84 corresponds to the second light receiving element.

(Embodiment 9)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8C including a plurality of light receiving elements 8 is the same as that of the embodiment. 8 is different from the optical coupling device. In the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, description of the same components as those of the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8C is rectangular. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array of two rows and five columns.

  Among the plurality of light receiving elements 8, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83 located at both ends in the arrangement direction (left and right direction in FIG. 14) is located in the center of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the arrangement direction. It is set larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84.

  The optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment includes a light emitting unit 25 that is different from the light emitting unit 1 in the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment only in the area of the light emitting surface. The area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 25 is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1.

  The light emitting unit 25 is disposed so as to face the center of the photodiode array 8C.

  The optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment includes a spacer 30 different from the spacer 5 in the optical coupling device according to the eighth embodiment.

  The area of the spacer 30 in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 25 and the light receiving unit 2 face each other is set smaller than the area of the spacer 5. In addition, the area of the spacer 30 is preferably set to be larger than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 25 and not more than the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8C. Thereby, in the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, the heat generated in the light emitting unit 25 can be efficiently conducted to the light receiving unit 2 through the spacer 30, and deterioration of the light emitting unit 25 can be suppressed. It becomes. Further, in the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, when the spacer 30 is formed in a plate shape with a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit 25, the spacer 30 can be used as a light guide member. Thus, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting unit 25 and the light receiving unit 2 can be improved.

  In the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, the light emitting unit 25 and the photodiode array 8C are arranged to face each other with the spacer 30 interposed therebetween. The spacer 30 is disposed between the light emitting unit 25 and the photodiode array 8C so as to be in contact with the light emitting unit 25 and the photodiode array 8C.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the inventor of the present application sets the outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8D composed of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 to the same shape as the photodiode array 8C, and the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 respectively. An optical coupling device having the same area is considered. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, this optical coupling device is referred to as “optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5”. Further, in the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5, the same components as those of the optical coupling device of Embodiment 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The plurality of light receiving elements 8 constituting the photodiode array 8D are arranged in a two-dimensional array of two rows and four columns.

  In the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, the areas of the light receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 83 located at both ends in the arrangement direction among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are located in the center in the arrangement direction among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84 is larger. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 9, the number of light receiving elements 8 can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5.

  The photodiode array 8C in the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment may be applied to each of the optical coupling devices 10A to 10G according to the first to seventh embodiments.

  In the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment described above, the outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8C is set to a shape different from that of the photodiode array 8B in the optical coupling device of the eighth embodiment. The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83 located at both ends in the arrangement direction, in which three or more light receiving elements 8 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a straight line, is the arrangement direction of the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Is set to be larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 84 located at the center of the light receiving element 84. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 9, the number of light receiving elements 8 can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 5. In the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment, the light receiving element 83 corresponds to a first light receiving element, and the light receiving element 84 corresponds to a second light receiving element.

(Embodiment 10)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is the optical coupling of the ninth embodiment. Different from the device. In the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment, the same components as those of the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the optical coupling device according to the tenth embodiment may be referred to as “photodiode array 8E”.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8E is set to the same shape as the photodiode array 8C in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. The area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8E is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8C.

  In the photodiode array 8E, five or more light receiving elements 8 are arranged in the arrangement direction (left-right direction in FIG. 16).

  The area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set to gradually increase from the center in the arrangement direction toward both ends.

  The photodiode array 8E in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment may be applied to each of the optical coupling devices 10A to 10G of the first to seventh embodiments.

  In the optical coupling device according to the tenth embodiment described above, five or more light receiving elements 8 are arranged in the arrangement direction. The area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set so as to gradually increase from the center in the arrangement direction toward both ends. Thereby, in the optical coupling device according to the tenth embodiment, it is possible to increase the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 85 located at both ends as compared with the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment, it is possible to increase the light received by the light receiving element 85 and to increase the output current from the second output terminal, compared to the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. It becomes possible.

(Embodiment 11)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device according to the eleventh embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the light receiving surface of a photodiode array 8F composed of a plurality of light receiving elements 8 This is different from the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8E in the optical coupling device. In the optical coupling device according to the eleventh embodiment, the same components as those in the optical coupling device according to the tenth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  Of the plurality of light receiving elements 8, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 86 located at both ends in the arrangement direction (left and right direction in FIG. 17) is the light receiving element 85 of the photodiode array 8E in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment. Is set smaller than the area of the light receiving surface. The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 86 is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 83 of the photodiode array 8C in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment.

  The photodiode array 8F in the optical coupling device of the eleventh embodiment may be applied to each of the optical coupling devices 10A to 10G of the first to seventh embodiments.

  In the optical coupling device of the eleventh embodiment described above, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 86 in the photodiode array 8F is larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 85 of the photodiode array 8E in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment. It is set small. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of the eleventh embodiment, the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8F can be made smaller than the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8E in the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment. Therefore, the optical coupling device of the eleventh embodiment can be downsized compared to the optical coupling device of the tenth embodiment.

Embodiment 12
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device of the twelfth embodiment is the same as the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the areas of the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 are set to the same size. This is different from the optical coupling device 10A. In the optical coupling device according to the twelfth embodiment, the description of the same components as those of the optical coupling device 10A is omitted as appropriate.

  The optical coupling device of the twelfth embodiment includes a light emitting unit 26 that differs from the light emitting unit 1 in the optical coupling device 10A only in the area of the light emitting surface.

  The area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 26 is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 1. Further, the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 26 is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 25 in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment.

  The light emitting unit 26 is disposed so as to face the central portion of the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12 may be referred to as “photodiode array 8G”.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8G is set to the same shape as the photodiode array 8A in the optical coupling device 10A of the first embodiment. The area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8G is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8A.

  In the photodiode array 8G, five or more light receiving elements 8 are arranged in the arrangement direction (in FIG. 18, for example, the horizontal direction or the vertical direction).

  The area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set to gradually increase from the center in the arrangement direction toward both ends.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the inventor of the present application sets the outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8H composed of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 to the same shape as the photodiode array 8G, and the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 respectively. An optical coupling device having the same area is considered. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, this optical coupling device is referred to as “optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6”. In the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6, the same components as those of the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8H in the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6 is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8G in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12.

  In the optical coupling device according to the twelfth embodiment, the area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set so as to gradually increase from the center in the arrangement direction toward both ends. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12, the number of light receiving elements 8 can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6.

  The photodiode array 8G in the optical coupling device of the twelfth embodiment may be applied to each of the optical coupling devices 10A to 10G of the first to seventh embodiments.

  In the optical coupling device of the twelfth embodiment described above, five or more light receiving elements 8 are arranged in the arrangement direction. The area of the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set so as to gradually increase from the center in the arrangement direction toward both ends. Thereby, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12, the number of light receiving elements 8 can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 12, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be increased as compared with the optical coupling device of Comparative Example 6.

(Embodiment 13)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the optical coupling device includes a spacer 27 that is different from the spacer 30 in the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment. This is different from the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. In the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment, description of the same components as those of the optical coupling device according to the ninth embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  The optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment includes a light emitting unit 28 that is different from the light emitting unit 25 in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment only in the area of the light emitting surface. The area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 28 is set larger than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 25.

  The area of the spacer 27 in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 28 and the plurality of light receiving elements 8 face each other is set smaller than the area of the spacer 30. The area of the spacer 27 is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 28.

  The light emitting unit 28 is disposed so as to face the central portion of the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of light receiving elements 8 in the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment may be referred to as “photodiode array 8J”.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8J is rectangular. The area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8J is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8C in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array of two rows and six columns.

  Note that the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment has a configuration in which the light emitting unit 28 and the photodiode array 8J are not joined by the second joining member 20 in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. The structure joined by may be sufficient.

  In the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment, the area of the spacer 27 has an area obtained by subtracting the area of the spacer 27 from the area of the vertical projection area of the light emitting unit 28 in the photodiode array 8J (hereinafter referred to as “first area”). It is set smaller than the area of D1.

  Among the plurality of light receiving elements 8, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 87 positioned in the vertical projection region of the first region D <b> 1 is the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 88 positioned in the vertical projection region of the spacer 27 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. It is set larger than the area. Further, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 89 located outside the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 87.

  The configuration (light emitting unit 28, spacer 27, and photodiode array 8J) in the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment is applied to each of the optical coupling device of the third embodiment or the optical coupling devices 10D to 10G of the fourth to seventh embodiments. Also good.

  In the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment described above, the area of the spacer 27 in the plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 28 and the light receiving unit 2 face each other is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 28. Yes. The area of the spacer 27 is set smaller than the area of the region (first region) D1 having an area obtained by subtracting the area of the spacer 27 from the area of the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 in the plurality of light receiving elements 8. . Among the plurality of light receiving elements 8, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 87 positioned in the vertical projection region of the first region D <b> 1 is the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 88 positioned in the vertical projection region of the spacer 27 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. It is set larger than the area. Further, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 89 located outside the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 87. Thereby, in the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment, the area of the light receiving surface of each light receiving element 8 can be adjusted by the path through which the light from the light emitting unit 28 reaches the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of light receiving elements 8. Become. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 13, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be adjusted.

(Embodiment 14)
The basic configuration of the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment is the same as that of the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, a spacer 29 different from the spacer 27 in the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment is provided. This is different from the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment. In the optical coupling device of the fourteenth embodiment, the same components as those of the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The area of the spacer 29 in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 28 and the plurality of light receiving elements 8 face each other is set larger than the area of the spacer 27 in the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment. The area of the spacer 29 is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 28.

  The light emitting unit 28 is disposed so as to face the central portion of the photodiode array 8K including the plurality of light receiving elements 8.

  The outer peripheral shape of the photodiode array 8K is set to the same shape as the photodiode array 8J in the optical coupling device of the thirteenth embodiment. The area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8K is set to the same size as the area of the light receiving surface of the photodiode array 8J. The plurality of light receiving elements 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional array of two rows and six columns.

  Note that the optical coupling device of the fourteenth embodiment has a configuration in which the light emitting unit 28 and the photodiode array 8K are not joined by the second joining member 20 in the optical coupling device of the ninth embodiment. The structure joined by may be sufficient.

  In the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment, the area of the spacer 29 has an area obtained by subtracting the area of the spacer 29 from the area of the vertical projection area of the light emitting unit 28 in the photodiode array 8K (hereinafter, “second area”). It is set larger than the area of D2.

  The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 71 located in the vertical projection region of the spacer 29 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 72 located in the vertical projection region of the second region D2 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. It is set larger than the area. Further, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 73 located outside the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 71.

  The configuration (light emitting unit 28, spacer 29, and photodiode array 8K) in the optical coupling device of the fourteenth embodiment is applied to each of the optical coupling device of the third embodiment or the optical coupling devices 10D to 10G of the fourth to seventh embodiments. Also good.

  In the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment described above, the area of the spacer 29 in the plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit 28 and the light receiving unit 2 face each other is set smaller than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 28. Yes. The area of the spacer 29 is set larger than the area of a region (second region) D2 having an area obtained by subtracting the area of the spacer 29 from the area of the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 in the plurality of light receiving elements 8. . The area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 71 located in the vertical projection region of the spacer 29 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 72 located in the vertical projection region of the second region D2 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8. It is set larger than the area. Further, the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 73 located outside the vertical projection region of the light emitting unit 28 among the plurality of light receiving elements 8 is set larger than the area of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 71. Thus, in the optical coupling device according to the fourteenth embodiment, similarly to the optical coupling device according to the thirteenth embodiment, the light from the light emitting unit 28 passes through the light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving devices 8 and passes through each light receiving device 8. The area of the light receiving surface can be adjusted. Therefore, in the optical coupling device of Embodiment 14, the output voltage between the pair of output terminals can be adjusted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light emission part 2 Light reception part 3 Mounting member 4 Sealing member 5 Spacer 8 Light receiving element 10A-10F Optical coupling device 21 Spacer 22 Sealing member 23 Reflective member 81 Light receiving element (3rd light receiving element)
83 Light receiving element (first light receiving element)
84 Light receiving element (second light receiving element)

Claims (9)

A light emitting unit, a light receiving unit that receives light from the light emitting unit, a mounting member to which the light receiving unit is mounted, a spacer having electrical insulation, the light emitting unit, the light receiving unit, the mounting member, and the spacer And a sealing member for sealing
The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the spacer interposed therebetween,
The spacer is in contact with the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed in a plate shape from a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit. 2. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed in a particle shape from a material that transmits light from the light emitting unit. The light receiving unit includes a plurality of light receiving elements,
The plurality of light receiving elements are arranged such that their light receiving surfaces are arranged in one plane and are electrically connected in series. 4. Optical coupling device. The area of the light receiving surfaces of the first light receiving elements located at both ends in the arrangement direction, in which three or more of the light receiving elements are aligned in a straight line, is the array of the plurality of light receiving elements. 5. The optical coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the optical coupling device is set to be larger than an area of a light receiving surface of the second light receiving element located at a central portion in the direction. Five or more of the light receiving elements are arranged in the arrangement direction,
6. The optical coupling device according to claim 5, wherein an area of a light receiving surface of each of the plurality of light receiving elements is set to gradually increase from a central portion in the arrangement direction toward both end portions. The sealing member is made of a material that reflects light from the light emitting unit,
5. The sealing member covers at least a part of a light receiving surface of a third light receiving element arranged at an outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements. The optical coupling device according to claim 6. A reflection member that reflects the light from the light emitting unit,
The reflective member is configured to cover the light emitting unit and the spacer,
5. The reflection member covers at least a part of a light receiving surface of a third light receiving element arranged at an outermost peripheral portion in the one plane among the plurality of light receiving elements. The optical coupling device according to claim 6. The area of the spacer in a plane orthogonal to the direction in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit face each other is larger than the area of the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit and less than the area of the light receiving surface of the plurality of light receiving elements. The optical coupling device according to claim 4, wherein the optical coupling device is set.

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