JP2019133032A - Optical module and manufacturing method of optical module - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical receptacle capable of saving space and achieving higher speed and higher capacity.SOLUTION: An optical module comprises: a photo-electric conversion device including a substrate and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a plurality of optical receptacles for optically coupling the photoelectric conversion element to an end face of an optical transmission body; a cover; and adhesive. The plurality of optical receptacles each has: on a bottom face a first optical surface facing the photoelectric conversion element; on a front face a second optical surface facing the optical transmission body; a sidewall on a back face; and an opening connecting both side faces opening the bottom face. The plurality of optical receptacles are arrayed on the substrate so that sidewalls of their back faces are adjacent to each other. The cover has a pair of sidewalls facing one another, and is arranged in order to close the openings of both side faces outside the plurality of arrayed optical receptacles. The adhesive makes bonds between adjacent sidewalls of the back faces of the plurality of optical receptacles, between the sidewalls of the back faces of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of sidewalls of the cover, and between the plurality of optical receptacles, the cover and the substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical receptacle, an optical module having an optical receptacle, and a method for manufacturing the optical module.

  Conventionally, optical communication using an optical transmission body such as an optical fiber or an optical waveguide includes a light emitting element (optical element) such as a surface emitting laser (for example, VCSEL: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) or a light receiving element (optical element). Optical modules are used. An optical module causes light including communication information emitted from a light emitting element to enter an end face of an optical transmission body (for example, an optical fiber), or receives light including communication information propagated from an end face of the optical transmission body as a light receiving element. And an optical receptacle (optical socket) that is incident on the light source. As described above, the optical receptacle is an optical coupling element that optically couples the optical element and the optical transmission body.

  6A is an exploded perspective view of a schematic configuration of a conventional optical module, FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a state where an optical connector is mounted on the assembled optical module, and FIG. 6C is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. Yes (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 of Patent Document 1). The optical module 101 includes a module substrate 102, a plurality of optical elements 103 mounted on the electrode pattern formed on the module substrate 102, an IC 104 mounted on the electrode pattern of the module substrate 102, and the module substrate 102. A cover 105 serving as a holding member that covers the lens, and a lens array 107 serving as an optical coupling element that is attached to a concave mounting portion 106 formed on the cover 105 and disposed above the optical element 103. The optical connector 110 is attached to the side of the lens array 107 of the optical module 101. The optical connector 110 has a tape fiber 111 in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a line, and a multi-fiber holding a plurality of optical fibers. The ferrule 112 is provided.

  The lens array 107 of the optical module 101 optically couples the plurality of optical elements 103 and the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers held by the ferrule 112 of the optical connector 110, and the light emitted from each optical element 103. The (optical signal) is bent 90 degrees and then incident on each end face of the optical fiber, and the light (optical signal) emitted from each end face of the optical fiber is bent 90 degrees and then incident on each optical element 103. The lens array 107 includes a microlens array 107 a disposed at a position facing the module substrate 102 when the cover 105 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, and the other microlens disposed at a position facing the ferrule 112 of the optical connector 110. A pair of left and right positioning pins 107d protrude from the array 107b, the reflection plate 107c disposed between the microlens array 107a and the microlens array 107b, and the surface facing the ferrule 112. In a state where the lens array 107 is fixed to the attachment portion 106 of the cover 105 with an adhesive, the ferrule 112 of the optical connector 110 is inserted into the insertion portion 108 continuous with the attachment portion 106 of the cover 105, and the positioning pin of the lens array 107 The positioning holes of the ferrule 112 are fitted into 107d, respectively. The ferrule 112 is configured to be detachably attached to the insertion portion 108 of the cover 105 with a clip 113.

  FIG. 7A is a plan view of another conventional optical module, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view thereof (FIG. 2 of Patent Document 2). The optical module includes a circuit board 121 and a lens array component 122, and a connector component 131 in which a plurality of optical fibers 130 are bundled is connected. A driving IC 123 and a light emitting / receiving element 124 are mounted on the circuit board 121, and a lens array component 122 is attached so as to cover the driving IC 123 and the light emitting / receiving element 124 on the circuit board 121. The lens array component 122 has a space for disposing the driving IC 123 and the light emitting / receiving element 124 on the circuit board 121 side, and has a lens 122 a on the ceiling of the space and above the light emitting / receiving element 124. . The lens array component 122 has a positioning pin 122d and a lens 122b on the surface to which the connector component 131 is connected. Further, the lens array component 122 includes a reflective film 122c that reflects and bends the light emitted from the light emitting element 124 or the light emitted from the optical fiber 130.

  The positioning pin 122d of the lens array component 122 is positioned by fitting into the positioning hole 131a of the connector component 131, and the lens array component 122 and the connector component 131 are physically connected. Then, the optical axis direction is converted by the lenses 122a and 122b and the reflective film 122c of the lens array component 122, and the optical fiber 130 and the light emitting / receiving element 124 are also optically connected.

JP 2011-247952 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-191207

  In the field of optical communication, high speed and large capacity are required so that a larger amount of data can be communicated at high speed. For example, if two optical modules that are currently used are used, it is theoretically possible to transmit and receive twice as much data, thereby realizing higher speed and higher capacity. However, in order to arrange two optical modules, it is necessary to have a mounting area equivalent to at least two optical modules. Actually, the wiring of the driving IC is not routed between each optical module or bonded. A space for applying the agent is required, and a gap is provided between the optical modules, which may increase the size of the communication device including a plurality of optical modules.

  When a plurality of optical modules are arranged, the relative positional relationship between the plurality of optical modules becomes a problem. For example, if a plurality of optical modules are completely separate and a substrate, an optical element (light emitting / receiving element), a lens array component (cover), etc. are provided, the optical modules are arranged relatively freely. Can do. However, in order to save parts and reduce costs, for example, when multiple optical modules for optical modules are mounted on a single substrate, the lens array components of the optical module are arranged corresponding to the optical elements for each optical module. It is necessary to let The arrangement of multiple optical elements or optical modules is not particularly standardized, and is diversified depending on the size, shape, performance, function, manufacturer's design philosophy, etc. that are allowed in a device incorporating multiple optical modules. Therefore, it is necessary to design and manufacture a unique optical module.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical receptacle, an optical module, and an optical module manufacturing method capable of increasing the capacity and capacity in a space-saving manner in the above situation. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical receptacle, an optical module, and an optical module manufacturing method that can be used for various optical elements in various arrangements. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a more reliable optical receptacle, optical module, and optical module manufacturing method.

  In order to solve the above problems, an optical receptacle according to the present invention is disposed between a photoelectric conversion device including a substrate and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements disposed on the substrate, and the photoelectric conversion device and the optical transmission body. , An optical module having a plurality of optical receptacles for optically coupling the photoelectric conversion element and the end face of the optical transmission body, a cover, and an adhesive, wherein the plurality of optical receptacles are respectively The first optical surface facing the photoelectric conversion element is provided on the bottom surface, the second optical surface facing the optical transmission body is provided on the front surface, the side wall is provided on the back surface, both side surfaces are connected, and the bottom surface is opened. The plurality of optical receptacles are juxtaposed on the substrate such that the side walls of the back surface are adjacent to each other; the cover has a pair of opposite side walls; and the pair of side walls of the cover Is the juxtaposed compound The adhesive is disposed so as to close the openings on both outer side surfaces of the optical receptacle, and the adhesive is at least between the side walls of the back surface adjacent to the plurality of optical receptacles and on the back surface of the plurality of optical receptacles. The side walls and the pair of side walls of the cover, and the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover and the substrate are bonded.

  Furthermore, in the optical module, it is preferable that an adhesive reservoir filled with the adhesive is formed in the cover, and the adhesive reservoir is adjacent to the plurality of optical receptacles in the cover. It is formed in a part close between the back side walls, a part close to the outer side of the front side of the plurality of optical receptacles, or a part close to the outer side of the side wall of the back side of the plurality of optical receptacles. Also good. Further, the adhesive reservoir may be a through hole, an opening or a groove formed in the cover.

  Further, in the optical module, the adhesive is formed between a gap between the back side walls of the plurality of adjacent optical receptacles, and between the back side wall of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover. And the gap between the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover and the substrate is preferably closed, and the adhesive further forms gaps formed in front of the plurality of adjacent optical receptacles. It is preferably closed.

  Furthermore, in the optical module, it is preferable that the cover includes a top plate that connects the pair of side walls, and the top plate covers the plurality of optical receptacles.

  Further, in the method for manufacturing the optical module, the first optical surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles face the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, respectively, and the side walls on the back surface of the plurality of optical receptacles are adjacent to each other. A plurality of optical receptacles juxtaposed on the substrate and attaching the plurality of optical receptacles to the substrate; and openings on both sides of the plurality of optical receptacles on which the pair of side walls of the cover are juxtaposed Between the step of disposing the cover on the substrate so as to cover the substrate, the side wall of the back surface adjacent to the plurality of optical receptacles, and the pair of side walls of the back surface of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover And a step of bonding the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover and the substrate with the adhesive.

  According to the present invention, each of the plurality of optical receptacles has an opening in which both side surfaces are connected to each other and the bottom surface is opened, and the plurality of optical receptacles are juxtaposed on the substrate so that the side walls on the back of the plurality of optical receptacles are adjacent to each other. A pair of side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles arranged so as to close the openings on both outer side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles, and between the adjacent back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles, Since the adhesive between the pair of side walls of the cover and the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover and the substrate are bonded to each other, the openings of the adjacent optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover are formed on the substrate. And a photoelectric conversion element, a driving IC, and the like can be arranged in the region to protect from external factors. Even if a plurality of optical receptacles are arranged, the side walls on the side surface can be limited to only a pair of side walls of the cover arranged on both side surfaces on the outer side. The same level of performance as a module can be achieved in a space-saving manner.

  In addition, due to the gaps between the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover, it is possible to mitigate the influence of deformation due to expansion and contraction of the optical receptacles during bonding and high temperature conditions. Furthermore, since the optical receptacle is relatively large, the first optical surface is arranged on the photoelectric conversion element on the substrate, and handling becomes easy when aligning.

The top view (A) of the optical module which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, a front view (B), a rear view (C), the top view (D) which permeate | transmitted the cover, and the right view (E). (A) And (B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the optical module of this invention. The cross-sectional view of the optical module of the present invention. The top view (A) of the optical receptacle which concerns on one embodiment of this invention, a front view (B), a rear view (C), a bottom view (D), a right view (E), and sectional drawing (F). The top view (A), front view (B), back view (C), bottom view (D), and right side view (E) of the cover which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. Exploded perspective view (A), perspective view (B) and sectional view (C) of a conventional optical module Plan view (A) and sectional view (B) of another conventional optical module

[Summary of Invention]
The optical module of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion device, a plurality of optical receptacles, a cover, and an adhesive. The photoelectric conversion device includes a substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged on the substrate, and an IC as necessary. The optical receptacle is a member that is disposed between the photoelectric conversion device and the optical transmission body and optically couples the photoelectric conversion element and the end face of the optical transmission body, and is a first optical surface facing the photoelectric conversion element. Is provided on the bottom surface, the second optical surface facing the optical transmission body is provided on the front surface, the side wall is provided on the back surface, and both sides are connected to each other and the bottom surface is opened. The cover has at least a pair of opposing side walls, and may further have a member that connects the pair of side walls. The plurality of optical receptacles are arranged side by side on the substrate with the side walls facing each other in the same direction so that the side walls on the back face are adjacent to each other, and covers the openings on both sides of the outside of the plurality of optical receptacles arranged in parallel. A pair of side walls are arranged. And at least between the adjacent back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles, between the back side wall of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover, and between the plurality of optical receptacles, the cover and the substrate. The plurality of optical receptacles and the cover are fixed on the substrate, and the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover are combined.

  As described above, in the optical module of the present invention, even if a plurality of optical receptacles are arranged, the side wall on the side surface can be limited to only a pair of side walls of the cover arranged on both outer side surfaces, and a plurality of optical modules are simply used. Compared to the case, the same level of performance as a plurality of optical modules can be realized in a space-saving manner. Further, by arranging a plurality of optical receptacles side by side so that the side surfaces are adjacent to each other in the same direction, the openings of the plurality of optical receptacles are made continuous, and the openings of the plurality of optical receptacles adjacent to the substrate and a pair of covers An inner region surrounded by the side wall can be formed, and a photoelectric conversion element, a driving IC, and the like can be disposed in the inner region to protect from external factors. In addition, the optical module of the present invention can use optical receptacles having the same shape as a plurality of optical receptacles, and can provide a highly versatile optical receptacle. It is easy to increase the number of optical receptacles.

  The cover or the optical receptacle is preferably formed with an adhesive reservoir filled with an adhesive. The adhesive reservoir is a structure that can be filled with an adhesive such as a through hole, an opening, or a groove formed in the cover or the optical receptacle. The adhesive reservoir makes it easy to close the gaps formed between the plurality of optical receptacles and the cover with an adhesive, and is preferably formed close to the gap between the optical receptacles and the cover. For example, a portion of the cover adjacent between adjacent back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles, a portion of the cover adjacent to the outer side of the front of the plurality of optical receptacles, and the outer side of the side wall of the back of the plurality of optical receptacles Or a portion of the cover adjacent between adjacent front faces of the plurality of optical receptacles. In particular, since the optical receptacle has a structure that is connected to the optical transmission body at the front, it is preferable that the side closer to the front and the cover are bonded to each other as the portion to be bonded to the cover than the front of the optical receptacle. Here, it is preferable to form an adhesive reservoir by an opening or a through hole in a portion near the front of the pair of side walls of the cover, and bond the adhesive to the side near the front of the optical receptacle with an adhesive. Also, with respect to the bonding between the adjacent front faces of the plurality of optical receptacles, it is preferable to bond the side faces closer to the front face of the plurality of optical receptacles rather than applying an adhesive to the front face.

[Optical module]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an optical module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (A) is a plan view, FIG. 1 (B) is a front view, and FIG. 1 (C) is a rear view. 1 (D) is a plan view through the cover, and FIG. 1 (E) is a right side view. 2A and 2B are the AA and BB cross sections of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is the CC cross section of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical module 1 of the present embodiment includes two optical receptacles 2, a cover 3, and a photoelectric conversion device 4. And a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 and a plurality of ICs 7. In the optical module 1, two optical receptacles 2 are juxtaposed on a substrate 5, and the gap is bonded by an adhesive 8 with the cover 3 covered thereon. Here, the “adhesive” means both a pre-curing product having a predetermined fluidity and a cured product after curing.

  The optical module 1 is used in a state where an optical transmission body (not shown) is connected to the optical receptacle 2 via a ferrule (not shown). In the optical module 1 for transmission, a light emitting element is used as a photoelectric conversion element. In the optical module for reception, a light receiving element is used as a photoelectric conversion element. Further, in an optical module for transmission / reception, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are used as photoelectric conversion elements. In the present embodiment, a transmission / reception optical module 1 having a light emitting element and a light receiving element will be described. 1 to 3, a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate 5 is an XY plane, and a height direction of the substrate is a Z axis.

  4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the optical receptacle 2, FIG. 4 (A) is a plan view, FIG. 4 (B) is a front view, and FIG. 4 (C) is a rear view. FIG. 4D is a bottom view, FIG. 4E is a right side view, and FIG. 4F is a DD cross-sectional view of FIG. 4D. The optical receptacle 2 is optically coupled to the light emitting surfaces or the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical transmission bodies in a state of being disposed between the photoelectric conversion elements 6 and the light transmission bodies. Let Specifically, the transmission light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element which is a kind of the photoelectric conversion element 6 is emitted toward the end face of the optical transmission body, and the reception light emitted from the optical transmission body is photoelectrically converted. 6 has a function of emitting light toward a light receiving surface of a light receiving element. The optical receptacle 2 has a lens portion 21 that optically couples the photoelectric conversion element 6 and the optical transmission body on the front side, a side wall 22 on the back side, and a connecting portion 23 that connects the lens portion 21 and the side wall 22. , And has an opening 24 that is open on the bottom surface and connected to both side surfaces, and is substantially U-shaped downward as a whole when viewed from the side. The optical receptacle 2 is formed using a material having translucency in the wavelength range of light used in the photoelectric conversion element 6. Examples of such materials include transparent resins such as polyetherimide (PEI) and cyclic olefin resins.

  The lens unit 21 has a first optical surface 25 facing the photoelectric conversion element 6 on the bottom surface, a second optical surface 26 facing the optical transmission body on the front surface, and a reflecting surface 27 on the top surface side or inside. Have. Further, on the front surface of the lens portion 21, ferrule convex portions 28 are provided on both sides of the second optical surface 26. Further, a leg portion 29 that is in contact with the substrate 5 is provided so as to surround the first optical surface 25 on the bottom surface of the lens portion 21. The shape of the lens unit 21 can be a plurality of first optical surfaces 25 corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 on the bottom surface, and a plurality of first optical surfaces corresponding to the arrangement of the end faces of the plurality of optical transmission bodies on the front surface. The first optical surface 25 can be disposed, the transmission light incident on the first optical surface 25 is reflected toward the second optical surface 26, and the reception light incident on the second optical surface 26 is reflected toward the first optical surface 25. Although it will not specifically limit if the reflective surface 27 can be arrange | positioned so that it can be made, For example, as FIG. 4 shows, it is good also as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member.

  The first optical surface 25 is an optical surface that causes the transmission light emitted from the light emitting element to enter the inside of the lens portion 21 of the optical receptacle 2 while being refracted. The first optical surface 25 is also an optical surface that radiates the received light from the optical transmission body that has traveled inside the optical receptacle 2 toward the light receiving element while refracting it. In the present embodiment, the shape of the first optical surface 25 is a convex lens surface that is convex toward the photoelectric conversion element 6, but is not limited to this shape. The first optical surface 25 converts the transmission light emitted from the light emitting element into collimated light, and converges the collimated light (received light) that has traveled inside the optical receptacle 2. The number and arrangement of the first optical surfaces 25 are formed corresponding to the number and arrangement of the photoelectric conversion elements 6. In the present embodiment, the plurality of (eight) first optical surfaces 25 are arranged along the arrangement direction of the photoelectric conversion elements 6 so as to face the photoelectric conversion elements 6 on the bottom surface of the lens portion 21 of the optical receptacle 2. It is arranged in one row. When the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements are arranged in two or more columns, the first optical surfaces 25 are also arranged in the same number of columns. Moreover, the height of the 1st optical surface 25 with respect to the photoelectric conversion element 6 is not specifically limited, It can set suitably by changing the height of the leg part 29, or the height of a bottom face. Further, the planar view shape of the first optical surface 25 is a circle. The central axis of each first optical surface 25 is preferably perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 5. Moreover, it is preferable that the center axis of each first optical surface 25 coincides with the optical axis of each corresponding photoelectric conversion element 6.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4D, among the eight first optical surfaces 25, the four first optical surfaces 25 on the left side in the drawing are used as the first optical surfaces 25 on the transmission side, The four first optical surfaces 25 on the right side are used as the first optical surfaces 25 on the receiving side. In other words, the transmission light from the light emitting element is incident on the four first transmission-side first optical surfaces 25 in FIG. 4D, and the optical receptacle 2 enters the four reception-side first optical surfaces 25 in the drawing on the right side. Received light traveling inside is emitted. As described above, in the optical receptacle 2 according to the present embodiment, the eight first optical surfaces 25 are equally divided, and one region functions as the transmitting side with the vertical surface with respect to the substrate 5 as the center, and the other region. Functions as a receiver.

  The second optical surface 26 is an optical surface that emits transmission light incident on the first optical surface 25 and reflected by the reflection surface 27 toward the end surface of the optical transmission body. The second optical surface 26 is also an optical surface that causes the received light emitted from the end face of the optical transmission body to enter the optical receptacle 2 while being refracted. In the present embodiment, the shape of the second optical surface 26 is a convex lens surface that is convex toward the end surface of the optical transmission body, but is not limited to this shape. The second optical surface 26 converges the transmission light traveling inside the optical receptacle 2 toward the end face of the optical transmission body, and converts the reception light emitted from the end face of the optical transmission body into collimated light. The number and arrangement of the second optical surfaces 26 are formed corresponding to the number and arrangement of the end faces of the optical transmission body. In the present embodiment, a plurality (eight) second optical surfaces 26 are arranged in a line along the arrangement direction of the optical transmission body so as to face the end surface of the optical transmission body on the front surface of the optical receptacle 2. Has been. When the optical transmission bodies are arranged in two or more rows, the second optical surfaces 26 are also arranged in the same number of rows. Moreover, the planar view shape of the 2nd optical surface 26 is circular. The center axis of each second optical surface 26 is preferably perpendicular to the end face of the optical transmission body. In addition, the central axis of each second optical surface 26 preferably coincides with the optical axis of the light emitted from the optical transmission body.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, among the eight second optical surfaces 26, the four second optical surfaces 26 on the right side in the drawing are replaced with the second optical surfaces 26 on the transmission side. The four left second optical surfaces 26 are used as the second optical surfaces 26 on the receiving side. That is, the transmission light that has passed through the inside of the optical receptacle 2 is emitted from the four second optical surfaces 26 on the right side in the figure, and the four second optical surfaces 26 on the left side in the figure are transmitted from the optical transmission body. The emitted received light enters.

  The reflection surface 27 is disposed on the top surface side of the optical receptacle 2 and reflects the transmission light incident on the first optical surface 25 toward the second optical surface 26. Further, the received light incident on the second optical surface 26 is reflected toward the first optical surface 25. In the present embodiment, the reflecting surface 27 is inclined so as to move away from the second optical surface 26 (optical transmission body) as it goes from the top surface to the bottom surface of the optical receptacle 2. The inclination angle of the reflecting surface 27 is 45 ° with respect to the optical axis of the light incident on the first optical surface 25 and the optical axis of the light incident on the second optical surface 26.

  The ferrule convex portion 28 fits into a concave portion provided in the ferrule. The ferrule (not shown) holds the end of the optical transmission body and positions the end surface of the optical transmission body with respect to the second optical surface 26 of the optical receptacle 2 and is configured to be detachable from the optical receptacle 2. Has been. The ferrule is formed in a cylindrical shape, an optical transmission body is inserted into the hollow region, the end face of the optical transmission body is fixed with an adhesive, and a pair of recesses are formed on both sides thereof. . By fitting the ferrule convex portion 28 of the optical receptacle 2 into the concave portion provided in the ferrule, the end face of the optical transmission body is positioned with respect to the optical receptacle 2. The ferrule convex portions 28 are disposed on both sides of the second optical surface 26 in front of the optical receptacle 2.

  The leg part 29 is a wall-like or columnar part in contact with the substrate 5 provided to support the lens part 21. The leg portion 29 is disposed on at least a part of the periphery of the first optical surface 25 on the bottom surface of the lens portion 21, and preferably has a wall shape on the front side so as to eliminate a gap between the optical receptacle 2 and the inner region of the cover 3. Deploy. More preferably, the leg portion 29 is provided so that the front and side surfaces of the lens portion 21 reach the substrate 5 as they are. By appropriately setting the height of the leg portion 29, a predetermined distance can be adjusted between the first optical surface 25 and the light emitting surface or the light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 6 mounted on the surface of the substrate 5. it can. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4D, the leg portion 29 is formed in a wall shape along the front and side edges on the bottom surface of the lens portion 21 of the optical receptacle 2. Yes.

  The side wall 22 is a member formed on the back surface of the optical receptacle 2, and the height of the side wall 22 is substantially the same as the total height of the lens portion 21 and the leg portion 29. The side wall 22 preferably covers the entire back side of the optical receptacle 2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, the back surface of the side wall 22 is a plane perpendicular to the substrate, and the inner surface of the side wall 22 increases in thickness (in the Y-axis direction). When the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are juxtaposed, the side walls 22 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are linearly adjacent to each other. However, the shape of the side wall 22 is not limited to such a configuration. In order to increase the internal area, the thickness of the side wall 22 may be reduced, or the wall shape (bottom view is substantially U-shaped) that constitutes a part of the back surface and the side surface like the leg portion 29 may be used. Further, the side wall 22 may be a curved surface, a concave portion or a convex portion may be provided on the side wall 22, and a gap between the opening communicating with the opening 24 and the substrate may be provided in a part of the side wall 22. Also good.

  The connecting part 23 connects the lens part 21 and the side wall 22. The connection part 23 will not be specifically limited if it does not cover all the side surfaces. It is preferable that the connecting portion 23 includes a top plate that serves as a ceiling in the inner region because the upper portion of the inner region can be protected. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is configured by a top plate in which the upper surfaces from the lens portion 21 to the side wall 22 are continuous.

  The opening 24 is a portion that connects both side surfaces and opens the bottom surface, and forms an internal region in the optical module 2. It can be said that the opening 24 is a portion removed from the rectangular parallelepiped having the same height, width, and length as the optical receptacle 2 except for the ferrule convex portion 28 of the optical receptacle 2.

  5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the cover 3, FIG. 5A is a plan view, FIG. 5B is a front view, FIG. 5C is a rear view, and FIG. D) is a bottom view, and FIG. 5 (E) is a right side view. The cover 3 has a pair of side walls 31 for closing the openings 24 on both outer side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 arranged side by side. The cover 3 preferably has a member for connecting the pair of side walls 31 in order to facilitate the handling of the pair of side walls 31. The member to be connected is not particularly limited as long as the function of the optical receptacle 2 is not obstructed at the front or bottom surface, but a pair of side walls 31 are connected at the upper surface in order to cover gaps between the side surfaces inside the plurality of optical receptacles 2 arranged side by side. It is preferable to have a connecting plate (not shown) for connecting the top plate 32 and / or the pair of side walls 31 on the back surface. Further, the cover 3 is preferably formed with adhesive reservoirs 33 to 36 filled with the adhesive 8. The cover 3 is bonded to the optical receptacle 2 which is an optical member by an adhesive, but has a gap and is not so limited by the difference in material from the optical receptacle 2. For this reason, various materials can be used as the cover 3, and resin, metal, etc. can be used. Moreover, the cover 3 may be formed with the material which has translucency, and may be formed with the non-light-transmitting material. In the present embodiment, the cover 3 is formed of a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate (PC), polyetherimide (PEI), or polyethersulfone (PES).

  The pair of side walls 31 are arranged so as to close the openings 24 on both outer side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 arranged side by side, and form an inner region of the optical module 2. The side wall 31 is not particularly limited as long as the side wall 31 is large enough to block a part of the opening 24 of the optical receptacle 2, but is preferably large enough to block the entire opening 24. The shape of the side wall 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can block a part of the opening 24 of the optical receptacle 2, but is preferably a flat plate shape. In the present embodiment, the pair of side walls 31 have a flat plate shape having substantially the same height and length as the side surfaces of the optical module 2. The side wall 31 is formed with an adhesive reservoir 33 formed of a groove at the inner corner of the back surface, and is configured to easily fill the gap with the side wall 22 on the back surface of the optical module with the adhesive. In addition, an adhesive reservoir 34 formed of an opening formed in the height direction from the bottom surface is formed on the side wall 31 in order to bring the adhesive into contact with the side surface of the lens portion 21 of the optical module 2. . The side wall 31 may be a curved surface, a concave or convex portion may be provided on the side wall 31, or an opening communicating with the opening 24 or a gap between the substrate and a part of the side wall 31 may be provided. Also good. Further, the side wall 31 may be extended in a wall shape on the front surface and the back surface so that the bottom view has a substantially U shape.

  The top plate 32 is disposed so as to cover the upper side of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 juxtaposed. The top plate 32 is not particularly limited as long as the pair of side walls 31 can be connected. However, the top plate 32 is preferably a flat plate shape, and preferably has a shape that covers at least the gaps between the plurality of optical receptacles 2 juxtaposed. In this case, the inner region can be protected to some extent by the top plate 32 without covering all the gaps between the inner side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 with an adhesive. In the present embodiment, the top plate 32 is a flat plate having the same width and length as the upper surfaces of the two optical modules 2 arranged side by side. The top plate 32 is formed with an adhesive reservoir 35 having an opening at the center back surface, and is configured to easily fill a gap between the side walls 22 on the back surface of the adjacent optical receptacle 2 with the adhesive. Further, an adhesive reservoir 36 made of a through hole is formed on the top plate 32 at a position closer to the center front in order to bring the adhesive into contact between the side surfaces of the lens portions 21 of the adjacent optical receptacles 2.

  The adhesive 8 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is obtained by curing the adhesive applied in the vicinity of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 and the cover 3 in a state where the plurality of optical receptacles 2 and the cover 3 are positioned. Between the side walls 22, the back side walls 22 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 and the pair of side walls 31 of the cover 3, and the plurality of optical receptacles 2 and the cover 3 and the substrate 5 are bonded. The adhesive 8 is preferably a gap between the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3 and closes a portion exposed to the outside. If the adhesive reservoirs 33 to 36 are filled with the adhesive 8, it becomes easy to close the gap. When the adhesive 8 is not formed, the adhesive 8 is formed between the adjacent side walls 22 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2, between the rear side walls 22 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2, and the pair of side walls 31 of the cover 3. And an adhesive is applied or injected between the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3 and the substrate 5. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the adhesive 8 is filled with an adhesive reservoir 33 on the side wall 31 in order to bond between the back side wall 22 of the optical receptacle 2 and the pair of side walls 31 of the cover 3. In order to adhere between the side surface of the lens portion 21 of the receptacle 2 and the pair of side walls 31 of the cover 3, the adhesive reservoir 34 of the side wall 31 is filled, and the back side walls 22 adjacent to the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are filled. The adhesive reservoir 35 of the top plate 32 is filled in order to bond the gaps, and the adhesive reservoir 36 of the top plate 32 is filled in order to bond the side surfaces of the adjacent lens portions 21 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2. ing. The type of the adhesive 8 is not particularly limited as long as the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3 can be bonded with a required strength. The adhesive 8 includes, for example, an epoxy resin adhesive.

  The photoelectric conversion device 4 includes a substrate 5 and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6, and may further include a plurality of ICs 7. The substrate 5 is, for example, a glass composite substrate, a glass epoxy substrate, or a flexible sill substrate. A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 (light emitting elements and light receiving elements) are arranged on the substrate 5. Further, the circuit wiring is formed on the substrate 5, and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 and ICs 7 may be mounted on the surface of the substrate 5 while being connected to each wiring.

  The photoelectric conversion element 6 is a light emitting element or a light receiving element, and is disposed on the substrate 5. The light emitting element emits laser light in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 5, and the light receiving element receives the received light emitted from the optical transmission body via the optical receptacle 2. The number of photoelectric conversion elements 6 for one optical receptacle 2 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the number of light emitting elements is four and the number of light receiving elements is four for one optical receptacle 2. Since there are two optical receptacles 2, a double number is arranged on the substrate 5. The photoelectric conversion element 6 is disposed so as to correspond to each optical receptacle 2. The light emitting element is, for example, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a light emitting diode, a laser diode, or the like. The light receiving element is, for example, a photodiode (PD). In the present embodiment, four light emitting elements and light receiving elements are associated with each optical receptacle 2, but eight light emitting elements are associated with one optical receptacle and eight light receiving elements are associated with each other. These light receiving elements may be made to correspond.

  The IC 7 is disposed on the substrate 5. The substrate 5 drives the photoelectric conversion element 6, for example, and is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion element 6 through circuit wiring of the substrate 5. In the present embodiment, one IC 7 is connected to four light emitting elements corresponding to one optical receptacle 2, and one IC 7 is connected to four light receiving elements. Implemented above.

  The type of the optical transmission body (not shown) is not particularly limited, and includes an optical fiber, an optical waveguide, and the like. The optical fiber may be a single mode method or a multimode method. The number of optical transmission bodies is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, eight optical fibers are arranged in a line at regular intervals. Note that the optical transmitters may be arranged in two or more rows. The ferrule (not shown) holds the end of the optical transmission body and positions the end surface of the optical transmission body with respect to the second optical surface 26 of the optical receptacle 2 and is detachable from the optical receptacle 2. It is configured. The ferrule is formed in a cylindrical shape, an optical transmission body is inserted into the hollow region, the end face of the optical transmission body is fixed with an adhesive, and a pair of recesses are formed on both sides thereof. . By fitting the ferrule convex portion 28 of the optical receptacle 2 into the concave portion provided in the ferrule, the end face of the optical transmission body is positioned with respect to the optical receptacle 2.

  Although not shown, an attachment structure for aligning the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3 may be formed on at least one of the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3, preferably both. The mounting structure is not particularly limited as long as the position of the cover 3 with respect to the optical receptacle 2 can be specified. For example, it is good also as a hole in which the pin projected from the connection part 23 of the optical receptacle 2 and the pin formed in the top plate 32 of the cover 3 are inserted.

  Moreover, the adhesive reservoir may be formed in the optical module. For example, an adhesive reservoir consisting of grooves at both corners is formed on the back side wall, and the adhesive between the back side wall of the optical receptacle 2 and the side wall of the cover is filled, or other adjacent optical receptacles 2 It may be filled with an adhesive between the back side wall and the like. Further, an adhesive reservoir made of a groove is formed on both side surfaces of the lens portion of the optical receptacle 2, and an adhesive between the side surface of the lens portion of the optical receptacle 2 and the side wall of the cover is filled, or other adjacent An adhesive between the side surface of the lens portion of the optical receptacle 2 may be filled.

[Optical module manufacturing method]
Although the manufacturing method of the optical module 1 is not specifically limited, It can manufacture with the following method. First, the plurality of optical receptacles 2 and the photoelectric conversion device 4 are separately prepared, and the optical receptacle 2 is attached to the substrate 5 of the photoelectric conversion device 4. Specifically, the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are arranged and attached to the substrate 5 such that the first optical surfaces 25 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 respectively face the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 arranged on the substrate 5. . In the present invention, the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are adjacent to each other in the same direction so that the side walls 22 on the back surface of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 are linear. For this reason, the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6 arranged on the substrate 5 are arranged in a straight line with eight pieces for the first optical receptacle 2 and eight pieces for the second optical receptacle 2. Is mounted on the substrate so as to be disposed in the opening 24 of the optical receptacle 2. Here, it is preferable that the optical receptacle 2 and the photoelectric conversion device 4 have alignment marks for alignment. The alignment mark is preferably provided on the optical receptacle 2 and the substrate 5 of the photoelectric conversion device 4. For example, the alignment mark may be a concave portion formed on the optical receptacle 2 and / or the substrate 5, a convex portion, or a pattern applied by painting. Further, the planar view shape of the alignment mark is not particularly limited, and may be a circle or a polygon. Further, the position of the alignment mark is not limited. The alignment mark is a reference when aligning the optical receptacle 2 and the photoelectric conversion device 4, and is not particularly limited as long as such a function can be exhibited. In order to attach the optical receptacle 2 to the substrate 5 of the photoelectric conversion device 4, for example, the lower surface of the leg portion 29 of the lens portion 21 of the optical receptacle 2 and the lower surface of the side wall 22 on the back surface are in contact with the substrate 5 of the photoelectric conversion device 4. And the contact portion may be bonded with an adhesive.

  Next, the cover 3 is prepared separately, and the pair of side walls 31 of the cover 3 are arranged so as to close the openings 24 on both outer side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 arranged side by side. The top plate 32 of the cover 3 is also arranged so as to cover the connection portions 23 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2. It is confirmed whether or not the adhesive reservoirs 33 to 36 of the cover 3 are respectively arranged at predetermined positions. Then, the optical module 1 is manufactured by bonding with the adhesive 8. Specifically, the adhesive 8 is applied or injected into the gap between the optical receptacle 2 and the cover 3 using, for example, a dispenser, and the adhesive 8 is cured in this state, whereby the optical receptacle 2, the cover 3 and the substrate are cured. 5 is bonded. In particular, it is preferable to inject the adhesive 8 into the adhesive reservoirs 33 to 36 of the cover 3 using a dispenser or the like. The amount of the adhesive 8 is not particularly limited as long as the optical receptacle 2, the cover 3, and the substrate 5 can be bonded by the adhesive 8. However, when the adhesive 8 is injected into the adhesive reservoir, the adhesive reservoir is bonded. It is preferable to inject so that it may be filled with the agent 8. In the present embodiment, the adhesive reservoir 33 on the side wall 31 of the cover 3 is filled with the adhesive 8, and the space between the back side wall 22 of the optical receptacle 2 and the side wall 31 of the cover 3 is bonded. The adhesive reservoir 34 of 31 is filled with the adhesive 8, the side surface of the lens portion 21 of the optical receptacle 2 and the side wall 31 of the cover 3 are adhered, the adhesive reservoir 35 of the top plate 32 is filled, Adjacent back side walls 22 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 were bonded together, and the adhesive reservoir 36 of the top plate 32 was filled to bond the side surfaces of the adjacent lens portions 21 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2.

  Particularly preferably, the optical receptacle 2 and the photoelectric conversion device 4 are aligned so that the first optical surfaces 25 of the plurality of optical receptacles 2 respectively face the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 6, and the leg portions 29 of the lens unit 21 are aligned. Are temporarily fixed to the substrate 5 of the photoelectric conversion device 4 with a UV curable adhesive. Thereafter, the cover 3 is disposed, and a thermosetting resin is injected or applied as the adhesive 8 to bond the optical receptacle 2, the cover 3, and the substrate 5 to manufacture the optical module 1. Thereby, the optical receptacle can be fixed at an appropriate position.

1 Optical Module 2 Optical Receptacle 3 Cover 4 Photoelectric Conversion Device 5 Substrate 6 Photoelectric Conversion Element 7 IC
8 Adhesive

Claims (8)

A photoelectric conversion device including a substrate and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements disposed on the substrate, and disposed between the photoelectric conversion device and the optical transmission body, wherein the photoelectric conversion element and an end face of the optical transmission body are optically An optical module having a plurality of optical receptacles for coupling optically, a cover, and an adhesive,
Each of the plurality of optical receptacles has a first optical surface facing the photoelectric conversion element on the bottom surface, a second optical surface facing the optical transmission body on the front surface, a side wall on the back surface, Having openings that connect the surfaces and open the bottom surfaces, and are juxtaposed on the substrate such that the back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles are adjacent to each other;
The cover has a pair of opposing side walls, and the pair of side walls of the cover are disposed so as to close the openings on both side surfaces outside the plurality of optical receptacles juxtaposed,
The adhesive is at least between adjacent back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles, between the back side walls of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover, and the plurality of optical receptacles. And an optical module bonding the cover and the substrate.   The optical module according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive reservoir filled with the adhesive is formed on the cover.   The adhesive reservoir is a portion of the cover that is close to the side wall of the back surface adjacent to the plurality of optical receptacles, a portion that is close to the outer side of the front of the plurality of optical receptacles, or the plurality of light. The optical module according to claim 2, wherein the optical module is formed in a portion close to an outer side of the side wall of the back surface of the receptacle.   The optical module according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive reservoir is a through hole, an opening, or a groove formed in the cover.   The adhesive includes a gap between the back side walls of the plurality of adjacent optical receptacles, a gap between the back side wall of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover, and the plurality of the plurality of optical receptacles. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a gap between the optical receptacle and the cover and the substrate is closed.   The optical module according to claim 5, wherein the adhesive further closes gaps formed in front of the plurality of adjacent optical receptacles.   The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover includes a top plate that connects the pair of side walls, and the top plate covers the plurality of optical receptacles. An optical module manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The plurality of optical receptacles are juxtaposed on the substrate such that the first optical surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles face the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, respectively, and side walls on the back surface of the plurality of optical receptacles are adjacent to each other. Attaching the plurality of optical receptacles to the substrate;
Disposing the cover on the substrate such that the pair of side walls of the cover closes the openings on the outer side surfaces of the plurality of optical receptacles juxtaposed;
Between the back side walls adjacent to each other of the plurality of optical receptacles, between the back side wall of the plurality of optical receptacles and the pair of side walls of the cover, and to the plurality of optical receptacles, the cover, and the substrate; A method of manufacturing an optical module, comprising: adhering a gap between the layers with the adhesive.