JP3997928B2 - Method for manufacturing optical element block - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is used in an optical receptacle of an optical connector composed of an optical plug provided with an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber and an optical receptacle connected to the optical plug. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical element block that performs photoelectric conversion between an optical signal transmitted through a wire and an electrical signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, optical communication has been introduced to enable high-speed data communication between electronic devices, and an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is provided to perform optical wiring between the electronic device and the outside. An optical connector comprising an optical plug and an optical receptacle connected to the optical plug is used.
[0003]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the optical receptacle A includes a housing 1 and transmitting and receiving optical element blocks 10 a and 10 b housed in the housing 1 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004]
The housing 1 has a substantially box shape with openings on the rear side and the rear side of the lower surface, and is made of a metal part, a molded product of conductive resin, or a plated synthetic resin molded product, and has a shielding effect. The inside of the housing 1 is divided into two storage chambers 4a and 4b by a partition wall 3. One storage chamber 4a is a storage space for a transmission optical element block 10a, and the other storage chamber 4b is a reception optical element block 10b. Storage space. Cylindrical sleeves 2a and 2b communicating with the storage chambers 4a and 4b are projected in parallel in the width direction on the front surface of the housing 1, and two optical fibers held by optical sleeves in the respective sleeves 2a and 2b. The ferrule is inserted.
[0005]
The optical element blocks 10a and 10b have substantially the same structure, and solid circuit molded parts (MID: Molded Interconnected Device) 11a and 11b having a rectangular parallelepiped shape are used as a base, and the front surfaces of the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b. Are respectively provided with cylindrical optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b that protrude forward and are inserted into the sleeves 2a and 2b.
[0006]
On the front end surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b, concave planes 13a and 13b opened so as to spread in the front end direction as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are formed, and the optical element mounting of the optical element block 10a on the transmission side is formed. A light emitting diode LD is mounted on the bottom of the concave plane 13a on the base 12a, and a light receiving diode PD is mounted on the bottom of the concave plane 13b on the optical element mounting base 12b of the optical element block 10b on the receiving side. The concave planes 13a and 13b of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are filled with light-transmitting synthetic resin, and the light emitting diode LD and the light receiving diode PD are sealed. The light emitting diode is sealed by the sealing resin. Lenses 14 and 14 facing the light emitting surface of the LD or the light receiving surface of the light receiving diode PD are formed.
[0007]
Thus, when the optical plug is connected to the optical receptacle A in which the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are housed in the housing 1 so that the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are inserted into the sleeves 2a and 2b, respectively, The two held optical fibers are inserted into the sleeves 2a and 2b, respectively, and optically coupled to the light emitting diode LD or the light receiving diode PD by a lens coupling method. The lenses 14 and 14 may be spherical lenses or aspherical lenses, and may be appropriately set according to the type of optical element (light emitting diode LD or light receiving diode PD).
[0008]
Further, recesses 15a and 15b for mounting circuit components are formed on the rear surfaces of the molded circuit molded components 11a and 11b, respectively. In the optical element block 10a on the transmission side, circuit components such as an integrated circuit element IC1 in which a circuit for processing a drive signal to the light emitting diode LD is integrated and a chip capacitor 19 for noise cut are mounted on the bottom of the recess 15a. In the optical element block 10b on the side, circuit components such as an integrated circuit element IC2 in which a circuit (for example, an amplifier circuit) for processing an input signal from the light receiving diode PD is integrated at the bottom of the recess 15b, and a noise-cutting chip capacitor 19 Has been implemented.
[0009]
On the surface of each three-dimensional circuit molded component 11a, 11b, a circuit pattern made of a metal plating film that electrically connects between the light emitting diode LD and the integrated circuit element IC1 and between the light receiving diode PD and the integrated circuit element IC2. (Not shown) are formed, and the electrodes of the integrated circuit elements IC1 and IC2 are electrically connected to a circuit pattern extending on the bottom surfaces of the recesses 15a and 15b through bonding wires 36 made of a thin metal wire such as aluminum. It is connected to the. The three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are each integrally provided with four L-shaped terminal pins 16 by simultaneous molding, and the three-dimensional circuit molding between the integrated circuit elements IC1 and IC2 and the terminal pin 16 is provided. They are electrically connected through circuit patterns formed on the surfaces of the components 11a and 11b. The recesses 15a and 15b are filled with a sealing resin 17 to protect the connection portions and circuit components between the bonding wires 36 and the electrodes or circuit patterns of the integrated circuit elements IC1 and IC2. In addition, the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are fixed inside the housing 1 by sealing the sealing resin 18 in the housing 1 in a state where the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are housed in the housing 1. Yes.
[0010]
By the way, when forming the lenses 14 and 14 on the front end surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b of the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b, the lens 14 is formed by a method called casting.
[0011]
The process of forming the lens 14 on the front end surface of the optical element mounting base 12a of the three-dimensional circuit molded component 11a will be described below with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the shape of the three-dimensional circuit molded component 11a is simplified for easy illustration.
[0012]
In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a mold used for molding the lens 14, and this mold 30 has a bottomed cylindrical mold part 31 having an inner diameter slightly larger than that of the optical element mounting base 12a. A concave portion 31 a is formed on the bottom surface of the frame portion 31 and has a surface shape substantially the same as the surface shape of the lens 14.
[0013]
When forming the lens 14, first, the mold 30 is arranged so that the opening of the mold part 31 faces upward, and the bottom of the mold part 31 is translucent and thermosetting such as epoxy resin. After injecting the liquid lens resin 14 a having the structure (see FIG. 11A), the optical element mounting base 12 a of the three-dimensional circuit molded component 11 a is inserted into the mold part 31. Thereafter, the molded circuit component 11a is pressed downward and heated to the resin curing temperature of the lens resin 14a to cure the lens resin 14a (see FIG. 11B), and then released from the mold 30. As a result, the lens 14 is formed on the front end surface of the optical element mounting base 12a (see FIG. 11C).
[0014]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-164638 A (pages 5 to 6 and FIG. 20)
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described optical element blocks 10a and 10b, the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are used as a base, and in manufacturing the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b, the elements of the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are used. As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected so that mounting of (light emitting diode LD, light receiving diode PD, integrated circuit elements IC1 and IC2, and capacitor 19) and molding of lens 14 can be performed at once. After resin molding in a state of being connected to the frame 20 via the parts 21 and 22, after mounting of the elements and molding of the lens 14, the connection parts 21 and 22 are cut to obtain individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11 a, 11 a, It was divided into 11b. The frame 20 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular frame shape with a pair of side pieces 20a, 20a arranged in parallel and connecting pieces 20b, 20b connecting both ends of the side pieces 20a, 20a, respectively. It is partitioned in a lattice shape by a crosspiece 20c. A pair of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20 in the space partitioned by the crosspiece 20c, and the paired molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected to each other. The connecting portions 22 are connected to each other via the portion 21, and between the one three-dimensional circuit molded component 11a and the connecting piece 20b or the crosspiece 20c, and between the other three-dimensional circuit molded component 11b and the connecting piece 20b or the crosspiece 20c, respectively. Are connected to each other. Thus, at the time of resin molding, the plurality of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are formed in two rows with a certain interval in pairs, with the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b forming pairs. ing.
[0016]
In order to form lenses on the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b at a time in a state where the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected in this way, as shown in FIG. The optical element mounting base 12a is provided at the position of the flat part 33 corresponding to the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b of the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b which have a plate-like flat part 33 and are integrally connected to the frame 20. , 12b are used, and a transfer mold 32 is used in which a plurality of bottomed cylindrical mold sections 34 are integrally formed. In addition, a concave portion having substantially the same shape as the surface shape of the lens 14 is formed on the bottom surface of the lens forming mold portion 34.
[0017]
Here, when forming the lens 14 using the transfer mold 32, first, a lens resin having translucency and thermosetting property is injected into the bottom of the mold part 34, and then the mold part 34 is filled with the lens resin. The transfer mold 32 is placed on the frame 20 so that the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are inserted, and the transfer mold 32 is heated to the resin curing temperature of the lens resin while pressing and pressing the transfer mold 32 toward the frame 20, The lens resin is cured, and the lens 14 is formed on the tip surface of each of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b. However, the molded product in which a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are integrally connected is processed. If the accuracy is not good, it is impossible to reliably hold the tip surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b by the mold part 34 of the transfer mold 32 during the transfer molding. May leak from the mold part 34 and remain attached to the surface of the transfer mold 32, and a maintenance work for removing the lens resin adhering to the transfer mold 32 is required, so that the molding efficiency is not increased and the cost is increased. There was a problem of inviting.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an optical element block capable of forming a lens at a low cost for a plurality of optical element blocks. There is.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical signal used for an optical receptacle to which an optical plug having an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected and transmitted through the optical transmission medium is provided. An optical element that performs photoelectric conversion between an electrical signal, a three-dimensional circuit molded component that is integrally provided with a columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on a tip surface, and an optical element and an optical transmission medium. A method of manufacturing an optical element block comprising a resin lens having translucency formed on a front end surface of an optical element mounting base so as to be positioned between the three-dimensional circuit molding of a plurality of optical element blocks Resin molding is performed in a state where the parts are connected via flexible connecting pieces, and a plurality of optical element mounting bases corresponding to positions corresponding to the optical element mounting bases of the respective optical element blocks are respectively inserted. Forming part for lens formation After filling each mold part of the cast case with the lens resin, the optical element mounting base is inserted into each mold part of the casting case, and the lens resin is cured, and is applied to the front end surface of the optical element mounting base. After the lens is formed, the optical element mounting base is released from each mold part, and the connecting piece is cut and separated into individual optical element blocks.
[0021]
  Claim2In this invention, light used for an optical receptacle to which an optical plug having an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected, and performs photoelectric conversion between an optical signal transmitted through the optical transmission medium and an electric signal. The optical element mounting base is positioned between the optical element and the optical transmission medium, and the three-dimensional circuit molded component integrally provided with the element and the columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on the front end surface. And a resin lens having translucency formed on the front end surface of the optical element block, wherein three-dimensional circuit molded parts of the plurality of optical element blocks are connected via a connecting portion In addition to resin molding, a plurality of lens forming mold parts, each of which is made of a resin molded product and into which an optical element mounting base of each optical element block is inserted, are integrally connected via flexible bending pieces. Casting case above After filling the mold resin with the lens resin, insert the optical element mounting base into each mold part of the casting case, cure the lens resin, and form the lens on the tip surface of the optical element mounting base. The optical element mounting base is released from the mold part, and the connecting part is cut and separated into individual optical element blocks.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(Embodiment 1)
A method for manufacturing an optical element block according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing the optical element blocks 10a and 10b described in the prior art, and illustration and description of the structure of the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are omitted.
[0023]
Also in this embodiment, a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are resin-molded in a state where they are connected to the frame 20 in the same manner as the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b described in the prior art, and the mounting of elements and the lens 14 are performed. After the molding is completed at once, the connecting portion is cut and separated into individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b.
[0024]
Here, the frame 20 is formed in a horizontally long sun-shaped shape with three side pieces 20a arranged in parallel at regular intervals and connecting pieces 20b and 20b that connect both ends of the three side pieces 20a. Is formed. In the space surrounded by the two adjacent side pieces 20a and the connecting pieces 20b, 20b on both sides, four sets of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a, 11 b are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20, and the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11 a and 11 b forming a pair include a U-shaped connecting piece 23 having flexibility between the upper and lower ends of the opposing surfaces. The upper and lower ends of the surface opposite to the opposing surface are connected to the frame 20 via a flexible L-shaped connecting piece 24.
[0025]
Then, in a state where the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected to the frame 20, a circuit pattern is formed on the surface of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b, and an element (an optical element or a signal processing circuit of the optical element). When the lens 14 is formed on the front surface of the optical element after mounting the integrated circuit element or the like integrated with the transfer die 32, the transfer mold 32 described in the prior art is used.
[0026]
When the lens 14 is formed at a time on the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11 a and 11 b integrally connected to the frame 20 using the transfer mold 32, first, the lens 14 is first formed on the bottom of the mold part 34 of the transfer mold 32. For example, after injecting a liquid lens resin 14a having translucency and thermosetting properties such as an epoxy resin, the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are inserted into the respective mold sections 34, respectively. The mold 32 is put on the frame 20, and the transfer mold 32 is heated to the resin curing temperature of the lens resin 14a while being pressed against the frame 20 to cure the lens resin 14a, and the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b. A lens 14 is formed on each of the front end surfaces. Then, after forming the lens 14, the transfer mold 32 is separated from the frame 20, the optical element mounting bases 12a, 12b are separated from the mold part 34, and the connecting pieces 23, 24 are cut to form individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts. Separated into 11a and 11b.
[0027]
Here, the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded components 11a and 11b are connected to each other through the connecting piece 23 having flexibility between the paired three-dimensional circuit molded components 11a and 11b, and have flexible connection. Since the optical element mounting bases 12a, 12b of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a, 11b are inserted into the mold part 34 of the transfer mold 32, the connecting pieces 23, 24 is bent so that the positions of the mold part 34 and the optical element mounting bases 12a, 12b of the molded circuit molded parts 11a, 11b are aligned, and the front end surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a, 12b are surely secured by the mold part 34. The lens resin leaks out from the mold part 34 and does not remain attached to the surface of the transfer mold 32, and the maintenance is performed to remove the adhered lens resin. Since it is not necessary to perform the work, molding efficiency is improved, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the lens 14. In addition, when the connecting pieces 23 and 24 are bent, the positions of the mold part 34 and the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are adjusted to match the positions of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b. Therefore, the lens 14 can be accurately formed on the tip surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b, and the molding accuracy of the lens 14 can be increased.
[0028]
  (Reference example)
  Reference example of optical element block manufacturing methodWill be described with reference to FIGS. This manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing the optical element blocks 10a and 10b described in the prior art, and illustration and description of the structure of the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are omitted.
[0029]
  This manufacturing method3 and 4, a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are resin-molded in a state where they are connected to the frame 20 via the connecting portions 21 and 22, and the elements are mounted and the lens 14 is molded. After finishing, the connecting parts 21 and 22 are cut and separated into individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b.
[0030]
Here, the frame 20 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular frame shape with a pair of side pieces 20a and 20a arranged in parallel and connecting pieces 20b and 20b connecting the both ends of the side pieces 20a and 20a, respectively. Are partitioned in a grid by vertical and horizontal bars 20c. A pair of molded circuit molded components 11a and 11b are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20 in the space partitioned by the crosspieces 20c, and the paired molded circuit molded components 11a and 11b Are connected to each other via a connecting portion (not shown) provided on the opposite side, and are connected to a connecting piece 20b or a crosspiece 20c via a connecting portion (not shown) provided on a surface opposite to the facing surface. . Thus, at the time of resin molding, the plurality of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are formed in two rows with a certain interval in pairs, with the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b forming pairs. ing.
[0031]
Then, in a state where the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected to the frame 20, a circuit pattern is formed on the surface of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b, and an element (an optical element or a signal processing circuit of the optical element). When the lens 14 is formed on the front surface of the optical element after mounting an integrated circuit element or the like integrated with a casting case 35, a casting case 35 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is used.
[0032]
The casting case 35 is made of a resin molded product of a synthetic resin (polypropylene, polyolefin, etc.) having a melting temperature higher than the resin curing temperature of, for example, a lens resin (for example, a translucent resin such as an epoxy resin). The optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are respectively located at the positions of the flat plate portions 36 corresponding to the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b of the plurality of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b integrally connected to the frame 20. A plurality of bottomed cylindrical mold portions 37 to be inserted are integrally formed. In addition, a concave portion having substantially the same shape as the surface shape of the lens 14 is formed on the bottom surface of the lens forming mold portion 37.
[0033]
When the lens 14 is formed on the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b integrally connected to the frame 20 using the casting case 35 at a time, first, the bottom of the mold part 37 of the casting case 35 is used. After injecting a liquid lens resin 14 a having translucency and thermosetting properties into the frame 20, the casting case 35 is attached to the frame 20 so that the optical element mounting bases 12 a and 12 b are respectively inserted into the mold portions 37. Cover the casting case 35 to the frame 20 side and pressurize it to heat it to the resin curing temperature of the lens resin 14a, cure the lens resin, and place the lens 14 on the tip surface of each optical element mounting base 12a, 12b. Form. Then, after the lens 14 is formed, the casting case 35 is separated from the frame 20, the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are released from the mold part 37, and the connecting parts are cut to form individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b. To separate.
[0034]
Here, since the processing accuracy of the molded product in which a plurality of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are integrally connected is not good, the molded circuit part 37 of the casting case 35 is used to form the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b at the time of lens molding. The optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b cannot be securely pressed, and there is a possibility that the lens resin leaks out from the mold part 37 and adheres to the surface of the casting case 35. However, the casting case 35 is a resin molded product. Since the manufacturing cost is much lower than that of the mold, when the lens resin adheres, the casting case 35 may be discarded and a new casting case 35 may be used, and the lens resin adhered to the mold. Since no maintenance work is required to remove, molding efficiency is improved and costs can be reduced.
[0035]
  (Embodiment2)
  A method for manufacturing an optical element block according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing the optical element blocks 10a and 10b described in the prior art, and illustration and description of the structure of the optical element blocks 10a and 10b are omitted.
[0036]
Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are resin-molded in a state where they are connected to the frame 20 via the connecting portions 21 and 22 to mount elements and lenses. After the molding of 14, the connecting portions 21 and 22 are cut and separated into individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b.
[0037]
Here, the frame 20 is formed in a horizontally long rectangular frame shape with a pair of side pieces 20a, 20a arranged in parallel and connecting pieces 20b, 20b connecting the both ends of the side pieces 20a, 20a, respectively. It is partitioned in a grid pattern by vertical and horizontal bars 20c. In the space partitioned by the crosspiece 20c, a pair of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the frame 20, and the paired molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are opposed to each other. They are connected to each other via a connecting portion 21 provided on the surface, and are connected to a connecting piece 20b or a crosspiece 20c via a connecting portion 22 provided on the surface opposite to the opposing surface. Thus, at the time of resin molding, the plurality of molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are formed in two rows with a certain interval in pairs, with the molded circuit molded parts 11a and 11b forming pairs. ing.
[0038]
Then, in a state where the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected to the frame 20, a circuit pattern is formed on the surface of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b, and an element (an optical element or a signal processing circuit of the optical element). When the lens 14 is formed on the front surface of the optical element after mounting the integrated circuit element or the like integrated with a casting case 35, a casting case 35 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used.
[0039]
The casting case 35 is made of a resin molded product of a synthetic resin (polypropylene, polyolefin, etc.) having a melting temperature higher than the resin curing temperature of, for example, a lens resin (for example, a translucent resin such as an epoxy resin), and has a bottomed cylindrical shape. A pair of side pieces 35a, which have a plurality of mold frame portions 37 for lens molding in which a flange portion 38 having a rectangular shape in plan view is integrally provided on the circumferential surface of the intermediate portion in the axial direction, A plurality of mold frame portions 37 are arranged in two rows between 35b, and the flange portion 38 of the mold frame portion 37 in the row on the side piece 35a side is connected to the side piece 35a via a narrow bending piece 39, and The flange portions 38 of the mold frame portions 37 in the row on the side piece 35b side are connected to the side pieces 35b via the narrow bending pieces 39, and the flange portions 38 of the mold frame portions 37 located at both ends of each row are connected to each other. By connecting them through a narrow flexure 39 It is form. In addition, concave portions having substantially the same shape as the surface shape of the lens 14 are formed on the bottom surfaces of the plurality of mold parts 37, and each mold part 37 is a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded components 11 a integrally connected to the frame 20. , 11b are provided at positions corresponding to the optical element mounting bases 12a, 12b.
[0040]
When the lens 14 is formed on the plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b integrally connected to the frame 20 using the casting case 35 at a time, first, the bottom of the mold part 37 of the casting case 35 is used. After injecting the liquid lens resin 14a, the casting case 35 is covered with the frame 20 so that the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are inserted into the respective mold portions 37, and the casting case 35 is placed on the frame 20 side. While being pressed and pressurized, the lens resin 14a is heated to the resin curing temperature to cure the lens resin, and the lens 14 is formed on the tip surface of each of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b. Then, after forming the lens 14, the casting case 35 is separated from the frame 20, the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are separated from the mold part 37, the connecting parts 21 and 22 are cut, and the individual three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a are separated. , 11b.
[0041]
Here, the mold portions 37 arranged in two rows are connected to the side pieces 35a or 35b through the flexible piece 39 of the flange portion 38 of the mold portion 37 of each row, respectively. Since the flange portions 38 of the mold portions 37 located at both ends of the row of the two are connected to each other via a flexible bending piece 39, the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b of the three-dimensional circuit molded parts 11a and 11b are connected to each other. When inserted into the mold part 37 of the casting case 35, the bending piece 39 bends so that the positions of the mold part 37 and the corresponding optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b are adjusted. Maintenance that removes the attached lens resin without causing the lens resin to leak out of the mold part 37 and remain attached to the surface of the casting case 35, since the tip surfaces of the element mounting bases 12a and 12b can be securely pressed. Work Since dispensable I, molding efficiency improves, there is an effect of reducing the manufacturing cost of the lens 14. Further, by bending the bending piece 39, the positions of the optical element mounting bases 12 a and 12 b corresponding to the mold part 37 are aligned, and the front end surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12 a and 12 b are surely pressed by the mold part 37. Therefore, the lens 14 can be accurately formed on the tip surfaces of the optical element mounting bases 12a and 12b, and the molding accuracy of the lens 14 can be increased.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention of claim 1 is used for an optical receptacle to which an optical plug having an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected, and transmits an optical signal and an electrical signal transmitted through the optical transmission medium. Between the optical element and the optical transmission medium, and an optical element that performs photoelectric conversion between the optical element and a three-dimensional circuit molded component integrally provided with a columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on the tip surface Thus, a method of manufacturing an optical element block including a resin lens having translucency formed on the front end surface of the optical element mounting table, and a three-dimensional circuit molded component of a plurality of optical element blocks is possible. For forming a plurality of lenses, in which resin molding is performed in a state of being connected via flexible connecting pieces, and optical element mounting bases corresponding to positions corresponding to the optical element mounting bases of the respective optical element blocks are respectively inserted. Casters with a formwork section After filling the mold resin in each mold part of the casting case, the optical element mounting base is inserted into each mold part of the casting case, the lens resin is cured, and the lens is attached to the front end surface of the optical element mounting base. After forming, the optical element mounting base is released from each mold part, the connecting piece is cut and separated into individual optical element blocks, and a three-dimensional circuit molding part of a plurality of optical element blocks is possible. Since it is resin-molded in a state of being connected via a flexible connecting piece, the connecting piece bends when the optical element mounting base of the three-dimensional circuit molded part is inserted into the casting case mold part at the time of lens formation. By aligning the position of the mold part and the optical element mounting base, it is possible to securely hold the tip surface of the optical element mounting base of the molded circuit molded component with the mold part, and the lens resin leaks from the mold part. Cass Since it does not remain attached to the surface of the casting case and does not require maintenance work to remove the lens resin adhering to the casting case, it is possible to increase the molding efficiency and reduce the manufacturing cost of the lens. . In addition, the position of the mold part and the optical element mounting base can be adjusted by bending the connecting piece, and the front end surface of the optical element mounting base of the three-dimensional circuit molded component can be securely held by the mold part. There is also an effect that the molding accuracy of the is improved.
[0044]
  Claim2The present invention is used in an optical receptacle to which an optical plug having an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected, and performs photoelectric conversion between an optical signal transmitted through the optical transmission medium and an electric signal. The optical element mounting base is positioned between the optical element and the optical transmission medium, and the three-dimensional circuit molded component integrally provided with the element and the columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on the front end surface. And a resin lens having translucency formed on the front end surface of the optical element block, wherein three-dimensional circuit molded parts of the plurality of optical element blocks are connected via a connecting portion In addition to resin molding, a plurality of lens forming mold parts, each of which is made of a resin molded product and into which an optical element mounting base of each optical element block is inserted, are integrally connected via flexible bending pieces. Each of the above casting cases After filling the lens resin in the frame, insert the optical element mounting base in each mold frame part of the casting case, cure the lens resin, and form the lens on the tip surface of the optical element mounting base, then each mold The optical element mounting base is released from the frame part, the connecting part is cut and separated into individual optical element blocks, and the plurality of mold parts are connected to each other via flexible bending pieces. Therefore, when the optical element mounting base of each three-dimensional circuit molded part is inserted into the casting case mold part, the bending piece is bent to align the mold part with the corresponding optical element mounting base. Thus, the tip of the optical device mounting base can be securely held by the mold part, and the lens resin does not leak out from the mold part and adhere to the surface of the casting case, and adheres to the casting case. Lens resin Since it is not necessary to perform the maintenance work of removing, improved molding efficiency, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the lens. In addition, the position of the mold part and the optical element mounting base can be adjusted by bending the flexure piece, and the front end surface of the optical element mounting base of the molded circuit molded component can be securely held by the mold part. This also has the effect of improving the molding accuracy of the.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded components are resin-molded so as to be connected to a frame via connecting pieces, showing Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the above.
[Fig. 3]Manufacturing method of reference exampleFIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a state before a casting case is fitted to a plurality of molded circuit molded parts connected to a frame via a connecting portion.
FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing the above-described state in which a casting case is fitted to a plurality of molded circuit molded parts connected to a frame via connecting parts.
FIG. 5 is an embodiment.2FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a state before a casting case is fitted to a plurality of molded circuit molded parts connected to a frame via a connecting portion.
FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a casting case is fitted to a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded parts connected to a frame via a connecting portion.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional optical receptacle as viewed from the front.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the same as seen from the rear.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the above.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the relevant part.
FIGS. 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the lens forming process of the same. FIG.
FIG. 12 is a front view showing a state in which a plurality of three-dimensional circuit molded components are resin-molded so as to be connected to the frame via connecting pieces.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a conventional casting case.
[Explanation of symbols]
11a, 11b 3D circuit molded parts
12a, 12b Optical element mounting base
23, 24 connecting piece

Claims (2)

An optical element that is used in an optical receptacle to which an optical plug including an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected, and that performs photoelectric conversion between an optical signal transmitted through the optical transmission medium and an electric signal; A three-dimensional circuit molded component integrally provided with a columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on the front end surface and the front end surface of the optical element mounting base so as to be positioned between the optical element and the optical transmission medium A method of manufacturing an optical element block including a formed resin lens having translucency,
The resin molding is performed in a state where the three-dimensional circuit molded parts of the plurality of optical element blocks are connected via the flexible connecting pieces, and the light corresponding to the position corresponding to the optical element mounting base of each optical element block After the lens resin is filled into each mold part of the casting case provided with a plurality of lens forming mold parts into which the element mounts are respectively inserted, the optical element mounting table is placed in each mold part of the casting case. After each is inserted and the lens resin is cured to form a lens on the tip surface of the optical element mounting table, the optical element mounting table is released from each mold part, and the connecting piece is cut to separate each optical element block A method for producing an optical element block, characterized in that the optical element block is separated. An optical element that is used in an optical receptacle to which an optical plug including an optical transmission medium such as an optical fiber is connected, and that performs photoelectric conversion between an optical signal transmitted through the optical transmission medium and an electric signal; A three-dimensional circuit molded component integrally provided with a columnar optical element mounting base on which the optical element is mounted on the front end surface and the front end surface of the optical element mounting base so as to be positioned between the optical element and the optical transmission medium A method of manufacturing an optical element block including a formed resin lens having translucency,
A plurality of lenses in which a three-dimensional circuit molding component of a plurality of optical element blocks is resin-molded in a state of being connected via a connecting portion, and the optical element mounting base of each optical element block is made of a resin molded product After filling the lens resin into each mold part of the casting case in which the forming mold part is integrally connected through flexible flexible pieces, the optical element is mounted in each mold part of the casting case. After the base is inserted, the lens resin is cured, and the lens is formed on the tip surface of the optical element mounting base, the optical element mounting base is released from each mold part, and the connecting portion is cut to separate each optical element. A method of manufacturing an optical element block, wherein the optical element block is separated into blocks .

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