JP6083437B2 - Positioning member, receptacle, and optical transmission module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a positioning member for optically coupling an optical fiber and an optical element, a receptacle including the positioning member, and an optical transmission module, in particular, an optical fiber having a plug provided at one end and a mounting substrate. The present invention relates to a positioning member for optically coupling the optical element to the optical element, a receptacle including the positioning member, and an optical transmission module.

  As a positioning member for optically coupling a conventional optical fiber and an optical element, for example, an optical connector socket described in Patent Document 1 is known. As shown in FIG. 15, this type of optical connector socket 500 is placed on an optical element 504 so as to cover the optical element 504. When the optical connector (plug in the present invention) 514 provided at the end of the optical fiber 510 is attached to the optical connector socket 500, the optical connector 514 is further attached on the optical connector socket 500.

  As described above, in the receptacle using the optical connector socket 500 described in Patent Document 1, the optical connector socket 500 is placed on the optical element 504, and the optical connector 514 is placed thereon. It takes the configuration that. Here, in order to reduce the height of the receptacle, it is conceivable to suppress the height of the optical connector 514 itself. However, in order to secure the strength of the optical connector 514, the height cannot be reduced below a certain level. . Therefore, in the module using the optical connector socket described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to reduce the height while securing the strength of the optical connector 514.

JP 2009-276477 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a positioning member capable of reducing the height of a receptacle to which the plug is connected while ensuring the strength of the plug provided at one end of the optical fiber, and a receptacle having the positioning member. And providing an optical transmission module.

The positioning member according to one aspect of the present invention is
A positioning member for optically coupling an optical fiber provided with a plug at an end and an optical element provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate,
A plug mounting portion provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate and on which the plug is mounted;
An optical coupling portion that is provided on the mounting substrate with the optical element sandwiched therebetween, and aligns the optical axis of the optical fiber with the optical axis of the optical element by reflection;
With
Said top surface of the to the upper surface of the plug mounting portion of the lower surface of the plug contact height of the mounting substrate, rather low than the height from the upper surface of the mounting substrate to the upper surface of the sealing resin for sealing the optical element,
The sealing resin and the positioning member are separate members;
It is characterized by.

A receptacle according to one aspect of the present invention is:
A plurality of the positioning members;
A plurality of the optical elements;
The mounting substrate;
With
Each of the positioning members is provided for each optical element;
It is characterized by.

An optical transmission module according to an aspect of the present invention is
The positioning member;
The optical element;
The mounting substrate;
The optical fiber;
The plug;
Having
It is characterized by.

  In the positioning member, the receptacle including the positioning member, and the optical transmission module according to one aspect of the present invention, the plug mounting portion and the optical element of the positioning member are both provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate. That is, the plug mounting portion of the positioning member is provided on the same surface as the optical element, not on the optical element as in the optical connector socket 500 described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the height of the receptacle and the optical transmission module including the positioning member according to one aspect of the present invention is not reduced in height of the plug itself, that is, in a state where the strength of the plug is ensured. It can be made lower than the receptacle using the socket 500 and the optical transmission module.

  According to the positioning member, the receptacle, and the optical transmission module according to one aspect of the present invention, while reducing the height of the receptacle or the optical module to which the plug is connected while ensuring the strength of the plug provided at one end of the optical fiber. Can be achieved.

It is an appearance perspective view of an optical transmission module provided with a positioning member concerning one embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of a receptacle. It is an external appearance perspective view which removed the metal cap and the positioning member from the receptacle. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which removed the metal cap from the receptacle. It is an external appearance perspective view of a positioning member. It is the figure which planarly viewed the positioning member from the negative direction side of the z-axis direction. It is the figure which added the mounting substrate and the plug to the cross section in CC or DD of the positioning member of FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of a metal cap. It is an external appearance perspective view of an optical fiber connection device. It is the figure which planarly viewed the plug from the negative direction side of the z-axis direction. It is a figure of the manufacturing process of a receptacle. It is sectional drawing of the positioning member which concerns on a 1st modification. It is an external appearance perspective view of the positioning member which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is an external appearance perspective view of the plug mounted in the positioning member which concerns on a 2nd modification. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an optical connector socket of the same type as the optical connector socket described in Patent Document 1. FIG.

  Below, an optical transmission module provided with the positioning member which concerns on one Embodiment, and its manufacturing method are demonstrated.

(Configuration of optical transmission module See FIGS. 1 to 3)
Below, the structure of an optical transmission module provided with the positioning member which concerns on one Embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings. Note that the vertical direction of the light transmission module 10 is defined as the z-axis direction, and the direction along the long side of the light transmission module 10 when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction is defined as the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction along the short side of the optical transmission module 10 is defined as the y-axis direction. The x axis, the y axis, and the z axis are orthogonal to each other.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical transmission module 10 includes a receptacle 20 and an optical fiber connection device 70.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the receptacle 20 includes a metal cap 30, a light receiving element array 50, a light emitting element array 100, a positioning member 200, a mounting substrate 22, a sealing resin 24, and a drive circuit 26.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mounting substrate 22 has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. The surface mounting electrode E1 that contacts the land of the circuit board when the optical transmission module 10 is mounted on the circuit board is mounted on the surface on the negative side in the z-axis direction of the mounting board 22 (hereinafter referred to as the lower surface). (Not shown in FIG. 3) is provided.

  On the surface on the positive direction side in the z-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface) of the mounting substrate 22, a side L1 located on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction and a side L2 located on the negative direction side in the y-axis direction are formed. In the vicinity of the corner, a ground conductor exposed portion E2 is provided in which a part of the ground conductor provided in the mounting substrate 22 is exposed. The ground conductor exposed portion E2 has a rectangular shape having a long side in the x-axis direction when viewed from the positive side in the z-axis direction.

  Further, on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22, the mounting substrate 22 is provided in the vicinity of an angle formed by the side L <b> 1 positioned on the negative side in the x-axis direction and the side L <b> 3 positioned on the positive direction side in the y-axis direction. A ground conductor exposed portion E3 in which a part of the ground conductor is exposed is provided. The ground conductor exposed portion E3 has a rectangular shape having a long side in the x-axis direction when viewed from the positive side in the z-axis direction.

  The light receiving element array 50 and the light emitting element array 100 are provided on a portion on the positive side in the x-axis direction on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22. The light receiving element array 50 is an element including a plurality of photodiodes that convert an optical signal into an electric signal. The light emitting element array 100 is an element including a plurality of diodes that convert an electrical signal into an optical signal.

  In addition, the drive circuit 26 is provided further on the positive side in the x-axis direction than the light receiving element array 50 and the light-emitting element array 100 in the portion on the positive side in the x-axis direction on the surface of the mounting substrate 22. The drive circuit 26 is a semiconductor circuit element for driving the light receiving element array 50 and the light emitting element array 100.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the drive circuit 26 has a rectangular shape having long sides parallel to the y-axis direction when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. The drive circuit 26 and the light receiving element array 50 are connected through wire U by wire bonding. Further, the drive circuit 26 and the light emitting element array 100 are connected to each other by wire bonding via the wire U. As a result, the electrical signal from the drive circuit 26 is transmitted to the light emitting element array 100 via the wire U, and the electrical signal from the light receiving element array 50 is transmitted to the drive circuit 26 via the wire U. In addition, the drive circuit 26 and the mounting substrate 22 are connected by wire bonding via the wire U.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sealing resin 24 includes a sealing portion 24a and leg portions 24b to 24e, and is made of a transparent resin such as an epoxy resin. The sealing portion 24 a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is provided on a portion of the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. The sealing portion 24 a covers the light receiving element array 50, the light emitting element array 100, and the drive circuit 26.

  The leg portions 24b and 24c are provided at intervals so as to be arranged in this order from the negative direction side to the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. The leg portions 24b and 24c are rectangular parallelepiped members that protrude toward the side L2 of the mounting substrate 22 from the negative side surface in the y-axis direction of the sealing portion 24a. Further, a space H1 into which a convex portion C3 of a metal cap 30 described later is fitted is provided between the leg portion 24b and the leg portion 24c.

  The leg portions 24d and 24e are provided at intervals so as to be arranged in this order from the negative direction side to the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. The leg portions 24d and 24e are rectangular parallelepiped members that protrude toward the side L3 of the mounting substrate 22 from the surface on the positive side in the y-axis direction of the sealing portion 24a. Further, a space H2 is provided between the leg portion 24d and the leg portion 24e in which a convex portion C6 of the metal cap 30 described later is fitted.

(Configuration of positioning member See FIGS. 4 to 7)
Next, the positioning member 200 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning member 200 is provided across the mounting substrate 22 and the sealing resin 24 so as to cover the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 and substantially the entire sealing resin 24. The positioning member 200 includes a positioning member 220 for a light emitting element and a positioning member 240 for a light receiving element. That is, each of the positioning members 220 and 240 is provided for each optical element. The positioning members 220 and 240 are provided so as to be arranged in this order from the negative direction side in the y-axis direction toward the positive direction side. The positioning member 200 is made of, for example, an epoxy or nylon resin.

  The positioning member 220 for the light emitting element has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the positioning member 220 includes a plug placement portion 222 and an optical coupling portion 224.

  The plug placement portion 222 is a portion on which the plug 42 provided at the end of the optical fiber 60 is placed, and constitutes a portion of the positioning member 220 on the negative direction side of the x axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the plug placement portion 222 is a plate-like member having a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the plug mounting part 222 is located on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 as shown in FIG. Details of the plug 42 will be described later.

  Further, in the approximate center in the y-axis direction on the upper surface of the plug mounting portion 222, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion direction when the plug 42 is pushed toward the optical coupling portion 224, that is, the x-axis direction in the present embodiment. A groove G1 is provided. In the plug placement portion 222, a portion on the negative side in the y-axis direction from the groove G1 is referred to as a flat portion F1, and a portion on the positive direction side in the y-axis direction from the groove G1 is referred to as a flat portion F2. As shown in FIG. 7, the height h1 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surface of the plug mounting portion 222 with which the lower surface of the plug 42 contacts is a height h2 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surface of the sealing resin 24. Lower than.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the optical coupling portion 224 constitutes a portion of the positioning member 220 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. The lower surface of the optical coupling portion 224 is located on the positive side in the z-axis direction with respect to the lower surface of the plug placement portion 222. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical coupling portion 224 is placed on the sealing resin 24 on the mounting substrate 22 with the light emitting element array 100 interposed therebetween.

  Furthermore, the optical coupling part 224 has a main body 226 and a butting part 228 as shown in FIG. The main body 226 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The abutting portion 228 projects from the end surface S2 on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the main body 226 to the approximate center of the flat portion F1 in the x-axis direction along the flat portion F1 of the plug placement portion 222. Thereby, the optical coupling part 224 is L-shaped when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Note that the end surface of the abutting portion 228 on the negative side in the x-axis direction is referred to as an end surface S3. The optical coupling portion 224 is provided with a concave portion D1 and a convex lens 230.

  The recess D1 is provided in the vicinity of the side L4 on the positive side of the optical coupling portion 224 in the y-axis direction. Further, the recess D1 overlaps the optical axis of the light emitting element array 100 when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Further, the recess D1 overlaps the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 connected to the plug 42 when viewed in plan from the x-axis direction. The optical axis of the light emitting element array 100 is parallel to the z-axis direction, and the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 is parallel to the x-axis direction. Further, the concave portion D1 has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the recess D <b> 1 has a V shape when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  The inner peripheral surface on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the recess D1 is a total reflection surface R1. The total reflection surface R1 is parallel to the y-axis and tilted 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the z-axis when viewed from the negative side in the y-axis direction. Further, the refractive index of the positioning member 200 is sufficiently larger than that of air. Therefore, the laser beam B1 emitted from the light emitting element array 100 to the positive z-axis direction along the optical axis of the light emitting element array 100 is incident on the optical coupling unit 224, and the optical fiber is reflected by the total reflection surface R1. The light is totally reflected on the negative side in the x-axis direction parallel to the optical axis 60 and travels to the optical fiber 60 via the plug 40. That is, the positioning member 220 optically couples the optical fiber 60 and the light emitting element array 100 by aligning the optical axes of the light emitting element array 100 and the optical fiber 60 by reflection. When the light trace of the laser beam B1 is viewed in plan from the y-axis direction, the angle formed by the optical axis of the laser beam B1 emitted from the light emitting element array 100 and the total reflection surface R1 is 45 °. The angle formed by the optical axis of the laser beam B1 toward the total reflection surface R1 is 45 °. That is, the angle formed by the total reflection surface R1 and the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 is equal to the angle formed by the total reflection surface R1 and the light emitting element array 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the convex lens 230 is provided on the lower surface of the optical coupling portion 224. Further, the convex lens 230 overlaps the light emitting element array 100 when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Thereby, the convex lens 230 faces the light emitting element array 100 and is positioned on the optical path of the laser beam B1. In addition, the convex lens 230 has a semicircular shape that protrudes toward the negative direction side of the z-axis when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the z-axis. Accordingly, the laser beam B1 emitted from the light emitting element array 100 is condensed or collimated by the convex lens 230 and travels toward the total reflection surface R1.

  The positioning member 240 for the light receiving element has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the positioning member 240 includes a plug placement portion 242 and an optical coupling portion 244, as shown in FIG.

  The plug placement portion 242 is a portion where the plug 46 provided at the end of the optical fiber 60 is placed, and constitutes a portion of the positioning member 240 on the negative side of the x axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the plug placement portion 242 is a plate-like member having a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the plug mounting part 224 is located on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 as shown in FIG. Details of the plug 46 will be described later.

  Further, in the approximate center in the y-axis direction on the upper surface of the plug mounting portion 242, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion direction when the plug 46 is pushed toward the optical coupling portion 244, that is, the x-axis direction in the present embodiment. A groove G2 is provided. In the plug placement portion 242, a portion on the negative side in the y-axis direction from the groove G2 is referred to as a flat portion F3, and a portion on the positive direction side in the y-axis direction from the groove G2 is referred to as a flat portion F4. The height h3 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surface of the plug mounting portion 242 with which the lower surface of the plug 46 contacts is a height h2 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surface of the sealing resin 24 as shown in FIG. Lower than.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the optical coupling portion 244 constitutes a portion of the positioning member 240 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. The lower surface of the optical coupling portion 244 is located on the positive side in the z-axis direction with respect to the lower surface of the plug placement portion 242. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical coupling portion 244 is placed on the sealing resin 24 on the mounting substrate 22 with the light receiving element array 50 interposed therebetween.

  Further, the optical coupling portion 244 has a main body 246 and an abutting portion 248. The main body 246 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The abutting portion 248 protrudes from the end surface S5 on the negative side in the x-axis direction of the main body 246 along the flat portion F4 of the plug placement portion 242 to the approximate center of the flat portion F4 in the x-axis direction. Thereby, the optical coupling unit 244 has an L shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. The end surface on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the abutting portion 248 is referred to as an end surface S6. The optical coupling portion 244 is provided with a concave portion D2 and a convex lens 250.

  The concave portion D2 is provided in the vicinity of the side L5 on the negative side of the optical coupling portion 244 in the y-axis direction. The concave portion D2 overlaps the light receiving element array 50 when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Further, the recess D2 overlaps with the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 connected to the plug 46 when viewed in plan from the x-axis direction. The optical axis of the light receiving element array 100 is parallel to the z axis. Further, the recess D2 has a rectangular shape when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the recess D <b> 2 has a V shape when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  The inner peripheral surface on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the recess D2 is a total reflection surface R2. The total reflection surface R2 is parallel to the y-axis and tilted 45 ° counterclockwise with respect to the z-axis when viewed from the negative side in the y-axis direction. Further, the refractive index of the positioning member 200 is sufficiently larger than that of air. Accordingly, the laser beam B2 emitted from the optical fiber 60 to the positive side in the x-axis direction along the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 is incident on the optical coupling portion 244, and is received by the light receiving element array 50 by the total reflection surface R2. The light is totally reflected on the negative side in the z-axis direction parallel to the optical axis of the light, and proceeds to the light receiving element array 50 through the sealing resin 24. That is, the positioning member 240 optically couples the optical fiber 60 and the light receiving element array 50 by matching the optical axes of the light receiving element array 50 and the optical fiber 60 by reflection. When the light trace of the laser beam B2 is viewed in plan from the y-axis direction, the angle formed by the optical axis of the laser beam B2 emitted from the optical fiber 60 and the total reflection surface R2 is 45 °. The angle formed by the optical axis of the laser beam B2 toward the total reflection surface R2 is 45 °. That is, the angle formed by the total reflection surface R2 and the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 is equal to the angle formed by the total reflection surface R2 and the light receiving element array 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the convex lens 250 is provided on the lower surface of the optical coupling portion 244. The convex lens 250 overlaps the light receiving element array 50 when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction. As a result, the convex lens 250 faces the light receiving element array 50 and is positioned on the optical path of the laser beam B2. Further, the convex lens 250 has a semicircular shape that protrudes toward the negative direction side of the z-axis when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the z-axis. Therefore, the laser beam B <b> 2 emitted from the optical fiber 60 is reflected by the total reflection surface R <b> 2, then condensed or collimated by the convex lens 250, and travels toward the light receiving element array 50.

(Structure of metal cap See FIGS. 1 and 8)
Next, the metal cap 30 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The metal cap 30 is manufactured by bending a single metal plate (for example, SUS301) into a U-shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the metal cap 30 covers the positioning member 200 from the positive direction side in the z-axis direction, the positive direction side in the y-axis direction, and the negative direction side in the y-axis direction. An opening A3 into which a plug 40 described later is inserted is formed on the negative side of the receptacle 20 in the x-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the metal cap 30 includes a top plate portion 32 and side plate portions 34 and 36. The top plate portion 32 is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the z-axis and has a rectangular shape. The side plate portion 34 is formed by bending the metal cap 30 from the long side L6 on the negative direction side in the y-axis direction of the top plate portion 32 to the negative direction side in the z-axis direction. The side plate portion 36 is formed by bending the metal cap 30 from the long side L7 on the positive side in the y-axis direction of the top plate portion 32 to the negative direction side in the z-axis direction.

  Engaging portions 32 a and 32 b for fixing the plug 40 to the receptacle 20 are provided on the negative side of the top plate portion 32 in the x-axis direction. The engaging portions 32a and 32b are provided in this order from the negative direction side in the y-axis direction toward the positive direction side.

  The engaging portions 32 a and 32 b are formed by making a U-shaped cut in the top plate portion 32. Specifically, the engaging portions 32a and 32b have a U-shaped notch opened in the positive direction side in the x-axis direction in the top plate portion 32, and a portion surrounded by the U-shaped notch is formed in the z-axis direction. It is formed by bending so as to be dented in the negative direction side. Thus, the engaging portions 32a and 32b have a V-shape that protrudes in the negative direction side in the z-axis direction when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  Engaging portions 32c and 32d for fixing the plug 40 to the receptacle 20 are provided on the short side L8 on the negative side of the top plate portion 32 in the x-axis direction. The engaging portions 32c and 32d are metal pieces that protrude from the top plate portion 32 toward the negative side in the x-axis direction. The engaging portions 32c and 32d are bent so as to be recessed toward the negative direction side in the z-axis direction at a substantially central position in the x-axis direction in the engaging portions 32c and 32d. Thus, the engaging portions 32c and 32d have a V-shape protruding in the negative direction side in the z-axis direction when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  On the long side L9 on the negative side in the z-axis direction of the side plate part 34, convex portions C1 to C3 projecting toward the negative direction side in the z-axis direction are directed from the negative direction side in the x-axis direction to the positive direction side. They are arranged in this order. Each of the convex portions C1 to C3 is fixed to the mounting substrate 22 with an adhesive. The convex portion C1 is connected to the ground conductor exposed portion E2 of the mounting substrate 22. Further, the convex portion C3 is fitted into a space H1 provided between the leg portion 24b and the leg portion 24c of the sealing resin 24. Thereby, the metal cap 30 is positioned with respect to the mounting substrate 22.

  On the long side L10 on the negative side in the z-axis direction of the side plate portion 36, convex portions C4 to C6 projecting toward the negative direction side in the z-axis direction are directed from the negative direction side in the x-axis direction to the positive direction side. They are arranged in this order. The convex portions C4 to C6 are each fixed to the mounting substrate 22 with an adhesive. The convex portion C4 is connected to the ground conductor exposed portion E3 of the mounting substrate 22. Further, the convex portion C6 is fitted into a space H2 provided between the leg portion 24d and the leg portion 24e of the sealing resin 24. Thereby, the metal cap 30 is positioned with respect to the mounting substrate 22.

(Configuration of optical fiber connection device See FIGS. 9 and 10)
Hereinafter, an optical fiber connection device 70 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The optical fiber connection device 70 includes an optical fiber 60 and a plug 40.

  The optical fiber 60 includes a core wire and a covering material that covers the core wire, and the core wire includes a core and a clad. The core is made of a glass material, and the clad is made of a glass material or a glass material covered with a fluorine resin. Further, the covering material is made of a resin such as polyethylene.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the end of the optical fiber 60 is inserted into the plug 40. Further, the plug 40 includes a transmission side plug 42 and a reception side plug 46, both of which are made of epoxy or nylon resin or the like.

  The transmission side plug 42 is used to fix the optical fiber 60 to the positioning member 220. The transmission side plug 42 includes an optical fiber insertion portion 42a and a protrusion 42b.

  The optical fiber insertion portion 42a constitutes a portion on the positive direction side in the y-axis direction of the transmission side plug 42, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the x-axis direction. An opening A1 is provided in a portion on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a. A resin for fixing the optical fiber 60 is injected into the opening A1.

  The opening A1 is formed by cutting out a surface S7 located on the upper surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a and an end surface S8 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. Further, an insertion port H7 for guiding the core wire of the inserted optical fiber 60 to the tip of the transmission side plug 42 is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the opening A1. Note that the number of insertion openings H7 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 60, and is two in this embodiment.

  Furthermore, a concave portion D3 for injecting a matching agent is provided in a portion on the positive side in the x-axis direction in the optical fiber insertion portion 42a. The matching agent is a transparent resin that matches the refractive index between the optical fiber 60 and the transmission side plug 42 and reduces the refractive action of light. Further, the recess D3 is recessed from the upper surface to the lower surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a.

  An insertion port H7 is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the recess D3. The insertion port H7 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the opening A1 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. Therefore, the core wire of the optical fiber 60 reaches the recess D3 from the opening A1 through the insertion port H7. The end surface of the core wire of the optical fiber 60 that has reached the recess D3 is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the inner peripheral surface S9 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the recess D3. The optical fiber 60 is fixed to the transmission-side plug 42 by injecting a matching agent made of a transparent resin, for example, an epoxy resin into the opening A1 and the recess D3. The end face of the core wire of the optical fiber 60 is not in contact with the inner peripheral surface S9. This is to provide a gap that absorbs the expansion and contraction of the optical fiber 60 caused by temperature fluctuations and the like, and also to prevent a decrease in the transmittance of the resin due to white turbidity of the resin and shape deformation.

  A convex lens 44 is provided on the end surface S10 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a, as shown in FIG. The convex lens 44 has a semicircular shape protruding in the positive direction side in the x-axis direction when seen in a plan view from a direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction. Thus, the laser beam B1 emitted from the light emitting element array 100 and reflected by the total reflection surface R1 is condensed or collimated by the convex lens 44.

  Further, the convex lens 44 overlaps the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 when viewed in plan from the x-axis direction. Accordingly, the laser beam B1 collected or collimated by the convex lens 44 passes through the resin of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a. The laser beam B <b> 1 is transmitted to the core of the core of the optical fiber 60.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a projection N1 that engages with the engaging portion 32a of the metal cap 30 is provided on the surface S7 of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a. The protrusion N1 is provided between the opening A1 and the recess D3 in the x-axis direction, and extends in the y-axis direction. Further, the protrusion N1 has a triangular shape protruding in the positive direction side in the z-axis direction when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a convex portion C7 is provided on the lower surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a. The convex portion C7 corresponds to the groove G1 of the plug placement portion 222 of the positioning member 220. The convex portion C7 is provided in parallel to the x-axis from the end surface S8 toward the end surface S10.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the protruding portion 42b protrudes from the vicinity of the end portion on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 42a toward the negative direction side in the y-axis direction. Thereby, the transmission side plug 42 is L-shaped. The protruding portion 42b functions as a grip portion when the transmitting side plug 42 is inserted and removed. Further, a substantially rectangular hollow hole is provided at the approximate center of the protrusion 42b when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction.

  The connection work between the transmission side plug 42 and the receptacle 20 is performed by pushing the convex portion C7 along the groove G1 to the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. At this time, the end surface S11 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the protrusion 42b abuts against the end surface S3 of the abutting portion 228 of the positioning member 220 shown in FIG. The convex lens 44 is not in contact with the end surface S2 of the main body 226, and a gap of about 5 μm is provided. This is to prevent the transmittance from decreasing due to scratches and dirt on the convex lens 44 and the end surface S2 of the main body 226 due to contact.

  Further, when the transmission side plug 42 and the receptacle 20 are connected, the engaging portion 32a of the metal cap 30 is engaged with the protrusion N1, and the engaging portion 32c is formed by the surface S7 and the end surface S8 of the transmission side plug 42. By engaging with the corner, the transmission side plug 42 is fixed to the receptacle 20.

  The receiving side plug 46 is used to fix the optical fiber 60 to the positioning member 240. Moreover, the receiving side plug 46 is provided with the optical fiber insertion part 46a and the projection part 46b, as shown in FIG.

  The optical fiber insertion portion 46a constitutes a portion on the negative direction side in the y-axis direction of the reception-side plug 46, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the x-axis direction. An opening A2 is provided in a portion on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a. A resin for fixing the optical fiber 60 is injected into the opening A2.

  The opening A2 is formed by cutting out the surface S12 located on the upper surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a and the end surface S13 on the negative side in the x-axis direction. An insertion port H8 for guiding the core wire of the inserted optical fiber 60 to the tip of the receiving side plug 46 is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the opening A2. The number of insertion ports H8 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 60, and is two in this embodiment.

  Furthermore, a concave portion D4 for injecting a matching agent is provided in a portion on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a. Further, the recess D4 is recessed from the upper surface to the lower surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a.

  An insertion port H8 is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the recess D4. The insertion port H8 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the opening A2 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction. Therefore, the core wire of the optical fiber 60 reaches the recess D4 from the opening A2 through the insertion port H8. The end surface of the core wire of the optical fiber 60 that has reached the recess D4 is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the inner peripheral surface S14 on the positive direction side in the x-axis direction of the recess D4. Then, the optical fiber 60 is fixed to the receiving side plug 46 by pouring a matching agent made of a transparent resin, for example, an epoxy resin into the opening A2 and the recess D4. In addition, the end surface of the core wire of the optical fiber 60 is not in contact with the inner peripheral surface S14.

  A convex lens 48 is provided on the end face S15 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a, as shown in FIG. The convex lens 48 has a semicircular shape protruding in the positive direction side in the x-axis direction when seen in a plan view from a direction orthogonal to the x-axis.

 The convex lens 48 overlaps the optical axis of the optical fiber 60 when viewed in plan from the x-axis direction. Accordingly, the laser beam B2 emitted from the optical fiber 60 is condensed or collimated by the convex lens 48 and proceeds to the total reflection surface R2. The laser beam B <b> 2 is reflected by the total reflection surface R <b> 2 and transmitted to the light receiving element array 50.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a protrusion N <b> 2 that engages with the engaging portion 32 b of the metal cap 30 is provided on the surface S <b> 12 of the optical fiber insertion portion 46 a. The protrusion N2 is provided between the opening A2 and the recess D4 in the x-axis direction, and extends in the y-axis direction. Further, the protrusion N2 has a triangular shape protruding in the positive direction side in the z-axis direction when viewed in plan from the y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a convex portion C8 is provided on the lower surface of the optical fiber insertion portion 46a. The convex portion C8 corresponds to the groove G2 of the plug placement portion 242 of the positioning member 240. The convex portion C8 is provided in parallel to the x-axis from the end surface S13 toward the end surface S15.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the protrusion 46 b protrudes from the end on the negative direction side in the x-axis direction of the optical fiber insertion portion 46 a to the positive direction side in the y-axis direction. Thereby, the receiving side plug 46 is L-shaped. The protruding portion 46b functions as a grip portion when the receiving side plug 46 is inserted and removed. Further, a substantially rectangular hollow hole is provided in the approximate center of the protrusion 46b when viewed in plan from the z-axis direction.

  The connection work between the receiving side plug 46 and the receptacle 20 is performed by pushing the convex portion C8 along the groove G2 to the positive side in the x-axis direction. At this time, the end surface S16 on the positive side in the x-axis direction of the protruding portion 46b abuts against the end surface S6 of the abutting portion 248 of the positioning member 240 shown in FIG. The convex lens 48 is not in contact with the end surface S5 of the main body 246, and a gap of about 5 μm is provided. This is to prevent damage and dirt from occurring on the convex lens 48 and the end surface S5 of the main body 246 due to contact with each other, thereby reducing the transmittance.

  Further, when the receiving side plug 46 and the receptacle 20 are connected, the engaging portion 32b of the metal cap 30 is engaged with the protrusion N2, and the engaging portion 32d is formed by the surface S12 and the end surface S13 of the receiving side plug 46. The receiving side plug 46 is fixed to the receptacle 20 by engaging with the corner.

  In the optical transmission module 10 configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the laser beam B <b> 1 emitted from the light emitting element array 100 to the positive side in the z-axis direction passes through the sealing resin 24 and the positioning member 220. pass. Further, the laser beam B1 is reflected by the total reflection surface R1 to the negative direction side in the x-axis direction, passes through the plug 40, and is transmitted to the core of the optical fiber 60.

  In the optical transmission module 10, the laser beam B <b> 2 emitted from the optical fiber 60 toward the positive direction in the x-axis direction passes through the positioning member 240. Further, the laser beam B <b> 2 is reflected by the total reflection surface R <b> 2 toward the negative direction in the z-axis direction, passes through the sealing resin 24, and is transmitted to the light receiving element array 50.

(Production method)
Below, the manufacturing method of the optical transmission module 10 is demonstrated in order of the assembly of the receptacle 20, the plug 40, and the optical fiber 60, and the assembly of the optical transmission module 10. FIG.

(Receptacles Manufacturing Method See FIG. 11)
A method for manufacturing the receptacle 20 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, solder is applied to the upper surface of a mother substrate 122 (not shown in the drawing) that is an assembly of the mounting substrates 22. More specifically, cream solder is pressed onto the mother substrate 122 on which the metal mask is placed using a squeegee. Then, the solder is printed on the mother substrate 122 by removing the metal mask from the mother substrate 122.

  Next, the capacitor is placed on the solder of the mother substrate 122. Thereafter, heat is applied to the mother substrate 122 to solder the capacitor.

  After the capacitor is soldered, Ag paste is applied to a predetermined position on the mother substrate 122. The drive circuit 26, the light receiving element array 50, and the light emitting element array 100 are mounted on the coated Ag, and die bonding is performed. Further, the drive circuit 26 and the light receiving element array 50 are connected by wire bonding using Au wires, and the drive circuit 26 and the light emitting element array 100 are connected by wire bonding. Further, the drive circuit 26 and the mother substrate 122 are connected by wire bonding.

  Thereafter, resin molding is performed on the capacitor, the drive circuit 26, the light receiving element array 50, and the light emitting element array 100. Furthermore, the plurality of mounting boards 22 are obtained by cutting the mother board 122 using a dicer.

  Next, the positioning member 220 is placed on the mounting substrate 22 and the sealing resin 24. More specifically, a UV curable adhesive is applied to the negative region in the x-axis direction on the upper surface of the sealing portion 24a. After applying the adhesive, as shown in FIG. 11, the position of the center T100 of the light emitting part of the light emitting element array 100 is confirmed by the position recognition camera V1.

  Next, the mounting machine V <b> 2 for placing the positioning member 220 on the sealing resin 24 attracts and picks up the positioning member 220. Then, with the mounting machine V2 adsorbing the positioning member 220, the position recognition camera V3 confirms the position of the lens center T230 of the convex lens 230 of the positioning member 220.

  From the position data of the center T100 of the light emitting part of the light emitting element array 100 confirmed by the position recognition camera V1 and the position data of the lens center T230 of the convex lens 230 of the positioning member 220 confirmed by the position recognition camera V3, the light emitting element array 100. The relative position between the light emitting part and the convex lens 230 is calculated. Based on the calculated result, the movement amount of the onboard machine V2 is determined.

  Next, the positioning member 220 is moved by the determined movement amount by the mounting machine V2. Thereby, the lens center T230 of the convex lens 230 and the optical axis of the light emitting element array 100 coincide.

  In parallel with the placement work of the positioning member 220, the work of placing the positioning member 240 on the mounting substrate 22 and the sealing resin 24 is performed. More specifically, after applying a UV curable adhesive to the negative region in the x-axis direction on the upper surface of the sealing portion 24a, as shown in FIG. 11, the center of the light receiving portion of the light receiving element array 50 is obtained. The position T50 is confirmed by the position recognition camera V4.

  Next, the mounting machine V <b> 5 for placing the positioning member 240 on the sealing resin 24 picks up and picks up the positioning member 240. Then, the position of the lens center T250 of the convex lens 250 of the positioning member 240 is confirmed by the position recognition camera V6 with the mounting machine V5 sucking the positioning member 240.

  From the position data of the center T50 of the light receiving unit of the light receiving element array 50 confirmed by the position recognition camera V4 and the position data of the lens center T250 of the convex lens 250 of the positioning member 240 confirmed by the position recognition camera V6, the light receiving element array 50. The relative position between the light receiving unit and the convex lens 250 is calculated. Based on the calculated result, the movement amount of the onboard machine V5 is determined.

  Next, the positioning member 240 is moved by the determined movement amount by the mounting machine V5. Thereby, the lens center T250 of the convex lens 250 and the optical axis of the light receiving element array 50 coincide.

  The positioning members 220 and 240 arranged are irradiated with ultraviolet rays. During ultraviolet irradiation, the positioning members 220 and 240 are pressed against the mounting substrate 22 and the sealing resin 24 by the mounting machines V2 and V5. Accordingly, when the UV curable adhesive between the positioning members 220 and 240 and the sealing resin 24 is cured, the positioning members 220 and 240 are not displaced and the mounting substrate 22 and the sealing resin are sealed. It is fixed to the resin 24.

  Next, the metal cap 30 is attached to the mounting substrate 22 on which the positioning member 200 is placed. More specifically, on the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22, the space H1 between the leg portions 24b and 24c of the sealing resin 24, the space H2 between the leg portions 24d and 24e, and the metal cap 30 A thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy is applied to the portion where the convex portions C2 and C5 are in contact. Further, a conductive paste such as Ag is applied to the ground conductor exposed portions E2 and E3 of the mounting substrate 22.

  After applying the adhesive and the conductive paste, the convex portion C3 of the metal cap 30 is fitted into a portion sandwiched between the leg portion 24b and the leg portion 24c of the sealing resin 24 on the mounting substrate 22, that is, the space H1. Further, the convex portion C6 is fitted into a portion sandwiched between the leg portion 24d and the leg portion 24e of the sealing resin 24, that is, the space H2. Thereby, the position of the metal cap 30 with respect to the mounting substrate 22 is determined. Simultaneously with the positioning of the metal cap 30, the convex portions C <b> 1 to C <b> 6 come into contact with the adhesive or conductive paste on the mounting substrate 22.

  After fitting the metal cap 30, heat is applied to the mounting substrate 22 to cure the adhesive and the conductive paste. Thereby, the metal cap 30 is fixed to the mounting substrate 22. Note that, by attaching the metal cap 30 to the mounting substrate 22, the convex portions C <b> 1 and C <b> 4 of the metal cap 30 come into contact with the ground conductor exposed portions E <b> 2 and E <b> 3 of the mounting substrate 22. Thereby, the metal cap 30 is connected to the ground conductor in the mounting substrate 22 and is kept at the ground potential. The receptacle 20 is completed by the process as described above.

(Connecting method of plug and optical fiber)
First, the optical fiber 60 inserted into the plug 40 is cut into a predetermined length.

  Next, the coating near the tip of the optical fiber 60 is removed using an optical fiber stripper. After removing the coating in the vicinity of the tip, cleaving is performed to bring out the cleavage plane of the core wire of the optical fiber 60.

  Next, the optical fiber 60 is pushed through the openings A1 and A2 so that the end of the core wire of the optical fiber 60 comes close to the surfaces S9 and S14 of the plug 40. Further, a transparent resin such as an epoxy resin for fixing the optical fiber 60 is injected into the openings A1 and A2 and the recesses D3 and D4 of the plug 40 shown in FIG. Then, the optical fiber 60 is fixed to the plug 40 by curing the transparent resin.

(Assembling method of optical transmission module)
The plug 40 is connected to the receptacle 20. As described above, the plug 40 is connected to the grooves G1 and G2 of the positioning members 220 and 240 along the protrusions C7 and C8 of the plug 40 and the opening provided between the metal cap 30 and the receptacle 20. This is performed by pushing from A3 toward the positive side in the x-axis direction. The optical transmission module 10 is completed through the manufacturing process as described above.

(effect)
In the positioning member 200, the plug placement portions 222 and 242, the light receiving element array 50, and the light emitting element array 100 are all provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate. That is, the plug mounting portions 222 and 242 are provided not on the light emitting element 504 but on the same surface as the light receiving element array 50 or the light emitting element array 100 as in the optical connector socket 500. Therefore, the height of the receptacle 20 including the positioning member 200 and the height of the optical transmission module 10 can be reduced without reducing the height of the plug 40 itself, that is, with the strength of the plug 40 secured. It can be made lower than the receptacle and optical transmission module used. As a result, a space for applying an adhesive for fixing the optical fiber 60 in the plug 40 can be secured, so that the optical fiber 60 can be more firmly fixed to the plug 40.

  Further, the heights h1 and h3 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surfaces of the plug mounting portions 222 and 242 where the lower surfaces of the plugs 42 and 46 are in contact with each other are as shown in FIG. The height to the upper surface of 24 is lower than h2. Therefore, the height of the receptacle 20 including the positioning member 200 and the optical transmission module 10 can be further reduced. When the heights h1 and h3 from the upper surface of the mounting substrate 22 to the upper surfaces of the plug mounting portions 222 and 242 with which the lower surfaces of the plugs 42 and 46 are in contact are lower than the height of each optical element, the receptacle 20 including the positioning member 200 is used. In addition, the height of the optical transmission module 10 can be further reduced.

  By the way, in the approximate center in the y-axis direction on the upper surface of the plug mounting portions 222 and 242, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion direction when the plug 40 is pushed toward the optical coupling portions 224 and 244, that is, this embodiment. Grooves G1 and G2 are provided along the x-axis direction. Accordingly, the plug 40 can be attached to the receptacle 20 along the protrusions C7 and C8 of the plug 40 with respect to the grooves G1 and G2. Therefore, the plug 40 can be accurately placed on the plug placement portions 222 and 242. As a result, optical loss due to optical axis shift of the optical fiber 60 can be suppressed.

  In addition, when a plurality of optical elements are mounted on the mounting substrate, there is a possibility that a shift occurs in the relative positional relationship between the plurality of optical elements. And when the positioning member corresponding to each optical element is integrated, when the specific optical element and the positioning member are positioned, the positional relationship between the other optical elements and the positioning member is shifted. Accordingly, each of the positioning members 220 and 240 is provided for each optical element. Thereby, it is possible to arrange the positioning members 220 and 240 corresponding to the positional deviation when each optical element is mounted. Therefore, in the positioning member 200, it is possible to flexibly cope with the positional deviation when the optical elements are mounted, as compared with the case where the positioning members 220 and 240 are integrated.

(Refer to FIG. 12 for the first modification)
As shown in FIG. 12, the difference between the positioning member 200 </ b> A and the positioning member 200 according to the first modification is the heights h <b> 4 and h <b> 5 of the plug placement portions 222 and 242. Other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiment. Therefore, in the present modification, the description other than the plug placement portions 222 and 242 is as described in the above embodiment.

  In the positioning member 200A that is the first modification, the heights h4 and h5 of the plug placement portions 222 and 242 are lower than the height h6 of the optical element. Therefore, the receptacle 20A and the optical transmission module 10A using the positioning member 200A can be further reduced in height as compared to the receptacle 20 and the optical transmission module 10 using the positioning member 200.

(Refer to the second modification, FIGS. 13 and 14)
The difference between the positioning member 200 </ b> B and the positioning member 200, which is the second modification, is the shape of the plug placement portions 222 and 242. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, at the approximate center in the y-axis direction on the upper surface of the plug placement portions 222 and 242, the insertion direction when the plug 40 is pushed toward the optical coupling portion 224, that is, the present embodiment. Protrusions C9 and C10 along the x-axis direction in the example are provided. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, grooves G3 and G4 are provided on the lower surfaces of the plugs 42 and 46, respectively. Other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiment. Therefore, in the present modification, the descriptions other than the plugs 42 and 46 and the plug placement portions 222 and 242 are as described in the above embodiment.

  As a result, the plug 40 can be accurately placed on the plug placement portions 222 and 242. As a result, optical loss can be suppressed by the optical axis shift of the optical fiber 60.

(Other embodiments)
The positioning member, receptacle, and optical transmission module according to the present invention are not limited to the positioning members 200, 200A, 200B, receptacles 20, 20A, and optical transmission modules 10, 10A according to the above embodiment, and can be changed within the scope of the gist thereof. is there.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for a positioning member for optically coupling an optical fiber and an optical element, a receptacle including the positioning member, and an optical transmission module, and particularly provided at one end of the optical fiber. It is excellent in that the height of the receptacle to which the plug is connected can be reduced while securing the strength of the plug.

C1 to C10
G1, G2, G3, G4 Grooves h1 to h6 Height 10, 10A Optical transmission module 20, 20A Receptacle 40 Plug 50 Light receiving element array (optical element)
60 optical fiber 100 light emitting element array (optical element)
200, 200A, 200B Positioning member 222, 242 Plug placement portion 224, 244 Optical coupling portion

Claims (6)

A positioning member for optically coupling an optical fiber provided with a plug at an end and an optical element provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate,
A plug mounting portion provided on the upper surface of the mounting substrate and on which the plug is mounted;
An optical coupling portion that is provided on the mounting substrate with the optical element sandwiched therebetween, and aligns the optical axis of the optical fiber with the optical axis of the optical element by reflection;
With
Said top surface of the to the upper surface of the plug mounting portion of the lower surface of the plug contact height of the mounting substrate, rather low than the height from the upper surface of the mounting substrate to the upper surface of the sealing resin for sealing the optical element,
The sealing resin and the positioning member are separate members;
A positioning member characterized by the above. The height from the upper surface of the mounting substrate to the upper surface of the plug mounting portion with which the lower surface of the plug contacts is lower than the height from the upper surface of the mounting substrate to the upper surface of the optical element;
The positioning member according to claim 1. On the upper surface of the plug mounting portion, a groove is provided along the insertion direction when the plug is pushed toward the optical coupling portion.
The positioning member according to claim 1, wherein: Protruding portions extending along the insertion direction when the plug is pushed toward the optical coupling portion are provided on the upper surface of the plug placement portion,
The positioning member according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of positioning members according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of the optical elements;
The mounting substrate;
With
Each of the positioning members is provided for each optical element;
A receptacle characterized by. A positioning member according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The optical element;
The mounting substrate;
The optical fiber;
The plug;
Having
An optical transmission module characterized by the above.

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