JP2013097064A - Optical connector and manufacturing method of optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical connector capable of suitably connecting an optical transmission line is provided.
An optical connector 3 includes a plug 15 that holds a plurality of optical fibers 23 arranged in parallel on the left and right, a receptacle 21 that holds a plurality of optical waveguides 25 arranged in parallel on the left and right, and a substrate 17. And have. The plug 15 has a lower surface 15b along the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical fibers 23, and the receptacle 21 holds the first holding when the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of optical waveguides 25 are connected to each other. A portion projecting toward the member side has a bottom surface 27baa that faces the lower surface 15b and positions the lower surface 15b. A space S located below the plurality of optical fibers 23 is formed between the lower surface 15b and the bottom surface 27baa.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical connector for connecting optical transmission lines to each other and a method for manufacturing the optical connector.

  2. Description of the Related Art An optical connector that connects optical transmission lines composed of optical fibers or the like is known. For example, the optical connector of Patent Document 1 includes a first holding member that holds a first optical transmission path and a second holding member that holds a second optical transmission path. The end face of the first optical transmission line is exposed from the end face of the first holding member, and the end face of the second optical transmission path is exposed from the end face of the second holding member. And the 1st optical transmission path and the 2nd optical transmission path are connected by abutting the end surfaces of a holding member. In addition, the first optical transmission path and the second optical transmission path are orthogonal to the optical transmission path by inserting a guide pin protruding from the first holding member in the above-mentioned direction of abutment with respect to the second holding member. Positioning in the direction to be performed is performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-84147

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, various inconveniences occur. For example, a part for inserting a guide pin into both the first and second holding members is required. Further, for example, noise, water, or dust may enter the gap between the end surfaces of the holding member.

  The objective of this invention is providing the manufacturing method of the optical connector which can connect an optical transmission line suitably, and an optical connector.

  An optical connector according to an aspect of the present invention holds a plurality of first optical transmission lines arranged in parallel on the left and right sides, and has a first surface having a lower surface along the arrangement direction of the plurality of first optical transmission lines. When one holding member and a plurality of second optical transmission paths are held in parallel and arranged in the left and right directions, and the plurality of first optical transmission paths and the plurality of second optical transmission paths are abutted and connected And a second holding member having a bottom surface that positions the lower surface facing the lower surface at a portion projecting toward the first holding member, and between the lower surface and the bottom surface, A space located below the plurality of first optical transmission lines is formed.

  Preferably, the space is formed with a width equal to or greater than the width of the entire plurality of first optical transmission lines.

  Preferably, the first holding member sandwiches the plurality of first optical transmission paths between the first component having the lower surface and a first surface opposite to the lower surface, and the first surface. A second constituent member having a second surface, and an adhesive interposed between the first surface and the second surface over an adhesive region having a width wider than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines The space is formed with a width greater than or equal to the width of the adhesion region.

  Suitably, the said lower surface has the recessed part which comprises the said space.

  Preferably, one of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a first recess having a width wider than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines constituting the space, and the lower surface defines the space as the space. A second recess having a width smaller than the width of the first recess and not less than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines is configured with the first recess.

  Preferably, the lower surface has a plurality of recesses that are located below the plurality of first optical transmission lines and that constitute the space.

  Preferably, one of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a recess that constitutes the space, and the other of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a positioning portion that abuts against an inner wall surface of the recess.

  An optical connector manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present invention is an optical connector manufacturing method including a holding member that holds a plurality of optical transmission lines arranged in parallel on the left and right sides, and constitutes the holding member. Sandwiching the plurality of optical transmission paths and adhesives arranged in parallel on the left and right sides between a first component member serving as a lower component member and a second component member serving as an upper component member; and Heating the component member and the second component member in a direction to sandwich the plurality of optical transmission paths and curing the adhesive, and the second component member of the first component member A recess is formed on the surface opposite to the surface, and in the curing step, a jig for heating and pressing is brought into contact with the recess.

  According to said structure, an optical transmission line can be connected suitably.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the optical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a disconnected state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector of FIG. 1 in a connected state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a substrate and a support member of the optical connector of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVa-IVa in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of region IVb in FIG. 5A. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing the plug of the optical connector of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical connector according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an optical connector according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an optical connector according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an optical connector according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical connector according to the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a region XIIb in FIG. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical connector according to the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a region XIIIb in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second and subsequent embodiments, components that are the same as or similar to the configurations of the embodiments that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the embodiments that have already been described, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. There is.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connector 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an optical transmission module 1 including the optical connector 3 in a disconnected state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical connector 3 in a connected state.

  The optical connector 3 may be used with any direction set upward or downward, but in the following description, for convenience, the orthogonal coordinate system xyz is defined and the positive side in the z direction is used. The term “upper surface” or “lower surface” shall be used with the symbol “up”.

  The optical transmission module 1 includes a plug assembly 5 and a receptacle assembly 7 connected to the plug assembly 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical transmission module 1 includes a light emitting element 9A and a light receiving element 11A connected to the plug assembly 5, and a light emitting element 9B and a light receiving element 11B connected to the receptacle assembly 7. Yes.

  The light generated in the light emitting element 9A is received by the light receiving element 11B through the plug assembly 5 and the receptacle assembly 7 in the connected state. The light generated in the light emitting element 9B is received by the light receiving element 11A via the connected receptacle assembly 7 and plug assembly 5. The light emitting element 9B and the light receiving element 11B may be mounted on the substrate 17 or may be provided separately from the substrate 17.

  The plug assembly 5 includes an optical cable 13 having one end connected to the light emitting element 9 </ b> A and the light receiving element 11 </ b> A, and a plug 15 provided on the other end of the optical cable 13.

  The receptacle assembly 7 includes a substrate 17, an optical waveguide band 19 provided on the substrate 17, one end of which is connected to the light emitting element 9 </ b> B and the light receiving element 11 </ b> B, and a receptacle 21 provided on the other end of the optical waveguide band 19. Have.

  The optical cable 13 and the optical waveguide band 19 are connected by inserting the plug 15 into the receptacle 21. The optical connector 3 includes a plug 15, a part of the substrate 17, and a receptacle 21.

  The optical cable 13 has a plurality of optical fibers 23 as seen through in FIG. Each optical fiber 23 has a core 39 (see FIG. 5B), a clad 41 (see FIG. 5B), and a coating as necessary. The diameter of the optical fiber 23 may be set as appropriate. For example, the diameter is 70 μm or more and 200 μm or less. In addition, although the some optical fiber 23 may be covered and bundled with the sheath outside the plug 15, it does not need to be bundled, In this embodiment, the case where it is bundled is illustrated. .

  The plurality of optical fibers 23 are, for example, arranged in a line in the radial direction at least inside the plug 15 (see FIG. 5A). Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the optical fibers 23 are arranged in a line in the y direction. In the plurality of optical fibers 23, the optical fibers 23 are arranged, for example, at regular intervals.

  For example, the plug 15 is generally formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an upper surface 15a, a lower surface 15b, two side surfaces 15c, a front surface (first connection portion 15d), and a rear surface 15e. The dimensions of the plug 15 may be set as appropriate. For example, one side in a plan view is about several mm. The optical cable 13 is inserted into the plug 15 in the direction from the rear surface 15e to the first connection portion 15d, and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 are exposed at the first connection portion 15d (see FIG. 4). .

  The end faces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 (end faces of the core 39) may be arranged so as to be flush with the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15 or inside the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15. It may be disposed inside the plug 15 or may be disposed so as to protrude from the first connection portion 15 d of the plug 15.

  When the end face of the optical fiber 23 (the end face of the core 39) is disposed inside the plug 15 inside the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15, the end face of the optical fiber 23 (when connected to the optical waveguide 25) It is possible to make it difficult to damage the end surface of the core 39. On the other hand, when the end face of the optical fiber 23 (end face of the core 39) is arranged so as to protrude from the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15, it can be easily optically connected to the optical waveguide 25.

  The board | substrate 17 is comprised by the rigid type printed wiring board, for example. The substrate 17 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape, and includes a first main surface 17a, a second main surface on the back surface (reference number omitted), and an outer peripheral surface (reference number omitted) facing the outer peripheral side of these main surfaces. have. A part of the outer peripheral surface is a facing surface 17c facing the plug 15 side. The facing surface 17c is formed, for example, in a straight line over the arrangement range of the receptacle 21 in the plan view of the substrate 17 (the facing surface 17c is formed in a flat shape).

  The optical waveguide band 19 is provided on the first main surface 17a of the substrate 17, and has a plurality of optical waveguides 25 as seen through in FIG.

  As is well known, each optical waveguide 25 has the same configuration as an optical fiber, and has a core and a clad (not shown). The optical waveguide 25 may be an appropriate type such as a slab type, a buried type, or a semi-buried type. The end surface of the optical waveguide 25 is exposed at the facing surface 17c (see FIG. 4). The plurality of optical waveguides 25 are arranged in a line in a direction along the facing surface 17c (y direction) at least on the end surface side exposed from the facing surface 17c.

  The receptacle 21 is attached to the substrate 17 and includes a support member 27 that supports the plug 15, and a lid member 29 that is attached to the support member 27 and covers the plug 15. The support member 27 and the lid member 29 may be formed of an appropriate material such as resin, ceramic, or metal.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the receptacle assembly 7 with the lid member 29 removed.

  The support member 27 has, for example, an attachment portion 27 a that mainly contributes to the attachment of the support member 27 to the substrate 17, and an accommodation portion 27 b that mainly contributes to the holding of the plug 15.

  For example, the attachment portion 27 a is formed in a plate shape and overlaps the first main surface 17 a (optical waveguide band 19) of the substrate 17. The mounting portion 27a and the substrate 17 are fixed by appropriate means such as a fixing member such as a screw or solder, or an adhesive including an inorganic material or an organic material, for example.

  The accommodating part 27b is formed in the shape which comprises the groove part of a substantially rectangular cross section, for example, and has the bottom face part 27ba and two side part 27bb. The concave portion constituted by the bottom surface portion 27ba and the side surface portion 27bb has a shape and a size in which the plug 15 is generally fitted. The bottom surface portion 27ba can be appropriately designed in accordance with the shape of the lower surface 15b of the plug 15. In the present embodiment, a case where the bottom surface portion 27ba is formed to be a flat plane will be described.

  The side surface portion 27bb may be provided with a guide protrusion 27bc that protrudes to the inside of the housing portion 27b. In this embodiment, the case where the guide protrusion 27cc is provided will be described. For example, two guide protrusions 27bc are provided along the insertion direction of the plug 15 in one side surface portion 27bb.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, in the plug 15, the corners of the upper surface 15 a and the side surface 15 c are cut out to form a guide groove 15 f extending in the insertion direction into the receptacle 21. From another viewpoint, a sandwiched portion 15g that protrudes laterally and extends in the insertion direction of the receptacle 21 is formed on the side surface of the plug 15. The position of the guide groove 15f corresponds to the position of the guide protrusion 27bc.

  The plug 15 is inserted into the receptacle 21 so that the sandwiched portion 15g is inserted between the bottom surface portion 27ba and the guide projection portion 27bc, and is guided and positioned by the bottom surface portion 27ba, the side surface portion 27bb, and the guide projection portion 27bc. The Specifically, the plug 15 is positioned in the z direction by fitting the sandwiched portion 15g between the bottom surface portion 27ba and the guide projection 27bc, and is fitted between the two side surface portions 27bb. Positioning in the y direction is performed. The positioning in the y direction can be performed by the guide protrusion 27bc instead of or in addition to the side surface portion 27bb.

  What is necessary is just to design the dimension of the y direction of the accommodating part 27b, for example by the relationship between the core diameter of the y direction of the optical waveguide 25, and the core diameter of the optical fiber 23 in the y direction. That is, since the optical waveguide 25 and the optical fiber 23 are displaced due to a gap in the y direction that is formed by a dimensional difference between the accommodating portion 27b and the plug 15, how much light leakage is allowed between the optical waveguide 25 and the optical fiber 23. In consideration of whether it is possible, the dimension in the y direction of the accommodating portion 27b may be determined.

  Returning to FIG. 3, an opening 27 c for exposing a part of the facing surface 17 c (second connection portion 17 cc) of the substrate 17 is formed between the attachment portion 27 a and the accommodating portion 27 b. In the second connection portion 17cc, the end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides 25 are exposed (see FIG. 4).

  When the plug 15 is inserted into the receptacle 21, the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15 comes into contact with the second connection portion 17cc. As a result, the end faces of the plurality of optical fibers 23 exposed at the first connection portion 15d and the end faces of the plurality of optical waveguides 25 exposed at the second connection portion 17cc face each other, and the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of light guides are exposed. The waveguide 25 is optically connected (see FIG. 4).

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

  The lid member 29 is made of an elastically deformable material such as resin or metal, and is generally formed in a plate shape. The lid member 29 is fixed to the mounting portion 27a at one end side by a fixing portion 31, and the other end side is a free end. The fixing portion 31 may be configured by appropriate means such as solder or screws. At the free end of the lid member 29, an engaging portion 29b that engages with the rear surface 15e of the plug 15 in the insertion direction of the plug 15 is formed.

  The plug 15 is inserted into the accommodating portion 27b by bending the lid member 29 upward. After the insertion, the engaging portion 29b engages with the rear surface 15e and is sandwiched between the engaging portion 29b and the second connecting portion 17cc. , Positioning in the x direction is performed.

  Note that the distance from the second connecting portion 17cc to the engaging portion 29b before the plug 15 is inserted is such that the plug 15 can be pressed toward the second connecting portion 17cc by the engaging portion 29b after the plug 15 is inserted. It is preferable that the distance is slightly shorter than the distance from the rear surface 15e to the first connecting portion 15d. The lid member 29 may have a portion that contacts the upper surface 15a of the plug 15, and may contribute to positioning of the plug 15 in the z direction.

  Fig.5 (a) is sectional drawing in the Va-Va line | wire of FIG.

  The plug 15 includes a first component member 33 supported by the bottom surface 27baa of the bottom surface portion 27ba of the receptacle 21, a second component member 35 supported by the first component member 33, a first component member 33, and a second component member. And an adhesive 37 for adhering to 35. The optical fiber 23 is sandwiched between the first component member 33 and the second component member 35 and is held by the plug 15.

  The first component member 33 is generally formed in a plate shape, and is, for example, rectangular in plan view. The lower surface of the first component member 33 constitutes the lower surface 15 b of the plug 15. A recess 15h is formed on the lower surface 15b. Further, the upper surface 33a of the first component member 33 is formed with a recess 33h into which the lower portion of the second component member 35 is generally fitted.

  By forming the recess 15 h, a space S is formed between the lower surface 15 b of the plug 15 and the bottom surface 27 baa of the receptacle 21. In another aspect, the plug 15 abuts on the bottom surface 27baa at the support protrusions 15k formed on both sides of the recess 15h and is positioned on the bottom surface 27baa.

  The concave portion 15h (space S) is formed in, for example, a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends from the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15 to the rear surface 15e (depth (z direction) and width (y direction) are constant and x Formed in a groove extending in the direction). Various dimensions of the recess 15h (supporting protrusion 15k) may be appropriately set so that various effects to be described later can be suitably obtained. As an example, the width of the recess 15h is larger than the entire width of the plurality of optical fibers 23, the depth of the recess 15h is about 0.05 mm, and the width of the support protrusion 15k is 0.5 mm or more and 1 mm or less. is there.

  The recess 33h is formed in, for example, a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends from the first connection portion 15d of the plug 15 to the rear surface 15e (the depth (z direction) and the width (y direction) are constant and extend in the x direction. Formed into a shape).

  The second component member 35 is formed, for example, in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its width (y direction) and length (x direction) are the same as the recess 33h (strictly speaking, the width of the second component member 35 is the recess Slightly smaller than the width of 33h).

  The thickness (z direction) of the second component member 35 is set larger than the depth of the recess 33h. Therefore, when the second component member 35 is disposed in the recess 33 h, the upper portion of the second component member 35 protrudes upward from the first component member 33. As a result, the guide grooves 15f are formed on both sides of the second component member 35, and the side portion of the first component member 33 functions as the sandwiched portion 15g.

  The first component member 33 and the second component member 35 may be formed of the same material or a material having the same coefficient of thermal expansion. Thus, since the 1st component member 33 and the 2nd component member 35 are comprised by the material of the same or equivalent thermal expansion coefficient, the thermal stress which generate | occur | produces between both can be relieve | moderated. The first component member 33 and the second component member 35 are made of, for example, resin, ceramic, or metal.

  For example, the adhesive 37 is interposed between the first component member 33 and the second component member 35. The adhesive 37 is also bonded to the optical fiber 23. The adhesive 37 is made of, for example, a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin is, for example, an epoxy resin or a phenol resin.

  FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the region Vb in FIG.

  Grooves 33c and 35c for positioning the optical fiber 23 in the y direction are formed on the upper surface 33a (the bottom surface of the recess 33h) of the first component member 33 and the lower surface 35a of the second component member 35, respectively. For example, each of the grooves 33 c and 35 c has a triangular cross section, and two sides are in contact with the optical fiber 23. The groove portion may be formed only in the first component member 33 that is directly related to the positioning of the plug 15 in the y direction with respect to the receptacle 21.

  The optical fiber 23 is sandwiched between the first component member 33 and the second component member 35, but functions as a spacer that separates the first component member 33 and the second component member 35 from another viewpoint. The gap 37 is filled with an adhesive 37.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A, illustrating a method for manufacturing the optical connector 3, more specifically, a method for manufacturing the plug 15.

  First, the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the adhesive 37 are sandwiched between the first component member 33 that is a component member below the plug 15 and the second component member 35 that is a component member above the plug 15. Next, the jigs 51 and 53 are heated while pressing the first component member 33 and the second component member 35 in the sandwiching direction, and the adhesive 37 made of a thermosetting resin or the like is cured. Thereby, compared with the case of the first component member having no recess, the first component member 33 can be made thinner by the amount of the recess 15h, so the distance between the jig 51 and the adhesive 37 is shortened. And the adhesive 37 can be easily cured.

  At this time, the jig 51 may be fitted into the recess 15h of the first component member 33 (abutted against the bottom surface and side surface of the recess 15h) to press and heat the bottom surface of the recess 15h. In this case, the jig 51 applies heat to the adhesive 37 through the thinned portion of the first component member 33, and the heating efficiency is improved. Further, the displacement of the first component member 33 in the y direction is suppressed by fitting the jig 51 into the recess 15h. By having a relatively large contact area such that the jig 51 fits into the recess 15h, it is expected that the tilt of the first component member 33 is suppressed and further heating efficiency is improved. As a result, the adhesive 37 can be cured in a state where the inclination of the first component member 33 and the second component member 35 is suppressed with respect to the optical fiber 23.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the optical connector 3 holds the plug 15 that holds the plurality of optical fibers 23 arranged in parallel on the left and right and the plurality of optical waveguides 25 arranged in parallel on the left and right. It has a receptacle 21 and a substrate 17. The plug 15 has a lower surface 15b along the arrangement direction of the plurality of optical fibers 23, and the receptacle 21 has the first holding member when the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the plurality of optical waveguides 25 are brought into contact with each other. The portion protruding to the side has a bottom surface 27baa for positioning the lower surface 15b so as to face the lower surface 15b. A space S is formed between the lower surface 15b and the bottom surface 27baa so as to overlap the plurality of optical fibers 23 in plan view of these surfaces.

  Accordingly, since the plug 15 is supported (more preferably accommodated) by the receptacle 21, for example, the plug 15 is simplified or miniaturized, and the end faces of the optical fiber 23 and the optical waveguide 25 are protected by the receptacle 21. It is easy to plan.

  Further, since the space S is formed, the heat dissipation of the plug 15 is improved even when heat from an element such as the light emitting element 9A or the light receiving element 11A or an electric circuit disposed in the periphery is transmitted to the plug 15. Can be made.

  Further, in the plug 15, even when the portion (first constituent member 33) between the optical fiber 23 and the lower surface 15 b is thermally expanded / contracted and the first constituent member 33 is deformed, the space S contacts the bottom surface 27 baa. It can be difficult to touch. That is, when the first constituent member 33 undergoes thermal expansion / shrinkage, the lower surface 15b can be prevented from receiving a reaction force from the bottom surface 27baa and the plug 15 being lifted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 23 and the optical waveguide 25 from being misaligned or the optical axis from deviating. In particular, when there are a plurality of optical fibers 23, the length becomes longer in the arrangement direction (Y direction) and the number of plate-like portions increases. It can be made less susceptible to twisting.

  Further, even when the heat of peripheral elements transmitted through the substrate 17 or heat due to disturbance is transmitted to the connector 3, it is possible to easily suppress unnecessary heat storage of the connector 3 by the space S (to facilitate heat dissipation). Yes, the occurrence of warping and twisting of the first component member 33 can be suppressed. As a result, the first component member 33 is not easily affected by heat, and even if the first component member 33 is affected by heat, the optical axis can be hardly shifted.

  Furthermore, since the first component member 33 has the space S, the area of the lower surface 15b of the plug 15 that contacts the bottom surface 27ba of the receptacle 21 can be reduced, so that the space between the receptacle 21 and the plug 15 can be reduced. Sliding resistance can be reduced. As a result, even when a minute foreign matter (for example, dust or substrate fiber) exists on the bottom surface 27ba of the receptacle 21, the presence of the space S makes it difficult for the plug 15 to ride on the foreign matter, and the optical axis is Shifting can be suppressed.

  Further, since the plug 15 has the space S between the plug 15 and the receptacle 21, the manufacturing intersection of the plug 15 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve the shape yield such as warping or twisting when the plug 15 (for example, the first component member 33) is molded. On the other hand, when the plug has no space between the plug and the receptacle, the flatness of the plug and the receptacle is poor, and the yield tends to be lowered due to warping or twisting.

  In particular, when the space S has a width that includes the entire width of the plurality of optical fibers 23, the effect of suppressing the displacement of the optical fiber 23 becomes significant. In addition, when the lower surface 15b has the concave portion 15h constituting the space S, the first component member 33 is thinned. As a result, the thermal expansion / contraction of the first component member 33 is reduced, and the displacement of the optical fiber 23 is reduced. Is further suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing the plug 215 according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the width of the recess 15h is larger than the entire width of the plurality of optical fibers 23 and narrower than the width of the adhesive region of the adhesive 37 (the width of the second component member 35). In the embodiment, the width W21 of the recess 215h is wider than the width W23 of the adhesive region of the adhesive 37. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The adhesive 37 also thermally expands and contracts similarly to the first and second components. Therefore, by making the width W21 of the recess 215h wider than the recess 33h including the configuration (first constituent member / adhesive) whose dimensions change, the thermal expansion or the like of the plug 15 is more preferably absorbed and relaxed, and the optical fiber. 23 is suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 303 according to the third embodiment.

  In the optical connector 303, no recess is formed on the lower surface 315b of the plug 315 (first component member 333). On the other hand, a recess 327h is formed on the bottom surface 327baa of the receptacle 321 (support member 327). And the space S is comprised by the recessed part 327h.

  Thus, the space S can be formed on the receptacle 321 side. The space S absorbs the thermal expansion / contraction of the plug 315 as in the first embodiment, thereby contributing to the suppression of the positional deviation of the optical fiber 23.

  In addition, the recessed part 327h is formed wider than the adhesion area | region of the adhesive agent 37 similarly to 2nd Embodiment. However, the recess 337h may have the same area as that of the first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 403 according to the fourth embodiment.

  The plug 15 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the receptacle 321 is the same as that of the third embodiment. That is, the recess 15 h is formed on the lower surface 15 b of the plug 15, and the recess 327 h is formed on the bottom surface 327 baa of the receptacle 321. And the space S is comprised by both the recessed part 15h and the recessed part 327h.

  The width of the recess 15h is narrower than the width of the recess 327h. Therefore, the height of the space S changes in the width direction. Specifically, the space S as a whole has a width wider than the width of the adhesive region of the adhesive 37, and is narrower than the width of the adhesive region of the adhesive 37 and the entire optical fiber 23. The height is larger in the range wider than the width.

  Thus, the space S may be constituted by the recesses of both the plug 15 and the receptacle 321, and the height thereof may also change. In the region located below the optical fiber 23, that is, in the region where the thermal expansion caused by the heat transmitted by the optical fiber 23 is relatively large, the height of the space S is relatively increased, so that the light The space S can effectively absorb the thermal expansion / contraction of the plug 15 while ensuring the strength of the connector 3.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 503 according to the fifth embodiment.

  The optical connector 503 has the same receptacle 321 as in the third and fourth embodiments, and forms a space S in which the height changes as in the fourth embodiment. However, the size and arrangement position of the recess 515h formed on the lower surface 515b of the plug 515 (second component 533) are different from those of the fourth embodiment.

  Specifically, a plurality of recesses 515 h are provided in a region located below the plurality of optical fibers 23. The concave portion 515h extends along the plurality of optical fibers 23 (in the x direction) and is formed in a concave groove shape. Thus, by forming the recessed part 515 in the area | region located below the some optical fiber 23 (position corresponding to each optical fiber 23), while being able to improve the heat dissipation of the plug 15, 1st The mechanical strength of the component member 33 can be maintained. Further, it is possible to adjust warpage, twisting, and the like during molding of the second component member 533 itself by changing the interval, dimension, and the like of the recesses 515h. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as in the fourth embodiment is expected.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 603 according to the sixth embodiment.

  The plug 15 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The bottom surface 627baa of the receptacle 621 (support member 627) is formed with a concave groove 627g into which the support protrusions 15k on both sides of the recess 15h of the plug 15 are fitted. From another viewpoint, the receptacle 621 is formed with a positioning portion 627f (protrusion) that contacts the inner wall surface of the recess 15h. However, the recessed groove 627g is shallower than the recessed portion 15h, and a space S is formed between the lower surface 15b and the bottom surface 627baa of the plug 15 as in the other embodiments.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of absorbing the thermal expansion / contraction of the plug 15 by the space S, the concave portion 15h for forming the space S is used for positioning the plug 15 in the y direction, and the optical fiber has a simple configuration. The effect that 23 positioning can be performed is show | played.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 703 according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a region XIIb in FIG.

  The plug 715 of the optical connector 703 is a constituent member 733 in which the first constituent member and the second constituent member are integrally formed instead of the first constituent member and the second constituent member that sandwich the plurality of optical fibers 23. have. A plurality of through holes 733h (FIG. 12B) are formed in the component member 733, and the plurality of optical fibers 23 are inserted and held in the plurality of through holes 733h. A gap between the optical fiber 23 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 733h is filled with an adhesive 37 (FIG. 12B). The material of the constituent member 733 may be formed of an appropriate material such as resin, ceramic, or metal, like the first constituent member and the second constituent member.

  In such a configuration, for example, since the amount of the adhesive 37 can be reduced, the position of the optical fiber 23 can be easily adjusted. Further, for example, since the amount of the adhesive 37 positioned between the optical fibers 23 is reduced, the pitch of the plurality of optical fibers 23 can be reduced. Further, for example, since the adhesive layer disposed between the first component member and the second component member is eliminated, the plug 715 can be easily reduced in thickness. The decrease in the amount of the adhesive 37, which is one of the factors of thermal expansion / contraction, and the suppression of the displacement due to the space S combine to further suppress the displacement of the optical fiber 23.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, the optical connector 703 includes a receptacle 321 (support member 327) having a recess 327h formed on the bottom surface 327baa. On the other hand, a projecting positioning portion 715m is formed on the lower surface 715b of the plug 715. The projecting positioning portion 715m is fitted into the recess 327h and the projection amount is smaller than the depth of the recess 327h. Therefore, the recess 327h is used not only for forming the space S but also for positioning the plug 715.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 5A showing an optical connector 803 according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a region XIIIb in FIG.

  As in the seventh embodiment, the plug 815 of the optical connector 803 has a constituent member 833 in which the first constituent member and the second constituent member are integrally formed. In addition, the component member 833 has a protruding positioning portion 815m fitted in the recess 327h of the receptacle 321 as in the component member 733 of the seventh embodiment.

  However, in the component member 833, a through hole 833h through which the plurality of optical fibers 23 are inserted is formed. As in the seventh embodiment, an adhesive 37 is filled in the gaps between the plurality of optical fibers 23 and the through holes 833h. The space S is preferably formed over the width (y direction) of the through hole 833h.

  Also in the eighth embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the amount of the adhesive 37 is reduced compared to the configuration in which the first component member and the second component member in the first embodiment are bonded. Various effects such as downsizing of the plug 815 are achieved.

  In the above embodiment, the optical fiber 23 is an example of the first optical transmission line of the present invention, and the plugs 15, 215, 315, 515, 715 and 815 are examples of the first holding member of the present invention. The lower surfaces (15b, etc.) of these plugs are an example of the lower surface of the first holding member of the present invention, the optical waveguide 25 is an example of the second optical transmission line of the present invention, and the substrate 17 and the receptacles 21, 321 or 321 The combination with 621 is an example of the second holding member of the present invention, and the bottom surfaces (27baa and the like) of these receptacles are an example of the bottom surface of the second holding member of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  The optical connector is not limited to the one that connects the optical cable and the optical waveguide formed on the substrate. For example, the optical connector may connect the optical cables. The optical transmission line is not limited to an optical fiber or an optical waveguide. For example, the optical transmission line may include an optical fiber and a lens.

  The first component member and the second component member are not limited to those fixed by an adhesive, and may be fixed by screws, for example.

  The second holding member (receptacle) may not cover the entire circumference (the lower surface, the upper surface, and the two side surfaces) of the first holding member. For example, in the embodiment, the lid member 29 may not be provided, or a wire-like member may be provided in place of the side surface portion 27bb and the lid member 29. In the embodiment, the support member 27 has a shape in which the upper surface is opened, but may have a shape in which the side surface is opened.

  The engagement method (connection maintaining method) between the first holding member and the second holding member may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the embodiment, instead of making the lid member 29 elastically deformable, the lid member 29 may be rotatable (opened and closed) around the axis parallel to the y-axis at the position of the fixing portion 31. Instead of the engaging portion 29b of the lid member 29, an engaging portion for preventing the plug 15 from coming off may be provided on the side surface portion 27bb, or the plug member 29 lifts the plug 15 without providing the guide projection 27bc. The connection may be suppressed, or the connection may be maintained by a method other than the engagement of a magnet or the like.

  The space is not limited to a space formed by forming a recess on the lower surface of the first holding member and / or the bottom surface of the second holding member. For example, a space may be formed by interspersing or arranging a plurality of protrusions on the lower surface and / or the inner surface. The space only needs to overlap at least part of the plurality of first optical transmission lines, and does not need to overlap the entire space.

  The shape of the recess (space) is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the bottom surface of the recess may be curved in a spherical shape. In this case, as with the arch, the strength of the plug and / or receptacle is improved. Further, the recess may be formed such that the width changes in a plan view, such as a trapezoid or a triangle in a plan view. Moreover, the recessed part does not need to be formed in the groove shape covering the whole 1st holding member, for example, may be provided only in the front (connection side) of the 1st holding member.

  As in the fourth and fifth embodiments (FIGS. 9 and 10), in the case where a recess is formed in both the first holding member and the second holding member and a space is formed by both the recesses, both the recesses The widths do not need to be different from each other, and may be the same width.

  Further, when the height of the space changes as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the space is not limited to the one constituted by the concave portions of both the first holding member and the second holding member. That is, a recess may be formed in only one of the first holding member and the second holding member, and the height of the space may be changed by changing the depth of the one recess.

  Moreover, the change in the height of the space may be not only a change in one stage but also a change in two or more stages. For example, in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 9), the recess 515h of FIG. 10 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 15h, so that a two-stage change may occur in the space. The change in the height of the space may be continuous by a curved surface or an inclined surface.

  The positioning portions (627f, 715m, 815m) exemplified in the sixth to eighth embodiments (FIGS. 11 to 13) do not need to have the same shape and size as the concave portions in plan view. The rib shape may be in contact with the inner wall surface of the recess. As described above, the recess does not have to be a groove extending in the connection direction, and the positioning portion is not limited to only the positioning in the width direction. For example, the recess contacts the inner wall surface behind the recess. There may be.

  The structural member (first holding member, plug) integrally formed and through which the optical fiber is inserted, exemplified in the seventh and eighth embodiments (FIGS. 12 and 13), and the supporting member combined with the structural member The shape of the (second holding member, receptacle) may be an appropriate shape, and for example, may be the same as the shape of the plug and receptacle of the first to sixth embodiments.

  In the description of the problem, as an inconvenience occurring in the prior art, the necessity of forming a portion through which the guide pin is inserted and the intrusion of noise or the like between the end surfaces of the holding member are illustrated, but in the present invention, these problems are not necessarily limited. Need not be resolved. The present invention has a different configuration from the prior art due to having a bottom surface and the like, and as a result, some advantageous effects are achieved as compared with the prior art.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Optical connector, 15 ... Plug (1st holding member), 15b ... Lower surface, 17 ... Board | substrate (2nd holding member), 21 ... Receptacle (2nd holding member), 23 ... Optical fiber (1st optical transmission line) 25 ... Optical waveguide (second optical transmission line), 27baa ... Bottom, S ... Space.

Claims (8)

Holding a plurality of first optical transmission lines in a state of being arranged in parallel on the left and right, a first holding member having a lower surface along the arrangement direction of the plurality of first optical transmission lines;
When the plurality of second optical transmission lines are held in parallel and arranged in the left and right directions, and when the plurality of first optical transmission lines and the plurality of second optical transmission lines are connected to each other, the first A second holding member having a bottom surface for positioning the lower surface facing the lower surface at a portion projecting toward the first holding member;
Have
An optical connector in which a space located below the plurality of first optical transmission lines is formed between the lower surface and the bottom surface. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the space is formed with a width equal to or greater than a width of the entire plurality of first optical transmission lines. The first holding member is
A first component having a lower surface and a first surface opposite to the lower surface;
A second component member having a second surface sandwiching the plurality of first optical transmission lines between the first surface and the first surface;
An adhesive interposed between the first surface and the second surface over an adhesive region having a width wider than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines;
Have
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the space is formed with a width equal to or greater than a width of the adhesion region. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface has a recess that constitutes the space. One of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a first recess having a width wider than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines constituting the space,
The lower surface includes a second concave portion that forms the space together with the first concave portion and is narrower than a width of the first concave portion and having a width that is equal to or larger than the entire width of the plurality of first optical transmission lines. The optical connector of any one of 1-3. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower surface includes a plurality of recesses that are positioned below the plurality of first optical transmission lines to form the space. One of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a recess that constitutes the space,
The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the other of the lower surface and the bottom surface has a positioning portion that abuts against an inner wall surface of the recess. A method of manufacturing an optical connector that includes a holding member that holds a plurality of optical transmission lines arranged in parallel on the left and right,
The plurality of optical transmission lines and adhesives arranged in parallel on the left and right sides are sandwiched between a first component member serving as a lower component member constituting the holding member and a second component member serving as an upper component member. Process,
Heating the first component member and the second component member while pressing the plurality of optical transmission paths in a direction sandwiching the plurality of optical transmission paths, and curing the adhesive; and
Have
A method of manufacturing an optical connector, wherein a concave portion is formed on a surface of the first constituent member opposite to the second constituent member, and a jig for heating and pressurizing the concave portion is contacted in the curing step. .

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