Optical connector and optical connector module

Abstract

The optical connector (20) of the present disclosure, which is mounted to an optical transmission path (10) having a base (11) and an optical waveguide section (12) laminated to the base (11), includes a first base portion (21) placed on the optical transmission path (10), an abutting portion (213) formed in the first base portion (21) and abutting a placement surface of the optical transmission path (10), and an adhesive portion (214) formed in the first base portion (21) in a region different from the abutting portion (213) and separated from a surface of the optical transmission path (10). A space (S2) is formed between the adhesive portion (214) and the surface of the optical transmission path (10), and an agent (A) for mounting the optical connector (20) to the optical transmission path (10) is interposed in the space (S2).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-123188, dated July 17, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to optical connectors and optical connector modules. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, optical connectors for optically coupling optical transmission paths to each other were known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lens component for suppressing coupling loss between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide path.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-009081 Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an optical connector that is mounted to an optical transmission path having a substrate and an optical waveguide portion stacked on the substrate. The optical connector comprises:

[0009] The first base is disposed in the optical transmission path;

[0010] An abutting portion is formed in the first base portion and abuts against the mounting surface of the optical transmission path;

[0011] An adhesive portion is formed in the first base in a region different from the abutting portion and is separated from the surface of the light transmission path;

[0012] A space is formed between the adhesive portion and the surface of the optical transmission path, and an agent for mounting the optical connector onto the optical transmission path is inserted into the space.

[0013] One embodiment of the optical connector module disclosed herein includes:

[0014] The aforementioned optical connector;

[0015] The optical transmission path includes the substrate and the optical waveguide portion stacked on the substrate;

[0016] The agent is used to install the optical connector in the optical transmission path. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a top-down perspective view showing the appearance of an optical connector module containing one embodiment of the optical connector.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a magnified representation from a top-down perspective. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the optical transmission path component.

[0019] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A 3D view of the appearance of a single optical connector component.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along the arrow line IV-IV.

[0021] Figure 5 It is magnification Figure 4 Enlarged view of the dashed box V in the image.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a further amplification Figure 5 Enlarged view of section VI within the dashed box.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a schematic representation from the front. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the optical connector module.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A variation of the optical connector module, and Figure 7 The corresponding diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0025] As an example, when installing an optical connector into an optical transmission path, an installation method comprising multiple steps is implemented. Such an installation method includes, for example, a positioning step, positioning the optical connector into the optical transmission path, and a fixing step, in which an adhesive with bonding and refractive index adjustment functions flows between the optical connector and the optical transmission path, fixing the optical connector into the optical transmission path.

[0026] However, depending on the surface tension and amount of adhesive used in the bonding process, adhesive may flow into areas between the optical connector and the optical transmission path that would not normally be in the design. This can cause a misalignment of the optical connector relative to the optical transmission path, and the optical connector installed on the optical transmission path may not possess the desired optical characteristics.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical connector and an optical connector module are capable of suppressing positional offset of the optical connector relative to the optical transmission path and maintaining desired optical characteristics.

[0028] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions in the following description are based on the directions of the arrows in the drawings. In the drawings, Figures 1 to 8 The directions of the respective arrows are consistent with each other in different drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the optical connector module 1 including an embodiment of the optical connector 20 from a top view. The outline of the optical connector module 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1 , in relation to the structure and function of the optical connector module 1.

[0030] The optical connector module 1 has an optical transmission path 10, an optical connector 20 optically coupled to the optical transmission path 10, and an adhesive 30 adjusting the refractive index of a first space S1 between the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20. The optical connector module 1 has an agent A to be described later, which mounts the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10.

[0031] The optical connector 20 is mounted to the optical transmission path 10 according to a mounting method including a plurality of processes. The mounting method includes, for example, a first process in which positioning is performed with the optical connector 20 placed on the optical transmission path 10.

[0032] The mounting method includes, for example, a second process in which an agent is applied between the optical connector 20 and the optical transmission path 10 from both sides of the optical connector 20 positioned in the first process, as indicated by the arrows in the left-right direction of Figure 1 The second process is a process for fixing the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10 using such an agent. In the present specification, the "agent" includes, for example, any filler having an adhesive function. For example, the agent includes an adhesive.

[0033] The mounting method includes, for example, a third process in which the adhesive 30 is caused to flow into a first space S1 formed between the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20 from below the optical connector 20 fixed to the optical transmission path 10 in the second process, as indicated by the arrow in the up direction of Figure 1 The adhesive 30 has an adhesive function for fixing the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10 and a function of adjusting the refractive index in the first space S1. The third process is a process for fixing the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10 using such an adhesive 30.

[0034] Optical connector module 1 optically couples with other optical transmission paths, such as optical fibers and optical waveguide paths. For example, in optical connector module 1, optical coupling between optical transmission path 10 and optical fiber is achieved by connecting optical connector 20 installed to optical transmission path 10 and a retaining loop to the optical fiber. For example, optical connector module 1 can achieve optical coupling between optical transmission path 10 and optical waveguide path by connecting optical connector 20 installed to optical transmission path 10 with other optical connectors similarly installed to optical waveguide paths.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a magnified representation from a top-down perspective. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the optical transmission path component 10. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The structure of the optical transmission path 10 will be described in detail. In one embodiment, the optical transmission path 10 has a substrate 11 and an optical waveguide portion 12 stacked on the substrate 11.

[0036] The optical transmission path 10, for example, has a substrate 11 made of a rigid printed wiring board and an optical waveguide portion 12 stacked on the upper surface of the substrate 11. The optical waveguide portion 12 is formed in a U-shape, for example, projecting upwards from the upper surface of the substrate 11. The optical waveguide portion 12 is formed such that its end face coincides with the end face of the substrate 11 for optical coupling with the optical connector 20. The end face of the optical waveguide portion 12 is formed in a planar shape, for example, along the end face of the substrate 11. The waveguide mode of the optical waveguide portion 12 can be either single-mode or multi-mode.

[0037] The optical waveguide 12 has a fiber core 121 and a cladding 122 stacked on the substrate 11 in a stacking direction orthogonal to the substrate 11. More specifically, the optical waveguide 12 has a first cladding 122a stacked on the upper surface of the substrate 11, a fiber core 121 stacked on the first cladding 122a, and a second cladding 122b sandwiched together with the first cladding 122a in the stacking direction and surrounding the fiber core 121.

[0038] Multiple fiber cores 121 are formed, spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Each fiber core 121 extends in the front-back direction. The fiber cores 121 and the cladding 122 are formed of a suitable material, such as quartz-based glass. The refractive index of the fiber cores 121 is higher than that of the cladding 122. Hereinafter, the optical waveguide section 12 is described as, for example, an embedded optical waveguide path, but it is not limited thereto. The optical waveguide section 12 can be a planar type or a semi-embedded type of optical waveguide path, etc.

[0039] The optical transmission path 10 is manufactured, for example, using photolithography. The manufacturing method is performed in the order of the first cladding layer 122a, the fiber core 121, and the second cladding layer 122b. The manufacturing method of the optical transmission path 10 includes a step of laminating the first cladding layer 122a constituting the optical waveguide portion 12 onto the substrate 11 along a lamination direction orthogonal to the substrate 11. Next, the manufacturing method of the optical transmission path 10 includes a step of laminating the fiber core 121 constituting the optical waveguide portion 12 onto the first cladding layer 122a. Next, the manufacturing method of the optical transmission path 10 includes a step of laminating the second cladding layer 122b constituting the optical waveguide portion 12 together with the first cladding layer 122a in a manner in which the fiber core 121 is sandwiched between them in the lamination direction.

[0040] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the external appearance of a single optical connector 20. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Mainly for Figure 1 An example of the structure of the optical connector 20 is given to illustrate this.

[0041] The optical connector 20 is formed in an L-shape from a light-transmitting resin material, for example. For example, the optical connector 20 is formed from a material having a refractive index similar to that of the fiber core 121 of the optical waveguide portion 12.

[0042] The optical connector 20 has a first base 21 extending in the front-rear direction. The optical connector 20 has a recess 212 that is recessed further inward from the center of the lower surface 211 of the first base 21 in the left-right direction toward the upper direction of the first base 21, i.e., inward.

[0043] The optical connector 20 has an abutment portion 213 that protrudes further outward in a vertical direction from the lower surface 211 of the first base 21. The abutment portion 213 is located on the left and right sides relative to the recess 212. The abutment portion 213 includes an abutment surface 213a located at the lowermost part in the downward direction of the first base 21, i.e., the distal end of the first base 21. The abutment surface 213a is formed in the first base 21 at the most protruding position toward the optical transmission path 10. The abutment surface 213a forms the lower distal surface in the first base 21. The abutment portion 213 and the abutment surface 213a extend in a front-rear direction across substantially the entire first base 21.

[0044] The optical connector 20 has a first adhesive portion 214 formed in the first base 21 at a region different from the abutting portion 213. The first adhesive portion 214 includes a portion of the lower surface 211 of the first base 21. The first adhesive portion 214 is located on both sides of the recess 212 at positions further outward in the left-right direction than the abutting portion 213. The first adhesive portion 214 includes an adhesive surface 214a located further in the upward direction, i.e., further inward, than the abutting surface 213a in the first base 21. The adhesive surface 214a is located on the side opposite the optical transmission path 10 in the first base 21 than the abutting surface 213a. In the first base 21, the area of the adhesive surface 214a is larger than the area of the abutting surface 213a. The first adhesive portion 214 and the adhesive surface 214a extend in the front-rear direction across the entirety of the first base 21.

[0045] The optical connector 20 has a side wall 215 constituting a side end portion of the first base 21. The side wall 215 is located on both sides of the recess 212. The first adhesive portion 214 is formed on the side wall 215. The adhesive surface 214a of the first adhesive portion 214 constitutes a portion of the lower surface, i.e., the lower surface 211, of the side wall 215. The side wall 215 protrudes in the left-right direction to both sides with respect to the second base 22 described later. The side wall 215 extends in the front-rear direction across the entirety of the first base 21 at the side end portion of the first base 21.

[0046] The optical connector 20 has a relief recess 216 formed in the first base 21 to separate the abutting portion 213 and the first adhesive portion 214. The relief recess 216 is formed in a groove shape, for example, as a relief groove. The relief recess 216 is sandwiched between the abutting portion 213 and the first adhesive portion 214 and is located on both sides of the recess 212. The relief recess 216 extends in the front-rear direction across the entirety of the first base 21.

[0047] The optical connector 20 has a positioning portion 217 recessed in the first base 21 in a manner that sandwiches the abutting portion 213 together with the side wall 215. From another viewpoint, the positioning portion 217 is recessed in a central portion of the abutting portion 213. The positioning portion 217 is located on both sides of the recess 212. The positioning portion 217 extends in the front-rear direction across the entirety of the first base 21. The positioning portion 217 is continuously formed from a through-hole 221 of the second base 22 described later to a rear end of the first base 21. The positioning portion 217 is a recess formed in a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view. The through-hole 221 and the positioning portion 217 are formed in a concentric circular shape.

[0048] The optical connector 20 has a second base portion 22 formed in an L shape and extending from the first base portion 21 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first base portion 21. The second base portion 22 is formed so as to protrude toward the front of the first base portion 21 and be continuous with the first base portion 21. The second base portion 22 is formed so as to extend downward from the first base portion 21.

[0049] The optical connector 20 has a through-hole 221 that is circular in a cross-sectional view and passes through from the front surface to the rear surface of the second base portion 22. The through-hole 221 is formed at both ends of the second base portion 22 in a manner corresponding to the positioning portion 217 of the first base portion 21 and located on both sides with respect to the recessed portion 212 of the first base portion 21.

[0050] The optical connector 20 has a first cutout portion 222 that cuts the inner surface of the second base portion 22 to the first side surface Al. The first cutout portion 222 is formed in a concave shape. The optical connector 20 has a second adhesive portion 223 constituted by the four side surfaces of the upper, lower, left, and right of the first cutout portion 222, the first side surface Al, and the inner surface of the second base portion 22 located directly below the first cutout portion 222.

[0051] The optical connector 20 has a second cutout portion 224 that cuts the outer surface of the second base portion 22 to the second side surface A2. The second cutout portion 224 is formed in a concave shape.

[0052] The optical connector 20 has a first lens portion 225 provided to the first side surface Al that constitutes a part of the first cutout portion 222. The first lens portion 225 is constituted by a plurality of lenses 225a having a curvature. The number of the lenses 225a constituting the first lens portion 225 corresponds to the number of the cores 121 of the optical transmission path 10.

[0053] The optical connector 20 has a second lens portion 226 provided to the second side surface A2 that constitutes a part of the second cutout portion 224 and is located on the side opposite to the first side surface Al in the propagation direction of light. The second lens portion 226 is constituted by a plurality of lenses 226a having a curvature. The number of the lenses 226a constituting the second lens portion 226 corresponds to the number of the cores 121 of the optical transmission path 10.

[0054] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the IV-IV arrow line of Figure 1 . Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the dotted frame portion V in Figure 4 . Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the dotted frame portion VI in Figure 5 further enlarged. Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the configuration and functions related to the adhesive 30 and the optical functions of the optical connector 20 will mainly be described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1 , the optical connector 20 is placed from above the optical transmission path 10 on the optical waveguide section 12. The optical connector 20 is configured in a state where the first base section 21 is in abutment with the upper surface of the optical waveguide section 12 and covers a portion of the optical transmission path 10. The second base section 22 is configured to protrude forward from the end section of the base 11 and extend downward from the first base section 21. The second base section 22 protrudes toward the lower side in a manner that the lower surface thereof is positioned lower than the upper and lower positions of the optical waveguide section 12. The second base section 22 is opposed to the end surface of the optical transmission path 10 that is orthogonal to the surface, i.e., the upper surface, of the optical transmission path 10.

[0056] At this time, as shown in Figure 4 , the first space S1 is formed between the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20. The inner surface of the second base section 22 of the optical connector 20 in which the first cutout section 222 is formed is separated from the end surface of the base 11.

[0057] In the third process of the mounting method described above, the adhesive 30 is filled from below in a manner to fill the first space S1. The adhesive 30 is composed of a material having a refractive index that is close to the refractive index of the core 121 of the optical transmission path 10. The adhesive 30 is positioned between the end surface of the optical transmission path 10 and the first side surface Al and adjusts the refractive index on the optical path between the core 121 and the first side surface Al. At this time, the second adhesive section 223 of the optical connector 20 is adhered to the adhesive 30. Likewise, the end surface of the optical transmission path 10 is adhered to the adhesive 30. The adhesive 30 is in close contact with the second adhesive section 223 and the end surface of the optical transmission path 10 in a state of being filled inside the first lens section 225 and the first cutout section 222. As described above, the optical connector 20 is fixed to the optical transmission path 10 by the adhesive 30.

[0058] The optical connector 20 is optically coupled to the optical waveguide section 12 included in the optical transmission path 10 in a state of being fixed to the optical transmission path 10. As shown in Figure 5 , the first side surface Al is opposed to the end surface of the core 121. Likewise, the first lens section 225 is opposed to the end surface of the core 121. The adhesive 30 is positioned between the first lens section 225 and the end surface of the core 121.

[0059] As one example, the lens 225a that constitutes the first lens section 225 is formed in a concave shape at the first side surface Al. The lens 225a is formed as a concave lens. In a cross-sectional view angle along the propagation direction of light, i.e., the front and back direction, Figure 6 , the lens 225a is formed in a circular arc shape. The half width (radius) in the up and down direction of the lens 225a is larger than the radius of the core 121 of the optical transmission path 10.

[0060] On the other hand, asFigure 5 As shown, the second lens portion 226 is opposed to the first lens portion 225 via the second base 22 of the optical connector 20. As an example, the lens 226a constituting the second lens portion 226 is formed in a convex shape on its second side surface A2. The lens 226a is formed as a convex lens. Along the direction of light propagation, i.e., the front-to-back direction... Figure 5 From that cross-sectional viewpoint, lens 226a is formed in an arc shape. The half-width (radius) of lens 226a in the vertical direction is greater than the radius of the fiber core 121 of the light transmission path 10.

[0061] use Figure 5 As an example, the transmission pattern of light when it exits from the end face of the light transmission path 10 will be described. The light transmission path 10 will be described as transmitting light from the light-emitting element. However, it is not limited to this; the light transmission path 10 can also transmit light to the light-receiving element. In this case, it should be understood that the following description applies when the light propagation direction is set to be completely opposite.

[0062] When the adhesive 30 is made of a material having a refractive index similar to that of the fiber core 121, Fresnel reflection of light incident on the boundary between the adhesive 30 and the fiber core 121 is suppressed by the matching of refractive indices. Therefore, light incident on this boundary is emitted into the interior of the adhesive 30 with high transmittance.

[0063] Light emitted from the fiber core 121 diffuses within the adhesive 30 due to diffraction and enters the lens 225a. When the optical connector 20 is formed of a material having a refractive index approximately similar to that of the adhesive 30, Fresnel reflection of light incident on the interface between the optical connector 20 and the adhesive 30 is suppressed by the matching of refractive indices. Therefore, light incident on this interface exits with high transmittance into the interior of the optical connector 20, for example, the second base 22.

[0064] When lens 225a is formed as a concave lens, the light emitted into the interior of the second base 22 is further diffused and enters lens 226a. When lens 226a is formed as a convex lens, the light entering the boundary surface between the outside and the optical connector 20 is collimated by lens 226a, for example. In this way, the optical connector module 1, for example, propagates the light emitted from the light transmission path 10 to the outside in a collimated state.

[0065] Light emitted from optical connector module 1 couples with other optical transmission paths. For example, light couples with the optical fiber held by the ferrule connected to optical connector 20. For example, light couples with optical waveguide paths mounted with other optical connectors connected to optical connector 20.

[0066] Figure 6 express Figure 1 The shape of the end face of the optical transmission path 10. For example...Figure 6 As shown, the end face of the optical waveguide section 12 coincides with the end face of the base 11. The end faces of the core 121 and the cladding 122 are formed on the same plane along the end face of the base 11. However, it is not limited thereto, and the end face of the optical waveguide section 12, for example, the end face of the core 121 can also be a curved surface that protrudes toward the optical connector 20 side. For example, the end face of the core 121 can also be a curved surface that protrudes more toward the optical connector 20 side than the end face of the cladding 122.

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the optical connector module 1 from the front. Referring to Figure 1 , the structure and the function of the optical connector 20 related to the optical transmission path 10 will mainly be described. Figure 7

[0068] In the first process of the above-described mounting method, after the optical connector 20 is placed on the optical waveguide section 12 from above the optical transmission path 10, the first base 21 is placed on the optical transmission path 10. For example, the abutment portion 213 formed in the first base 21 abuts against the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10. For example, the abutment surface 213a formed as a distal end surface in the first base 21 abuts against the upper surface of the first cladding 122a of the optical waveguide section 12.

[0069] Thus, the position of the optical connector 20 in the up-down direction with respect to the optical transmission path 10 is determined based on the abutment of the abutment surface 213a of the first base 21 against the upper surface of the first cladding 122a of the optical waveguide section 12.

[0070] Further, in the first process of the above-described mounting method, the optical connector 20 can also be positioned in the front-back and left-right directions with respect to the optical transmission path 10 by a suitable method. For example, the optical connector 20 can also be positioned in the front-back and left-right directions by the engagement of the positioning portion 217 with the stud bolt formed in the first cladding 122a.

[0071] The first adhesive portion 214 is separated from the surface of the optical transmission path 10. For example, the adhesive surface 214a located more inward with respect to the abutment surface 213a in the first base 21 is separated from the upper surface of the first cladding 122a of the optical waveguide section 12. At this time, the second space S2 is formed between the first adhesive portion 214 and the surface of the optical transmission path 10, and the agent A for mounting the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10 is interposed in the second space S2. The second space S2 is surrounded by the surface of the optical transmission path 10, the adhesive surface 214a, and the abutment portion 213. More specifically, the second space S2 is surrounded by the upper surface of the first cladding 122a, the adhesive surface 214a, and the left-right direction outer side wall of the abutment portion 213.

[0072] ​In the second process of the mounting method described above, the agent A is filled from both left and right sides of the optical connector 20 to the second space S2 formed between the optical connector 20 and the optical transmission path 10. At this time, the agent A forms a fillet F near the corner portion C of the side wall 215 of the optical connector 20. Even if the amount of the agent A is assumed to be excessive, the remaining portion of the agent A is accommodated in the avoidance recess portion 216.

[0073] As described above, in the second process of applying the agent A, the optical connector 20 is fixed to the optical transmission path 10 by the agent A. At this time, the adhesive surface 214a of the optical connector 20 is adhered to the agent A. Similarly, the upper surface of the first cladding layer 122a of the optical transmission path 10 is adhered to the agent A.

[0074] The optical connector 20 according to the above embodiment can suppress the positional deviation of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 and can maintain the desired optical characteristics, because the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20 are reliably fixed. For example, by forming the second space S2 in which the agent A intervenes between the first adhesive portion 214 and the surface of the optical transmission path 10, the optical connector 20 can be fixed with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the second process of the mounting method. At this time, the optical connector 20 can be fixed with respect to the optical transmission path 10 by the agent A in a state in which the abutment between the abutment surface 213a of the optical connector 20 and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10 is maintained.

[0075] The agent A does not flow to a position on the recess portion 212 side than the abutment surface 213a that abuts against the first cladding layer 122a. Therefore, the positioning function with high accuracy can be maintained without the agent A flowing into the positioning portion 217. The abutment portion 213 is positioned at both left and right ends of the recess portion 212, thereby stabilizing the positioning of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the up-and-down direction in the second process of fixing the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 using the agent A. The abutment portion 213 suppresses the agent A from flowing into the positioning portion 217, and also suppresses the adhesive 30 from flowing into the positioning portion 217 in the third process of causing the adhesive 30 to flow. Therefore, the positioning of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be performed more stably.

[0076] Therefore, in the following Step 3, even when the adhesive 30 is caused to flow into the first space S1 formed between the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20, the abutment between the abutment surface 213a and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10 can be reliably maintained. The adhesive 30 can be inhibited from intruding into the abutment portion between the abutment surface 213a and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10. In this way, between the optical connector 20 and the optical transmission path 10, the possibility of the adhesive 30 flowing into a portion where it should not flow can be reduced in the original design. By the above, the positional deviation of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be inhibited, and the optical connector 20 can be reliably maintained at the position in the original design. As a result, the optical connector 20 mounted on the optical transmission path 10 can maintain the desired optical characteristics.

[0077] By causing the abutment portion 213 to include the abutment surface 213a formed at the position most protruding toward the optical transmission path 10 in the first base 21, the positioning of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the up-down direction becomes easy and stable. Further, the abutment surface 213a can abut against the surface that is the smoothest in the optical transmission path 10 by abutting against the upper surface of the first clad layer 122a. Thus, the positioning accuracy of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the up-down direction can be improved.

[0078] By causing the first adhesive portion 214 to include the adhesive surface 214a located on the side opposite to the abutment surface 213a with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the first base 21, the second space S2 can be formed without any processing of the surface of the optical transmission path 10. For example, since a step is formed in the up-down direction between the abutment surface 213a and the adhesive surface 214a, the second space S2 in which the adhesive A is easily interposed between the first adhesive portion 214 and the surface of the optical transmission path 10 can be easily formed.

[0079] By causing the second space S2 to be surrounded by the surface of the optical transmission path 10, the adhesive surface 214a, and the abutment portion 213, the second space S2 is easily filled with the adhesive A. Thus, the adhesive surface 214a of the optical connector 20 and the adhesive A are reliably adhered. Similarly, the surface of the optical transmission path 10 and the adhesive A are reliably adhered. As a result, the optical connector 20 can be reliably fixed with respect to the optical transmission path 10.

[0080] By making the area of the bonding surface 214a larger than the area of the abutting surface 213a, the fixing strength of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be increased. Thus, the intrusion of the adhesive 30 into the abutting portion between the abutting surface 213a and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10 can be more effectively suppressed. As a result, the positional deviation of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be more effectively suppressed, and the optical connector 20 can be reliably maintained at the position according to the design. As a result, the optical connector 20 mounted on the optical transmission path 10 can more easily maintain the desired optical characteristics.

[0081] By forming the first bonding portion 214 in the side wall 215 constituting the side end portion of the first base portion 21, the agent A can be easily introduced into the second space S2 in the second process of the mounting method. By the simple operation of applying the agent A from the outside of the side wall 215, the fixing of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be easily achieved. Thus, the positional deviation of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be easily suppressed, and the desired optical characteristics can be easily maintained.

[0082] By forming the positioning portion 217 in the optical connector 20, the positioning of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 in the front-back and left-right directions can be performed. In addition to the positioning in the up-down direction by the abutting between the abutting surface 213a and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10, the positioning in the front-back and left-right directions can be performed using the positioning portion 217, so that the positioning accuracy of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be improved.

[0083] By making the side wall 215 protrude to both sides in the left-right direction with respect to the second base portion 22, the ejector pin can be brought into contact with the optical connector 20 at a position away from the abutting portion 213, for example, when injection molding is performed. In this way, the optical connector 20 is brought into contact with the ejector pin at a position away from the abutting portion 213. Thus, the adverse conditions such as burrs and warping of the abutting portion 213 can be suppressed.

[0084] By making the side wall 215 protrude to both sides in the left-right direction with respect to the second base portion 22, the equipment for manufacturing or the like can easily hold the side wall 215 of the optical connector 20 by the arm portion or the like, for example, when the optical connector 20 is mounted on the optical transmission path 10. At this time, since the side wall 215 as the holding portion held by the arm portion or the like is separated from the abutting portion 213, the possibility that the arm portion or the like comes into contact with the abutting portion 213, which is required to have high accuracy in design, can be reduced. Thus, the adverse conditions such as deformation of the abutting portion 213 caused by such contact can be suppressed.

[0085] The optical connector module 1 can reduce coupling loss by interposing the adhesive 30. The optical connector module 1 can reduce loss caused by a diffraction effect, loss of scattering or absorption of light caused by foreign matter from the outside, and loss caused by Fresnel reflection, and the like.

[0086] Specifically, the optical connector module 1 can suppress diffusion of light caused by a diffraction effect by disposing the adhesive 30 having a refractive index close to that of the core 121 in the optical path, as compared with the case in air. Thus, the optical connector module 1 can reduce the proportion of light that is not coupled with the first lens portion 225 due to the diffraction effect.

[0087] The adhesive 30 also functions to suppress mixing of foreign matter. The optical connector module 1 can suppress mixing of foreign matter from the outside by filling the first space SI with the adhesive 30. Thus, the optical connector module 1 can reduce coupling loss by suppressing loss of scattering or absorption of light caused by foreign matter from the outside.

[0088] The optical connector module 1 can suppress Fresnel reflection of the boundary surfaces from each other because the refractive index of the adhesive 30 is close to that of the core 121. The optical connector module 1 can emit light from the core 121 with high transmittance, and improve coupling efficiency.

[0089] The optical connector module 1 can perform optical adjustment by two lens portions including the first lens portion 225 because the second lens portion 226 has a curvature. The optical connector module 1 can improve the degree of freedom of optical adjustment by two lens portions. Thus, the optical connector module 1 can easily provide emitted light having a desired light beam state.

[0090] The optical connector module 1 can forcibly diffuse light emitted from the core 121 by forming the first lens portion 225 as a concave lens. The optical connector module 1 can forcibly diffuse light whose diffusion is suppressed by the adhesive 30 at an early stage after emission by providing the concave lens at a position opposing the core 121 on the first side surface Al.

[0091] The optical connector module 1 can convert light diffused by the first lens portion 225 as a concave lens into collimated light by forming the second lens portion 226 as a convex lens. The optical connector module 1 can provide collimated light of a large aperture by the combination of the concave lens and the convex lens constituted by the first lens portion 225 and the second lens portion 226. Thus, the optical connector module 1 can provide collimated light that can be condensed into a smaller light spot with high efficiency. The optical connector module 1 can emit collimated light having good characteristics.

[0092] The optical connector module 1 can expand the allowable range of optical coupling by the large-diameter collimated light. In other words, even if the optical axis is slightly shifted between the other optical transmission path that is the optical coupling object, the optical connector module 1 can perform optical coupling within the prescribed allowable range.

[0093] The optical connector module 1 can suppress the optical axis shift due to use and aging over the years or the like by fixing the optical transmission path 10 and the optical connector 20 with the adhesive 30. Therefore, the optical connector module 1 can long-term maintain the same optical characteristics in a state where the relative positional alignment with each other is determined by initial positioning. In this way, the optical connector module 1 can improve the quality as a product.

[0094] The optical connector module 1 can suppress Fresnel reflection, reduce coupling loss by forming the adhesive 30 and the optical connector 20 each from a material having a refractive index close to that of the core 121.

[0095] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, and that the foregoing embodiments are illustrative only and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is not limited by the foregoing description but by the claims appended thereto. Various modifications within the equivalent scope thereof are included in the disclosure.

[0096] For example, the shape, arrangement, direction, and number of each of the above-described constituent parts are not limited to those illustrated in the above description and the drawings. The shape, arrangement, direction, and number of each of the constituent parts can be arbitrarily configured as long as the function thereof can be achieved.

[0097] In the above embodiment, it is described that the abutting portion 213 includes the abutting surface 213a, but is not limited thereto. For example, the abutting portion 213 can include one or more protrusions or the like instead of the abutting surface 213a. At this time, the positioning of the optical connector 20 in the up-down direction with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can also be performed by the abutment between such a protrusion and the placement surface of the optical transmission path 10.

[0098] Figure 8 is a view schematically showing a modification of the optical connector module 1 of Figure 1 corresponding to Figure 7 In the above embodiment, it is described that the adhesive surface 214a is located more inward in the first base 21 with respect to the abutting surface 213a, and the first adhesive portion 214 and the abutting portion 213 are distinguished by a step, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Figure 8 , the adhesive surface 214a of the first adhesive portion 214 can also be located on the same plane as the abutting surface 213a in the first base 21.

[0099] At this time, for example, a second space S2 with the agent A can be formed between the first adhesive portion 214 and the surface of the light transmission path 10 by removing a portion of the first cladding layer 122a. For example, the second space S2 can also be surrounded by the upper surface of the substrate 11 of the light transmission path 10, the adhesive surface 214a and the first cladding layer 122a.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the first base 21, the recess 216 separates the abutment surface 213a and the adhesive surface 214a. The division between the first adhesive portion 214 and the abutment portion 213 can also be achieved by using the recess 216 instead of a step.

[0101] according to Figure 8 The modified example of the optical connector module 1 shown simplifies the shape of the optical connector 20 by forming the abutment surface 213a and the adhesive surface 214a on the same surface. Even with this simple shape, the second space S2 can be formed, and the aforementioned effects on suppressing the positional offset of the optical connector 20 relative to the optical transmission path 10 and maintaining the desired optical characteristics are also applicable.

[0102] Furthermore, by separating the abutment surface 213a from the adhesive surface 214a through the clearance recess 216, even if there is an excess of the agent A, the remaining portion of the agent A is accommodated by the clearance recess 216. This prevents the agent A from intruding into the abutment portion between the abutment surface 213a and the mounting surface of the optical transmission path 10. Therefore, positional misalignment of the optical connector 20 relative to the optical transmission path 10 can be suppressed, reliably maintaining the optical connector 20 in its designed position. As a result, the optical connector 20 mounted on the optical transmission path 10 can maintain the desired optical characteristics.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the optical connector 20 is described as having a clearance recess 216, but it is not limited thereto. As long as the amount of agent A used to secure the optical connector 20 to the optical transmission path 10 can be adequately maintained, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In either of the two optical connectors 20 shown, the avoidance recess 216 may not be formed.

[0104] In the above embodiment, it is stated that the area of ​​the adhesive surface 214a is larger than the area of ​​the abutment surface 213a, but it is not limited thereto. As long as the required strength can be maintained in the fixation of the optical connector 20 relative to the optical transmission path 10, the area of ​​the adhesive surface 214a may also be smaller than the area of ​​the abutment surface 213a.

[0105] In the above embodiment, it is described that the first adhesive portion 214 is formed on the sidewall 215, but it is not limited thereto. The first adhesive portion 214 can be formed at any location in the optical connector 20 as long as it can achieve the required function.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, the optical connector 20 is described as having the positioning portion 217 recessed in the first base portion 21, but is not limited thereto. For example, the optical connector 20 can have a protruding portion that fits into a recess formed in the optical transmission path 10. In this case, the optical connector 20 can be positioned in the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions by fitting the protruding portion into the recess.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the optical connector 20 is described as being positioned with respect to the optical transmission path 10 by the positioning portion 217, but is not limited thereto. For example, the optical connector 20 can be positioned by at least one of the inner side surfaces of the recess 212 in the front-rear direction abutting against the end surfaces of the optical waveguide portion 12 in the left-right direction that protrude from the base 11.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the side wall 215 of the optical connector 20 is described as being formed continuously in a flat plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The side wall 215 can be discontinuous, or can be formed in a state of being divided by one or more slits in any number, shape, height, and arrangement. As a result, the fixing strength of the optical connector 20 with respect to the optical transmission path 10 can be improved because the adhesive area between the agent A and the first adhesive portion 214 increases.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive surface 214a that constitutes the lower surface of the side wall 215 is described as being a flat surface, but is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive surface 214a can be constituted by a surface of any shape including a curved surface and an inclined surface, and the like. For example, recesses or through-holes can be formed in the adhesive surface 214a in any number, shape, height, and arrangement toward the side opposite to the optical transmission path 10. By forming such recesses or through-holes in the adhesive surface 214a, even if the amount of the agent A is excessive, the remaining portion of the agent A can be accommodated in the recesses or through-holes. As described above, in order to optimize the adhesive form of the agent A in the second space S2, the shape of the adhesive surface 214a, and the number, shape, height, and arrangement of the recesses or through-holes, and the like can be appropriately determined.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the corner portion C of the side wall 215 of the optical connector 20 is described as being a right angle, but is not limited thereto. For example, any shape of surface such as a C surface and an R surface can be formed in the corner portion C of the side wall 215.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the optical waveguide portion 12 is described as being formed on the upper surface of the base 11, but is not limited thereto. For example, the optical waveguide portion 12 can be embedded inside the base 11. In this case, the end surface of the optical waveguide portion 12 can be formed to coincide with the end surface of the base 11, and the end surface of the core 121 can be exposed from the base 11.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the adhesive 30 is described as filling only the first space S1, but is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive 30 can be filled in a manner of filling the recessed portion 212 of the optical connector 20 covering the optical transmission path 10 in addition to the first space S1.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the abutting portion 213 and the abutting surface 213a are described as extending in the front-rear direction across substantially the entire first base 21, but are not limited thereto. The abutting portion 213 and the abutting surface 213a can also be formed in any shape, arrangement, orientation, and number that can achieve their functions. For example, the abutting portion 213 and the abutting surface 213a can also extend in the front-rear direction across a portion of the first base 21. The same description applies to the first adhesive portion 214, the side wall 215, the avoidance recess 216, and the positioning portion 217.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the abutting surface 213a is described as abutting the upper surface of the first cladding layer 122a, but is not limited thereto. The abutting surface 213a can also abut any surface of the optical transmission path 10. For example, the abutting surface 213a can abut the upper surface of the base 11, or can abut the upper surface of the second cladding layer 122b.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the shapes of the first lens portion 225 and the second lens portion 226 are described as being circular arc shapes in a cross-sectional view, but are not limited thereto. The shapes of the first lens portion 225 and the second lens portion 226 can be spherical, or can be aspherical.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the first lens portion 225 is described as being formed as a concave lens, but is not limited thereto. The first lens portion 225 can also be any type of lens such as a convex lens, as long as the desired optical characteristics can be obtained.

[0117] The optical connector 20 can also not have the second lens portion 226, as long as the desired optical characteristics can be obtained. The second lens portion 226 is not limited to a convex lens, but can also be any type of lens such as a concave lens.

[0118] Symbol Explanation

[0119] 1: Optical connector module;

[0120] 10: Optical transmission path;

[0121] 11: Base;

[0122] 12: Optical waveguide portion;

[0123] 121: Core;

[0124] 122: Cladding layer;

[0125] 122a: First cladding layer;

[0126] 122b: Second cladding;

[0127] 20: Optical connector;

[0128] 21: First base;

[0129] 211: Lower surface;

[0130] 212: concave part;

[0131] 213: Butt;

[0132] 213a: Abutment surface;

[0133] 214: First adhesive part (adhesive part)

[0134] 214a: Adhesive surface;

[0135] 215: Side wall;

[0136] 216: Avoid the concave part;

[0137] 217: Positioning section;

[0138] 22: Second base;

[0139] 221: Through hole;

[0140] 222: First incision site;

[0141] 223: Second adhesive part;

[0142] 224: Second incision site;

[0143] 225: First lens section;

[0144] 225a: Lens

[0145] 226: Second lens section;

[0146] 226a: Lens

[0147] 30: Adhesive

[0148] A: Ingredients;

[0149] A1: First side view;

[0150] A2: Second side view;

[0151] C: Corner;

[0152] F: Embedded border;

[0153] S1: First Space;

[0154] S2: Second space (space).

Claims

1. An optical connector, mounted to an optical transmission path having a substrate and an optical waveguide portion stacked on the substrate, the optical connector comprising: The first base is disposed in the optical transmission path; The second base portion is formed to be continuous with the first base portion; A lens portion is disposed on the side that forms part of the second base portion; The sidewall, forming part of the first base, protrudes outward relative to the second base; An abutting portion is formed in the first base portion and abuts against the mounting surface of the optical transmission path; An adhesive portion is formed in the first base portion in a region different from the abutting portion and is separated from the surface of the light transmission path; The adhesive portion is disposed on the sidewall outside the optical connector, compared to the lens portion and the abutment portion; A space is formed between the adhesive portion and the surface of the optical transmission path, and an agent for mounting the optical connector onto the optical transmission path is inserted into the space.

2. The optical connector according to claim 1, wherein the abutment portion includes an abutment surface, the abutment surface being formed in the first base at the position most prominent toward the optical transmission path side.

3. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive portion includes an adhesive surface located on the side opposite to the optical transmission path in the first base relative to the abutment surface.

4. The optical connector according to claim 3, wherein the space is surrounded by the surface of the optical transmission path, the adhesive surface, and the abutment portion.

5. The optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive portion includes an adhesive surface, the adhesive surface being located on the same side as the abutment surface in the first base portion.

6. The optical connector according to claim 5, comprising a clearance recess formed in the first base to separate the abutting surface and the adhesive surface.

7. The optical connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the area of ​​the adhesive surface is larger than the area of ​​the abutting surface.

8. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adhesive portion is formed on the sidewall constituting the side end portion of the first base.

9. The optical connector according to claim 8, comprising a positioning portion recessed in the first base such that it clamps the abutment portion together with the sidewall.

10. The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second base extends from the first base in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first base and faces the end face of the optical transmission path, wherein, The end face of the optical transmission path is orthogonal to the surface of the optical transmission path.

11. Optical connector module, equipped with: The optical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The optical transmission path includes the substrate and the optical waveguide portion stacked on the substrate; The agent is used to install the optical connector in the optical transmission path.

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