Manufacturing method of optical fiber assembly and optical fiber assembly

Abstract

PURPOSE: To apply a light transmitting resin in a state in which an optical fiber is fixed.CONSTITUTION: In a manufacturing method of an assembly A1, a fixed section 220 of an optical fiber 200 is disposed in a positioning groove 120 of a base 100 and an end 210 of the optical fiber 200 is disposed in a light reflection groove 110. A first resin 300 is applied; a first part 310 of the first applied resin 300 flows to a relief groove 130 through a positioning groove 110; and a second part 320 of the first applied resin 300 flows to the positioning groove 120. The first part 310 is solidified within the relief groove 130 and the second part 320 is solidified within the positioning groove 120, and the fixed section 220 is fixed to a wall surface 121 of the positioning groove 120. A second resin 400 is applied and is filled into the light reflection groove 110, and is adhered to the first solidified part 310, a mirror surface 111 of the light reflection groove 110, its reflection surface 112 and the end 210. The second resin 400 is solidified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly and an optical fiber assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a conventional optical fiber assembly. This optical fiber assembly includes a silicon substrate, an optical fiber, a PD chip, a light-transmitting resin, and a fixing resin. A first V-groove, a second V-groove, and a gap groove are formed on the surface of the silicon substrate. The first V-groove and the second V-groove are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The second V-groove is narrower and shallower than the first V-groove and has a mirror surface located on one side in the longitudinal direction. The gap groove is provided between the first V-groove and the second V-groove and extends perpendicular to both. The optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the longitudinal direction and a fixed portion located on the other side in the longitudinal direction relative to the tip portion. The tip portion of the optical fiber is disposed in the gap groove and faces the mirror surface of the second V-groove, and the fixed portion of the optical fiber is inserted into the first V-groove. The PD chip is mounted on the surface of the silicon substrate and optically connected to the optical fiber via the mirror surface of the second V-groove. The light-transmitting resin is applied around and covers the tip of the optical fiber, the gap groove, the second V-groove, and the PD chip. The fixing resin is applied to the fixed portion of the optical fiber and the surface of the silicon substrate so as to cover the light-transmitting resin, and fixes the fixed portion of the optical fiber to the silicon substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-098192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional optical fiber assemblies, when the translucent resin is applied, the tip of the optical fiber is placed in the gap groove and the fixed part of the optical fiber is simply housed in the first V-groove, so there is a risk that the optical fiber may move.

[0005] The present invention provides an optical fiber assembly and a manufacturing method thereof that allows application of a light-transmitting resin while the optical fiber is fixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes preparing a base, preparing at least one optical fiber, placing the at least one optical fiber on the base, applying at least one first resin, solidifying the applied at least one first resin, applying a second resin having translucency and a refractive index substantially the same as that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, and solidifying the applied second resin.

[0007] A light reflecting groove, at least one positioning groove, and an escape groove are provided on a first surface on one side in a first direction of the base. The first direction is the thickness direction of the base. The light reflecting groove is a groove that opens on one side in the first direction and has a mirror surface on one side in a second direction that is approximately perpendicular to the first direction and an opposite surface that faces the mirror surface. The at least one positioning groove is a long groove that extends from the light reflecting groove in the other side of the second direction, opens on one side in the first direction, and communicates with the light reflecting groove. The escape groove is a bottomed hole that extends from the light reflecting groove in the other side of the first direction, and communicates with the light reflecting groove and the at least one positioning groove, or communicates with the light reflecting groove and at least one positioning groove via the light reflecting groove.

[0008] At least one optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the second direction and a fixed portion on the other side in the second direction relative to the tip portion. The tip portion has a tip surface on one side in the second direction of the at least one optical fiber.

[0009] Placing the at least one optical fiber on the base includes placing the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber in at least one positioning groove, and placing the tip end of the at least one optical fiber in the light reflecting groove so that the tip end surface of the at least one optical fiber faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove.

[0010] The application of the at least one first resin includes applying molten at least one first resin into at least one positioning groove after placing at least one optical fiber on the base, and a first portion of the applied at least one first resin flowing through the at least one positioning groove or through the at least one positioning groove and the light reflecting groove into the escape groove, and a second portion of the applied at least one first resin flowing into the at least one positioning groove and adhering to the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber and the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove.

[0011] The solidification of the at least one first resin includes solidifying a first portion of the at least one first resin within the escape groove and solidifying a second portion of the at least one first resin within the at least one positioning groove to fix the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove.

[0012] The application of the second resin includes applying a molten second resin into the light reflecting groove after solidifying at least one first resin, filling the second resin at least into the light reflecting groove, and adhering the second resin to a first portion of the solidified at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of at least one optical fiber.

[0013] In another embodiment of the method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly of the present invention, the steps of applying at least one first resin, solidifying at least one first resin, and applying a second resin differ from the steps of applying at least one first resin, solidifying at least one first resin, and applying a second resin in the method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly of one embodiment of the present invention, as follows.

[0014] Applying the at least one first resin includes applying molten at least one first resin into at least one positioning groove after placing at least one optical fiber on the base, and causing the at least one first resin to adhere to the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber and the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove.

[0015] The solidification of the at least one first resin includes solidifying the at least one first resin in the at least one positioning groove to fix the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to a wall surface of the at least one positioning groove.

[0016] The application of the second resin includes applying a molten second resin into the light reflecting groove and / or the escape groove after the at least one first resin has solidified, filling the light reflecting groove and the escape groove with the second resin and adhering it to the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of at least one optical fiber.

[0017] An optical fiber assembly according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the base, the at least one optical fiber, at least one first resin, and a light-transmitting second resin having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6. The tip end of the at least one optical fiber is disposed in the light reflecting groove so that its tip surface faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove. The fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber is disposed in the at least one positioning groove. The at least one first resin has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is at least partially filled in the relief groove. The second portion is filled in the at least one positioning groove and fixes the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove. The second resin is filled at least in the light reflecting groove and is fixed to the first portion of the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the surface opposite the light reflecting groove, and the tip end of the at least one optical fiber.

[0018] The at least one first resin may be filled in the at least one positioning groove without being at least partially filled in the relief groove, and the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber may be fixed to the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove. In this case, the second resin may be filled in the light reflecting groove and the relief groove, and may be fixed to the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip portion of the at least one optical fiber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the optical fiber assembly and its manufacturing method of the present invention, after the fixed portion of at least one optical fiber is fixed to at least one positioning groove of the base with at least one first resin, a second resin having optical transparency can be applied to at least the inside of the light reflecting groove of the base, thereby reducing the risk of movement of the at least one optical fiber when the second resin is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of an optical fiber assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a base, a plurality of optical fibers, an optical element, and a pressing member of an optical fiber assembly according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical fiber assembly according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view showing a first design modification of the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic rear view showing a second design modification of the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view showing a third design modification of the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams showing steps of a method for manufacturing the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are schematic cross-sectional views showing a step of applying a plurality of first resins in the method for producing the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic plan view showing a step of applying a second resin in the manufacturing method of the optical fiber assembly of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing steps in a manufacturing method of an optical fiber assembly according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of an optical fiber assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing steps of a method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described, including Examples 1 and 2 and their design variations. Note that the components of the examples and design variations described below can be combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent. Also, note that the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, and arrangements of the components in each aspect of the examples and design variations described below are merely examples, and that any design variation is possible as long as the same functions can be achieved. [Example]

[0022] An optical fiber assembly A1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly A1") according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including a first embodiment and its design variations, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B. FIGS. 1 to 3B show the optical fiber assembly A1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a first design variation of the optical fiber assembly A1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B shows a second design variation of the optical fiber assembly A1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4C shows a third design variation of the optical fiber assembly A1 of the first embodiment. FIGS. 1 to 4C show the Z-Z' direction (first direction). The Z-Z' direction includes the Z direction (one of the first directions) and the X' direction (the other of the first directions). FIGS. 1 to 3A show the Y-Y' direction (second direction). The Y-Y' direction is substantially perpendicular to the Z-Z' direction and includes the Y direction (one of the second directions) and the Y' direction (the other of the second directions). 1, 2, and 3B to 4C show the XX' direction (third direction), which is approximately perpendicular to the ZZ' direction and the YY' direction, and includes the X direction (one of the third directions) and the X' direction (the other of the third directions).

[0023] The assembly A1 comprises a base 100 and at least one optical fiber 200.

[0024] The at least one optical fiber 200 may be one or more. For convenience of explanation, the at least one optical fiber 200 will be described as being a plurality of optical fibers 200 below, but even when there is only one optical fiber 200, the single optical fiber 200 may have the same configuration as each of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0025] Each optical fiber 200 may be either a single-mode fiber or a multimode fiber (e.g., a step-index optical fiber or a graded-index optical fiber). Each optical fiber 200 has a cylindrical core (not shown) extending in the Y-Y′ direction and a cylindrical cladding (not shown) extending in the Y-Y′ direction. The core is made of glass, silicone resin, acrylic resin, or the like that is optically transparent to optical signals (e.g., transparent or semitransparent). The refractive index of the core is approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6. The cladding is made of glass, silicone resin, or acrylic resin that is optically transparent to optical signals (e.g., transparent or semitransparent) and covers the core. The refractive index of the cladding is lower than that of the core (e.g., approximately 1% lower). The optical signal propagates within the core due to the difference in refractive index between the core and the cladding. The aforementioned glass may be silica glass, multi-component glass, or the like. The acrylic resin may be polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), or the like.

[0026] Each optical fiber 200 has a tip portion 210 on the Y-direction side and a fixed portion 220. The tip portion 210 of each optical fiber 200 has a tip surface 211 on the Y-direction side of each optical fiber 200. The fixed portion 220 of each optical fiber 200 is located on the Y'-direction side of the tip portion 210 of each optical fiber 200.

[0027] The base 100 is a Si substrate, an SOI substrate, a metal plate, a resin plate, or the like. The base 100 has a first surface 101 and a second surface 102. The first surface 101 is the surface of the base 100 on the Z-direction side, and the second surface 102 is the surface of the base 100 on the Z'-direction side. The Z-Z' direction is the thickness direction of the base 100.

[0028] The base 100 further has a light reflecting groove 110, at least one positioning groove 120, and an escape groove 130. The at least one positioning groove 120 can be one or more depending on the number of the at least one optical fiber 200. For ease of explanation, the at least one positioning groove 120 will be described below as being multiple depending on the number of the multiple optical fibers 200, but even when there is only one positioning groove 120, the single positioning groove 120 can have the same configuration as each of the multiple positioning grooves 120.

[0029] The light reflecting groove 110, the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the clearance groove 130 are provided on the first surface 101 of the base 100. When the base 100 is a Si substrate or an SOI substrate, for example, the light reflecting groove 110, the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the clearance groove 130 may be formed by masking the first surface 101 of the base 100 by photolithography and then performing crystal anisotropic etching or the like on the openings in the masking. When the base 100 is a metal plate or a resin plate, for example, the light reflecting groove 110, the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the clearance groove 130 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the base 100 by laser processing, or may be formed by masking the first surface 101 of the base 100 by photolithography and then performing solvent etching or chemical etching on the openings in the masking.

[0030] The light reflecting groove 110 is a groove that opens in the Z direction. The light reflecting groove 110 may be a long groove extending in the X-X' direction. The light reflecting groove 110 may penetrate the base 100 in the X-X' direction. The dimension of the light reflecting groove 110 in the X-X' direction is greater than the linear distance in the X-X' direction from the X-direction edge of the positioning groove 120 that is located furthest in the X-direction to the X'-direction edge of the positioning groove 120 that is located furthest in the X' direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The light reflecting groove 110 has a mirror surface 111 on the Y-direction side and an opposite surface 112 on the Y'-direction side. The mirror surface 111 may have a metal film formed on the mirror surface 111 using a metal vapor deposition method, or may be polished to a mirror finish by polishing or the like. The mirror surface 111 extends in a first oblique direction that includes components in the Y and Z directions (see FIGS. 2 and 3A). The opposite surface 112 only needs to face the mirror surface 111, and may extend in a second oblique direction including components in the Y' direction and the Z direction (see FIG. 2), or may extend in the Z direction or the like (not shown).

[0031] The multiple positioning grooves 120 are elongated grooves extending in the Y' direction from the light reflecting groove 110, and are open in both the Z direction and the Y' direction. The multiple positioning grooves 120 communicate with the light reflecting groove 110. The multiple positioning grooves 120 are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0032] Each positioning groove 120 can be, for example, substantially V-shaped (see FIG. 3B), upside-down trapezoidal (see FIG. 4A), substantially U-shaped (see FIG. 4B), or angular substantially U-shaped (substantially concave (FIG. 4C)) in a first cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' direction and the XX' direction. Each positioning groove 120 has a wall surface 121.

[0033] When each positioning groove 120 is substantially V-shaped in the first cross-sectional view, the wall surface 121 of each positioning groove 120 is substantially V-shaped in the first cross-sectional view (see FIG. 3B ) and has a first wall surface on the X-direction side and a second wall surface on the X'-direction side. The first and second wall surfaces have a first end on the Z'-direction side, a second end on the Z-direction side, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second wall surfaces are connected to each other, and the first wall surface extends from the first end to the second end in a third oblique direction including components in the X-direction and the Z-direction, while the second wall surface extends from the first end to the second end in a fourth oblique direction including components in the X'-direction and the Z-direction. The inclination angle R1 of the first wall surface and the inclination angle R2 of the second wall surface can be, but are not limited to, approximately 54.7 degrees with respect to an imaginary line VL that passes through the first ends of the first and second wall surfaces and extends in the X-X' direction. The linear distance in the XX′ direction between the middle part of the first wall surface and the middle part of the second wall surface is smaller than the diameter of the fixed part 220 of each optical fiber 200.

[0034] When the positioning grooves 120 are in an upside-down trapezoidal shape in the first cross-sectional view, the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120 have a first wall surface on the X-direction side, a second wall surface on the X'-direction side, and a third wall surface on the Z'-direction side (see FIG. 4A). The first wall surface and the second wall surface have a first end on the Z'-direction side, a second end on the Z-direction side, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The third wall surface has a first end on the X-direction side and a second end on the X'-direction side. The first end of the first wall surface is connected to the first end of the third wall surface, and the first end of the second wall surface is connected to the second end of the third wall surface. The first wall surface extends in a third oblique direction from the X-direction end of the third wall surface, and the second wall surface extends in a fourth oblique direction from the X'-direction end of the third wall surface. The linear distance in the XX′ direction between the middle part of the first wall surface and the middle part of the second wall surface is smaller than the diameter of the fixed part 220 of each optical fiber 200.

[0035] When the positioning grooves 120 are substantially U-shaped in the first cross-sectional view, the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120 are substantially U-shaped in the first cross-sectional view (see FIG. 4B ), and have a first wall surface on the X-direction side, a second wall surface on the X'-direction side, and a third wall surface on the Z'-direction side. In the first cross-sectional view, the third wall surface is curved in a substantially arc-like or U-like shape and has a first end on the X-direction side and a second end on the X'-direction side. The first wall surface extends in the Z-direction from the first end of the third wall surface, and the second wall surface extends in the Z-direction from the second end of the third wall surface. The linear distance in the X-X' direction between the first wall surface and the second wall surface is substantially the same as the diameter of the fixed portion 220 of each optical fiber 200.

[0036] When the positioning grooves 120 are generally U-shaped (approximately concave) with sharp corners in the first cross-sectional view, the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120 are generally U-shaped (approximately concave) with sharp corners in the first cross-sectional view (see FIG. 4C ), and have a first wall surface on the X-direction side, a second wall surface on the X'-direction side, and a third wall surface on the Z'-direction side. The third wall surface has a first end on the X-direction side and a second end on the X'-direction side. The first wall surface extends in the Z-direction from the first end of the third wall surface, and the second wall surface extends in the Z-direction from the second end of the third wall surface. The linear distance in the X-X' direction between the first wall surface and the second wall surface is generally the same as the diameter of the fixed portion 220 of each optical fiber 200.

[0037] The clearance groove 130 is a bottomed hole extending in the Z' direction from the light reflecting groove 110. It may be connected to the light reflecting groove 110 and the plurality of positioning grooves 120, or it may be connected to the light reflecting groove 110 and to the plurality of positioning grooves 120 via the light reflecting groove 110. The clearance groove 130 may be a long groove extending in the X-X' direction. The clearance groove 130 may penetrate the base 100 in the X-X' direction. The dimension of the clearance groove 130 in the X-X' direction is greater than the linear distance in the X-X' direction from the X-direction edge of the positioning groove 120 located furthest in the X-direction to the X'-direction edge of the positioning groove 120 located furthest in the X'-direction. The dimension of the clearance groove 130 in the X-X' direction may be the same as the dimension of the light reflecting groove 110 in the X-X' direction, or may be different.

[0038] The clearance groove 130 can be formed in an angular, generally U-shape (a generally concave shape (see FIG. 3)), an upside-down trapezoidal shape (not shown), a generally U-shape (not shown), or a generally V-shape (not shown) in a second cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' direction and the Y-Y' direction, but the shape can be set arbitrarily. The clearance groove 130 has a wall surface 131 on the Y'-direction side. The wall surface 131 of the clearance groove 130 extends in a direction that includes a component in the Z-Z' direction (for example, the Z-Z' direction or a second oblique direction). The wall surface 131 of the clearance groove 130 butts against the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, thereby forming multiple edges EG.

[0039] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are approximately V-shaped in the first cross-sectional view (see Figure 3B), multiple edges EG are formed by abutting the wall surface 131 of the escape groove 130 with the first ends of the first and second wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120.

[0040] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are inverted trapezoidal shape (see Figure 4A), angular approximately U-shaped (see Figure 4B), or approximately U-shaped (see Figure 4C) in the first cross-sectional view, multiple edges EG are formed by abutting the wall surface 131 of the escape groove 130 and the third wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120.

[0041] The fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are arranged in the multiple positioning grooves 120. First wall surfaces of the multiple positioning grooves 120 abut against the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 from the X-direction side, and second wall surfaces of the multiple positioning grooves 120 abut against the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 from the X'-direction side (see FIGS. 3B to 4C). As a result, the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are positioned and fixed in the X-X' direction within the multiple positioning grooves 120. Tip portions 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200 protrude from the multiple positioning grooves 120 in the Y-direction, and the tip portions 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are arranged in the light reflecting groove 110, and tip surfaces 211 of the multiple optical fibers 200 face the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110.

[0042] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are approximately V-shaped in the first cross-sectional view (see Figure 3B), in the first cross-sectional view, the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 abut the intermediate portions of the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120 and are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the portion on the Z'-direction side of the intermediate portions of the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the multiple edges EG.

[0043] When the plurality of positioning grooves 120 have an upside-down trapezoidal shape in the first cross-sectional view (see FIG. 4A ), the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 may be configured such that, in the first cross-sectional view, the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 abut against first, second, and third wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the X-direction and X′-direction portions of the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the plurality of edges E (not shown), or the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 abut against intermediate portions of the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the plurality of edges E (see FIG. 4A ).

[0044] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are roughly U-shaped with corners (see FIG. 4B) or roughly U-shaped (see FIG. 4C) in the first cross-sectional view, the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 abut against the first, second, and third wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120 in the first cross-sectional view, and the X-direction and X'-direction portions of the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the multiple edges EG.

[0045] The base 100 may further include a plurality of connection lines 140. The plurality of connection lines 140 are provided on an edge of the first surface 101 of the base 100 on the Y-direction side of the light reflecting groove 110. The plurality of connection lines 140 are made of a conductive material such as copper foil or silver paste. The plurality of connection lines 140 extend in the Y-Y' direction and are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0046] The assembly A1 may further include an optical element 500. The optical element 500 has a facing portion 510 that faces the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110. The optical element 500 is mounted on an edge portion on the first surface 101 of the base 100 on the Y-direction side with respect to the light reflecting groove 110 so that the facing portion 510 faces the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, and is connected to a plurality of connection lines 140.

[0047] The optical element 500 has at least one photoelectric conversion unit and / or at least one electrical-to-optical conversion unit. The number of the at least one photoelectric conversion unit and / or at least one electrical-to-optical conversion unit corresponds to the number of the plurality of optical fibers 200. For example, the optical element 500 may be configured to have one at least one photoelectric conversion unit and one or more electrical-to-optical conversion units according to the number of the plurality of optical fibers 200, or may be configured to have one or more photoelectric conversion units and one at least one electrical-to-optical conversion unit according to the number of the plurality of optical fibers 200, or may be configured to not have at least one electrical-to-optical conversion unit and have more than one photoelectric conversion unit according to the number of the plurality of optical fibers 200, or may be configured to not have at least one photoelectric conversion unit and have more than one electrical-to-optical conversion unit according to the number of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0048] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, at least one photoelectric conversion unit will also be referred to as "one or each photoelectric conversion unit," and at least one electro-optical conversion unit will also be referred to as "one or each electro-optical conversion unit." One photoelectric conversion unit among "one or each photoelectric conversion unit" corresponds to one photoelectric conversion unit when there is one photoelectric conversion unit, and each photoelectric conversion unit corresponds to each photoelectric conversion unit when there are multiple photoelectric conversion units. One electro-optical conversion unit among "one or each electro-optical conversion unit" corresponds to one electro-optical conversion unit when there is one electro-optical conversion unit, and each electro-optical conversion unit corresponds to each electro-optical conversion unit when there are multiple electro-optical conversion units.

[0049] One or each photoelectric conversion unit is a light receiving element such as a photodiode that can receive an optical signal from the facing unit 510, and is optically connected to the core of the corresponding optical fiber 200 via the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, and is electrically connected to two of the plurality of connection lines 140. Each photoelectric conversion unit is configured to convert an optical signal incident from the corresponding optical fiber 200 into an electrical signal and to be able to output it to the outside via the two connection lines 140.

[0050] One or each electro-optical conversion unit is a light-emitting element such as a semiconductor laser (for example, a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) or an edge-emitting laser) or a light-emitting diode that can emit an optical signal from the facing unit 510, and is optically connected to the core of the corresponding optical fiber 200 via the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, and is electrically connected to two of the multiple connection lines 140. Each electro-optical conversion unit is configured to convert the electrical signals input from the two connection lines 140 into optical signals and emit the converted optical signals to the corresponding optical fiber 200.

[0051] The assembly A1 may further include a pressing member 600. The pressing member 600 is a glass plate or the like, and is placed on the first surface 101 of the base 100 and abuts against the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200. The fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are sandwiched between the pressing member 600 and the base 100. Note that the pressing member 600 can be omitted.

[0052] The assembly A1 further comprises at least one first resin 300 and a second resin 400.

[0053] The at least one first resin 300 may be one or more depending on the number of the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100. For convenience of explanation, the at least one first resin 300 will be described below as being multiple depending on the number of the positioning grooves 120, but even when there is only one first resin 300, the single first resin 300 can have the same configuration as each of the multiple first resins 300. Note that the multiple first resins 300 are not shown in Figures 2 and 3B to 4C.

[0054] The plurality of first resins 300 are fixing resins (e.g., epoxy resin, silicone resin, acrylic resin, etc.) for fixing the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 to the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120. The plurality of first resins 300 are not translucent, or are translucent but have a refractive index lower than approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, but are not limited to this. The fixing strength (adhesion strength) of the plurality of first resins 300 is preferably stronger than the fixing strength of the second resin 400, but are not limited to this. The plurality of first resins 300 have a first portion 310 and a second portion 320.

[0055] The first portions 310 of the multiple first resins 300 are at least partially filled in the relief groove 130 of the base 100. The first portions 310 of the multiple first resins 300 may be integrated in the relief groove 130 of the base 100, or may be separate. When the first portions 310 of the multiple first resins 300 are integrated, the integrated first portions 310 may fill the entire relief groove 130 (see FIGS. 1 and 3A), or may fill only a portion of the relief groove 130 (not shown).

[0056] The second portions 320 of the multiple first resins 300 are filled in the multiple positioning grooves 120 of the base 100 and fix the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 to the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120 (see Figures 1 and 3A).

[0057] When the pressing member 600 is provided, the second parts 320 of the multiple first resins 300 are fixed not only to the fixed parts 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 and the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, but also to the pressing member 600.

[0058] The plurality of first resins 300 may further have a third portion 330 (see FIGS. 1 and 3A). The third portion 330 of each first resin 300 is a portion between the first portion 310 of each first resin 300 and the second portion 320 of each first resin 300, and is disposed within the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100. In each first resin 300, the first portion 310, the third portion 330, and the second portion 320 are continuous in this order. Note that the third portion 330 may be omitted.

[0059] The second resin 400 is a light-transmitting resin (e.g., epoxy resin, silicone resin, acrylic resin, or the like) having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the cores of the plurality of optical fibers 200 and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6. The second resin 400 is filled at least inside the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100. The second resin 400 is fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. Note that the second resin 400 is omitted from illustration in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3B to 4C.

[0060] When the first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300 are integrated and fill the entire clearance groove 130 (see FIGS. 1 and 3A), the second resin 400 is filled in the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100. In this case, the second resin 400 is fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the integrated first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. When the third portions 330 of the plurality of first resins 300 are arranged in the light reflecting groove 110, the second resin 400 is also fixed to the third portions 330 of the plurality of first resins 300.

[0061] When the first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300 are integrated and fill a portion of the clearance groove 130 (not shown), or when the first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300 are separate from one another and fill a portion of the clearance groove 130 (not shown), the second resin 400 fills not only the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100 but also the remaining portion of the clearance groove 130. In this case, the second resin 400 is fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the separate first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. When the third portions 330 of the plurality of first resins 300 are arranged in the light reflecting groove 110, the second resin 400 is also fixed to the third portions 330 of the plurality of first resins 300.

[0062] The second resin 400 may be configured to cover the optical element 500, but is not limited to this.

[0063] When a pressing member 600 is provided, the second resin 400 may also be filled between the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600 and fixed to the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600, but is not limited to this.

[0064] A method for manufacturing the above-mentioned assembly A1 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Here too, the at least one optical fiber 200, the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100, and the at least one first resin 300 will be described as being plural, but even if there is only one of each, the assembly A1 can be manufactured in the same manner as the manufacturing method below.

[0065] First, the base 100 is prepared. As described above, the base 100 is provided with the light reflecting groove 110, the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the clearance groove 130. Furthermore, as described above, the optical element 500 is mounted in advance on the first surface 101 of the base 100 and is connected to the plurality of connection lines 140.

[0066] A plurality of optical fibers 200 are prepared.

[0067] The plurality of optical fibers 200 are placed on the base 100 (see the upper diagram in FIG. 5 ). At this time, the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are placed in the plurality of positioning grooves 120 of the base 100, and the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are abutted against first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are placed in the light reflecting grooves 110 so that the tip surfaces 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 face the mirror surfaces 111 of the light reflecting grooves 110 of the base 100. As a result, the cores of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are optically connected to at least one photoelectric conversion unit and / or at least one electro-optical conversion unit of the optical element 500 via the mirror surfaces 111 of the light reflecting grooves 110 of the base 100.

[0068] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are approximately V-shaped in the first cross-sectional view (see Figure 3B and the upper diagram of Figure 5), by arranging the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 in the multiple positioning grooves 120, the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 abut the intermediate portions of the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the Z'-direction side portions of the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the multiple edges EG.

[0069] When the plurality of positioning grooves 120 are inverted trapezoidal shapes in the first cross section (see FIG. 4A ), by arranging the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 in the plurality of positioning grooves 120, the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 come into contact with the first, second, and third wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and the X-direction side portions and the X′-direction side portions of the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 have gaps on the Z-direction side with respect to the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120. Alternatively, by arranging the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 in the plurality of positioning grooves 120, the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 abut against the first and second wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and are arranged with a gap on the Z direction side from the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z direction side from the plurality of edges EG.

[0070] When the multiple positioning grooves 120 are roughly U-shaped with corners (see FIG. 4B) or roughly U-shaped (see FIG. 4C) in the first cross-sectional view, by arranging the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 in the multiple positioning grooves 120, the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 abut against the first, second, and third wall surfaces of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and the X-direction and X'-direction portions of the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200 are arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the third wall surface of the wall surfaces 121 of the multiple positioning grooves 120, and are also arranged with a gap on the Z-direction side relative to the multiple edges EG.

[0071] When the pressing member 600 is provided, after the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100 as described above, the pressing member 600 is placed on the first surface 101 of the base 100 and brought into contact with the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. As a result, the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are clamped between the pressing member 600 and the base 100. Note that when the pressing member 600 is not provided, this step is omitted.

[0072] It is not necessary for the optical element 500 to be mounted on the base 100 in advance. In this case, after the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100 as described above or after the pressing member 600 is placed on the base 100 (only when the pressing member 600 is provided), the optical element 500 is mounted on an edge portion on the first surface 101 of the base 100 on the Y-direction side of the light reflecting groove 110 so that the facing portion 510 faces the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, and is connected to the plurality of connection lines 140. When the optical element 500 is mounted on the first surface 101 of the base 100, the cores of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are optically connected to at least one photoelectric conversion unit and / or at least one electro-optical conversion unit of the optical element 500 via the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100.

[0073] After placing multiple optical fibers 200 on the base 100 or placing a pressing member 600 on the base 100 (only if a pressing member 600 is provided), multiple molten first resins 300 are applied to multiple positioning grooves 120 of the base 100 from a needle ND of a first applicator (not shown).

[0074] For example, the needles ND are sequentially placed at positions on the second diagonal direction side with respect to the plurality of positioning grooves 120 (see FIG. 6), and the plurality of melted first resins 300 from the needles ND are sequentially applied to portions on the Y'-direction side of the plurality of positioning grooves 120. Note that when applying the plurality of first resins 300, the needles ND of the first applicator are not limited to being placed at positions on the second diagonal direction side with respect to each positioning groove 120, and may be placed at any position as long as they are placed on the direction side including a component of the Z-direction with respect to each positioning groove 120.

[0075] The first applicator is set to a predetermined application pressure (hereinafter referred to as the "first application pressure") and a predetermined application time (hereinafter referred to as the "first application time") so that the first part 310, third part 330, and second part 320 of each molten first resin 300 fills the relief groove 130, the light reflecting groove 110, and each positioning groove 120 in any of the manners described below. The first applicator measures the first application time using an internal timer circuit or a software timer, etc., and stops applying the molten first resin 300 to each positioning groove 120 when it determines that the first application time has elapsed.

[0076] A first applicator applies molten first resins 300 to the positioning grooves 120 at a first application pressure for a first application time. The applied first resins 300 flow into the positioning grooves 120, the light reflecting grooves 110, and the relief grooves 130 in that order. First portions 310 of the first resins 300 flow into the relief grooves 130 through the positioning grooves 120 or through the positioning grooves 120 and the light reflecting grooves 110, adhering to each other and becoming one body, filling the entire relief groove 130 or part of the relief groove 130, or filling part of the relief groove 130 as separate bodies without adhering to each other. Third portions 330 of the first resins 300 flow into the light reflecting groove 110 through the positioning grooves 120 and are disposed within the light reflecting groove 110. The second portions 320 of the first resins 300 fill the positioning grooves 120 and adhere to the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200 and the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120. When the pressing member 600 is provided, the second portions 320 of the first resins 300 filled in the positioning grooves 120 also adhere to the pressing member 600. Of the melted first resins 300 in this manner, the portions that flow into the relief grooves 130 become the first portions 310 of the first resins 300, the portions that flow into the light reflecting grooves 110 become the second portions 320 of the first resins 300, and the portions that flow into the positioning grooves 120 become the second portions 320 of the first resins 300.

[0077] Thereafter, the applied first resins 300 are solidified by at least one of heating, irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light, cooling, and drying. As a result, first portions 310 of the first resins 300 are solidified in the entirety or part of the clearance groove 130, third portions 330 of the first resins 300 are solidified in the light reflecting groove 110, and second portions 320 of the first resins 300 are solidified in the positioning grooves 120, thereby fixing the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200 to the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120. If a pressing member 600 is provided, the second portions 320 of the first resins 300 are also fixed to the pressing member 600.

[0078] After the plurality of first resins 300 are solidified, a molten second resin 400 is applied to the light reflecting grooves 110 .

[0079] The second applicator (not shown) is set to a predetermined application pressure (hereinafter referred to as "second application pressure") and a predetermined application time (hereinafter referred to as "second application time") so that the molten second resin 400 fills at least the inside of the escape groove 130 as described below. The second applicator measures the second application time using an internal timer circuit or a software timer, etc., and stops applying the molten second resin 400 to the light reflecting groove 110 when it determines that the second application time has elapsed.

[0080] 7, a needle of a second applicator is positioned at a position on the third diagonal direction side relative to the light reflecting groove 110, and the molten second resin 400 is applied from the needle to the light reflecting groove 110 at a second application pressure for a second application time, causing the second resin 400 to flow from the X direction side to the X' direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 and fill at least the light reflecting groove 110. By causing the molten second resin 400 to flow from the X direction side to the X' direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 in this manner, the flowing second resin 400 can push out air within the light reflecting groove 110 (including air present on the Z' direction side relative to the tips 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200 and air present on the Z' direction side relative to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500) from the X direction side to the X' direction side within the light reflecting groove 110, thereby filling the light reflecting groove 110 with the second resin 400. In FIG. 7, the second resin 400 is shown by a two-dot chain line to distinguish it from the others.

[0081] When applying the second resin 400, the needle of the second applicator is not limited to being positioned at a position on the third diagonal direction side relative to the light reflecting groove 110, but may be positioned at any position as long as it is positioned on the direction side that includes a component of the Z direction relative to the light reflecting groove 110.

[0082] When the first parts 310 of the multiple first resins 300 are integrated and fill the entire escape groove 130, the applied second resin 400 fills the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100 and adheres to the opposing parts 510 of the optical element 500, the integrated first parts 310 of the multiple first resins 300, the third parts 330 of the multiple first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip parts 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200.

[0083] When the first parts 310 of the multiple first resins 300 are integrated and filled in part of the escape groove 130, or when the first parts 310 of the multiple first resins 300 are separate from each other and filled in part of the escape groove 130, the applied second resin 400 fills not only within the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100, but also the remaining part of the escape groove 130, and adheres to the opposing part 510 of the optical element 500, the separate first parts 310 of the multiple first resins 300, the third parts 330 of the multiple first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip parts 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200.

[0084] The second resin 400 may be applied so as to cover the optical element 500, or if a pressing member 600 is provided, it may be applied so as to fill the space between the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600, but is not limited to these.

[0085] Thereafter, the applied second resin 400 is solidified by at least one of heating, irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light, cooling, and drying. As a result, the solidified second resin 400 is fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the integrated or separate first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300, the third portions 330 of the plurality of first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0086] In this manner, the assembly A1 is manufactured.

[0087] The manufacturing method of the assembly A1 described above can be modified as follows. The first application pressure and first application time of the first applicator are set to a time that allows the molten first resin 300 to flow into each positioning groove 120, and a portion of the molten first resin 300 to separate from the remaining portion filled in each positioning groove 120 and fall into the relief groove 130. In this case, the portion that falls into the relief groove 130 becomes the first portion 310 of each first resin 300, and the remaining portion becomes the second portion 320 of each molten first resin 300. In this case, the third portion 330 is not provided in each first resin 300.

[0088] The first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300 that fell into the clearance groove 130 fill a portion of the clearance groove 130 as separate bodies. After the plurality of first resins 300 solidify, the molten second resin 400 is applied to the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100 as described above. This causes the molten second resin 400 to fill the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100 and the remaining portion of the clearance groove 130, and adhere to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the first portions 310 that are separate bodies of the plurality of first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. The second resin 400 is then solidified as described above. In this manner, an assembly A1 is manufactured in which the plurality of first resins 300 do not have the third portions 330.

[0089] Hereinafter, an optical fiber assembly AC (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly AC") as a comparative example for comparison with the assembly A1 will be described.

[0090] Assembly AC has the same configuration as assembly A1 (see the bottom diagram in FIG. 8 ), except that no escape groove 130 is provided in base 100, a plurality of first resins 300C are filled in a portion of the plurality of positioning grooves 120 and light reflecting groove 110 of base 100, and a second resin 400C is filled in the remaining portion of light reflecting groove 110. Therefore, assembly AC is manufactured as follows.

[0091] The method of manufacturing assembly AC is similar to the method of manufacturing assembly A1 in that a base 100 is prepared, a plurality of optical fibers 200 are prepared, and the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100 (see the upper diagram in FIG. 8). If assembly AC is provided with a pressing member 600, after the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100, the pressing member 600 is placed on the first surface 101 of the base 100 as described above, and the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are sandwiched between the pressing member 600 and the base 100 (see the upper diagram in FIG. 8).

[0092] Thereafter, a plurality of molten first resins 300C are applied from a needle ND of a first coater to the plurality of positioning grooves 120 of the base 100. At this time, some of the molten first resins 300C flow through the plurality of positioning grooves 120 into the light reflecting groove 110, accumulate in the light reflecting groove 110, and creep up in the Z direction along the tip surfaces 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 in the light reflecting groove 110 (see the middle diagram in FIG. 8). An interface is generated between some of the creeping up plurality of first resins 300C and at least some of the tip surfaces 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. There is a possibility that air bubbles (not shown) may be mixed in at this interface.

[0093] After the melted first resins 300C are solidified, the second resin 400C is applied to the light reflecting groove 110 and solidified (see the lower diagram in FIG. 8). Then, the portions of the first resins 300C inside the light reflecting groove 110 cover at least a part of the tip surfaces 211 of the optical fibers 200, and the resins are fixed in a state where the above-mentioned interface is generated. The first resins 300C do not have optical transparency and / or have a refractive index different from that of the cores of the optical fibers 200. This creates a difference between the transmittance of the optical signal of the first resins 300C and that of the cores of the optical fibers 200, which causes diffusion and scattering of the optical signal at the interface, resulting in a loss of light intensity of the optical signal and deteriorating the optical characteristics of the assembly AC. Furthermore, if assembly AC is placed under high temperatures (for example, if assembly AC is incorporated into a medical device, it may be heated to approximately 140°C in an autoclave (sterilization device)), if air bubbles are present at the interface, the air bubbles may expand, increasing the loss of light intensity of the optical signal at the interface, or at least one of the multiple optical fibers 200 may be pushed out of position by the expanding air bubbles.

[0094] In contrast, in the assembly A1, the base 100 is provided with an escape groove 130, and first portions 310 of the plurality of first resins 300 fill the entire or part of the escape groove 130, and the second resin 400 fills the light reflecting groove 110 on the Z-direction side of the escape groove 130, or fills the light reflecting groove 110 and the remainder of the escape groove 130. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the assembly A1, when the molten plurality of first resins 300 are applied to the plurality of positioning grooves 120 of the base 100, the first portions 310 of the molten plurality of first resins 300 flow into the escape groove 130, and therefore, some of the molten plurality of first resins 300 are unlikely to accumulate in the light reflecting groove 110. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon in which some of the molten plurality of first resins 300 creep up in the Z direction along the tip surfaces 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. That is, in the assembly A1, an interface itself is unlikely to occur between the tip surfaces 211 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 and the first portions 310 of the plurality of molten first resins 300.

[0095] The above-described assembly A1 and its manufacturing method provide the following technical features and effects (1) to (4).

[0096] Technical Features and Effects (1) After the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 is fixed to the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100 with the at least one first resin 300, the light-transmitting second resin 400 can be applied to at least the inside of the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100. This reduces the risk that the at least one optical fiber 200 will move when the second resin 400 is applied. When the pressing member 600 is provided, the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 is pressed by the pressing member 600, further reducing the risk that the at least one optical fiber 200 will move.

[0097] Technical Features and Effects (2) The base 100 of the assembly A1 is provided with an escape groove 130, and a first portion 310 of the at least one first resin 300 is at least partially filled in the escape groove 130. In the manufacturing method of the assembly A1, when the molten at least one first resin 300 is applied to the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100, the molten first portion 310 of the at least one first resin 300 flows into the escape groove 130. Therefore, in the assembly A1 and its manufacturing method, the phenomenon in which a portion of the molten at least one first resin 300 accumulates in the light reflecting groove 110 and creeps up along the tip surface 211 of the at least one optical fiber 200, as in the optical fiber assembly AC of the comparative example, is suppressed, and an interface is less likely to occur between the at least one first resin 300 and the tip surface 211 of the at least one optical fiber 200. As a result, the assembly A1 and its manufacturing method are less likely to cause loss of light intensity in the optical signal due to the presence of air bubbles mixed in the interface. Therefore, the optical properties of assembly A1 are improved compared to those of assembly AC. Furthermore, assembly A1 and its manufacturing method make it difficult for the interface to occur, so assembly A1 is suitable for placement under high temperatures.

[0098] Technical Features and Effects (3) To prevent the creep-up phenomenon of the at least one first resin from occurring, it is possible to apply the at least one first resin to the at least one positioning groove 120 after filling the light reflecting groove 110 with the second resin and solidifying it. In this case, the solidified second resin blocks the Y-direction side of the at least one positioning groove 120. Therefore, applying the at least one first resin to the at least one positioning groove 120 may cause air bubbles to be mixed in the Y-direction side region of the at least one positioning groove 120 at the interface between the at least one first resin and the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 or at the interface between the at least one first resin and the second resin. However, the assembly A1 is configured such that the first portion 310 of the at least one first resin 300 fills the entire or part of the clearance groove 130, and the second resin 400 fills the light reflecting groove 110 on the Z-direction side of the clearance groove 130. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the assembly A1, the at least one molten first resin 300 can be applied to the at least one positioning groove 120 before applying the second resin 400. Therefore, air bubbles are less likely to be mixed into the interface between the at least one first resin 300 and the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 in the at least one positioning groove 120.

[0099] Technical Features and Effects (4) In the manufacturing method of the assembly A1, when the second resin 400 is applied to the light reflecting groove 110, if the molten second resin 400 is caused to flow from the X direction side to the X' direction side within the light reflecting groove 110, the flowing second resin 400 can fill the light reflecting groove 110 while pushing out the air within the light reflecting groove 110 from the X direction side to the X' direction side within the light reflecting groove 110. Therefore, within the light reflecting groove 110, air bubbles are less likely to be mixed in the interface between the tip 210 of at least one optical fiber 200 and the flowing second resin 400 (for example, the interface between the Z' direction side surface of the tip 210 of at least one optical fiber 200 and the flowing second resin 400) and / or the interface between the optical element 500 and the flowing second resin 400 (for example, the interface between the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500 and the flowing second resin 400). When the light reflecting groove 110 penetrates the base 100 in the XX' direction, the molten second resin 400 can easily flow into the light reflecting groove 110 from the X direction side to the X' direction side. [Example]

[0100] An optical fiber assembly A2 (not shown) according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including a second embodiment and its design variations, will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 illustrates the optical fiber assembly A2 of the second embodiment. The optical fiber assembly A2 has the same configuration as the optical fiber assembly A1 described above, except that at least one first resin 300′ has a second portion 320 but does not have a first portion 310 or a third portion 330, and that the second resin 400′ is filled not only in the light reflecting groove 110 of the base 100 but also in the relief groove 130. Below, only the differences will be described in detail, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Note that in FIG. 9, the Z-Z′ direction, Y-Y′ direction, and X-X′ direction are shown in the same manner as in FIG. 1.

[0101] The at least one first resin 300' of the assembly A2 may be one or more depending on the number of the at least one positioning grooves 120 of the base 100, similar to the at least one first resin 300 of the assembly A1.

[0102] For ease of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that there are multiple first resins 300' according to the number of positioning grooves 120, but even when there is only one first resin 300', the single first resin 300' can have the same configuration as each of the multiple first resins 300'.

[0103] The second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300′ are filled into the plurality of positioning grooves 120 of the base 100 up to the gaps between the plurality of edges EG of the base 100 and the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200. The second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300′ fix the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 to the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120.

[0104] When the pressing member 600 is provided, the second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300′ are fixed not only to the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 and the wall surfaces 121 of the plurality of positioning grooves 120, but also to the pressing member 600.

[0105] The second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300′ have tip surfaces 321 on the Y direction side. The tip surfaces 321 face into the light reflecting groove 110 through the gaps between the plurality of edges EG and the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0106] The multiple positioning grooves 120 of the base 100 can be approximately V-shaped (see FIG. 3B), upside-down trapezoidal (see FIG. 4A), angular approximately U-shaped (see FIG. 4B), or approximately U-shaped (see FIG. 4C) in the first cross-sectional view.

[0107] The second resin 400' is filled in the light reflecting groove 110 and the escape groove 130 of the base 100 and is fixed to the opposing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the tip surface 321 of the second portion 320 of the plurality of first resins 300', the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0108] The second resin 400' may be configured to cover the optical element 500, but is not limited to this.

[0109] When a pressing member 600 is provided, the second resin 400' may also be filled between the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600 and fixed to the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600, but is not limited to this.

[0110] A method for manufacturing the above-mentioned assembly A2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Here too, the at least one optical fiber 200, the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100, and the at least one first resin 300' are described as being plural, but even if there is only one of each, the assembly A2 can be manufactured in the same manner as the manufacturing method below.

[0111] The method of manufacturing the assembly A2 is similar to the method of manufacturing the assembly A1 in that a base 100 is prepared, a plurality of optical fibers 200 are prepared, and the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100. If the assembly A2 is provided with a pressing member 600, after the plurality of optical fibers 200 are arranged on the base 100, the pressing member 600 is placed on the first surface 101 of the base 100 as described above, and the fixed portions 220 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 are sandwiched between the pressing member 600 and the base 100.

[0112] After placing multiple optical fibers 200 on the base 100 or placing the pressing member 600 on the base 100 (only if the pressing member 600 is provided), multiple molten first resins 300' are applied from the needle ND of the first applicator to the multiple positioning grooves 120 of the base 100.

[0113] For example, the needles ND are sequentially placed at positions on the second diagonal direction side with respect to the plurality of positioning grooves 120 (see FIG. 6 ), and the plurality of first resins 300′ melted from the needles ND are sequentially applied to portions on the Y′ direction side of the plurality of positioning grooves 120. Note that when applying the plurality of first resins 300′, the needles ND of the first applicator are not limited to being placed at positions on the second diagonal direction side with respect to each positioning groove 120, and may be placed at any position as long as they are placed on the direction side including a component of the Z direction with respect to each positioning groove 120.

[0114] The first applicator is set to a predetermined application pressure (hereinafter referred to as the "third application pressure") and a predetermined application time (hereinafter referred to as the "third application time") so that the molten first resin 300' fills each positioning groove 120 in any of the manners described below. The first applicator measures the third application time using an internal timer circuit or a software timer, and stops applying the molten first resin 300' to each positioning groove 120 when it determines that the third application time has elapsed.

[0115] The first applicator applies the molten first resin 300′ to each positioning groove 120 at a third application pressure for a third application time, whereby the second portion 320 of each applied first resin 300′ flows into each positioning groove 120 and fills each positioning groove 120 up to the gaps between the edges EG of the base 100 and the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200. In other words, the first applicator applies the molten first resin 300′ to each positioning groove 120 at a third application pressure for a third application time, whereby the second portion 320 of each first resin 300′ that has flowed into each positioning groove 120 stops in the gaps between the edges EG of the base 100 and the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200.

[0116] When the viscosity of each molten first resin 300' is set to a predetermined viscosity (minimum viscosity of 0.4 Pa·s or more (preferably, viscosity of 0.4 to 0.8 Pa·s)) and the first coater applies each molten first resin 300' to each positioning groove 120 at a third coating pressure for a third coating time, the second portions 320 of each first resin 300' that flow into each positioning groove 120 are more likely to be stopped in the gaps between the multiple edges EG of the base 100 and the fixed portions 220 of the multiple optical fibers 200.

[0117] The second portions 320 of the first resins 300 are filled into the positioning grooves 120 and adhere to the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200 and the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120. The tip surfaces 321 of the second portions 320 of the first resins 300′ are positioned so as to face the light reflecting grooves 110 from the positioning grooves 120.

[0118] When the pressing member 600 is provided, the second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300 ′ filled in the plurality of positioning grooves 120 also adhere to the pressing member 600 .

[0119] Thereafter, the applied first resins 300' are solidified by at least one of heating, irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light, cooling, and drying. As a result, the second portions 320 of the first resins 300' are solidified within the positioning grooves 120, fixing the fixed portions 220 of the optical fibers 200 to the wall surfaces 121 of the positioning grooves 120. If a pressing member 600 is provided, the second portions 320 of the first resins 300' are also fixed to the pressing member 600.

[0120] After the plurality of first resins 300' are solidified, a molten second resin 400' is applied to the light reflecting grooves 110 and / or the relief grooves 130.

[0121] The second applicator is set to a predetermined application pressure (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth application pressure") and a predetermined application time (hereinafter referred to as a "fourth application time") so that the molten second resin 400' fills the escape grooves 130 and the light reflecting grooves 110 as described below. The second applicator measures the fourth application time using an internal timer circuit or a software timer, and stops applying the molten second resin 400' to the light reflecting grooves 110 and / or the escape grooves 130 when it determines that the fourth application time has elapsed.

[0122] For example, the needle of the second applicator is positioned at a position on the third diagonal side relative to the light reflecting groove 110 (see Figure 7), and the molten second resin 400' is applied from the needle ND into the light reflecting groove 110 at a fourth application pressure for a fourth application time, causing the second resin 400' to flow from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 and the escape groove 130, filling them. By flowing the molten second resin 400' from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 in this manner, the flowing second resin 400' can push out the air within the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 (including the air present on the Z'-direction side relative to the tip ends 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200 and the air present on the Z'-direction side relative to the opposing portion 510 of the optical element 500) from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130, and the second resin 400' can fill the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130.

[0123] When applying the second resin 400', the needle of the second applicator is not limited to being positioned at a position on the third diagonal direction side relative to the light reflecting groove 110, but may be positioned at any position as long as it is positioned on a direction side including a Z-direction component relative to the light reflecting groove 110 or on a direction side including a X-direction component or an X'-direction component relative to the escape groove 130.

[0124] The applied second resin 400' fills the light reflecting groove 110 and the escape groove 130 of the base 100, and adheres to the opposing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the tip surface 321 of the second portion 320 of the multiple first resins 300, the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the multiple optical fibers 200.

[0125] The second resin 400' may be applied so as to cover the optical element 500, or if a pressing member 600 is provided, it may be applied so as to fill the space between the optical element 500 and the pressing member 600, but is not limited to these.

[0126] Thereafter, the applied second resin 400' is solidified by at least one of heating, irradiation with light such as ultraviolet light, cooling, and drying. As a result, the solidified second resin 400' is fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500, the tip surfaces 321 of the second portions 320 of the plurality of first resins 300', the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110, the opposite surface 112 of the light reflecting groove 110, and the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200.

[0127] In this manner, assembly A2 is manufactured.

[0128] The optical fiber assembly A2 and the manufacturing method thereof described above have the following technical features and effects (1) to (4).

[0129] After the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 is fixed to the at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100 with the at least one first resin 300′, the light-transmitting second resin 400 can be applied to at least the light reflecting groove 110 and the clearance groove 130 of the base 100. This reduces the risk of the at least one optical fiber 200 moving when the second resin 400 is applied. When the pressing member 600 is provided, the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 is pressed by the pressing member 600, further reducing the risk of the at least one optical fiber 200 moving.

[0130] Technical Features and Effects (2) The base 100 of the assembly A2 is provided with an escape groove 130, and a second resin 400′ is filled into the light reflecting groove 110 and the escape groove 130. In the manufacturing method of the assembly A2, at least one molten first resin 300′ is applied to at least one positioning groove 120 of the base 100, and is filled up to a gap between at least one edge EG of the base 100 and the fixed portion 220 of at least one optical fiber 200 in the at least one positioning groove 120. Thereafter, a molten second resin 400′ is applied to the light reflecting groove 110 and / or the escape groove 130, and is filled into the light reflecting groove 110 and the escape groove 130. Therefore, the assembly A2 and its manufacturing method suppress the phenomenon in which a portion of the molten at least one first resin 300′ accumulates in the light reflecting groove 110 and creeps up along the tip surface 211 of the at least one optical fiber 200, as occurs in the optical fiber assembly AC of the comparative example, and therefore, an interface is less likely to occur between the at least one first resin 300′ and the tip surface 211 of the at least one optical fiber 200. As a result, the assembly A2 and its manufacturing method are less likely to experience loss of light intensity in the optical signal due to the presence of air bubbles mixed in at the interface. Therefore, the optical characteristics of the assembly A2 are improved compared to the optical characteristics of the assembly AC. Furthermore, because the assembly A2 and its manufacturing method are less likely to experience the interface itself, the assembly A2 is suitable for use at high temperatures.

[0131] Technical Features and Effects (3) To prevent the creeping up of the at least one first resin, it is possible to apply the at least one first resin to the positioning grooves 120 after filling and solidifying the second resin in the light reflecting groove 110. In this case, the solidified second resin blocks the Y-direction side of the at least one positioning groove 120. Therefore, applying the at least one first resin to the at least one positioning groove 120 may cause air bubbles to be trapped in the Y-direction region of the at least one positioning groove 120 at the interface between the at least one first resin and the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200 or at the interface between the at least one first resin and the second resin. However, the assembly A2 has a configuration in which the at least one positioning groove 120 is filled with the at least one first resin 300′ and the light reflecting groove 110 is filled with the second resin 400. In the manufacturing method of the assembly A2, the at least one molten first resin 300′ is applied to the at least one positioning groove 120 before applying the second resin 400′. Therefore, in the at least one positioning groove 120, air bubbles are less likely to be mixed in the interface between the at least one first resin 300' and the fixed portion 220 of the at least one optical fiber 200, or the interface between the at least one first resin 300' and the second resin 400'.

[0132] Technical Features and Effects (4) In the manufacturing method of assembly A2, when the second resin 400' is applied to the light reflecting groove 110, if the molten second resin 400' is caused to flow into the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side, the flowing second resin 400' can push out the air in the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side within the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130, while filling the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 with the second resin 400'. Therefore, in the light reflecting groove 110, air bubbles are less likely to be mixed in the interface between the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 and the second resin 400' that has flowed in (for example, the interface between the Z'-direction faces of the tip portions 210 of the plurality of optical fibers 200 and the second resin 400' that has flowed in) and / or the interface between the optical element 500 and the second resin 400' that has flowed in (for example, the interface between the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500 and the second resin 400' that has flowed in). When the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130 penetrate the base 100 in the X-X' direction, it becomes easier to flow the molten second resin 400 from the X-direction side to the X'-direction side within the light reflecting groove 110.

[0133] The optical fiber assembly and its manufacturing method described above are not limited to the above embodiment, but can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the claims.

[0134] The optical element 500 and the plurality of connection lines 140 of the assembly A1 can be omitted. In this case, the second resin 400 of the assembly A1 is not fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the assembly A1, when the molten second resin 400 is filled at least in the light reflecting groove 110, the molten second resin 400 does not adhere to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500.

[0135] The optical element 500 and the plurality of connection lines 140 of the assembly A2 can also be omitted. In this case, the second resin 400' of the assembly A2 is not fixed to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the assembly A2, when the molten second resin 400' is filled into the light reflecting groove 110 and the relief groove 130, the molten second resin 400' does not adhere to the facing portion 510 of the optical element 500.

[0136] The shape of at least one positioning groove 120 in the base 100 of the assembly A1 and the assembly A2 in the cross section can be changed as desired as long as the fixed portion 220 of at least one optical fiber 200 can be placed therein.

[0137] When the assemblies A1 and A2 each have one positioning groove 120, one optical fiber 200, and one first resin, the following configurations are possible. The dimensions of the light reflecting groove 110 and the clearance groove 130 in the X-X' direction only need to be larger than the dimension of one positioning groove 120 in the X-X' direction, and they do not need to be long grooves extending in the X-X' direction. The wall surface 121 of one positioning groove 120 and the wall surface 131 of the clearance groove 130 are butted together to form one edge EG. The one edge EG can have the same configuration as any one of the multiple edges EG described above. When an optical element 500 is provided, the optical element 500 has a photoelectric conversion unit or an electro-optic conversion unit positioned to be optically connected to one optical fiber 200 via the mirror surface 111 of the light reflecting groove 110. The first portion 310 of one first resin 300 may fill the entire clearance groove 130 or may fill only a portion of it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] A1, A2: Optical fiber assembly 100: Bass 101: First surface 102: Second surface 110: Light reflecting groove 111: Mirror surface 112: Opposite surface 120: Positioning groove 121: Wall surface 130: Relief groove 131: Wall surface EG: Edge 140: Connection line 200: Optical fiber 210: Tip 211: Tip surface 220: Fixed part 300, 300': First resin 310: Part 1 320: Part 2 321: Tip surface 330: Part 3 400, 400': Second resin 500: Optical element 510: Opposing part 600: Pressing member

Claims

1. Prepare the base, providing at least one optical fiber; disposing the at least one optical fiber on the base; applying at least one first resin; solidifying the applied at least one first resin; applying a second resin having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, and and solidifying the applied second resin, a light reflecting groove, at least one positioning groove, and a clearance groove are provided on a first surface of the base on one side in a first direction, the first direction being a thickness direction of the base; the light reflecting groove is a groove that opens to one side in the first direction and has a mirror surface on one side in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an opposite surface that faces the mirror surface, the at least one positioning groove is a long groove extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction in the second direction, opening in one direction in the first direction, and communicating with the light reflecting groove; the relief groove is a bottomed hole extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction of the first direction, and is in communication with the light reflecting groove and the at least one positioning groove, or is in communication with the light reflecting groove and is in communication with the at least one positioning groove via the light reflecting groove, the at least one optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the second direction and a fixed portion on the other side in the second direction relative to the tip portion, the tip portion having a tip surface on the one side in the second direction of the at least one optical fiber, the placement of the at least one optical fiber on the base includes placing the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber in the at least one positioning groove, and placing the tip end of the at least one optical fiber in the light reflecting groove so that the tip end surface of the at least one optical fiber faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove; applying the at least one first resin includes applying the molten at least one first resin into the at least one positioning groove after the at least one optical fiber is placed on the base, a first portion of the applied at least one first resin passing through the at least one positioning groove or passing through the at least one positioning groove and the light reflecting groove and flowing into the relief groove, and a second portion of the applied at least one first resin flowing into the at least one positioning groove and adhering to the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber and a wall surface of the at least one positioning groove, solidifying the at least one first resin includes solidifying the first portion of the at least one first resin in the relief groove and solidifying the second portion of the at least one first resin in the at least one positioning groove to fix the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the application of the second resin includes applying the molten second resin into the light reflecting groove after the at least one first resin has solidified, filling the second resin at least into the light reflecting groove, and adhering the second resin to the first part of the solidified at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of the at least one optical fiber.

2. 2. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, the application of the at least one first resin further includes the step of: the molten at least one first resin flows into the at least one positioning groove, the light reflecting groove, and the relief groove in this order; the portion of the at least one first resin that flows into the at least one positioning groove becomes the second part of the at least one first resin; the portion that flows into the light reflecting groove becomes the third part of the at least one first resin; and the portion that flows into the relief groove becomes the first part of the at least one first resin; The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly further includes solidifying the at least one first resin in the light reflecting groove.

3. 3. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, the at least one positioning groove of the base is a plurality of grooves, and is arranged at intervals in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the light reflecting groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves; the relief groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the light reflecting groove and the plurality of positioning grooves, or communicates with the light reflecting groove and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves via the light reflecting groove; the at least one optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers, the placement of the at least one optical fiber on the base includes placing the fixed portions of the plurality of optical fibers in the plurality of positioning grooves, and placing the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers in the light reflecting grooves so that the tip faces of the plurality of optical fibers face the mirror surfaces of the light reflecting grooves; applying the at least one first resin includes applying the molten first resins into the positioning grooves after the optical fibers are arranged on the base, the first portions of the applied first resins flowing into the relief grooves through the positioning grooves or through the positioning grooves and the light reflecting grooves, and the second portions of the applied first resins flowing into the positioning grooves and adhering to the fixed portions of the optical fibers and the wall surfaces of the positioning grooves, solidifying the at least one first resin includes solidifying the first portions of the plurality of first resins in the relief grooves and solidifying the second portions of the plurality of first resins in the plurality of positioning grooves to fix the fixed portions of the plurality of optical fibers to the wall surfaces of the plurality of positioning grooves, A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the application of the second resin includes adhering the second resin filled at least within the light reflecting groove to the first portions of the solidified first resins, the mirror surfaces of the light reflecting grooves, the opposite surfaces of the light reflecting grooves, and the tip portions of the plurality of optical fibers.

4. 4. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 3, The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly further includes applying the plurality of first resins, and the first portions of the plurality of first resins that have flowed into the relief grooves are integrated within the relief grooves.

5. 4. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 3, The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly further includes applying the second resin by flowing the applied second resin from one side of the third direction within the light reflecting groove to the other side of the third direction, thereby filling the second resin at least within the light reflecting groove.

6. Prepare the base, providing at least one optical fiber; disposing the at least one optical fiber on the base; applying at least one first resin; solidifying the applied at least one first resin; applying a second resin having a refractive index substantially the same as that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, and and solidifying the applied second resin, a light reflecting groove, at least one positioning groove, and a clearance groove are provided on a first surface of the base on one side in a first direction, the first direction being a thickness direction of the base; the light reflecting groove is a groove that opens to one side in the first direction and has a mirror surface on one side in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an opposite surface that faces the mirror surface, the at least one positioning groove is a long groove extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction in the second direction, opening in one direction in the first direction, and communicating with the light reflecting groove; the relief groove is a bottomed hole extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction of the first direction and communicating with the light reflecting groove and the at least one positioning groove; the at least one optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the second direction and a fixed portion on the other side in the second direction relative to the tip portion, the tip portion having a tip surface on the one side in the second direction of the at least one optical fiber, the placement of the at least one optical fiber on the base includes placing the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber in the at least one positioning groove, and placing the tip end of the at least one optical fiber in the light reflecting groove so that the tip end surface of the at least one optical fiber faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove; applying the at least one first resin includes applying the molten at least one first resin into the at least one positioning groove after placing the at least one optical fiber on the base, and causing the at least one first resin to adhere to the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber and a wall surface of the at least one positioning groove; solidifying the at least one first resin includes solidifying the at least one first resin in the at least one positioning groove to fix the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the application of the second resin includes applying the molten second resin into the light reflecting groove and / or the escape groove after the at least one first resin has solidified, filling the light reflecting groove and the escape groove with the second resin and adhering it to the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of the at least one optical fiber.

7. 7. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 6, the at least one positioning groove of the base is a plurality of grooves, and is arranged at intervals in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the light reflecting groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves; the relief groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the light reflecting groove and the plurality of positioning grooves; the at least one optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers, the placement of the at least one optical fiber on the base includes placing the fixed portions of the plurality of optical fibers in the plurality of positioning grooves, and placing the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers in the light reflecting grooves so that the tip faces of the plurality of optical fibers face the mirror surfaces of the light reflecting grooves; applying the at least one first resin includes applying the molten first resins into the positioning grooves after the optical fibers are arranged on the base, and causing the first resins to adhere to the fixed portions of the optical fibers and the wall surfaces of the positioning grooves; solidifying the at least one first resin includes solidifying the plurality of first resins in the plurality of positioning grooves to fix the fixed portions of the plurality of optical fibers to the wall surfaces of the plurality of positioning grooves; A method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the application of the second resin includes adhering the second resin filled in the light reflecting groove and the escape groove to the plurality of first resins, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip portions of the plurality of optical fibers.

8. 8. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 6 or 7, a wall surface of the relief groove on the other side in the second direction and the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove abut against each other to form at least one edge, The arrangement of the at least one optical fiber in the at least one positioning groove of the fixed portion further includes arranging the at least one optical fiber with a gap on one side in the first direction relative to the at least one edge, the at least one first resin has a predetermined viscosity; The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly further includes applying the at least one first resin so that the applied at least one first resin stops in the gap between the at least one edge and the at least one optical fiber.

9. 7. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 6, The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly further includes applying the second resin by flowing the applied second resin from one side of a third direction, which is approximately perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, into the light reflecting groove and the escape groove to the other side of the third direction, thereby filling the second resin into the light reflecting groove and the escape groove.

10. 7. The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly according to claim 1, further comprising placing a presser member on the first surface of the base after placing the at least one optical fiber on the base; the arrangement of the pressing member includes clamping the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber between the base and the pressing member; The method for manufacturing an optical fiber assembly, wherein the application of the at least one first resin is performed after the positioning of the pressing member.

11. With the base, at least one optical fiber; at least one first resin; a second resin having a refractive index substantially equal to that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, and the base has a first surface on one side in a first direction which is a thickness direction of the base, a light reflecting groove, at least one positioning groove, and a relief groove; the light reflecting groove, the at least one positioning groove, and the clearance groove are provided on the first surface of the base; the light reflecting groove is a groove that opens to one side in the first direction and has a mirror surface on one side in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an opposite surface that faces the mirror surface, the at least one positioning groove is a long groove extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction in the second direction, opening in one direction in the first direction, and communicating with the light reflecting groove; the relief groove is a bottomed hole extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction of the first direction, and is in communication with the light reflecting groove and the at least one positioning groove, or is in communication with the light reflecting groove and is in communication with the at least one positioning groove via the light reflecting groove, the at least one optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the second direction and a fixed portion on the other side in the second direction relative to the tip portion, the tip portion has a tip surface on one side of the at least one optical fiber in the second direction, and the tip portion is disposed in the light reflecting groove so that the tip surface faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the fixed portion is disposed in the at least one positioning groove, the at least one first resin has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion is at least partially filled in the relief groove; the second portion is filled in the at least one positioning groove and fixes the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to a wall surface of the at least one positioning groove; The second resin is filled at least within the light reflecting groove, and is fixed to the first portion of the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of the at least one optical fiber.

12. 12. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 11, the at least one first resin further comprises a third portion; the first part, the third part, and the second part are consecutive in this order; the third portion is disposed within the light reflecting groove, The second resin is also fixed to the third portion of the at least one first resin.

13. 12. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 11, the at least one positioning groove of the base is a plurality of grooves, and is arranged at intervals in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the light reflecting groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves; the relief groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the light reflecting groove and the plurality of positioning grooves, or communicates with the light reflecting groove and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves via the light reflecting groove; the at least one optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers, the fixed portions of the optical fibers are disposed in the positioning grooves, the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers are disposed in the light reflecting groove so that the tip faces face the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the at least one first resin is a plurality of resins, the first portions of the plurality of first resins are at least partially filled in the relief grooves, the second portions of the first resins are filled in the positioning grooves and fix the fixed portions of the optical fibers to the wall surfaces of the positioning grooves, An optical fiber assembly in which the second resin is fixed to the first portions of the plurality of first resins, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip portions of the plurality of optical fibers.

14. 14. The optical fiber assembly of claim 13, The first portions of the plurality of first resins are integrated within the relief groove.

15. With the base, at least one optical fiber; at least one first resin; a second resin having a refractive index substantially equal to that of the core of the at least one optical fiber and / or a refractive index of approximately 1.4 to approximately 1.6, and the base has a first surface on one side in a first direction which is a thickness direction of the base, a light reflecting groove, at least one positioning groove, and a relief groove; the light reflecting groove, the at least one positioning groove, and the clearance groove are provided on the first surface of the base; the light reflecting groove is a groove that opens to one side in the first direction and has a mirror surface on one side in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an opposite surface that faces the mirror surface, the at least one positioning groove is a long groove extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction in the second direction, opening in one direction in the first direction, and communicating with the light reflecting groove; the relief groove is a bottomed hole extending from the light reflecting groove in the other direction of the first direction and communicating with the light reflecting groove and the at least one positioning groove; the at least one optical fiber has a tip portion on one side in the second direction and a fixed portion on the other side in the second direction relative to the tip portion, the tip portion has a tip surface on one side of the at least one optical fiber in the second direction, and the tip portion is disposed in the light reflecting groove so that the tip surface faces the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the fixed portion is disposed in the at least one positioning groove, the at least one first resin is filled in the at least one positioning groove and fixes the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber to a wall surface of the at least one positioning groove; An optical fiber assembly in which the second resin is filled into the light reflecting groove and the escape groove and is fixed to the at least one first resin, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip of the at least one optical fiber.

16. 16. The optical fiber assembly of claim 15, the at least one positioning groove of the base is a plurality of grooves, and is arranged at intervals in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the light reflecting groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the plurality of positioning grooves; the relief groove of the base extends in the third direction and communicates with the light reflecting groove and the plurality of positioning grooves; the at least one optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers, the fixed portions of the optical fibers are disposed in the positioning grooves, the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers are disposed in the light reflecting groove so that the tip faces face the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the at least one first resin is filled in the positioning grooves and fixes the fixed portions of the optical fibers to the wall surfaces of the positioning grooves; an optical fiber assembly in which the second resin is fixed to the plurality of first resins, the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, the opposite surface of the light reflecting groove, and the tip ends of the plurality of optical fibers;

17. 17. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 15 or 16, the base further comprises at least one edge; the at least one edge is formed by abutting a wall surface of the relief groove on the other side in the second direction against the wall surface of the at least one positioning groove, the at least one optical fiber is disposed with a gap on one side in the first direction relative to the at least one edge, The at least one first resin is filled in the at least one positioning groove up to the gap between the at least one edge and the at least one optical fiber.

18. 16. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 11 or 15, The base further includes a pressing member disposed on the first surface of the base, The optical fiber assembly includes the base and the pressing member sandwiching the fixed portion of the at least one optical fiber.

19. 16. The optical fiber assembly according to claim 11 or 15, an optical element mounted on the first surface of the base and optically connected to a core of the at least one optical fiber via the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove; the optical element has a facing portion facing the mirror surface of the light reflecting groove, The second resin is also fixed to the opposing portion.

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