Optical module positioning device, positioning method, and optical module inspection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a positioning device for an optical module that can be miniaturized and emit light in one direction from the optical module, a positioning method for an optical module, and an inspection device for an optical module. [Solution] The optical module positioning device 1 comprises an inspection table 9 on which an optical module 3 having a light source 5 is placed, and a sliding part 17 that slides the optical module 3 along the X-axis direction. The optical module 3 is positioned so that the optical axis 6a of the light 6 emitted from the light source 5 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The inspection table 9 is provided with a wall portion 11 having a contact surface 13. The optical module 3 is positioned in the X-axis direction when it comes into contact with the contact surface 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a positioning device for an optical module, a positioning method thereof, and an inspection device for an optical module.

Background Art

[0002] When inspecting an optical module, it is necessary to position the optical module. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a positioning device for positioning a chip-shaped circuit component. In this positioning device, a slider is inserted between a pair of centering blocks with respect to a chip-shaped circuit component sandwiched between the pair of centering blocks, and the chip-shaped circuit component is slid to position the chip-shaped circuit component.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when attempting to position an optical module by applying the above-described positioning device, three drive sources are required to determine the respective positions in three directions (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). For this reason, miniaturization of the positioning device is hindered. In addition, light emitted from the light-emitting source of the positioned optical module is blocked by a part of the positioning device, and light cannot be emitted to the outside of the positioning device.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve these problems, and one objective is to provide an optical module positioning device that can be miniaturized and emit light in one direction from the optical module, another objective is to provide a method for positioning such an optical module, and yet another objective is to provide an optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The optical module positioning device according to this disclosure is an optical module positioning device for positioning an optical module having a light source, and comprises a mounting table, a first direction positioning unit, a sliding unit, and a control unit. The optical module is mounted on the mounting table. The first direction positioning unit is provided on the mounting table and positions the optical module in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source, and emits light from the light source toward the first direction. The sliding unit slides the optical module mounted on the mounting table along the first direction. The control unit controls the operation of the sliding unit.

[0007] The optical module positioning method according to this disclosure is an optical module positioning method to which the optical module positioning device described above is applied, wherein the optical module placed on a mounting table is slid along a first direction and the optical module is brought into contact with a first direction positioning part, thereby positioning the optical module in a first direction.

[0008] The optical module inspection apparatus according to this disclosure is an optical module inspection apparatus applied to the optical module positioning apparatus described above, and comprises a probe, a light receiving unit, a second stage unit, and a measuring unit. The probe is electrically connected to an optical module that has been positioned in a first direction and emits light from a light source. The light receiving unit receives the light emitted from the optical module. The second stage unit to which the light receiving unit is attached allows movement of the light receiving unit along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and movement of the light receiving unit along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The measuring unit is electrically connected to the light receiving unit and measures the light received by the light receiving unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the optical module positioning device of this disclosure, the optical module that emits light having an optical axis parallel to the first direction is slid along the first direction and brought into contact with the first direction positioning part, thereby positioning the optical module in the first direction. As a result, the number of positioning directions can be reduced compared to when the optical module positioning device performs positioning in three directions. Consequently, the mechanism of the optical module positioning device can be miniaturized, and light can be emitted from the optical module in the first direction.

[0010] The optical module positioning method described herein can contribute to miniaturizing the mechanism of the optical module positioning device by applying the above-described optical module positioning device. Furthermore, it is possible to emit light from the optical module in a first direction.

[0011] The optical module inspection device described herein, when applied to the optical module positioning device described above, enables positioning in two directions. This reduces the number of positioning directions compared to when the optical module inspection device performs positioning in three directions. As a result, it can contribute to miniaturizing the functionality of the optical module inspection device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing the structure of the optical module positioning device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the optical module in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the structure of an optical module inspection device applied to an optical module positioning device in the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing one step in the method for measuring an optical module using an optical module positioning device and an optical module inspection device in the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the steps performed after the steps shown in Figure 4 in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the steps performed after the steps shown in Figure 5 in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the steps performed after the steps shown in Figure 6 in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a first example of an inspection table on which an optical module is placed in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a second example of an inspection table on which an optical module is placed in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a third example of an inspection table on which an optical module is placed in the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a fourth example of an inspection table on which an optical module is placed in the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side view showing the structure of an optical module inspection device to which an optical module positioning device according to Embodiment 2 is applied. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the relationship between the position of the optical module and the velocity of the optical module when the position of the optical module is measured by the optical module positioning device in the same embodiment. [Figure 14]In the same embodiment, it is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position and the speed of the optical module when the position of the optical module is not measured in the optical module positioning device. [Figure 15] In the same embodiment, it is a side view schematically showing another example of the structure of the optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device is applied. [Figure 16] It is a side view schematically showing the structure of the optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device according to Embodiment 3 is applied. [Figure 17] In the same embodiment, it is a diagram for explaining the operation of the optical module positioning device. [Figure 18] In the same embodiment, it is a side view schematically showing another example of the structure of the optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device is applied.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiment 1. An example of the optical module positioning device according to Embodiment 1 and an example of the optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device is applied will be described. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis (rectangular coordinate system) will be used for explanation as necessary. First, an example of the optical module positioning device will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical module positioning device 1 includes an inspection table 9 as a mounting table on which the optical module 3 is mounted, and a slide unit 17 that slides the optical module 3 along the X-axis direction as the first direction.

[0015] The slide unit 17 has a rigid body part 23, a first stage part 19, and a spring 21. The first stage part 19 and the rigid body part 23 are connected with the spring 21 interposed therebetween as a buffer member. The rigid body part 23 comes into contact with the optical module 3 mounted on the inspection table 9. The first stage part 19 slides the rigid body part 23 along the X-axis direction (positive direction).

[0016] The first stage unit 19 is electrically connected to the control unit 49. The control unit 49 is, for example, a processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor (MPU), or a computer such as a personal computer equipped with such a processing unit.

[0017] The operating direction of the first stage unit 19 is the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis when moving in a straight line, and it may be around the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis when rotating. Here, based on an electrical signal from the control unit 49 to the first stage unit 19, the first stage unit 19 moves in the X-axis direction (positive direction). As the first stage unit 19 moves, the rigid body 23 comes into contact with the optical module 3, causing the optical module 3 to slide toward the wall 11.

[0018] The inspection table 9 is provided with a wall portion 11 as a first directional positioning section. The wall portion 11 has a contact surface 13 against which the optical module 3 will come into contact. The optical module 3 is positioned in the X-axis direction when it comes into contact with the contact surface 13.

[0019] The inspection table 9 is installed on the temperature stabilizer 15 in such a manner that the lower surface of the inspection table 9 is in contact with it. The temperature stabilizer 15 may be, for example, a water-cooled heat sink or a Peltier element.

[0020] The optical module 3 is, for example, a laser diode (LD) or a laser diode module (LD module) that incorporates a laser diode and a lens, etc. The optical module 3 may also be a light-emitting module other than a laser diode, etc. The optical module 3 comprises a light source 5 and a circuit pattern 7. The circuit pattern 7 is, for example, a pattern of an electrical circuit formed from a metal plate.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the shape of the optical module 3 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. A light source 5 is placed at the tip of one face of the rectangular parallelepiped, for example, the top face, and a circuit pattern 7 is placed behind that tip. The circuit pattern 7 includes a contact portion 7a that will be contacted by the probe 43 of the optical module inspection device 31, which will be described later.

[0022] The light source 5 and the circuit pattern 7 are electrically connected. The light source 5 is positioned so that the optical axis 6a of the light 6 emitted from the light source 5 is parallel to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the rectangular parallelepiped. Here, the height of the wall portion 11 of the inspection table 9 is set lower than the position of the light source 5 when the optical module 3 is placed on it, so that the light 6 (optical axis 6a) can be emitted from the light source 5 in the X-axis direction (positive direction) (see Figure 8).

[0023] Next, an example of an optical module inspection device 31 applied to the optical module positioning device 1 will be described. Inspection of the optical module 3 refers to, for example, light intensity inspection or optical characteristic inspection.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the optical module inspection device 31 comprises an optical fiber 33 as a light receiving unit, a measuring unit 37 for measuring the received light, a second stage unit 35, and a probe 43. The measuring unit 37 includes an optical intensity meter 41a for measuring the intensity of the received light and an optical characteristics meter 41b for measuring the characteristics of the received light. The measuring unit 37 also has an optical switch 39 that switches the received light to an optical path connected to either the optical intensity meter 41a or the optical characteristics meter 41b.

[0025] The second stage section 35 allows the optical fiber 33 to move along the Y-axis direction as the second direction, and along the Z-axis direction as the third direction. The second stage section 35 can also, if necessary, allow the optical fiber 33 to move along the X-axis direction. The probe 43 is connected to the third stage section 47 via a spring 45. The position of the probe 43 is adjusted by the third stage section 47.

[0026] The probe 43 and the third stage unit 47 are electrically connected to the control unit 49. The operating direction of the third stage unit 47 is the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis when moving in a straight line, and may be around the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis when rotating. The third stage unit 47 may also be equipped with a position detection device such as an encoder or a linear scale.

[0027] When the probe 43 makes contact with the contact portion 7a, the power supply voltage and control electrical signal are applied to the contact portion 7a. Light 6 (see Figure 2) corresponding to the applied power supply voltage and control electrical signal is emitted from the light source 5. The optical module 3 (see Figure 2) is placed on the inspection table 9 so that the surface on which the light source 5 and circuit pattern 7 are arranged is facing upwards. The angle between the optical axis 6a of the light 6 and the X-axis direction is set, for example, to within ±5°.

[0028] The method for placing the optical module 3 on the inspection table 9 is not particularly limited. For example, an operator may use tweezers to place the optical module 3 on the inspection table 9. Alternatively, the optical module 3 may be transported to and placed on the inspection table 9 by a transport device. When transporting the optical module 3 by a transport device, the optical module 3 may be transported while being held by suction. Alternatively, the optical module 3 may be transported while being gripped (chucked).

[0029] Next, an example of the operation of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied will be explained.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the optical module 3 to be inspected is placed on the inspection table 9. Next, the first stage section 19 is moved in the X-axis direction (positive direction) to bring the rigid body section 23 into contact with the optical module 3. As shown in Figure 5, with the rigid body section 23 in contact with the optical module 3, the first stage section 19 is moved further in the X-axis direction (positive direction (arrow Y1)), causing the optical module 3 to slide toward the wall section 11 and come into contact with the contact surface 13.

[0031] The optical axis 6a of the light 6 emitted from the light source 5 of the optical module 3 is parallel to the X-axis direction, and the positioning direction of the optical module 3 is also the X-axis direction. Therefore, since the direction of the optical axis 6a and the positioning direction of the optical module 3 coincide, once the position of the receiving fiber 33 is determined, the distance in the X-axis direction from the light source 5 of the positioned optical module 3 to the receiving fiber 33 is uniquely determined. This eliminates the need for positioning (alignment) of the receiving fiber 33 in the X-axis direction, thus reducing the positioning time.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 6, an electrical signal is sent from the control unit 49 (see Figure 3) to the third stage unit 47, causing the third stage unit 47 to descend along the Z-axis direction (negative direction) as indicated by arrow Y2, and the probe 43 to make contact with the contact portion 7a (see Figure 2). Next, the electrical signal sent from the control unit 49 to the probe 43 applies the power supply voltage and a control electrical signal to the contact portion 7a.

[0033] As a result, as shown in Figure 7, light 6 is emitted from the light source 5 based on the applied power supply voltage and control electrical signal. The second stage unit 35 positions the light receiving fiber 33 in the Y-axis or Z-axis direction so that the light receiving fiber 33 can receive the light 6 emitted from the light source 5.

[0034] The optical path of the light 6 received by the light-receiving fiber 33 is switched by the optical switch 39 to either the optical path of the light intensity meter 41a or the optical characteristic meter 41b. When adjusting the optical axis between the light 6 emitted from the light source 5 and the light-receiving fiber 33, the optical path is switched to the light intensity meter 41a. The biaxial positioning (Y-axis, Z-axis) of the second stage section 35 is performed so that the amount of light received by the light intensity meter 41a is maximized. On the other hand, when inspecting the optical characteristics of the light 6 emitted from the light source 5, the optical path is switched to the optical characteristic meter 41b. The inspection stand 9 is kept at a constant temperature by the temperature stabilizer 15. This allows the optical module 3 to be evaluated under constant temperature conditions.

[0035] Once the inspection of the optical module 3 is complete, the probe 43 is raised in the Z-axis direction (negative direction), and the rigid body 23 is slid in the X-axis direction (negative direction). This completes the series of inspections of the optical module 3.

[0036] According to the optical module inspection apparatus 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied, first, the optical module positioning device 1 slides the optical module 3 (light source 5) that emits light 6 having an optical axis 6a parallel to the X-axis direction in the X-axis direction, and the optical module 3 is brought into contact with the contact surface 13 of the wall portion 11 of the inspection table 9, thereby positioning the optical module 3 in the X-axis direction.

[0037] Next, with respect to the optical module 3, which has been positioned in the X-axis direction, the receiving fiber 33 is positioned in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction so that the light intensity measured by the light intensity meter 41a of the optical module inspection device 31 is maximized. With the optical axis 6a of the light 6 emitted from the light source 5 and the receiving fiber 33 positioned in three axes, the optical module 3 is inspected by the optical characteristic measuring device 41b.

[0038] In other words, of the three directions of positioning between the light-receiving fiber 33 and the optical module 3 (optical axis 6a), positioning in one direction (X-axis direction) is performed by the optical module positioning device 1, and positioning in two directions (Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction) is performed by the optical module inspection device 31.

[0039] As a result, compared to the case where the optical module positioning device 1 alone performs positioning in three directions, the number of positioning directions performed by the optical module positioning device 1 can be reduced to one. Also, compared to the case where the optical module inspection device 31 alone performs positioning in three directions, the number of positioning directions performed by the optical module inspection device 31 can be reduced to two.

[0040] As a result, the dimensional constraints of the optical module positioning device 1 and the optical module inspection device 31 can be relaxed, contributing to the miniaturization of the optical module positioning device 1 and, consequently, the miniaturization of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 is applied. Furthermore, in the optical module positioning device 1, which performs positioning in one direction (the X-axis direction), light 6 can be emitted from the light source 5 of the optical module 3 in that one direction (the positive X-axis direction).

[0041] Furthermore, as already mentioned, both the direction of the optical axis 6a and the positioning direction of the optical module 3 are in the X-axis direction, eliminating the need to position the receiving fiber 33 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the positioning time can be reduced.

[0042] As an example of the inspection table 9 for the optical module positioning device 1 described above, we have explained using the inspection table 9 shown in Figure 8, in which the height H1 of the wall portion 11 of the inspection table 9 is set lower than the height H2 of the light source 5 when the optical module 3 is placed on it. The inspection table 9 is not limited to the inspection table 9 shown in Figure 8.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, an inspection table 9 may be applied which, in addition to the wall portion 11, has a pair of side wall portions 12a and 12b that are spaced apart and facing each other in the Y-axis direction. With this inspection table 9, the optical module 3 can be placed on the inspection table 9 so that it is sandwiched between the pair of side wall portions 12a and 12b, thereby restricting the position of the optical module 3 in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] Furthermore, by setting the distance between the pair of side walls 12a and 12b to be wider than the length of the optical module 3 in the Y-axis direction, the optical module 3 can be sandwiched from the Y-axis direction. This makes it easier to place (or work) the optical module 3 on the inspection table 9. It also makes it easier to remove (or work) the optical module 3 from the inspection table 9.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, an inspection table 9 may be used in which a notch 11a is formed in the wall portion 11. The notch 11a is formed from the upper end of the wall portion 11 to a position lower than the position of the light source 5. The formation of the notch 11a allows light 6 (optical axis 6a) to be emitted from the light source 5 in the direction of the X axis (positive direction).

[0046] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, an inspection table 9 with an opening 11b may be used. The opening 11b is formed so that light 6 emitted from the light source 5 in the X-axis direction can pass through when the optical module 3 is placed on the inspection table 9. The formation of the opening 11b allows light 6 (optical axis 6a) to be emitted from the light source 5 in the X-axis direction (positive direction).

[0047] Embodiment 2. An example of a positioning device for an optical module according to Embodiment 2, and an example of an inspection device for an optical module to which this positioning device is applied, will be described.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, the optical module positioning device 1 includes a camera 51 as an imaging unit for imaging the optical module 3, and position acquisition software 53 for acquiring data on the position of the optical module 3 based on the captured image. The camera 51 and the position acquisition software 53 are electrically connected to the control unit 49 together with the slide unit 17.

[0049] Furthermore, in the slide section 17, the rigid body section 23 is connected to the first stage section 19 without the use of a spring. Note that the other configurations are the same as those of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 shown in Figure 3 is applied; therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their descriptions will not be repeated unless necessary.

[0050] The optical module positioning device 1 will now be described in more detail. The camera 51 is mounted above the wall portion 11. The imaging range of the camera 51 is such that it can capture images of the initial state of the optical module 3 before positioning and the state after the optical module 3 has come into contact with the contact surface 13 and been positioned. In addition, lighting (not shown) that can illuminate this imaging range may be provided. The type of lighting is not specified. The camera 51 may also be mounted on a stage portion (not shown). The stage portion allows for translation of the camera 51 in three directions (X axis, Y axis, Z axis) and rotation around the three axes.

[0051] The camera 51 is electrically connected to the position acquisition software 53. The position acquisition software 53 is electrically connected to the first stage unit 19 in the slide unit 17. The first stage unit 19 is electrically connected to the control unit 49. The image data captured by the camera 51 is input to the position acquisition software 53, and the distance between the optical module 3 and the contact surface 13 is calculated. The first stage unit 19 adjusts the sliding speed of the optical module 3 according to the calculated distance.

[0052] Next, an example of the operation of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied will be explained.

[0053] First, the optical module 3 to be inspected is placed on the inspection table 9. The initial distance between the optical module 3 and the contact surface 13 is calculated from the image data captured by the camera 51. Next, the first stage unit 19 is moved in the X-axis direction (positive direction) to bring the rigid body unit 23 into contact with the optical module 3.

[0054] Next, the first stage unit 19 adjusts the sliding speed of the optical module 3 while calculating the distance between the optical module 3 and the contact surface 13 from the image data captured by the camera 51. As shown in Figure 13, the first stage unit 19 gradually increases the sliding speed of the optical module 3 toward the wall 11.

[0055] When the distance between the optical module 3 and the contact surface 13 becomes shorter than a preset distance, the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is gradually reduced, and when the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13, the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is set to 0.

[0056] Subsequently, the optical module 3 is inspected using the same process as shown in Figures 6 and 7 described above. Once the inspection of the optical module 3 is complete, the probe 43 is raised in the Z-axis direction (negative direction), and the rigid body 23 is slid in the X-axis direction (negative direction). This completes the series of inspections of the optical module 3.

[0057] In the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied, more precise positioning of the optical module 3 in the X-axis direction can be performed. This will be explained.

[0058] As a comparative example, when sliding the optical module 3 into contact with the contact surface 13, as shown in Figure 14, the optical module 3 may come into contact with the contact surface 13 at a certain speed. In that case, it is conceivable that the optical module 3 may be subjected to impact when it comes into contact with the contact surface 13.

[0059] In contrast to the comparative example, in the optical module inspection apparatus 31 to which the above-described optical module positioning apparatus 1 is applied, as shown in Figure 13, the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is gradually increased, then gradually decreased, and the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is adjusted so that it is set to 0 when the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13. As a result, the optical module 3 does not experience any impact when it comes into contact with the contact surface 13. Consequently, more precise positioning of the optical module 3 in the X-axis direction can be achieved.

[0060] Furthermore, by setting the sliding speed of the optical module 3 to 0 when the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13, the spring 21 (see Figure 3) acting as a buffer between the rigid body 23 and the first stage 19 becomes unnecessary, contributing to a reduction in manufacturing costs. Moreover, the optical module positioning device 1, to which the camera 51 and position acquisition software 53 are applied, can be directly applied to optical modules 3 of different sizes.

[0061] Furthermore, the position acquisition software 53 can also be applied to error detection of the optical module 3 placed on the inspection table 9. Image data captured by the camera 51 is input to the position acquisition software 53. From the input image data, the relative positional relationship of the optical module 3 on the inspection table 9 is measured. For example, it measures whether or not the optical module 3 is placed on the inspection table 9, or how much the optical module 3 is tilted around the X axis (Y axis, Z axis).

[0062] If the measurement results show, for example, that the optical module 3 is not placed on the inspection table 9, or that the optical module 3 is placed on the inspection table 9 beyond a specified distance in the X-axis (Y-axis, Z-axis) direction, or that the optical module 3 is placed on the inspection table 9 beyond a specified inclination around the X-axis (Y-axis, Z-axis), an error may be triggered. A device for notifying the operator or others that an error has been triggered may also be provided.

[0063] In the optical module inspection apparatus to which the optical module positioning device described above is applied, the position acquisition software 53 was described as being provided separately from the control unit 49. However, as shown in Figure 15, the position acquisition software 53 may also be installed inside the control unit 49.

[0064] Embodiment 3. An example of a positioning device for an optical module according to Embodiment 3, and an example of an inspection device for an optical module to which this positioning device is applied, will be described.

[0065] As shown in Figure 16, the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 is applied has continuity determination software 55 that detects whether electrical conductivity has occurred when the optical module 3 is in contact with the wall portion 11. The continuity determination software 55 is electrically connected to the inspection table 9 (wall portion 11), the rigid body portion 23, and the first stage portion 19. The continuity determination software 55 is also electrically connected to the control unit 49.

[0066] The inspection table 9, the rigid body 23, and the optical module 3 are conductive. To prevent electrical conductivity between the optical module 3 and the inspection table 9 in areas other than the contact surface 13 of the wall 11 that the optical module 3 contacts, an insulating material 57 is placed on the surface of the inspection table 9 on which the optical module 3 is placed.

[0067] When the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13 of the wall portion 11, the continuity determination software 55 detects that the wall portion 11 (inspection table 9), the optical module 3, and the rigid body portion 23 have become electrically connected, and stops the operation of the first stage portion 19.

[0068] Furthermore, the configuration of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 shown in Figure 3 is applied is the same as that of the optical module inspection device 31, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their descriptions will not be repeated unless necessary.

[0069] Next, an example of the operation of the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied will be explained.

[0070] First, the optical module 3 to be inspected is placed on the inspection table 9. Next, the first stage unit 19 is moved in the X-axis direction (positive direction) to bring the rigid body unit 23 into contact with the optical module 3. Then, with the rigid body unit 23 in contact with the optical module 3, the optical module 3 is started to slide along the X-axis direction (positive direction).

[0071] As shown in Figure 17, at the start of the sliding motion, the wall 11 (inspection table 9), the optical module 3, and the rigid body 23 are not electrically connected. Next, the speed at which the optical module 3 is slid toward the wall 11 by the first stage unit 19 is gradually increased.

[0072] When the distance between the optical module 3 and the contact surface 13 becomes shorter than a preset distance, the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is gradually reduced. When the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13, the conductivity detection software 55 detects that the wall portion 11 (inspection table 9), the optical module 3, and the rigid body portion 23 have become electrically conductive, and the sliding speed of the optical module 3 is set to 0.

[0073] Subsequently, the optical module 3 is inspected using the same process as shown in Figures 6 and 7, which have already been described. Once the inspection of the optical module 3 is complete, the probe 43 is raised in the Z-axis direction (negative direction), and the rigid body 23 is slid in the X-axis direction (negative direction). This completes the series of inspections of the optical module 3.

[0074] In the optical module inspection device 31 to which the optical module positioning device 1 described above is applied, more precise positioning of the optical module 3 in the X-axis direction is possible. This will be explained.

[0075] As a comparative example, when sliding the optical module 3 into contact with the contact surface 13, there is a case where the optical module 3 contacts the contact surface 13 while moving at a certain speed. In that case, it is conceivable that the optical module 3 may be subjected to an impact when it contacts the contact surface 13.

[0076] In contrast to the comparative example, in the optical module inspection apparatus 31 to which the above-described optical module positioning device 1 is applied, even if the optical module 3 comes into contact with the contact surface 13 at a certain speed, the continuity determination software 55 stops the operation of the first stage unit 19, and the speed of the optical module 3 instantly becomes 0. This suppresses the optical module 3 from being subjected to impact. As a result, more accurate positioning of the optical module 3 in the X-axis direction can be achieved.

[0077] Furthermore, the moment the optical module 3 contacts the contact surface 13 at a certain speed, its speed becomes 0, significantly reducing the impact on the optical module 3. As a result, as shown in Figure 18, the spring acting as a buffer between the rigid body 23 and the first stage 19 becomes unnecessary, contributing to a reduction in manufacturing costs. Moreover, the optical module positioning device 1 to which the continuity determination software 55 is applied can be directly applied to optical modules 3 of different sizes.

[0078] In the optical module inspection device to which the optical module positioning device described above is applied, the continuity determination software 55 was described as being provided separately from the control unit 49. However, as with the position acquisition software 53 (see Figure 15), it may also be installed inside the control unit 49.

[0079] Furthermore, the optical module positioning device 1 described in each embodiment and the optical module inspection device 31 to which it is applied can be combined in various ways as needed.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting. The present invention is defined by the claims, not the scope described above, and all modifications in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0081] This disclosure includes the following aspects: [Note 1] A positioning device for optical modules having a light source, A mounting platform on which the optical module is placed, A first-direction positioning unit is provided on the mounting base and positions the optical module in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source, and causes the light source to emit light toward the first direction, A sliding section for sliding the optical module, which is placed on the mounting base, along the first direction, A control unit that controls the operation of the slide portion and A positioning device for optical modules, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0082] [Note 2] The optical module positioning device according to Appendix 1, wherein the height of the first directional positioning section is lower than the position of the light source when the optical module is placed on the aforementioned mounting base.

[0083] [Note 3] The optical module positioning device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the mounting base has a pair of side walls formed opposite each other in a direction intersecting the first direction, such that the optical module is sandwiched when the optical module is mounted on the mounting base described above.

[0084] [Note 4] The optical module positioning device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the first directional positioning section has a notch provided extending from the upper end of the first directional positioning section to a position lower than the position of the light source, when the optical module is placed on the stand described above.

[0085] [Note 5] The optical module positioning device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the first directional positioning section has an opening formed therein that allows the light emitted from the light source to pass through when the optical module is placed on the stand described above.

[0086] [Note 6] The system includes the mounting platform and an imaging unit for photographing the optical module placed on the mounting platform, The optical module positioning device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls the operating speed of the slide unit based on the position of the optical module on the stand described above, which is obtained from the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0087] [Note 7] The optical module placed on the mounting base has a contact detection unit that detects when it comes into contact with the first directional positioning unit due to the movement of the sliding unit, The optical module positioning device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the control unit stops the operation of the sliding part when the contact detection unit detects that the optical module is in contact with the first directional positioning part.

[0088] [Note 8] The aforementioned sliding portion is A rigid body portion that will come into contact with the optical module, A first stage portion that slides the rigid body portion in the first direction A positioning device for optical modules as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, including the following.

[0089] [Note 9] A method for positioning an optical module using the optical module positioning device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, A method for positioning an optical module, comprising sliding the optical module, which is placed on the mounting base, along the first direction, and bringing the optical module into contact with a first-direction positioning unit, thereby positioning the optical module in the first direction.

[0090] [Note 10] An optical module inspection device applicable to an optical module positioning device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, A probe is electrically connected to the optical module that has been positioned in the first direction, and emits light from the light source, A light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the optical module, A second stage section to which the light-receiving section is attached, allowing movement of the light-receiving section along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and movement of the light-receiving section along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, A measuring unit electrically connected to the light receiving unit, which measures the light received by the light receiving unit. An inspection device for optical modules, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0091] [Note 11] The inspection apparatus for the optical module described in Appendix 10 includes a light intensity meter for measuring the intensity of the received light.

[0092] [Note 12] The inspection apparatus for an optical module as described in Appendix 10 or 11, wherein the measurement unit includes an optical characteristic measuring instrument for measuring the characteristics of the received light.

[0093] [Note 13] An inspection apparatus for an optical module according to any one of appendices 10 to 12, wherein the probe is attached and the apparatus has a third stage section for adjusting the position of the probe relative to the optical module. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] This disclosure is useful for determining the position of a light-emitting module when performing optical inspection of the light-emitting module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Optical module positioning device, 3 Optical module, 5 Light source, 6 Light, 6a Optical axis, 7 Circuit pattern, 7a Contact part, 9 Inspection table, 11 Wall part, 11a Notch, 11b Opening, 12a, 12b Side wall part, 13 Contact surface, 15 Temperature stabilizer, 17 Slide part, 19 First stage part, 21 Spring, 23 Rigid body part, 31 Optical module inspection device, 33 Optical fiber, 35 Second stage part, 37 Measurement part, 39 Optical switch, 41a Optical intensity meter, 41b Optical characteristic meter, 43 Probe, 45 Spring, 47 Third stage part, 49 Control unit, 51 Camera, 53 Position acquisition software, 55 Continuity determination software, 57 Insulating material, Y1, Y2 Arrows, H1, H2 Height.

Claims

1. A positioning device for an optical module having a light source, A mounting platform on which the optical module is placed, A first-direction positioning unit is provided on the mounting base and positions the optical module in a first direction parallel to the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source, and emits light from the light source toward the first direction, A sliding section for sliding the optical module, which is placed on the mounting base, along the first direction, A control unit that controls the operation of the slide portion and A positioning device for optical modules, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the first directional positioning unit is lower than the position of the light source when the optical module is placed on the stand described above.

3. The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting base has a pair of side walls formed opposite each other in a direction intersecting the first direction, such that the optical module is sandwiched when the optical module is mounted on the mounting base.

4. The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the first directional positioning section is provided with a notch extending from the upper end of the first directional positioning section to a position lower than the position of the light source, when the optical module is placed on the stand described above.

5. The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the first directional positioning unit has an opening formed therein that allows light emitted from the light source to pass through when the optical module is placed on the stand described above.

6. The system includes the mounting platform and an imaging unit for photographing the optical module placed on the mounting platform, The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operating speed of the slide unit based on the position of the optical module on the stand described above, which is obtained from the image captured by the imaging unit.

7. The optical module placed on the mounting base has a contact detection unit that detects when it comes into contact with the first directional positioning unit due to the movement of the sliding unit, The optical module positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the operation of the sliding part when the contact detection unit detects that the optical module is in contact with the first directional positioning part.

8. The aforementioned sliding portion is A rigid body portion that will come into contact with the optical module, A first stage portion that slides the rigid body portion in the first direction A positioning device for an optical module according to claim 1, including the following:

9. A method for positioning an optical module using the optical module positioning device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, A method for positioning an optical module, comprising sliding the optical module, which is placed on the mounting base, along the first direction, and bringing the optical module into contact with a first-direction positioning unit, thereby positioning the optical module in the first direction.

10. An optical module inspection apparatus applicable to the optical module positioning apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 8, A probe is electrically connected to the optical module that has been positioned in the first direction, and emits light from the light source, A light receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the optical module, A second stage section to which the light-receiving section is attached, allowing movement of the light-receiving section along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and movement of the light-receiving section along a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, A measuring unit electrically connected to the light receiving unit, which measures the light received by the light receiving unit. An inspection device for optical modules, equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

11. The inspection apparatus for an optical module according to claim 10, wherein the measurement unit includes an optical intensity meter for measuring the intensity of the received light.

12. The inspection apparatus for an optical module according to claim 10, wherein the measurement unit includes an optical characteristic measuring instrument for measuring the characteristics of the received light.

13. An inspection apparatus for an optical module according to claim 10, wherein the probe is attached and the apparatus has a third stage section for adjusting the position of the probe relative to the optical module.

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