Optical connector

Abstract

Provided is an optical connector 5 for connecting an optical integrated circuit 3 and an optical fiber 40, the optical connector 5 comprising a plug member 7 attached to the optical fiber 40, a receptacle member 6 that is disposed on the optical integrated circuit 3 and transmits light L between the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber 40 by being connected to the plug member 7, and a lock mechanism 9 that switches between a locking state in which a connected state between the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 is maintained and an unlocking state in which the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 are detachable.

Description

Optical Connector CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-209975 (titled "Optical Connector"), filed on December 13, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to optical connectors, and more particularly to an optical connector including a plug member that is attached to an optical fiber and a receptacle member that is configured to be attachable to an optical integrated circuit and connectable with the plug member.

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing speed of Internet communications and the improved computing power of computing devices, the amount of communication data traffic between computing devices is constantly increasing. As the amount of communication data traffic between computing devices increases, there is a demand for transmission devices with higher speeds and larger capacities. Optical fiber communications using optical fibers are used in high-speed, high-capacity transmission devices. To enable optical fiber communications, a large number of optical fibers are connected to photoelectric conversion elements that convert optical signals to electrical signals. In order to achieve not only higher speeds and larger capacities in optical fiber communications but also lower power consumption of photoelectric conversion elements, research is underway to lay a large number of optical fibers right up to the photoelectric conversion elements.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a typical method for connecting an optical fiber to an optical integrated circuit equipped with a photoelectric conversion element. In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, an optical fiber is placed in a V-groove on a glass substrate or a transparent epoxy substrate, and the end face of the optical fiber is polished. Thereafter, the optical fiber is bonded to the optical waveguide of the optical integrated circuit while precisely aligning the optical fiber with the optical waveguide of the optical integrated circuit, thereby connecting the optical fiber to the optical integrated circuit.

[0005] In this method, a dedicated positioning device is required to perform precise alignment between the optical fiber and the corresponding optical waveguide of the optical integrated circuit, and since the connection between the optical fiber and the optical waveguide of the optical integrated circuit is fixed by adhesive, once the optical fiber is connected to the optical integrated circuit, the optical fiber cannot be removed from the optical integrated circuit.

[0006] Furthermore, optical integrated circuits need to be mounted on circuit boards such as flexible printed circuit boards or rigid circuit boards. However, when an optical fiber is connected to an optical integrated circuit, it is difficult to handle the optical integrated circuit, making it difficult to mount the optical integrated circuit on a circuit board. On the other hand, when connecting an optical fiber to the optical integrated circuit after the optical integrated circuit has been mounted on a circuit board, the dedicated positioning device described above cannot be used, making it difficult to connect the optical fiber to the optical integrated circuit. Therefore, there has been a strong need for an optical connector that can easily and detachably attach an optical fiber to an optical integrated circuit.

[0007] JP 59-24816 Public Relations

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector that allows an optical fiber to be easily and detachably attached to an optical integrated circuit.

[0009] Such an object can be achieved by the present invention as defined by the following (1).

[0010] (1) An optical connector for connecting an optical integrated circuit and an optical fiber, comprising: a plug member attached to the optical fiber; a receptacle member disposed on the optical integrated circuit and connected to the plug member to transmit light between the optical integrated circuit and the optical fiber; and a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the plug member and the receptacle member are connected and an unlocked state in which the plug member and the receptacle member can be detached.

[0011] The optical connector of the present invention has a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state, in which the plug member and the receptacle member are kept connected, and an unlocked state, in which the plug member and the receptacle member are detachable. Therefore, the optical connector of the present invention allows an optical fiber to be easily and detachably attached to the receptacle member. As a result, the optical fiber can be easily and detachably attached to an optical integrated circuit via the receptacle member.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a locking mechanism of the opto-electrical hybrid board according to the first embodiment in a locked state. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a locking mechanism of the opto-electrical hybrid board shown in FIG. 1 in an unlocked state. FIG. 3 is a top view of an optical fiber cable. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a plug member. FIG. 5 is a front view of a plug member. FIG. 6 is a front view of a modified example of the plug member. FIG. 7 is a top view of a plug member. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle member. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a receptacle member. FIG. 10 is a front view of a receptacle member. FIG. 11 is a top view of a receptacle member. FIG. 12 is a top view showing a positioning mechanism. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the receptacle member and the plug member are positioned by the positioning mechanism. FIG. 14 is a top view of a locking member. FIG. 15 is a side view of the locking member. FIG. 16 is a side view of the locking member as viewed from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a side view showing an unlocked state. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member included in the optical connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a top view of the receptacle member shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member included in the optical connector according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the receptacle member shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member included in the optical connector according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a top view showing a locking member included in the optical connector according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a front view of the locking member. FIG. 25 is a side view of the locking member. FIG. 26 is a side view of the locking member as viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a top view showing a locking mechanism included in the optical connector according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a top view showing a base member included in the optical connector. FIG. 29 is a side view of the locking member included in the optical connector. FIG. 30 is a side view of the locking member as viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the locking member. Fig. 32 is a top view showing an optical connector according to a seventh embodiment, and Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to an eighth embodiment.

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The optical connector of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a side view showing a locking mechanism of an opto-electrical hybrid board according to a first embodiment in a locked state. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a locking mechanism of the opto-electrical hybrid board shown in FIG. 1 in an unlocked state. FIG. 3 is a top view of an optical fiber cable. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a plug member. FIG. 5 is a front view of a plug member. FIG. 6 is a front view of a modified example of the plug member. FIG. 7 is a top view of the plug member. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle member. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a receptacle member. FIG. 10 is a front view of a receptacle member. FIG. 11 is a top view of a receptacle member. FIG. 12 is a top view showing a positioning mechanism. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the receptacle member and the plug member are positioned by the positioning mechanism. FIG. 14 is a top view of a locking member. FIG. 15 is a side view of the locking member. FIG. 16 is a side view of the locking member as viewed from the opposite side to that shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a side view showing the unlocked state.

[0015] For ease of explanation, each figure illustrates three mutually orthogonal axes: the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. Hereinafter, the direction along the X-axis will also be referred to as the "X-axis direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y-axis direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z-axis direction." The arrowed side of each axis will also be referred to as the "plus side," and the opposite side as the "minus side." The plus side of the Z-axis will also be referred to as the "upper" and the minus side as the "lower."

[0016] 1 and 2 includes a substrate 2, an optical integrated circuit 3 mounted on the substrate 2, an optical fiber cable 4 including a plurality of optical fibers 40, and an optical connector 5 that optically connects the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber cable 4. The optical connector 5 also includes a receptacle member 6 arranged on the optical integrated circuit 3, a plug member 7 attached to the optical fiber cable 4, a positioning mechanism 8 that positions the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7, and a locking mechanism 9 that fixes the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in a state positioned by the positioning mechanism 8 and maintains that state. Each of these components will be described below in order.

[0017] <Substrate 2> The substrate 2 is a circuit board, and may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid circuit board, etc. The substrate 2 may be a circuit board used as a finished product, or may be a circuit board for a jig that is used temporarily during the assembly of a product and is separated after assembly.

[0018] <Optical Integrated Circuit 3> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the optical integrated circuit 3 includes a light receiving / emitting unit 31. The light receiving / emitting unit 31 includes a light receiving unit that receives light L (optical signal) and a light emitting unit that emits light L. The light emitting unit may be, for example, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a light emitting diode (LED), or an organic EL element, while the light receiving unit may be, for example, a photodiode (PD, APD). The light receiving / emitting unit 31 may be optically connected to the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit and may include, for example, an optical waveguide formed of silicon. The optical axis of the light receiving / emitting unit 31 coincides with the Z axis. However, the configuration of the light receiving / emitting unit 31 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, only one of a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit. In this case, one-way communication is achieved by only transmitting light L or receiving an optical signal. The optical integrated circuit 3 may further include individual memory ICs such as logic ICs, RAMs, and ROMs, ICs that combine these circuits into a single chip, and electrical elements (not shown) such as capacitors, coil components, resistive elements, and diodes.

[0019] Although the optical integrated circuit 3 has been described above, the configuration of the optical integrated circuit 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform its functions.

[0020] <Optical Fiber Cable 4> As shown in FIG. 3 , the optical fiber cable 4 has a plurality of optical fibers 40 arranged in a row along the Y-axis direction. The number of optical fibers 40 is not particularly limited, but is eight in this embodiment. A plurality of optical fiber cables 4 may also be used. In this case, a plurality of optical fiber cables 4 can be stacked in the Z-axis direction. Each optical fiber 40 has a core 41 made of a core and a cladding surrounding the core, and a coating layer 42 surrounding the core 41. In order to later attach a plug member 7, the coating layer 42 is stripped from the tip of each optical fiber 40 in the optical fiber cable 4, exposing the core 41. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the portion where the core 41 is exposed will also be referred to as the exposed portion 400.

[0021] <Optical Connector 5> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the optical connector 5 has a receptacle member 6 placed on the optical integrated circuit 3, a plug member 7 attached to the optical fiber cable 4, a positioning mechanism 8 that positions the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7, and a locking mechanism 9 that fixes the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7.

[0022] -Plug member 7- As shown in Figure 4, the plug member 7 has an outer shape in which rectangular parallelepipeds of different sizes are lined up coaxially in the X-axis direction, and has a tip portion 71 located on the tip side, and a base end portion 72 connected to the base end side of the tip portion 71 and having a larger diameter than the tip portion 71.

[0023] The plug member 7 also has an L-shaped through hole 73 formed by the intersection of a first hole 731 with a bottom that opens in its base end surface 7B and extends in the X-axis direction, and a second hole 732 with a bottom that opens in its top surface 7C and extends in the Z-axis direction. The optical fiber cable 4 is inserted into the first hole 731 from the base end side of the plug member 7.

[0024] The plug member 7 also has a plurality of insertion holes 74 that penetrate the distal end surface 7A and the inner surface of the through hole 73 (the bottom surface of the first hole 731) and are linearly formed along the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the number of insertion holes 74 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 40, and in this embodiment, there are eight of them. As described above, when a plurality of optical fiber cables 4 are used stacked in the Z-axis direction, a further plurality of insertion holes 74 may be provided aligned in the Y-axis direction at positions slightly spaced apart in the Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 6 . The plurality of insertion holes 74 are also provided at equal intervals along the Y-axis direction, specifically, at the same pitch as the pitch of the optical fibers 40. The exposed portions 400 of the optical fibers 40 are inserted into each insertion hole 74 from the proximal end side. By matching the pitch of the insertion holes 74 to the pitch of the optical fibers 40 in this manner, the insertion of the optical fibers 40 into the insertion holes 74 is facilitated.

[0025] Furthermore, the tip surface of each optical fiber 40 is exposed from the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7 through the insertion hole 74. In particular, the tip surface of each optical fiber 40 is flush with the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7. With this configuration, each optical fiber 40 is protected, and the distance between each optical fiber 40 and the receptacle member 6 is made as short as possible, thereby enabling stable transmission of light L between the receptacle member 6 and the optical fiber 40. However, without being limited thereto, the tip surface of each optical fiber 40 may protrude from the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7, or conversely, may be retracted from the tip surface 7A to the inside of the plug member 7.

[0026] In addition, in a plan view of the base end surface 7B, each insertion hole 74 overlaps with a first hole 731. With this configuration, the optical fiber cable 4 can be inserted straight into the plug member 7 along the X-axis direction, making it easy to attach the optical fiber cable 4 to the plug member 7.

[0027] The plug member 7 also has a mounting base 75 that is provided at a corner of the L-shaped through hole 73 (the intersection of the first hole 731 and the second hole 732) and supports the optical fiber cable 4 inserted into the insertion hole 74 from below on the base end side of the insertion hole 74. The mounting base 75 has a mounting surface on which the optical fiber cable 4 is placed, and the mounting surface is provided with a plurality of grooves 751 that extend linearly along the X-axis direction so as to extend each insertion hole 74. An optical fiber 40 is placed in each groove 751. By providing the grooves 751 on the mounting surface in this manner, the plurality of optical fibers 40 can be aligned along the grooves 751 in front of the insertion holes 74, making it easier to insert the optical fibers 40 into the insertion holes 74. In other words, the mounting base 75 not only functions to support the optical fiber cable 4 but also functions as a guide that guides each optical fiber 40 to the corresponding insertion hole 74.

[0028] 5, the plug member 7 has a pair of second fitting holes 761, 762 extending along the X-axis direction on the tip surface 7A. The pair of second fitting holes 761, 762 are located on both sides of the tip surface 7A in the Y-axis direction, sandwiching the multiple insertion holes 74 therebetween. As will be described later, pins 811, 812 of the positioning mechanism 8 are inserted into these second fitting holes 761, 762.

[0029] The material for forming such a plug member 7 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), or any of a variety of other resin materials that combine the heat resistance, strength, molding shrinkage rate, thermal expansion coefficient, flame retardancy, water absorbency, and other properties required for the plug member 7. The plug member 7 may be formed by injection molding.

[0030] 4 and 7 , the plug member 7 has an adhesive 77 that fills the through hole 73 and bonds and fixes the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4. This firmly fixes the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4, and properly maintains the state in which the plug member 7 is attached to the optical fiber cable 4. Furthermore, the adhesive 77 can cover the optical fiber cable 4 (particularly the exposed portion 400) inside the through hole 73, thereby protecting the optical fiber cable 4.

[0031] The adhesive 77 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, a thermosetting resin material. The thermosetting resin material is also not particularly limited, but examples thereof include epoxy resin, phenolic resin, urea resin, melamine resin, polyester resin, polyimide resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane resin, and one or more of these may be mixed and used. Using a thermosetting resin material as the adhesive 77 in this way facilitates attachment of the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4.

[0032] Next, a method for attaching the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4 will be briefly described. First, the plug member 7 is prepared, and the through-hole 73 is filled with uncured adhesive 77. Next, the optical fiber cable 4 is prepared, and exposed portions 400 are formed in each optical fiber 40. The optical fiber cable 4 is then inserted from the base end side of the plug member 7 into the first hole 731 and the insertion hole 74 in that order, so that the tip ends of each optical fiber 40 protrude from the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7. At this time, grooves 751 formed in the mounting base 75 function as guides that guide each optical fiber 40 to the corresponding insertion hole 74, facilitating insertion into the insertion hole 74.

[0033] Next, the optical fiber cable 4 and the plug member 7 are fixed together. Finally, the portion of each optical fiber 40 that protrudes from the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7 is cut off, and the tip surface (cut surface) is smoothed by polishing or the like, so that the tip surface of each optical fiber 40 is flush with the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7. This completes the attachment of the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4.

[0034] According to the above-described method, the plug member 7 can be easily attached to the optical fiber cable 4. However, there are no particular limitations on the method for attaching the plug member 7 to the optical fiber cable 4. For example, the optical fiber cable 4 may be inserted into the plug member 7, and then the adhesive 77 may be filled into the through-hole 73.

[0035] Although the plug member 7 has been described above, the configuration of the plug member 7 is not particularly limited. For example, the second holes 732 and the mounting base 75 may be omitted. Also, for example, the pitch of the insertion holes 74 may be larger than the pitch of the optical fibers 40.

[0036] -Receptacle Member 6- As shown in FIG. 1, the receptacle member 6 is interposed between the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber cable 4, optically connecting the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber cable 4. Such a receptacle member 6 is made of an optically transparent material, such as a resin material or a glass material. The receptacle member 6 of this embodiment is made of a resin material. By making the receptacle member 6 of a resin material, the formation of the receptacle member 6 is facilitated. Note that the resin material is not particularly limited, and various resin materials that combine the heat resistance, strength, molding shrinkage rate, thermal expansion coefficient, flame retardancy, water absorbency, etc. required for the receptacle member 6, such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polycarbonate (PC), can be used. In addition, the receptacle member 6 can be formed by injection molding.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8 , the receptacle member 6 is disposed on the upper surface of the optical integrated circuit 3 and fixed to the optical integrated circuit 3 via an adhesive (not shown). The receptacle member 6 also has a second recessed portion 612 provided on its lower surface 6D. A plurality of second collimator lenses 622 are provided on the bottom surface of the second recessed portion 612. As shown in FIG. 9 , the plurality of second collimator lenses 622 are provided at equal intervals (the same pitch as the insertion holes 74) along the Y-axis direction. Each second collimator lens 622 directly faces the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 31, and their optical axes are aligned. This optically connects the receptacle member 6 and the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 31. As described above, if the light-receiving and light-emitting unit 31 has an optical waveguide connected to the light-receiving unit or the light-emitting unit, each second collimator lens 622 faces an end of the optical waveguide (the input / output portion of light L). Furthermore, an anti-reflection coating (not shown) that prevents reflection of the light L is formed on the surface of each second collimator lens 622. The number of second collimator lenses 622 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 40, and is eight in this embodiment. As described above, when a plurality of optical fiber cables 4 are used stacked in the Z-axis direction, a further plurality of second collimator lenses 622 may be provided lined up in the Y-axis direction at positions slightly spaced apart in the X-axis direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the height of each second collimator lens 622 is smaller than the depth of the second recessed portion 612. Therefore, each second collimator lens 622 is entirely located within the second recessed portion 612 and does not protrude from the lower surface 6D. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid contact between each second collimator lens 622 and the optical integrated circuit 3, and it is possible to effectively suppress damage to each second collimator lens 622 due to contact with the optical integrated circuit 3. However, this is not limiting, and for example, each second collimator lens 622 may be flush with the lower surface 6D or may protrude from the lower surface 6D.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8 , the receptacle member 6 has a distal end surface 6A that abuts against the distal end surface 7A of the plug member 7. The receptacle member 6 also has a first recessed portion 611 provided in the distal end surface 6A. A plurality of first collimator lenses 621 are provided on the bottom surface of the first recessed portion 611. As shown in FIG. 10 , the plurality of first collimator lenses 621 are provided at equal intervals (the same pitch as the insertion holes 74) along the Y-axis direction. Each first collimator lens 621 directly faces the distal end surface of the corresponding optical fiber 40 when the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 are connected. An anti-reflection coating (not shown) that prevents reflection of light L is formed on the surface of each first collimator lens 621. The number of first collimator lenses 621 corresponds to the number of optical fibers 40, and is eight in this embodiment. As mentioned above, when multiple optical fiber cables 4 are used stacked in the Z-axis direction, for example, multiple additional first collimator lenses 621 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction at positions slightly spaced apart in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] The height of each first collimator lens 621 is smaller than the depth of the first recessed portion 611. Therefore, each first collimator lens 621 is entirely located within the first recessed portion 611 and does not protrude from the distal end surface 6A. With this configuration, contact between each first collimator lens 621 and the plug member 7 can be avoided, and damage to each first collimator lens 621 due to contact with the plug member 7 can be effectively suppressed. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, each first collimator lens 621 may be flush with the distal end surface 6A or may protrude from the distal end surface 6A.

[0041] 8 and 11 , the receptacle member 6 has a first recess 631 formed on the top surface 6C and extending along the Y-axis direction. The inner surface of the first recess 631 constitutes a light-reflecting surface 631a (mirror) that reflects light L passing through the receptacle member 6. The light-reflecting surface 631a is flat and inclined at 45° with respect to the X-axis direction.

[0042] Light L emitted from the light receiving and emitting unit 31 is converted into parallel light by a predetermined second collimator lens 622 located directly opposite the lens and enters the receptacle member 6. The parallel light L then travels in the positive direction of the Z axis within the receptacle member 6, is reflected by the light reflecting surface 631a at 90°, travels in the positive direction of the X axis, and is emitted from the corresponding first collimator lens 621 to the outside of the receptacle member 6. Light L emitted from the first collimator lens 621 is condensed by the first collimator lens 621, and enters the optical fiber 40 from the tip end surface of the optical fiber 40 located directly opposite the lens near its focal point.

[0043] Conversely, light L emitted from the tip end face of optical fiber 40 is collimated by a predetermined first collimator lens 621 located directly opposite it and enters receptacle member 6. Then, light L as collimated light travels toward the negative side in the X-axis direction, is reflected by light reflecting surface 631a at 90°, travels toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction, and is emitted from the corresponding second collimator lens 622 to the outside of receptacle member 6. Light L emitted from second collimator lens 622 is condensed by second collimator lens 622 and enters the directly opposite light receiving and emitting unit 31 near its focal point.

[0044] In this way, the light reflecting surface 631a is provided in the optical path 623 of the light L passing through the receptacle member 6, and has an optical path conversion function that changes the direction of the optical path 623. By providing such a light reflecting surface 631a, the optical path 623 can be freely designed, increasing the degree of freedom in designing the optical connector 5. If necessary, a reflective film may be formed on the surface of the light reflecting surface 631a. Examples of the reflective film include various metal films such as Au, Ag, and Al. Examples of methods for forming the metal film include physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum deposition, chemical vapor deposition methods such as CVD, and plating methods.

[0045] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light reflecting surface 631a may be omitted. Furthermore, a plurality of light reflecting surfaces 631a may be provided at different positions in the optical path 623, and the optical path 623 may be changed multiple times along the way.

[0046] 10 , the receptacle member 6 has a pair of first fitting holes 661, 662 extending along the X-axis direction on its tip surface 6A. The pair of first fitting holes 661, 662 are located on both sides of the tip surface 6A in the Y-axis direction, sandwiching the first recessed portion 611 therebetween. As will be described later, pins 811, 812 of the positioning mechanism 8 are inserted into these first fitting holes 661, 662.

[0047] 9 to 11 , the receptacle member 6 has a pair of rotation shafts 651, 652 provided on both side surfaces 6E, 6F. The rotation shaft 651 is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the side surface 6E toward the positive side in the Y axis direction, and the rotation shaft 652 is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the side surface 6F toward the negative side in the Y axis direction. These rotation shafts 651, 652 are provided coaxially along the Y axis direction and form a rotation axis J of the locking member 91 of the locking mechanism 9, as will be described later. Note that in this embodiment, the rotation shafts 651, 652 are formed integrally with the receptacle member 6, but this is not limiting and they may be formed separately from the receptacle member 6.

[0048] The receptacle member 6 also has a pair of engaging protrusions 641, 642 provided on both side surfaces 6E, 6F and located closer to the tip surface 7A than the rotation axis J. The engaging protrusion 641 is a substantially semi-cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the side surface 6E toward the positive side in the Y axis direction and extends in the X axis direction, while the engaging protrusion 642 is a substantially semi-cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the side surface 6F toward the negative side in the Y axis direction and extends in the X axis direction. As will be described later, these engaging protrusions 641, 642 have the function of fixing the locking member 91 of the locking mechanism 9 to the receptacle member 6 (the function of maintaining the locked state) when the locking member 91 is snap-fit ​​connected to the engaging protrusions 641, 642. Note that in this embodiment, the engaging protrusions 641, 642 are formed integrally with the receptacle member 6, but this is not limited thereto and they may be formed separately.

[0049] The above has described the receptacle member 6. With such a receptacle member 6, the parallel light L passes through the optical path 623 connecting the corresponding first collimator lens 621 and second collimator lens 622, so that the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber cable 4 can be optically connected without using, for example, a general "optical waveguide" in which a core is covered with a cladding and the light L incident on the core is reflected at the interface between the core and the cladding while propagating. This simplifies the configuration of the receptacle member 6, and reduces the manufacturing cost of the receptacle member 6.

[0050] 12, the positioning mechanism 8 has a function of positioning the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7. Such a positioning mechanism 8 has a pair of pins 811, 812 that are fitted into the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7.

[0051] One end (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the pin 811 is fitted (inserted) into the first fitting hole 661 of the receptacle member 6, and the other end (positive side in the X-axis direction) is fitted (inserted) into the second fitting hole 761 of the plug member 7. On the other hand, one end (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the pin 812 is fitted (inserted) into the first fitting hole 662 of the receptacle member 6, and the other end (positive side in the X-axis direction) is fitted (inserted) into the second fitting hole 762 of the plug member 7. This restricts relative displacement between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 , the tip surface 6A of the receptacle member 6 and the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7 are positioned so as to face each other and the corresponding first collimator lens 621 and the tip surface of the optical fiber 40 are positioned so as to face each other. In this way, the positioning mechanism 8 can simply and more reliably position the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 and optically connect the receptacle member 6 and the optical fiber 40 .

[0052] In particular, since the pins 811 and 812 are fitted into the tip surface 6A of the receptacle member 6 and the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7, the first collimator lens 621 provided on the tip surface 6A of the receptacle member 6 and the optical fiber 40 provided on the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7 can be positioned with greater precision.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the pins 811 and 812 are fixed to the receptacle member 6 while being fitted into the first fitting holes 661 and 662 of the receptacle member 6, respectively. The method for fixing the pins 811 and 812 to the receptacle member 6 is not particularly limited, and for example, an adhesive may be used. By fixing the pins 811 and 812 to the receptacle member 6 in advance in this manner, the connection between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 becomes easier. Furthermore, by fixing the pins 811 and 812 to the receptacle member 6 rather than the plug member 7, the pins 811 and 812 do not get in the way when cleaning the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7, and this cleaning can be performed easily.

[0054] The material for forming the pins 811 and 812 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. This allows the pins 811 and 812 to have high mechanical strength.

[0055] Although the positioning mechanism 8 has been described above, the configuration of the positioning mechanism 8 is not particularly limited. For example, the pins 811 and 812 may be fixed to the plug member 7, or the pins 811 and 812 may not be fixed to either the receptacle member 6 or the plug member 7. Furthermore, when the pins 811 and 812 are fixed to the receptacle member 6 as in this embodiment, the pins 811 and 812 may be formed integrally with the receptacle member 6.

[0056] - Locking mechanism 9 - The locking mechanism 9 has a function of maintaining the connection between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7. Such a locking mechanism 9 has a locking member 91 rotatably connected to the receptacle member 6.

[0057] The locking member 91 is U-shaped and, as shown in FIG. 14 , includes a top plate 92 and a pair of side plates 931, 932 extending from both ends of the top plate 92 in the Y axis direction toward the negative side in the Z axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , an engagement hole 941 is provided at the base end (the end on the negative side in the X axis direction) of the side plate 931, with which the rotation shaft portion 651 of the receptacle member 6 engages, and an engagement hole 942 is provided at the base end (the end on the negative side in the X axis direction) of the side plate 932, with which the rotation shaft portion 652 of the receptacle member 6 engages. In this manner, engagement of the engagement holes 941, 942 with the rotation shaft portions 651, 652 rotatably couples the locking member 91 to the receptacle member 6 around the rotation axis J. Contrary to this embodiment, the locking member 91 may be provided with a rotation shaft portion, and the receptacle member 6 may be provided with an engagement hole that engages with the rotation shaft portion.

[0058] 14 , the locking member 91 has a pair of biasing portions 951, 952 that are provided at the tip ends (ends on the positive side in the X-axis direction) of the side plates 931, 932 and bias the plug member 7, positioned by the positioning mechanism 8, toward the receptacle member 6. The biasing portion 951 is provided at the tip end of the side plate 931 and has an abutting portion 951a that abuts against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 and a U-shaped spring portion 951b that connects the abutting portion 951a to the side plate 931. Similarly, the biasing portion 952 is provided at the tip end of the side plate 932 and has an abutting portion 952a that abuts against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 and a U-shaped spring portion 952b that connects the abutting portion 952a to the side plate 932. Furthermore, the distance D2 between the rotating shaft J and the abutment portions 951a, 952a in the natural state (the unlocked state shown in Figure 2) is slightly smaller than the distance D1 between the rotating shaft J and the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 in the state positioned by the positioning mechanism 8.

[0059] In this locking mechanism 9, as shown in FIG. 17 , with the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 positioned by the positioning mechanism 8, the locking member 91 is rotated around the rotation axis J, and as shown in FIG. 14 , the abutting portions 951 a, 952 a abut against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7, thereby restricting displacement of the plug member 7 in the X-axis direction relative to the receptacle member 6 and maintaining the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in a positioned state. Hereinafter, this state will also be referred to as the “locked state.” Conversely, by rotating the locking member 91 in the reverse direction around the rotation axis J from the locked state, the locked state is released as shown in FIG. 17 , and the plug member 7 can be removed from the receptacle member 6. Hereinafter, this state will also be referred to as the “unlocked state.” In this way, by switching the locking mechanism 9 between the locked state and the unlocked state, the plug member 7 can be easily and detachably attached to the receptacle member 6.

[0060] In particular, as described above, since the separation distance D2 is smaller than the separation distance D1, in the locked state, the spring portions 951b, 952b of the biasing portions 951, 952 are elastically deformed, and the abutting portions 951a, 952a bias the plug member 7 toward the receptacle member 6 due to the restoring force. As a result, the plug member 7 is pressed against the receptacle member 6, and the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 are more firmly held together. Furthermore, the reaction force applied to the locking member 91 by biasing the plug member 7 is transmitted to the receptacle member 6 to which the locking member 91 is connected. As a result, stress is less likely to be generated in the optical integrated circuit 3, and damage to the optical integrated circuit 3 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] 15 and 16 , the locking member 91 has engagement holes 961, 962 provided in the side plates 931, 932. In the locked state, these engagement holes 961, 962 engage with engagement protrusions 641, 642 provided on the receptacle member 6 through a snap-fit ​​connection. This restricts unintended rotation of the locking member 91 around the rotation axis J, making it possible to more reliably maintain the locked state. The snap-fit ​​connection between the engagement holes 961, 962 and the engagement protrusions 641, 642 can be released by applying a predetermined force, making it possible to easily release the locked state when necessary.

[0062] Furthermore, the locking member 91 has a rectangular window 921 formed in the top plate 92. The window 921 is provided so as to overlap the boundary between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in the locked state. Therefore, the connection state between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 (for example, whether the tip surfaces 7A, 6A are properly abutting against each other) can be confirmed through the window 921. Note that in this embodiment, the window 921 is configured as a through-hole that penetrates the top plate 92 in the thickness direction, but is not limited to this, and the window 921 may be configured as a transparent plate member.

[0063] Such a locking member 91 can be made of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, etc. The locking member 91 of this embodiment is made of various metal materials that have the heat resistance, spring properties, strength, etc. required for the locking member 91, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, or aluminum alloy.

[0064] The above has described the optical-electrical hybrid board 1. The optical connector 5 included in such an optical-electrical hybrid board 1 is an optical connector 5 for connecting the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber 40, and includes a plug member 7 attached to the optical fiber 40, a receptacle member 6 disposed on the optical integrated circuit 3 and connected to the plug member 7 to transmit light L between the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber 40, and a locking mechanism 9 that switches between a locked state in which the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 are connected and an unlocked state in which the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 are detachable. Thus, the provision of the locking mechanism 9 that can switch between the locked state and the unlocked state allows the optical fiber 40 to be easily and detachably attached to the receptacle member 6. Therefore, the optical fiber 40 can be easily and detachably attached to the optical integrated circuit 3 via the receptacle member 6.

[0065] As described above, the receptacle member 6 has a first collimator lens 621 facing the optical fiber 40 and a second collimator lens 622 facing the optical integrated circuit 3. The light L passes through an optical path 623 between the first collimator lens 621 and the second collimator lens 622. With this configuration, the light L, which is parallel light, passes through the optical path 623 within the receptacle member 6. Therefore, the optical integrated circuit 3 and the optical fiber 40 can be optically connected without using, for example, a general "optical waveguide" as the receptacle member 6, in which a core is covered with a cladding and light incident on the core is reflected at the interface between the core and the cladding to propagate. This simplifies the configuration of the receptacle member 6, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0066] As described above, the first collimator lens 621 and the optical fiber 40 are spaced apart, and the second collimator lens 622 and the optical integrated circuit 3 are spaced apart. With this configuration, contact between the first collimator lens 621 and the plug member 7 can be avoided, and damage to the first collimator lens 621 due to contact with the plug member 7 can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, contact between the second collimator lens 622 and the optical integrated circuit 3 can be avoided, and damage to the second collimator lens 622 due to contact with the optical integrated circuit 3 can be effectively suppressed.

[0067] As described above, the receptacle member 6 is provided in the optical path 623 and has a light reflecting surface 631a that changes the direction of the optical path 623. With this configuration, the optical path 623 can be freely designed, and the degree of freedom in designing the optical connector 5 is increased.

[0068] As described above, the optical connector 5 includes pins 811, 812 that fit into the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7, and has a positioning mechanism 8 that positions the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7. With this configuration, the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 can be easily positioned.

[0069] As described above, the receptacle member 6 is provided on the tip surface 6A, which is the surface facing the plug member 7, and has first fitting holes 661, 662 into which the pins 811, 812 fit, and the plug member 7 is provided on the tip surface 7A, which is the surface facing the receptacle member 6, and has second fitting holes 761, 762 into which the pins 811, 812 fit. With this configuration, the first collimator lens 621 provided on the tip surface 6A of the receptacle member 6 and the optical fiber 40 provided on the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7 can be positioned with greater precision.

[0070] As described above, the pins 811 and 812 are fixed to the receptacle member 6 while fitted in the first fitting holes 661 and 662. Fixing the pins 811 and 812 to the receptacle member 6 in this manner facilitates connection of the plug member 7 to the receptacle member 6. Fixing the pins 811 and 812 to the receptacle member 6 rather than the plug member 7 also prevents the pins 811 and 812 from getting in the way when cleaning the tip surface 7A of the plug member 7, facilitating cleaning.

[0071] As described above, the locking mechanism 9 has the locking member 91 rotatably coupled to the receptacle member 6, and when the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 are connected, the locking member 91 is engaged with the plug member 7 to establish a locked state. This configuration simplifies the configuration of the locking mechanism 9. It also makes it easy to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0072] As described above, the locking member 91 has biasing portions 951, 952 that, in the locked state, bias the plug member 7 toward the receptacle member 6. With this configuration, in the locked state, the plug member 7 is pressed against the receptacle member 6, and the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 are held more firmly together.

[0073] As described above, the locking member 91 has a window 921 that, in the locked state, overlaps with the boundary between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7. With this configuration, even in the locked state, the connection state between the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 can be confirmed through the window 921.

[0074] Second Embodiment Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member of an optical connector according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 19 is a top view of the receptacle member shown in Fig. 18 .

[0075] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is similar to the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the different configuration of the receptacle member 6. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the similarities will be omitted. Furthermore, in each drawing of this embodiment, the same components as those in the previously described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0076] 18 and 19 , the receptacle member 6 of this embodiment has recesses 67 provided on the top surface 6C and arranged to cross each optical path 623 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the receptacle member 6 has an air layer 670 formed by the recesses 67 in the middle of each optical path 623. Light L passes through this air layer 670 while passing through the optical path 623. By providing the air layer 670 in the middle of the optical path 623 in this way, it is possible to reduce the loss of light L passing through the optical path 623 compared to when the entire optical path 623 is made of a resin material or a glass material, as in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, it is possible to transmit light L with a higher intensity.

[0077] As described above, in the optical connector 5 of this embodiment, the receptacle member 6 has the air layer 670 in the optical path 623, and the light L passes through the air layer 670. With this configuration, the loss of the light L due to passing through the optical path 623 can be reduced.

[0078] The second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0079] <Third embodiment> Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member of an optical connector according to a third embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the receptacle member shown in Fig. 20.

[0080] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is similar to the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the different configuration of the receptacle member 6. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the similarities will be omitted. Furthermore, in each drawing of this embodiment, the same components as those in the previously described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0081] 20 , in this embodiment, the optical axis of the light-emitting and receiving unit 31 coincides with the X-axis. In contrast, the receptacle member 6 does not have the first recess 631 (light-reflecting surface 631 a) of the configuration of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, a second recess 612 is provided in the base end surface 6B of the receptacle member 6, and a plurality of second collimator lenses 622 are provided on the bottom surface of the second recess 612. That is, in the receptacle member 6 of this embodiment, the corresponding first collimator lenses 621 and second collimator lenses 622 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction, and each optical path 623 is linearly aligned along the X-axis. Furthermore, with the plurality of second collimator lenses 622 aligned with the optical axis of the light-emitting and receiving unit 31, the base end surface 6B of the receptacle member 6 is fixed to the side surface of the optical integrated circuit 3 via an adhesive (not shown).

[0082] The third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Note that, as shown in Fig. 21 , the receptacle member 6 of this embodiment may be provided with a recess 67 like the second embodiment, and an air layer 670 may be disposed in the middle of each optical path 623.

[0083] Fourth Embodiment FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a receptacle member of an optical connector according to a fourth embodiment.

[0084] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is similar to the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the different configuration of the receptacle member 6. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0085] 22 , in this embodiment, the optical axis of the light receiving and emitting unit 31 coincides with the X-axis. In contrast, the receptacle member 6 in this embodiment has a rectangular cutout 68 that cuts out the corner between the lower surface 6D and the base end surface 6B, and is fixed to the optical integrated circuit 3 via an adhesive (not shown) such that the inside corner of the cutout 68 and the outside corner of the optical integrated circuit 3 are aligned.

[0086] Furthermore, in the receptacle member 6 of this embodiment, a second recessed portion 612 is provided on the side surface of the cutout 68, and a plurality of second collimator lenses 622 are provided on the bottom surface of the second recessed portion 612 at a position directly opposite the light receiving and emitting portion 31. Furthermore, in the receptacle member 6 of this embodiment, a second recessed portion 632 extending along the Y-axis direction is provided on the lower surface 6D, and the inner surface of the second recessed portion 632 constitutes a light reflecting surface 632a (mirror) that reflects light L passing through the receptacle member 6. The light reflecting surfaces 631a, 632a are aligned in the Z-axis direction. Like the light reflecting surface 631a, the light reflecting surface 632a is planar and inclined at 45° with respect to the X-axis.

[0087] Light L emitted from the light receiving and emitting unit 31 is converted into parallel light by a predetermined second collimator lens 622 located directly opposite the lens and enters the receptacle member 6. The parallel light L then travels inside the receptacle member 6 toward the positive side of the X axis, is reflected by the light reflecting surface 632a at an angle of 90°, travels toward the positive side of the Z axis, is further reflected by the light reflecting surface 631a at an angle of 90°, travels toward the positive side of the X axis, and is emitted to the outside of the receptacle member 6 from the corresponding first collimator lens 621. The light L emitted from the first collimator lens 621 is condensed by the first collimator lens 621, and enters the optical fiber 40 from the tip surface of the optical fiber 40 located directly opposite the lens near its focal point.

[0088] Conversely, light L emitted from optical fiber 40 is collimated by a predetermined first collimator lens 621 located directly opposite it and enters receptacle member 6. Then, the collimated light L travels inside receptacle member 6 toward the negative X-axis direction, is reflected by light reflecting surface 631a at an angle of 90° and travels toward the negative Z-axis direction, is further reflected by light reflecting surface 632a at an angle of 90° and travels toward the negative X-axis direction, and is emitted to the outside of receptacle member 6 from the corresponding second collimator lens 622. Light L emitted from second collimator lens 622 is condensed by second collimator lens 622 and enters the light receiving and emitting unit 31 located directly opposite it near its focal point.

[0089] According to the above-described configuration, for example, the length of the optical connector 5 in the X-axis direction can be shortened compared to the third embodiment described above, and therefore, a smaller optical connector 5 can be obtained.

[0090] The fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0091] <Fifth embodiment> Fig. 23 is a top view showing a locking member of an optical connector according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a front view of the locking member. Fig. 25 is a side view of the locking member. Fig. 26 is a side view of the locking member seen from the opposite side to that of Fig. 25.

[0092] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is similar to the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the locking member 91. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Furthermore, in each drawing of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0093] In the first embodiment described above, the locking member 91 is formed by bending a plate material, but as shown in Figures 23 to 26, the locking member 91 of this embodiment is formed by bending a wire W. In this type of locking member 91, as shown in Figure 23, both ends of the wire W engage with holes 691, 692 formed in both side surfaces 6E, 6F of the receptacle member 6, thereby connecting the locking member 91 to the receptacle member 6 rotatably about the rotation axis J.

[0094] The locking member 91 also has an abutment portion W2 that abuts against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 in the locked state. As shown in Fig. 24, the abutment portion W2 is formed so as to avoid contact with the optical fiber cable 4. The distance between the rotation axis J and the abutment portion W2 in the natural state (unlocked state) is smaller than the distance between the rotation axis J and the base end surface 7B, and in the locked state, the wire W is elastically deformed either entirely or partially, and the restoring force of this deformation urges the plug member 7 toward the receptacle member 6.

[0095] 25 and 26, the locking member 91 has an engaging portion W1 that, in the locked state, rides over the engaging protrusions 641, 642 and engages with the engaging protrusions 641, 642. This restricts unintentional rotation of the locking member 91 around the rotation axis J, making it possible to more reliably maintain the locked state.

[0096] The fifth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0097] <Sixth embodiment> Fig. 27 is a top view showing a locking mechanism of an optical connector according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a top view showing a base member of the optical connector. Fig. 29 is a side view showing a locking member of the optical connector. Fig. 30 is a side view of the locking member as seen from the opposite side to Fig. 29. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the locking member.

[0098] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is similar to the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the locking mechanism 9. Therefore, in the following description, differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of similar points will be omitted. Furthermore, in each drawing of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 27, the locking mechanism 9 of this embodiment has a base member 90 fixed to the substrate 2 and a locking member 91 rotatably connected to the base member 90 .

[0100] As shown in FIG. 28 , the base member 90 is fixed to the substrate 2. The base member 90 has a rectangular frame shape that surrounds the optical integrated circuit 3. The base member 90 is not in contact with the optical integrated circuit 3 disposed therein. The base member 90 also has a pair of rotation shafts 901a and 901b provided on both inner side surfaces 90E and 90F. The rotation shaft 901a is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the inner side surface 90E toward the negative side in the Y-axis direction, and the rotation shaft 901b is a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes from the inner side surface 90F toward the positive side in the Y-axis direction. These rotation shafts 901a and 901b are provided coaxially along the Y-axis and form the rotation axis J of the locking member 91.

[0101] The base member 90 also has a pair of engagement protrusions 902a, 902b provided on both inner surfaces 90E, 90F and closer to the tip surface 6A than the rotation axis J. As shown in FIG. 28 , the engagement protrusion 902a protrudes from the inner surface 90E toward the negative side in the Y axis direction and has a rounded hemispherical tip. Similarly, the engagement protrusion 902b protrudes from the inner surface 90F toward the positive side in the Y axis direction and has a rounded hemispherical tip. The engagement protrusions 902a, 902b are snap-fit ​​connected to the locking member 91 in the locked state, thereby preventing unintended rotation of the locking member 91 and maintaining the locked state.

[0102] Such a base member 90 can be made of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, etc. Like the receptacle member 6, the locking member 91 of this embodiment is made of various resin materials that combine the heat resistance, strength, molding shrinkage rate, thermal expansion coefficient, flame retardancy, water absorbency, etc. required for the base member 90, such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), etc.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 27 , similar to the first embodiment, the locking member 91 has a U-shape and includes a top plate 92 and a pair of side plates 931, 932 extending from both ends of the top plate 92 in the Y-axis direction toward the negative side of the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 , the base end of the side plate 931 is provided with an elongated hole 943 that engages with the rotation shaft portion 901a of the base member 90, and the base end of the side plate 932 is provided with an elongated hole 944 that engages with the rotation shaft portion 901b of the base member 90. In this manner, the elongated holes 943, 944 engage with the rotation shaft portions 901a, 901b, thereby connecting the locking member 91 to the base member 90 for rotation around the rotation axis J. In addition, the elongated holes 943, 944 each extend in the X-axis direction in the locked state. Therefore, the locking member 91 is slidable in the X-axis direction relative to the base member 90 in the locked state. Contrary to this embodiment, the locking member 91 may be provided with a rotation shaft portion, and the base member 90 may be provided with an elongated hole that engages with the rotation shaft portion.

[0104] 31 , the locking member 91 has a pair of biasing portions 951, 952 provided at the tip ends of the side plates 931, 932, as well as a biasing portion 953 provided at the base end of the top plate 92. In the locked state, the biasing portions 951, 952 and the biasing portion 953 sandwich the plug member 7 and receptacle member 6 positioned by the positioning mechanism 8 from both sides in the X-axis direction, thereby maintaining the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in a positioned state. Similar to the biasing portions 951, 952, the biasing portion 953 has an abutting portion 953a that abuts against the base end surface 6B of the receptacle member 6 and a U-shaped spring portion 953b that connects the abutting portion 953a and the top plate 92. A separation distance D3 between the contact portion 953a and the contact portions 951a and 952a in the natural state (unlocked state) is slightly smaller than a separation distance D1 between the rotation axis J and the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 in the state positioned by the positioning mechanism 8. In other words, D3<D1.

[0105] 29 and 30 , the locking member 91 has engagement holes 961, 962 formed in the side plates 931, 932. In the locked state, these engagement holes 961, 962 engage with engagement protrusions 902a, 902b provided on the base member 90 by snap-fit ​​connection. Therefore, in the locked state, unintentional rotation of the locking member 91 about the rotation axis J is restricted, and the locked state can be maintained more reliably. Note that in the locked state, the engagement holes 961, 962 are each elongated holes extending in the X-axis direction, and are configured not to hinder sliding of the locking member 91 in the X-axis direction relative to the base member 90 in the locked state.

[0106] In this locking mechanism 9, with the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 positioned by the positioning mechanism 8, the locking member 91 is rotated about the rotation axis J, causing the abutment portions 951a and 952a to abut against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 and the abutment portion 953a to abut against the base end surface 6B of the receptacle member 6. This causes the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 to be sandwiched between the locking member 91, maintaining the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 in a positioned state. In this state, the engagement holes 961 and 962 of the locking member 91 engage with the engagement protrusions 902a and 902b of the base member 90 by snap-fit ​​connection, maintaining the locked state. Conversely, if the snap-fit ​​connection is released and the locking member 91 is rotated in the reverse direction about the rotation axis J from the locked state, the unlocked state is achieved and the plug member 7 can be removed from the receptacle member 6.

[0107] In particular, in this embodiment, since the locking member 91 can slide in the X-axis direction relative to the base member 90 when in the locked state, when the locking member 91 is in the locked state, it is difficult for load to be applied to the base member 90 or the optical integrated circuit 3, and damage to these can be effectively suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, since separation distance D3 is smaller than separation distance D1, in the locked state, spring portions 951b, 952b, and 953b of biasing portions 951, 952, and 953 are elastically deformed, and the restoring forces of these portions cause abutting portions 951a, 952a, and 953a to press the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 against each other. This allows the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 to be held more firmly.

[0109] As described above, in the optical connector 5 of this embodiment, the optical integrated circuit 3 is mounted on the substrate 2. The locking mechanism 9 has a base member 90 fixed to the substrate 2 and a locking member 91 rotatably connected to the base member 90, and when the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 are connected, the locking member 91 is engaged with the receptacle member 6 and the plug member 7 to establish a locked state. This configuration simplifies the configuration of the locking mechanism 9.

[0110] As described above, a pair of rotation shafts 901a, 901b are formed on one of the base member 90 and the locking member 91, and a pair of elongated holes 943, 944 that engage with the pair of rotation shafts 901a, 901b are formed on the other. In particular, in this embodiment, the pair of rotation shafts 901a, 901b are formed on the base member 90, and the pair of elongated holes 943, 944 that engage with the pair of rotation shafts 901a, 901b are formed on the locking member 91. The locking member 91 is slidable along the elongated holes 943, 944 relative to the base member 90. With this configuration, when the locking member 91 is in the locked state, loads are unlikely to be applied to the base member 90 or the optical integrated circuit 3, effectively preventing damage to these components.

[0111] The sixth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0112] Seventh Embodiment FIG. 32 is a top view showing an optical connector according to a seventh embodiment.

[0113] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is the same as the optical connector 5 of the sixth embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the locking member 91. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the sixth embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the similarities will be omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings of this embodiment, the same components as those in the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0114] In the sixth embodiment described above, the locking member 91 is formed by bending a plate material, but as shown in Fig. 32, the locking member 91 of this embodiment is formed by bending a wire W. In this type of locking member 91, both ends of the wire W engage with holes 903a, 903b formed in both inner surfaces 90E, 90F of the base member 90, thereby connecting the locking member 91 to the base member 90 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis J.

[0115] The locking member 91 also has an abutment portion W3 that abuts against the base end surface 7B of the plug member 7 in the locked state and an abutment portion W4 that abuts against the base end surface 6B of the receptacle member 6. In the natural state (unlocked state), the distance between the abutment portion W3 and the abutment portion W4 is smaller than the distance between the base end surfaces 6B, 7B. In the locked state, the wire W elastically deforms entirely or partially, and its restoring force presses the plug member 7 and the receptacle member 6 against each other. The locking member 91 also has an engagement portion W5 that overcomes the engagement protrusions 902a, 902b and engages with them in the locked state. This restricts unintended rotation of the locking member 91 around the rotation axis J in the locked state, thereby more reliably maintaining the locked state. The abutment portion W3 has a configuration similar to that of the abutment portion W2 in the fifth embodiment described above.

[0116] The seventh embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0117] Eighth Embodiment FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical connector according to an eighth embodiment.

[0118] The optical connector 5 of this embodiment is the same as the optical connector 5 of the first embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the plug member 7. Therefore, in the following description, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Furthermore, in the drawings of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar components to those of the previously described embodiment.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 33 , the plug member 7 of this embodiment has multiple lenses 78 provided on its distal end surface 7A. Each lens 78 is provided overlapping with an insertion hole 74 and blocks the distal opening of the insertion hole 74. The distal end surface of each optical fiber 40 abuts against the rear surface of the lens 78. That is, each lens 78 is located between the corresponding first collimator lens 621 and the distal end surface of the optical fiber 40. Each lens 78 is a convex lens and focuses the light L emitted from the optical fiber 40 near the first collimator lens 621 that directly faces it. This prevents the light L emitted from the optical fiber 40 from diffusing, and allows the light L to efficiently enter the receptacle member 6 via the first collimator lens 621. Therefore, loss of the light L can be effectively suppressed.

[0120] The plug member 7 is made of an optically transparent material such as a resin material or a glass material, similar to the receptacle member 6. The plug member 7 of this embodiment is made of a resin material. Making the plug member 7 out of a resin material makes it easier to form the plug member 7. The resin material is not particularly limited, but various resin materials that combine the heat resistance, strength, molding shrinkage rate, thermal expansion coefficient, flame retardancy, water absorbency, etc. required for the plug member 7, such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), etc., can be used.

[0121] As described above, in the optical connector 5 of this embodiment, the plug member 7 has the lens 78 located between the first collimator lens 621 and the tip surface of the optical fiber 40. With this configuration, diffusion of the light L emitted from the optical fiber 40 is prevented, and the light L can be efficiently incident on the receptacle member 6 via the first collimator lens 621. Therefore, loss of the light L can be effectively suppressed.

[0122] The eighth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0123] Although the optical connector of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the optical connector of the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having the same function. Also, any other configuration may be added to the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0124] The optical connector of the present invention has a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state, in which the plug member and the receptacle member are kept connected, and an unlocked state, in which the plug member and the receptacle member are detachable. Therefore, the optical connector of the present invention allows an optical fiber to be easily and detachably attached to the receptacle member. As a result, the optical fiber can be easily and detachably attached to an optical integrated circuit via the receptacle member. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An optical connector for connecting an optical integrated circuit and an optical fiber, comprising: a plug member attached to the optical fiber; a receptacle member placed on the optical integrated circuit and connected to the plug member to transmit light between the optical integrated circuit and the optical fiber; and a locking mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the plug member and the receptacle member are connected and an unlocked state in which the plug member and the receptacle member can be detached.

2. An optical connector as described in claim 1, wherein the receptacle member has a first collimator lens facing the optical fiber and a second collimator lens facing the optical integrated circuit, and the light passes through an optical path between the first collimator lens and the second collimator lens.

3. An optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the first collimator lens and the optical fiber are spaced apart, and the second collimator lens and the optical integrated circuit are spaced apart.

4. An optical connector according to claim 2, wherein said plug member has a lens located between said first collimator lens and the tip face of said optical fiber.

5. An optical connector according to claim 2, wherein said receptacle member has a light reflecting surface provided in said optical path for changing the direction of said optical path.

6. An optical connector according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle member has an air layer in the optical path, and the light passes through the air layer.

7. An optical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning mechanism which includes pins which fit into said receptacle member and said plug member and which positions said receptacle member and said plug member.

8. An optical connector as described in claim 7, wherein the receptacle member has a surface facing the plug member and a first mating hole into which the pin fits, and the plug member has a surface facing the receptacle member and a second mating hole into which the pin fits.

9. The optical connector according to claim 8, wherein said pin is fixed to said receptacle member in a state where said pin is fitted in said first fitting hole.

10. An optical connector as described in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism has a locking member rotatably connected to the receptacle member, and when the receptacle member and the plug member are connected, the locked state is achieved by engaging the locking member with the plug member.

11. An optical connector as described in claim 1, wherein the optical integrated circuit is mounted on a substrate, and the locking mechanism has a base member fixed to the substrate and a locking member rotatably connected to the base member, and when the receptacle member and the plug member are connected, the locked state is achieved by engaging the locking member with the receptacle member and the plug member.

12. An optical connector as described in claim 11, wherein a pair of rotating shaft portions is formed on one of the base member and the locking member, and a pair of long holes that engage with the pair of rotating shaft portions is formed on the other, and the locking member is slidable along the long holes relative to the base member.

13. An optical connector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said locking member has a biasing portion that biases said plug member toward said receptacle member in said locked state.

14. An optical connector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said locking member has a window portion which overlaps with the boundary portion between said receptacle member and said plug member in said locked state.

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