Optical module

Abstract

This optical module (C10) comprises a first light source (11), a first optical path (12), a second optical path (22), and a first light receiving component (21). The first optical path (12) has a first end (101) and a second end (102). The first end (101) of the first optical path (12) faces the first light source (11). The second optical path (22) has a third end (103) and a fourth end (104). The third end (103) of the second optical path (22) is disposed above the second end (102) of the first optical path (12). The first light receiving component (21) faces the fourth end (104) of the second optical path (22). The width (W2) of the second end (102) is greater than the width (W1) of the first end (101). The width (W3) of the third end (103) is greater than the width (W4) of the fourth end (104). When viewed from above, the second end (102) of the first optical path (12) overlaps the third end (103) of the second optical path (22). The extension direction of the first optical path (12) and the extension direction of the second optical path (22) intersect each other.

Description

Optical Module

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to optical modules, and more particularly to optical modules that include a light source and a light receiving component.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an optical connector. The optical connector in Patent Document 1 includes a light-transmitting optical connector and a light-receiving optical connector, which are fitted and coupled together to transmit light from the light-transmitting side to the light-receiving side.

[0003] The optical connector includes an optical path conversion unit. The optical path conversion unit of the optical connector on the light-sending side is designated as a first optical path conversion unit, and the optical path conversion unit of the optical connector on the other light-receiving side is designated as a second optical path conversion unit. The first optical path conversion unit is configured to irradiate light in the direction of the second optical path conversion unit that exists when the first optical path conversion unit is coupled to the other optical connector. Patent Document 1 describes that it is preferable that the configuration of both optical connectors be such that a Z-shaped optical path can be formed when these optical connectors are fitted and coupled.

[0004] International Publication No. 2020 / 148979

[0005] In the combination (optical module) of an optical connector on the light-sending side and an optical connector on the light-receiving side described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the second optical path conversion unit cannot receive light from the first optical path conversion unit due to a misalignment of the relative positions of the first optical path conversion unit (first optical path) and the second optical path conversion unit (second optical path).

[0006] An optical module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, a first optical path, a second optical path, and a light receiving component. The first optical path has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first optical path faces the light source. The second optical path has a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second optical path is disposed above the second end of the first optical path. The light receiving component faces the fourth end of the second optical path. In the first optical path, the width of the second end is wider than the width of the first end. In the second optical path, the width of the third end is wider than the width of the fourth end. When viewed from above, the second end of the first optical path overlaps with the third end of the second optical path. When viewed from above, the extension direction of the first optical path and the extension direction of the second optical path intersect with each other.

[0007] The present disclosure has an advantage in that it is possible to improve the tolerance for misalignment of the second optical path with respect to the first optical path.

[0008] An optical module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source, a first optical path, a second optical path, and a light receiving component. The first optical path has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first optical path faces the light source. The second optical path has a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the second optical path is disposed above the second end of the first optical path. The light receiving component faces the fourth end of the second optical path. In the first optical path, the width of the second end is wider than the width of the first end. In the second optical path, the width of the third end is wider than the width of the fourth end. When viewed from above, the second end of the first optical path overlaps with the third end of the second optical path. The extension direction of the first optical path and the extension direction of the second optical path are in a twisted relationship.

[0009] The present disclosure has an advantage in that it is possible to improve the tolerance for misalignment of the second optical path with respect to the first optical path.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled optical module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical module. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second module of the optical module from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the assembled optical module. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top view of a main part of the assembled optical module. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a first mirror and a second mirror in the assembled optical module. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a first mirror and a second mirror in the optical module when the relative positions of the first module and the second module are shifted. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between a first mirror and a second mirror in the optical module when the relative positions of the first module and the second module are shifted. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first module of the optical module according to Variation 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second module of the optical module according to Variation 2. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a first housing of a first module of an optical module according to Variation 2. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the optical module of the same. FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a first housing of a first module of an optical module of Modification 3. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the optical module of the same. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a first housing and a first cover member of a first module of an optical module of Modification 4. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the optical module of the same. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of Modification 5. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 16C is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example of a light guiding member of the same. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first mirror and the second mirror in an assembled state of the optical module of Modification 6. Fig. 20A is a side view of a main part of an optical module according to Modification 7. Fig. 20B is a front view of a main part of the optical module according to Modification 7. Fig. 20C is a top view of a main part of the optical module according to Modification 7. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an optical module according to Modification 8.

[0011] Optical modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment The optical module C10 of this embodiment is used, for example, to connect multiple circuit boards mounted on an electrical device such as a smartphone. The optical module C10, for example, converts an electrical signal from one circuit board into an optical signal, transmits the optical signal within the optical module C10, and then converts the transmitted optical signal back into an electrical signal and transmits it to another circuit board. Note that the optical module C10 may also be used in any electrical device other than a mobile terminal, such as a camera module. Furthermore, the use of the optical module C10 is not limited to connecting multiple circuit boards, and may be used to connect multiple components, such as between a circuit board and a display or between a circuit board and a battery.

[0013] 1 to 3, the optical module C10 of this embodiment includes a first module C1 and a second module C2. The first module C1 and the second module C2 are arranged facing each other (see FIG. 1), thereby constituting the optical module C10. For convenience, the state in which the first module C1 and the second module C2 face each other (see FIG. 1) will hereinafter also be referred to as the "assembled state" of the optical module C10.

[0014] For convenience, the following description will be given by defining three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the optical module C10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . That is, the direction in which the first module C1 and the second module C2 face each other in the assembled state is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the two directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. In this embodiment, the X-axis direction is defined as the direction along the longitudinal direction of the first optical path 12 (see FIG. 2 ) of the first module C1. For convenience, the following description will be given by defining the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction, with the side where the second module C2 is located relative to the first module C1 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) as "up," and the opposite side as "down." Furthermore, the X-axis direction is defined as the left-right direction, with the first end 101 side of the first optical path 12 as "left" and the second end 102 side as "right." Furthermore, the Y-axis direction is the front-to-rear direction, with the positive direction of the Y-axis being "front" and the opposite direction being "rear." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the components of the optical module C10 and do not limit the orientation of the optical module C10 during use, etc.

[0015] The first module C1 is mounted on, for example, a first circuit board to which, for example, a first external device is connected.

[0016] The second module C2 is mounted on, for example, a second circuit board different from the first circuit board, and a second external device is connected to the second circuit board.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the first module C1 includes a first housing 91, a first light source (light source) 11, a first optical path 12, a first driving device 13, a first connection terminal 14, a first base 15, and a first conductive member (not shown).

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the second module C2 includes a second housing 92, a first light receiving component (light receiving component) 21, a second optical path 22, a second driving device 23, a second connection terminal 24, a second base 25, and a second conductive member (not shown).

[0019] 1, the housing 9 of the optical module C10 is composed of a first housing 91 of the first module C1 and a second housing 92 of the second module C2. That is, the optical module C10 includes the housing 9. The housing 9 is in the shape of a rectangular box. As an example, the housing 9 is formed so that each side is approximately 5 mm to 10 mm in size.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 91 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate having a recess 919 recessed downward.

[0021] The first housing 91 integrally includes a rectangular, flat bottom plate 910 and a first side wall 911, a second side wall 912, a third side wall 913, and a fourth side wall 914, which extend along the front, rear, right, and left sides of the bottom plate 910, respectively. The first side wall 911 to the fourth side wall 914 are connected at their ends in the extension direction to form a rectangular frame-shaped peripheral wall 915. The recess 919 described above is defined so as to be surrounded by the bottom plate 910 and the peripheral wall 915. The first housing 91 has a first opening 9190 on its top surface.

[0022] 2, the first light source 11 is disposed in the first housing 91. The first light source 11 is, for example, a laser diode (semiconductor laser). The first light source 11 is, for example, a surface-emitting laser. However, the first light source 11 is not limited to this, and may be other light-emitting elements such as a light-emitting diode. The first light source 11 has a light-emitting unit 111 that emits light A1.

[0023] 2 , the first driving device 13 is disposed in the first housing 91. The first driving device 13 controls the operation of the first light source 11. The first driving device 13 includes a first driver IC 130 that drives the first light source 11. The first driver IC 130 is electrically connected to the first light source 11 via a first pattern conductor 131. The first driver IC 130 is sealed with a first resin 132.

[0024] 2, the first connection terminal 14 is disposed outside the first housing 91. The first connection terminal 14 is electrically connected to the first drive device 13 via a first conductive member. The first connection terminal 14 and the first conductive member are formed integrally with the first housing 91 by, for example, insert molding. Note that the first connection terminal 14 may be provided integrally with the first conductive member.

[0025] The first connection terminal 14 is connected to the first circuit board by, for example, soldering, etc. A first electrical signal is transmitted to the first connection terminal 14 from a first external device connected to the first circuit board.

[0026] The first module C1 includes a plurality of first connection terminals 14. The plurality of first connection terminals 14 are provided on a fourth side wall 914 of the first housing 91. The plurality of first connection terminals 14 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the fourth side wall 914.

[0027] The first driving device 13 has a function of controlling the first light source 11 to emit light A1 from the first light source 11. The first driving device 13 also has a function of generating a first optical signal including desired information by modulating the light A1. The first driving device 13 generates the first optical signal based on a first electrical signal received from a first external device via the first connection terminal 14.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first base 15 is disposed within the first housing 91. The first base 15 is formed, for example, from a silicon substrate. The first base 15 supports the first light source 11 and the first optical path 12. The first base 15 is a rectangular plate that is long in the traveling direction of the light A1 from the first light source 11. Here, the first base 15 is a plate that is long in the left-right direction. The first base 15 is disposed within the recess 919 of the first housing 91, along the first side wall 911 of the first housing 91.

[0029] A first groove 150 is formed in the upper surface of the first base 15. The first groove 150 is formed long in the direction in which the first base 15 extends (the left-right direction).

[0030] The first groove 150 has a first portion 151 and a second portion 152. The first portion 151 is formed to be long in the left-right direction. The first portion 151 is rectangular when viewed from above. The second portion 152 is formed to be long in the left-right direction so as to connect to the right end of the first portion 151. The second portion 152 is rectangular when viewed from above. The width (here, the dimension in the front-to-rear direction) of the second portion 152 is wider than the width of the first portion 151. Note that the shape of the first groove 150 is not limited to this. The first groove 150 may have any shape as long as it can accommodate the first optical waveguide 120 (the light-guiding member 50 thereof), which will be described later. For example, the shape of the second portion 152 may be a triangle or the like that matches the shape of the first optical waveguide 120.

[0031] The first groove 150 is formed by, for example, wet etching of a silicon substrate. Each side surface of the first groove 150 is an inclined surface. Each side surface of the first groove 150 is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the bottom surface of the first groove 150, for example.

[0032] 2 , the first light source 11 is disposed on the upper surface of the first base 15. The first light source 11 is disposed at the left end of the upper surface of the first base 15 so that the light-emitting portion 111 faces the second portion 152 of the first groove 150.

[0033] The first optical path 12 is disposed within the first housing 91. The first optical path 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the first base 15. The first optical path 12 is an optical path through which light A1 from the first light source 11 passes. The first optical path 12 has a first end 101 and a second end 102. In this example, the first end 101 is the left end of the first optical path 12. In this example, the second end 102 is the right end of the first optical path 12. The first end 101 (left end) of the first optical path 12 faces the first light source 11.

[0034] 2, the first optical path 12 includes a first optical waveguide 120 and a first mirror 129. The first optical waveguide 120 and the first mirror 129 are disposed in a first housing 91.

[0035] The first optical waveguide 120 is disposed in the first groove 150. The first optical waveguide 120 extends along the bottom surface of the first groove 150 in the longitudinal direction of the first optical path 12.

[0036] One end (left end) of the first optical waveguide 120 on the first end 101 side of the first optical path 12 faces the light emitting portion 111 of the first light source 11. One end (left end) of the first optical waveguide 120 is an incident end into which light A1 from the first light source 11 is incident. Furthermore, light A1 that has entered the first optical waveguide 120 from the incident end is emitted from the other end (right end) of the first optical waveguide 120 on the second end 102 side of the first optical path 12. The other end (right end) of the first optical waveguide 120 is an emission end from which light A1 is emitted.

[0037] 2, the width of the first optical waveguide 120 at the output end is wider than the width (front-rear dimension) at the input end. The first optical waveguide 120 tapers from the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 toward the first end 101.

[0038] The first optical waveguide 120 includes at least one light-guiding member 50. Here, the first optical waveguide 120 includes a single light-guiding member 50. The light-guiding member 50 has a tapered portion that is triangular (here, an isosceles triangle) when viewed from above. The first optical waveguide 120 is a so-called tapered waveguide.

[0039] Light A1 emitted from the first light source 11 and incident on the incident end of the first optical waveguide 120 travels through the first optical waveguide 120 and is emitted from the exit end of the first optical waveguide 120. The light A1 is emitted from the exit end of the first optical waveguide 120 with a width in the front-to-rear direction wider than the width at the entrance end of the first optical waveguide 120.

[0040] The first mirror 129 is disposed to face the output end of the first optical waveguide 120. The first mirror 129 is a flat mirror. The first mirror 129 is formed of a metal film such as gold. The first mirror 129 is in the form of a plate that is long in the width direction (front-to-back direction) of the first optical waveguide 120. The first mirror 129 is inclined with respect to the direction in which the first module C1 and the second module C2 face each other (up-down direction).

[0041] The first mirror 129 is disposed in the first groove 150. The first mirror 129 is provided on the right side surface of the second portion 152 of the first groove 150. Therefore, the inclination angle of the first mirror 129 (the angle with respect to the bottom surface of the first groove 150) is 45°.

[0042] The first mirror 129 reflects the light A1 emitted from the emission end of the first optical waveguide 120. In this embodiment, the first mirror 129 is inclined upward at an angle of 45° with respect to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the first optical waveguide 120. Therefore, the first mirror 129 reflects the light A1 emitted to the right from the emission end of the first optical waveguide 120 upward (directly above) (see FIG. 4 ).

[0043] As described above, in the first module C1 of this embodiment, the incident end of the first optical waveguide 120 is disposed at the first end 101 of the first optical path 12. Furthermore, a first mirror 129 is disposed at the second end 102 of the first optical path 12. As shown in FIG. 6 , the width W2 (front-rear dimension) of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 is wider than the width W1 of the first end 101. The "width W1 of the first end 101 of the first optical path 12" refers to the distance between both ends of the first optical path 12 at the first end 101 in a direction (here, the front-rear direction) perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the longitudinal direction of the first optical path 12. The "width W2 of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12" refers to the distance between both ends of the first optical path 12 at the second end 102 in a direction (here, the front-rear direction) perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the longitudinal direction of the first optical path 12. In the case where the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 is branched into multiple parts (see the light-guiding member 53 in FIG. 16A ), the "width W2 of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12" may refer to the distance between both ends of the multiple separated parts (for example, the width from the first portion 566 to the fourth portion 569). In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the "width W1 of the first end 101 of the first optical path 12" refers to the width (front-rear dimension) of the portion of the first optical waveguide 120 that faces the first light source 11. In addition, in the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the "width W2 of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12" refers to the lateral width (front-rear dimension) of the first mirror 129.

[0044] 3, the second housing 92 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate having an upwardly recessed recess 929 on its underside. Here, the second housing 92 has the same shape and size as the first housing 91.

[0045] The second housing 92 integrally includes a rectangular, flat bottom plate 920 and a first side wall 921, a second side wall 922, a third side wall 923, and a fourth side wall 924, which extend along the front, rear, right, and left sides of the bottom plate 920, respectively. The first to fourth side walls 921 to 924 are connected at their ends in the extension direction to form a rectangular frame-shaped peripheral wall 925. The recess 929 described above is defined so as to be surrounded by the bottom plate 920 and the peripheral wall 925.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first light-receiving component 21 is disposed within the second housing 92. The first light-receiving component 21 is, for example, a photodiode. However, the first light-receiving component 21 is not limited to this, and may be another light-receiving component such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The first light-receiving component 21 has a light-receiving unit 211 that receives light A1. The first light-receiving component 21 converts a first optical signal of the light A1 received by the light-receiving unit 211 into a second electrical signal and provides the second electrical signal to the second driving device 23.

[0047] 3 , the second driving device 23 is disposed in the second housing 92. The second driving device 23 includes a first receiver IC 230 that processes the second electrical signal from the first light receiving component 21. The first receiver IC 230 is electrically connected to the first light receiving component 21 via a second pattern conductor 231. The first receiver IC 230 is sealed with a second resin 232.

[0048] 3, the second connection terminal 24 is disposed outside the second housing 92. The second connection terminal 24 is electrically connected to the second drive device 23 via a second conductive member. The second connection terminal 24 and the second conductive member are formed integrally with the second housing 92 by, for example, insert molding. Note that the second connection terminal 24 may be provided integrally with the second conductive member.

[0049] The second connection terminal 24 is connected to the second circuit board by, for example, soldering, etc. A second electrical signal from the second driving device 23 is transmitted via the second connection terminal 24 to a second external device connected to the second circuit board.

[0050] The second module C2 includes a plurality of second connection terminals 24. The plurality of second connection terminals 24 are provided on a second side wall 922 of the second housing 92. The plurality of second connection terminals 24 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the second side wall 922.

[0051] The second driving device 23 has, for example, a function of amplifying the second electrical signal from the first light receiving component 21, and a function of transmitting the second electrical signal to a second external device connected to the second circuit board via the second connection terminal 24.

[0052] The second module C2 does not necessarily have to include the first receiver IC 230. For example, the first light receiving component 21 may be connected to the second connection terminal 24 via a second conductive member, and the second electrical signal from the first light receiving component 21 may be transmitted to the second external device via the second connection terminal 24.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second base 25 is disposed within the second housing 92. The second base 25 is formed, for example, from a silicon substrate. The second base 25 supports the first light receiving component 21 and the second optical path 22. The second base 25 is a rectangular plate elongated in a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction of the first base 15 of the first module C1 (see FIG. 4 ). In this example, the second base 25 is a plate elongated in the front-to-rear direction. The second base 25 is disposed within the recess 929 of the second housing 92, along the third side wall 923 of the second housing 92. The second base 25 may have the same configuration as the first base 15, except for its location and orientation.

[0054] A second groove 250 is formed in the lower surface of the second base 25. The second groove 250 is formed long in the extension direction of the second base 25 (front-rear direction).

[0055] The second groove 250 has a third portion 251 and a fourth portion 252. The third portion 251 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction. The third portion 251 is rectangular when viewed from below. The fourth portion 252 is formed to be long in the front-rear direction so as to connect to the rear end of the third portion 251. The fourth portion 252 is rectangular when viewed from below. The width (here, the dimension in the left-right direction) of the third portion 251 is wider than the width of the fourth portion 252. Note that the shape of the second groove 250 is not limited to this. The second groove 250 may have any shape as long as it can accommodate the second optical waveguide 220 (the light-guiding member 50 thereof), which will be described later. For example, the shape of the third portion 251 may be a triangle or the like that matches the shape of the second optical waveguide 220.

[0056] The second groove 250 is formed by, for example, wet etching a silicon substrate. Each side surface of the second groove 250 is an inclined surface. Each side surface of the second groove 250 is inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the bottom surface of the second groove 250, for example.

[0057] 3 , the first light receiving component 21 is disposed on the lower surface of the second base 25. The first light receiving component 21 is disposed at the rear end of the lower surface of the second base 25 so that the light receiving portion 211 faces the fourth portion 252 of the second groove 250.

[0058] The second optical path 22 is disposed within the second housing 92. The second optical path 22 is disposed on the underside of the second base 25. The second optical path 22 is an optical path through which light A1 emitted from the first light source 11 and passed through the first optical path 12 passes. In this case, the second optical path 22 is an optical path through which light A1 (see FIG. 4 ) emitted from the first light source 11 and reflected upward by the first mirror 129 passes. The second optical path 22 has a third end 103 and a fourth end 104. In this case, the third end 103 is the front end of the second optical path 22. In this case, the fourth end 104 is the rear end of the second optical path 22. The fourth end 104 (rear end) of the second optical path 22 faces the first light receiving component 21.

[0059] 3, the second optical path 22 includes a second mirror 229 and a second optical waveguide 220. The second mirror 229 and the second optical waveguide 220 are disposed in the second housing 92.

[0060] The second mirror 229 is a plate-like member that is long in a direction (left-right direction) that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the longitudinal direction (width direction; front-rear direction) of the first mirror 129. The second mirror 229 is a flat mirror. The second mirror 229 is formed of a metal film such as gold. The second mirror 229 reflects light A1 (see FIG. 4 ) reflected by the first mirror 129 toward the second optical waveguide 220. The second mirror 229 is inclined with respect to the direction in which the first module C1 and the second module C2 face each other (up-down direction) so that the second mirror 229 can reflect light A1 from the first mirror 129.

[0061] 3 , the second mirror 229 is disposed in the second groove 250. The second mirror 229 is provided on the front side surface of the third portion 251 of the second groove 250. Therefore, the inclination angle of the second mirror 229 (the angle with respect to the bottom surface of the second groove 250) is 45°. The second mirror 229 reflects the light A1 from below backward toward the second optical waveguide 220.

[0062] The second optical waveguide 220 is disposed in the second groove 250. The second optical waveguide 220 extends along the bottom surface of the second groove 250 in the longitudinal direction of the second optical path 22.

[0063] One end (front end) of the second optical waveguide 220 on the third end 103 side of the second optical path 22 faces the second mirror 229. One end (front end) of the second optical waveguide 220 is an incident end into which light A1 from the second mirror 229 is incident. Furthermore, light A1 that has entered the second optical waveguide 220 from the incident end is emitted from the other end (rear end) of the second optical waveguide 220 on the fourth end 104 side of the second optical path 22. The other end (rear end) of the second optical waveguide 220 is an emission end from which light A1 is emitted.

[0064] 3, the width (horizontal dimension) of the second optical waveguide 220 is wider at the input end than at the output end, and the second optical waveguide 220 tapers from the third end 103 to the fourth end 104 of the second optical path 22.

[0065] The second optical waveguide 220 includes at least one light-guiding member 50. Here, the second optical waveguide 220 includes a single light-guiding member 50. The light-guiding member 50 has a tapered portion that is triangular (here, an isosceles triangle) when viewed from below. The second optical waveguide 220 is a so-called tapered waveguide.

[0066] The light A1 reflected by the second mirror 229 and incident on the incident end of the second optical waveguide 220 travels through the second optical waveguide 220 and is emitted from the exit end of the second optical waveguide 220. The light A1 emitted from the exit end of the second optical waveguide 220 is received by the light receiving section 211 of the first light receiving component 21.

[0067] As described above, in the second module C2 of this embodiment, a second mirror 229 is disposed at the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. Furthermore, an output end of the second optical waveguide 220 is disposed at the fourth end 104 of the second optical path 22. As shown in FIG. 6 , in the second optical path 22, a width W3 (horizontal dimension) of the third end 103 is wider than a width W4 of the fourth end 104. The "width W3 of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22" refers to the distance between both ends of the second optical path 22 at the third end 103 in a direction (here, the horizontal direction) perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the second optical path 22. The "width W4 of the fourth end 104 of the second optical path 22" refers to the distance between both ends of the second optical path 22 at the fourth end 104 in a direction (here, the horizontal direction) perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the second optical path 22. In the case where the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 is branched into multiple parts (see the light-guiding member 53 in FIG. 16A ), the “width W3 of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22” may refer to the distance between both ends of the multiple separated parts (e.g., the width from the first portion 566 to the fourth portion 569). In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the “width W3 of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22” refers to the width (left-right dimension) of the second mirror 229. In addition, in the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the “width W4 of the fourth end 104 of the second optical path 22” refers to the width (left-right dimension) of the portion of the second optical waveguide 220 that faces the first light-receiving component 21. Note that in the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the width (left-right dimension) of the second mirror 229 is the same as the width (front-rear dimension) of the first mirror 129. In other words, the width W3 of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 is the same as the width W2 of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 .

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in the assembled state of the optical module C10, the recess 919 on the top surface of the first housing 91 and the recess 929 on the bottom surface of the second housing 92 face each other.

[0069] In the assembled state, the upper surface of the peripheral wall 915 of the first housing 91 of the first module C1 and the lower surface of the peripheral wall 925 of the second housing 92 of the second module C2 face each other (they contact each other). A space (e.g., a sealed space) is formed between the recess 919 of the first housing 91 and the recess 929 of the second housing 92. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , in the assembled state, the extension direction of the first optical path 12 and the extension direction of the second optical path 22 intersect with each other when viewed from above. In other words, the extension direction of the first optical path 12 and the extension direction of the second optical path 22 are in a twisted relationship. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the first optical path 12 is the X direction as shown in FIG. 2 , and the extension direction of the second optical path 22 is the Y direction as shown in FIG. 3 . 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first light source 11, the first optical path 12, the first light receiving component 21, and the second optical path 22 in an assembled state. In Fig. 4, the outlines of the first base 15 and the second base 25 are shown by imaginary lines. Fig. 6 is a top view illustrating only the main parts of the optical module C10 in an assembled state.

[0070] 5 and 6 , in the assembled state, the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 of the second module C2 is above the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 of the first module C1. As shown in FIG. 6 , when viewed from above, the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 overlaps with the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. More specifically, when viewed from above, the first mirror 129 overlaps with the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. Also, when viewed from above, the second mirror 229 overlaps with the second end 102 of the first optical path 12. When viewed from above, the first mirror 129 overlaps with the second mirror 229. In the present disclosure, the phrase "the first element and the second element overlap when viewed from above" means that at least a portion of the first element and at least a portion of the second element overlap when the first element and the second element are viewed from above, focusing only on the first element and the second element. In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first mirror 129 and the second mirror 229 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions intersect (are perpendicular to each other) and at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from above.

[0071] In the assembled state, light A1 emitted from the first light source 11 passes through the first optical waveguide 120, is reflected upward by the first mirror 129, is reflected backward by the second mirror 229, passes through the second optical waveguide 220, and is received by the first light receiving component 21. In short, the optical module C10 of this embodiment can transmit a first electrical signal input from the first circuit board to the first module C1 in the form of a first optical signal by light A1 to the second module C2, and output it to the second circuit board as a second electrical signal.

[0072] Here, when the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are brought face to face, there is a possibility that the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 may be shifted. That is, even if the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are arranged so that the central portions of the second end 102 (first mirror 129) of the first optical path 12 and the third end 103 (second mirror 229) of the second optical path 22 overlap when viewed from above (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ), the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 may be shifted, and the central portions may not overlap. If the widths of the second end 102 and the third end 103 are small and each has only a central portion, if the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are shifted, the second end 102 and the third end 103 will not overlap, and light emitted from the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 will not be received by the third end of the second optical path 22.

[0073] In contrast, in the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the width W2 of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 is wider than the width W1 of the first end 101, and the width W3 of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 is wider than the width W4 of the fourth end, so that the first optical path 12 and the second optical path 22 intersect with each other. This allows at least the end of the third end 103 to overlap the second end 102 (see FIG. 8 ) and / or the end of the second end 102 to overlap the third end 103 (see FIG. 9 ), even if the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are shifted. This makes it easier for the light A1 emitted from the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 to be received by the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. In short, the optical module C10 of this embodiment allows the second optical path 22 to receive the light A1 from the first optical path 12 even if the position of the second optical path 22 is misaligned with respect to the first optical path 12. As such, the optical module C10 of this embodiment makes it possible to improve (increase) the tolerance for misalignment of the second optical path 22 with respect to the first optical path 12. As a result, the reliability of optical signal transmission is improved.

[0074] Furthermore, the width (horizontal dimension) of the second optical waveguide 220 at the incident end is wider than the width (horizontal dimension) at the output end. In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the width of the second optical waveguide 220 at the incident end is approximately the same as the horizontal width (horizontal dimension) of the second mirror 229 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, even when the center of the second mirror 229 overlaps the first mirror 129 in the vertical direction as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , or when the end of the second mirror 229 overlaps the first mirror 129 in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 8 , the reflected light from the second mirror 229 can be received at the incident end of the second optical waveguide 220. This improves the tolerance for misalignment of the second optical path 22 with respect to the first optical path 12.

[0075] 3, the second module C2 further includes a second light source 31, a third optical path 32, a third driving device 33, a third connection terminal 34 (see FIG. 1), a third base 35, and a third conductive member (not shown). In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the second light source 31, the third optical path 32, the third driving device 33, the third connection terminal 34, the third base 35, and the third conductive member included in the second module C2 have substantially the same configurations as the first light source 11, the first optical path 12, the first driving device 13, the first connection terminal 14, the first base 15, and the first conductive member included in the first module C1. Therefore, detailed description of these components will be omitted.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second light source 31 has a light-emitting portion 311 that emits light A2. The third optical path 32 has a fifth end 105 (front end) and a sixth end 106 (rear end). The third optical path 32 includes a third optical waveguide 320 and a third mirror 329. The incident end of the third optical waveguide 320 is disposed at the fifth end 105 of the third optical path 32. The third mirror 329 is disposed at the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32. In the third optical path 32, the width W6 of the sixth end 106 (see FIG. 6 ) is wider than the width W5 of the fifth end 105 (see FIG. 6 ). The third driving device 33 includes a second driver IC 330 that is electrically connected to the second light source 31 via a third pattern conductor 331 and sealed with a third resin 332. The third connection terminal 34 is electrically connected to the third driving device 33 via a third conductive member. A third groove 350 including a fifth portion 351 and a sixth portion 352 is formed on the lower surface of the third base 35. The third base 35 is disposed along the fourth side wall 924 of the second housing 92.

[0077] 2, the first module C1 further includes a second light-receiving component 41, a fourth optical path 42, a fourth driving device 43, a fourth connection terminal 44 (see FIG. 6), a fourth base 45, and a fourth conductive member (not shown). In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, the second light-receiving component 41, the fourth optical path 42, the fourth driving device 43, the fourth connection terminal 44, the fourth base 45, and the fourth conductive member of the first module C1 have substantially the same configurations as the first light-receiving component 21, the second optical path 22, the second driving device 23, the second connection terminal 24, the second base 25, and the second conductive member of the second module C2. Therefore, detailed description of these components will be omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2 , the second light receiving component 41 has a light receiving portion 411 that receives light A2. The fourth optical path 42 has a seventh end 107 (left end) and an eighth end 108 (right end). The fourth optical path 42 includes a fourth mirror 429 and a fourth optical waveguide 420. The fourth mirror 429 is disposed at the seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42. The output end of the fourth optical waveguide 420 is disposed at the eighth end 108 of the fourth optical path 42. In the fourth optical path 42, the width W7 of the seventh end 107 (see FIG. 6 ) is wider than the width W8 of the eighth end 108 (see FIG. 6 ). The fourth driving device 43 includes a second receiver IC 430 electrically connected to the second light receiving component 41 via a fourth pattern conductor 431 and sealed with a fourth resin 432. The fourth connection terminal 44 is electrically connected to the fourth driving device 43 via a fourth conductive member. A fourth groove 450 including a seventh portion 451 and an eighth portion 452 is formed on the upper surface of the fourth base 45. The fourth base 45 is disposed along the second side wall 912 of the first housing 91.

[0079] In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, when the second module C2 is rotated 180° around the diagonal line connecting the front left corner and the rear right corner of the second housing 92, it has the same configuration as the first module C1. In other words, the first module C1 and the second module C2 are configured using the same chip. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the optical module C10 compared to when the first module C1 and the second module C2 have different configurations.

[0080] As such, the optical module C10 further includes a second light source 31, a third optical path 32, a fourth optical path 42, and a second light receiving component 41. The third optical path 32 has a fifth end 105 and a sixth end 106. The fifth end 105 of the third optical path 32 faces the second light source 31. The fourth optical path 42 has a seventh end 107 and an eighth end 108. The seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42 is disposed below the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32. The eighth end 108 of the fourth optical path 42 faces the second light receiving component 41. When viewed from above, the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32 overlaps with the seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42. When viewed from above, the extension direction of the third optical path 32 and the extension direction of the fourth optical path 42 intersect with each other. In other words, the extension direction of the third optical path 32 and the extension direction of the fourth optical path 42 are in a twisted relationship. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the third optical path 32 is the Y direction as shown in Fig. 3, and the extension direction of the fourth optical path 42 is the X direction as shown in Fig. 2. The first optical path 12 and the fourth optical path 42 are disposed in a first housing 91. The second optical path 22 and the third optical path 32 are disposed in a second housing 92.

[0081] In the optical module C10 of this embodiment, information can be sent from the first module C1 to the second module C2 by a first optical signal of light A1. Also, information can be sent from the second module C2 to the first module C1 by a second optical signal of light A2. In short, the optical module C10 of this embodiment enables bidirectional signal transmission and reception. Furthermore, compared to a case where separate optical modules are provided for transmission and reception, the optical module C10 capable of bidirectional signal transmission and reception can be made smaller in size.

[0082] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. In the following description of each modification, a description of the same configuration as the above embodiment or other modifications may be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] (2.1) Modification 1 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0084] 10 , in the optical module C10 of this modified example, the first housing 91 of the first module C1 has a first fitting portion 81 provided on the peripheral wall 915. The first fitting portion 81 includes at least one of a convex portion 811 and a concave portion 812.

[0085] Here, a protrusion 811 is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the third side wall 913 and the fourth side wall 914 of the first housing 91. The protrusion 811 is provided in the central portion of the third side wall 913 (or the fourth side wall 914). The protrusion 811 extends along the third side wall 913 (or the fourth side wall 914). The protrusion 811 is a convex rib with a generally right-angled triangular cross section, with the surface facing the inside of the first housing 91 inclined.

[0086] Furthermore, a recess 812 is provided on the upper surface of each of the first side wall 911 and the second side wall 912 of the first housing 91. The recess 812 is provided in the central portion of the first side wall 911 (or the second side wall 912). The recess 812 extends along the first side wall 911 (or the second side wall 912). The recess 812 is a cutout shape that is inclined outward from the first housing 91 and has a cross section that is approximately a right-angled triangle.

[0087] In this manner, the first housing 91 has side walls (here, the first side wall 911 to the fourth side wall 914 ) that have the first fitting portion 81 .

[0088] 11 , in the optical module C10 of this modification, the second housing 92 of the second module C2 has a second fitting portion 82 provided on the peripheral wall 925. The second fitting portion 82 includes at least one of a convex portion 821 and a concave portion 822.

[0089] Here, a protrusion 821 is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the first side wall 921 and the second side wall 922 of the second housing 92. The protrusion 821 is provided in the central portion of the first side wall 921 (or the second side wall 922). The protrusion 821 extends along the first side wall 921 (or the second side wall 922). The protrusion 821 is a convex rib with a substantially right-angled triangular cross section, whose surface facing the inside of the second housing 92 is inclined to correspond to the inclined surface of the recess 812 of the first housing 91.

[0090] Furthermore, a recess 822 is provided on each of the upper surfaces of the third side wall 923 and the fourth side wall 924 of the second housing 92. The recess 822 is provided in the central portion of the third side wall 923 (or the fourth side wall 924). The recess 822 extends along the third side wall 923 (or the fourth side wall 924). The recess 822 is a cutout shape with a substantially right-angled triangular cross section that is inclined outward from the second housing 92 so as to correspond to the inclined surface of the protrusion 811 of the first housing 91.

[0091] In this manner, the second housing 92 has side walls (here, the first side wall 921 to the fourth side wall 924 ) that have the second fitting portion 82 .

[0092] The convex portion 811 of the first fitting portion 81 of the first housing 91 is fitted into the concave portion 822 of the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92. In addition, the convex portion 821 of the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92 is fitted into the concave portion 812 of the first fitting portion 81 of the first housing 91. In short, the first fitting portion 81 and the second fitting portion 82 are fitted into each other.

[0093] In this way, since the first housing 91 has the first fitting portion 81 and the second housing 92 has the second fitting portion 82, it is easy to align the first housing 91 and the second housing 92. In particular, because the first fitting portion 81 and the second fitting portion 82 have inclined surfaces, even if the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are positioned to face each other but are misaligned, they can be guided to a direct facing position (the position shown in FIG. 1 ) by moving the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 closer to each other. This reduces misalignment between the first housing 91 and the second housing 92. Furthermore, the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 in the assembled state are easily maintained even without fixing the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 with, for example, an adhesive.

[0094] It is not essential that the first housing 91 have both the convex portion 811 and the concave portion 812, and it is not essential that the second housing 92 have both the convex portion 821 and the concave portion 822. For example, the first housing 91 may have only the convex portion 811, and the second housing 92 may have only the concave portion 822. Furthermore, the convex portion 811 or the concave portion 812 may not be formed on all of the first side wall 911 to the fourth side wall 914 of the first housing 91; for example, the convex portion 811 or the concave portion 812 may be formed only on the first side wall 911. The same applies to the second housing 92.

[0095] 10 , the first module C1 further includes a first cover member 916 that closes a recess 919 in the first housing 91. However, a portion of the first cover member 916 corresponding to the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 is formed of a material that can transmit light A1 (e.g., a translucent resin). A lens 917 is formed above the second end 102. A portion of the first cover member 916 corresponding to the seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42 is formed of a material that can transmit light A2. A lens 918 is formed above the seventh end 107. Note that a through-hole, rather than a lens, may be provided in the first cover member 916 at a portion that corresponds to the second end 102 of the first optical path 12. Alternatively, a through-hole, rather than a lens, may be provided in the first cover member 916 at a portion that corresponds to the seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42.

[0096] The first module C1 is provided with the first cover member 916, which can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the first housing 91.

[0097] Similarly, in the optical module C10 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second module C2 further includes a second cover member 926 that closes a recess 929 of the second housing 92. However, a portion of the second cover member 926 corresponding to the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 is formed of a material that can transmit light A1. A lens 927 is formed below the third end 103. A portion of the second cover member 926 corresponding to the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32 is formed of a material that can transmit light A2. A lens 928 is formed below the sixth end 106. Note that a through-hole, rather than a lens, may be provided in the second cover member 926 at a portion that corresponds to the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. Alternatively, a through-hole, rather than a lens, may be provided in the second cover member 926 at a portion that corresponds to the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32.

[0098] The second module C2 is provided with the second cover member 926, which can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the second housing 92.

[0099] In the optical module C10 of this modified example, one of the fitting portions (first fitting portion 81, second fitting portion 82) and the cover members 916, 926 may be omitted. Also, the cover members 916, 926 may be applied to the optical module C10 of the above-described embodiment or other modified examples.

[0100] (2.2) Modification 2 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

[0101] In the optical module C10 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 12A, the dimensions of the convex portion 811 and the concave portion 812 of the first fitting portion 81 of the first housing 91 are different from those of the optical module C10 of the first modification.

[0102] Specifically, the convex portion 811 is formed over the entire length of one side wall of the first housing 91, and the concave portion 812 is formed over the entire length of one side wall of the first housing 91. Therefore, the length of the first fitting portion 81 is greater than the width of the first connection terminal 14 (see FIG. 2 ). The "length of the first fitting portion 81" refers to the dimension of the convex portion 811 or the concave portion 812 provided on one side wall (e.g., the first side wall 911) along the extension direction of this side wall. Furthermore, the "width of the first connection terminal 14" refers to the distance between the two first connection terminals 14 at both ends of the multiple first connection terminals 14 (including the width of the first connection terminals 14 themselves).

[0103] Furthermore, the length of the first fitting portion 81 is longer than the length of the first optical path 12 and longer than the length of the fourth optical path 42. The "length of the first optical path 12" is the distance between the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the first optical path 12, and the "length of the fourth optical path 42" is the distance between the seventh end 107 and the eighth end 108 of the fourth optical path 42.

[0104] The shape of the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92 is also substantially the same as the shape of the first fitting portion 81 shown in FIG. 12A.

[0105] In the optical module C10 of this modified example, the first fitting portion 81 of the first housing 91 and the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92 are also fitted together. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a portion including the convex portion 811 of the first housing 91 and the concave portion 822 of the second housing 92 in the assembled state of the optical module C10.

[0106] The optical module C10 of this modified example also facilitates alignment of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92. Furthermore, since the first fitting portion 81 is long, intrusion of foreign matter such as dust into the housing 9 is further suppressed in the assembled state.

[0107] (2.3) Modification 3 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0108] In the optical module C10 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 13A, the shapes of the convex portion 811 and the concave portion 812 of the first fitting portion 81 of the first housing 91 are different from those of the optical module C10 of the second modification.

[0109] Specifically, the convex portion 811 is formed on the upper surface of the side wall of the first housing 91, spaced apart from the outer surface of the side wall. The concave portion 812 is formed (groove-shaped) on the upper surface of the side wall of the first housing 91, spaced apart from the outer surface of the side wall. The shape of the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92 is also substantially the same as the shape of the first fitting portion 81 shown in FIG. 13A . In the assembled state, the convex portion 811 of the first housing 91 fits into the concave portion 822 (groove) of the second housing 92 (see FIG. 13B ), and the convex portion 821 of the second housing 92 fits into the concave portion 812 (groove) of the first housing 91.

[0110] In the optical module C10 of this modification, the path through which dust or other foreign matter enters the housing 9 from the outside to the inside is longer than in the optical module C10 of modification 2 (see FIG. 13B ). This further prevents dust or other foreign matter from entering the housing 9.

[0111] (2.4) Modification 4 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0112] 14A , in the optical module C10 of this modified example, at least a portion of the first fitting portion 81 is provided on the first cover member 916. More specifically, the convex portion 811 of the first fitting portion 81 is formed on a portion of the first cover member 916 that is located at the upper part of the side wall of the first housing 91. The concave portion 812 of the first fitting portion 81 is formed by a recess provided on the upper part of the side wall of the first housing 91 and the side surface of the first cover member 916. The concave portion 812 has both side surfaces 8121, 8122 that are inclined, and the width narrows downward.

[0113] The shape of the second fitting portion 82 of the second housing 92 is also substantially the same as the shape of the first fitting portion 81 shown in Fig. 14A. That is, the convex portion 821 of the second fitting portion 82 is formed in a portion of the second cover member 926 that is located at the lower part of the side wall of the second housing 92. The concave portion 822 of the second fitting portion 82 is formed by a recess provided in the lower part of the side wall of the second housing 92 and the side surface of the second cover member 926. As shown in Fig. 14B, the concave portion 822 has both side surfaces 8221, 8222 that are inclined, and the width narrows toward the top.

[0114] In the assembled state, the convex portion 811 of the first housing 91 fits into the concave portion 822 (groove) of the second housing 92 (see FIG. 14B), and the convex portion 821 of the second housing 92 fits into the concave portion 812 (groove) of the first housing 91.

[0115] Furthermore, in the optical module C10 of this modified example, a through-hole 9161 is provided in the first cover member 91 at a portion corresponding to the second end 102 of the first optical path 12. Furthermore, a through-hole 9162 is provided in the first cover member 91 at a portion corresponding to the seventh end 107 of the fourth optical path 42. Similarly, a through-hole is provided in the second cover member 92 at a portion corresponding to the third end 103 of the second optical path 22. Furthermore, a through-hole is provided in the second cover member 92 at a portion corresponding to the sixth end 106 of the third optical path 32.

[0116] As described above, in the optical module C10 of this modified example, the housing 9 includes a first housing 91 having a first opening 9190 (see FIG. 2) on its top surface, a first cover member 916 disposed in the first opening 9190 of the first housing 91, a second housing 92 having a second opening 9290 (see FIG. 3) on its bottom surface and positioned above the first housing 92, and a second cover member 926 disposed in the second opening 9290 of the second housing 92. The first optical path 12 is disposed within the first housing 91, and the second optical path 22 is disposed within the second housing 92. At least one of the first housing 91 and the first cover member 916 has a first fitting portion 81, and at least one of the second housing 92 and the second cover member 926 has a second fitting portion 82. The first fitting portion 81 and the second fitting portion 82 are fitted together. The first mating portion 81 includes a convex portion 811 and the second mating portion 82 includes a concave portion 822 that mates with the convex portion 811 of the first mating portion 81, or the first mating portion 81 includes a concave portion 812 and the second mating portion 82 includes a convex portion 821 that mates with the concave portion 812 of the first mating portion 81.

[0117] The optical module C10 of this modified example can also prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the housing 9.

[0118] (2.5) Modification 5 The light-guiding members 50 included in the first optical waveguide 120 to the fourth optical waveguide 420 are not limited to the shapes shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Modifications of the light-guiding member 50 (light-guiding members 51 to 58) will be described with reference to Fig. 15A to Fig. 18. As an example, the light-guiding members 51 to 58 may be arranged such that the first ends 511 to 581 face the light source or the light-receiving component, and the second ends 512 to 582 face the mirror.

[0119] 15A has a first end 511 and a second end 512, and a tapered portion 515 that tapers from the second end 512 side toward the first end 511 side. The tapered portion 515 has a substantially isosceles triangular shape with a linear side surface when viewed from above.

[0120] 15B has a first end 521 and a second end 522, and a tapered portion 525 that tapers from the second end 522 side toward the first end 521 side. The tapered portion 525 has a side surface that is curved inward when viewed from above.

[0121] 15A and 15B can be suitably used for both the light-sending side optical waveguides (first optical waveguide 120 and third optical waveguide 320) and the light-receiving side optical waveguides (second optical waveguide 220 and fourth optical waveguide 420). In this manner, the first optical path 12 can include the light-guiding members 51 and 52 that taper from the second end 102 to the first end 101. Furthermore, the second optical path 22 can include the light-guiding members 51 and 52 that taper from the third end 103 to the fourth end 104.

[0122] The light guide member 53 shown in FIG. 16A has a first end 531 and a second end 532, and has a convex lens portion 535 on the first end 531 side.

[0123] The light-guiding member 54 shown in FIG. 16B has a first end 541 and a second end 542, a first convex lens portion 545 on the first end 541 side, and a second convex lens portion 546 on the second end 542 side.

[0124] The light guide member 55 shown in FIG. 16C has a first end 551 and a second end 552, and has a concave lens portion 555 on the first end 551 side.

[0125] The light-guiding members 53 to 55 shown in Figures 16A to 16C can be suitably used for both the light-sending side optical waveguides (first optical waveguide 120 and third optical waveguide 320) and the light-receiving side optical waveguides (second optical waveguide 220 and fourth optical waveguide 420). Thus, the first optical path 12 can include lenses (light-guiding members 53 to 55) disposed between the first end 101 and the second end 102. The second optical path 22 can also include lenses (light-guiding members 53 to 55) disposed between the third end 103 and the fourth end 104. When arranging the light-guiding members 53 to 55, it is preferable to place a filler material between each member. The filler material is preferably a material with a smaller refractive index than the light-guiding members 53 to 55.

[0126] The light-guiding members 53 and 54 having a convex lens shape have a function of refracting parallel light incident on the second ends 532 and 542 toward a focal point, and therefore can be particularly suitably used for the light-receiving side light guides (the second light guide 220 and the fourth light guide 420). The light-guiding member 55 having a concave lens shape has a function of widening light, and therefore can be particularly suitably used for the light-transmitting side light guides (the first light guide 120 and the third light guide 320).

[0127] 17A has a first end 561 and a second end 562, and has a curved splitter shape that branches from the first end 561 side toward the second end 562 side. The light-guiding member 56 has a common portion 565 at the first end 561, and a first portion 566, a second portion 567, a third portion 568, and a fourth portion 569 at the second end 562. The first portion 566 to the fourth portion 569 are aligned along the width direction of the second end 562 of the light-guiding member 56. The first portion 566 to the fourth portion 569 are each connected to the common portion 565, with gaps between them.

[0128] 17B has a first end 571 and a second end 572, and has a linear splitter shape that branches from the first end 571 side toward the second end 572 side. The light-guiding member 57 has a common portion 575 at the first end 571, and a first portion 576, a second portion 577, a third portion 578, and a fourth portion 579 at the second end 572. The first portion 576 to the fourth portion 579 are aligned along the width direction of the second end 572 of the light-guiding member 57. The first portion 576 to the fourth portion 579 are each connected to the common portion 575, with gaps between them.

[0129] 17A and 17B can be used in both the light-transmitting side optical waveguide and the light-receiving side optical waveguide. However, because they have the function of branching and expanding light, they are particularly suitable for use in the light-transmitting side optical waveguide (first optical waveguide 120 and third optical waveguide 320). Thus, the light-transmitting members 56 and 57 of the first optical path 12 may have common portions 565 and 575 on the first end 101 side of the first optical path 12, and first portions 566 and 576 and second portions 567 and 577 connected to the common portions 565 and 575, respectively, on the second end 102 side of the first optical path 12. There are gaps between the first portions 566 and 576 and the second portions 567 and 577. A filler may be disposed in the gaps between the first portions 566 and 576 and the second portions 567 and 577. The filler is preferably a material having a lower refractive index than the first portions 566, 576 and the second portions 567, 577. The same applies to the portions between the second portions 567, 577 and the third portions 568, 578, and between the third portions 568, 578 and the fourth portions 569, 579.

[0130] 18 has a first end 581 and a second end 582, and has a comb-like shape including a plurality of triangular prism-shaped protrusions 585 that protrude from a common portion 586 on the second end 582 side toward the first end 581 side. The tips of the plurality of protrusions 585 on the first end 581 side protrude at an acute angle.

[0131] The light-guiding member 58 shown in FIG. 18 can be used for both the light-sending side optical waveguide and the light-receiving side optical waveguide, but since it has the function of directing light incident on the second end 582 side toward the center, it can be particularly suitable for use in the light-receiving side optical waveguide (the second optical waveguide 220 and the fourth optical waveguide 420).

[0132] Each of the first to fourth optical waveguides 120 to 420 may include a plurality of light-guiding members 50. That is, each of the first to fourth optical waveguides 120 to 420 may be formed by a single light-guiding member 50 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , or may be formed by a plurality of light-guiding members 50 arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the optical path. For example, in the first optical waveguide 120, a light-guiding member 56 may be arranged on the first end 101 side of the first optical path 12, and a light-guiding member 58 may be arranged on the second end 102 side. Furthermore, gaps may be formed between the plurality of light-guiding members 50, and a filler material may be arranged in the gaps. The filler material is preferably a material having a lower refractive index than the plurality of light-guiding members 50.

[0133] (2.6) Modification 6 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 19 , in the optical module C10 of this modified example, the vertical width W12 of the second mirror 229 is larger than the vertical width W11 of the first mirror 129 when viewed from above. The "vertical width W11 of the first mirror 129 when viewed from above" refers to the dimension of the first mirror 129 along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the first optical path 12 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the "vertical width W12 of the second mirror 229 when viewed from above" refers to the dimension of the second mirror 229 along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the second optical path 22 when viewed from above. As described in the embodiment, the horizontal width (front-rear dimension) of the first mirror 129 is the same as the horizontal width (left-right dimension) of the second mirror 229. Therefore, the area S2 of the second mirror 229 when viewed from above is larger than the area S1 of the first mirror 129 when viewed from above. In other words, when viewed from above, the area of ​​the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 is larger than the area of ​​the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 .

[0135] In this way, because the vertical width W12 of the second mirror 229 is large, the amount of light A1 that can be received by the second mirror 229 is increased out of the light A1 that is reflected upward by the first mirror 129 while spreading in the front-to-rear direction. This increases the amount of light A1 that is reflected by the second mirror 229 and incident on the second optical waveguide 220, making it possible to increase the amount of light A1 that can be transmitted to the first light receiving component 21. In other words, the amount of light A1 that is incident from the second end 102 of the first optical path 12 to the third end 103 of the second optical path 22 increases, making it possible to increase the amount of light A1 that can be transmitted to the first light receiving component 21.

[0136] In this modification, the second optical waveguide 220 may also be tapered in the vertical direction from the third end 103 toward the fourth end 104 .

[0137] (2.7) Modification 7 An optical module C10 of this modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20C.

[0138] In the optical module C10 of this modified example, the first optical path 12 of the first module C1 does not include the first mirror 129, and the second optical path 22 of the second module C2 does not include the second mirror 229.

[0139] The first optical waveguide 120 of the first optical path 12 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is along the up-down direction and its width direction is along the front-to-rear direction. The first light source 11 is disposed below the first optical path 12 and emits light A1 upward. The light A1 emitted from the first light source 11 enters the first optical waveguide 120 from a first end 101 (lower end) of the first optical path 12, propagates upward within the first optical waveguide 120, and is emitted from a second end 102 (upper end) of the first optical path 12.

[0140] The second optical waveguide 220 of the second optical path 22 is disposed above the first optical path 12 such that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the up-down direction and its width direction is aligned with the left-right direction. Light A1 emitted from the second end 102 (upper end) of the first optical path 12 enters the second optical waveguide 220 from the third end 103 (lower end) of the second optical path 22, propagates upward within the second optical waveguide 220, and is emitted upward from the fourth end 104 (upper end) of the second optical path 22. The first light receiving component 21 is disposed above the second optical path 22 and receives the light A1 emitted from the fourth end 104 of the second optical path 22.

[0141] The first optical path 12 (more specifically, the width direction of the second end 102 of the first optical path 12) and the second optical path 22 (more specifically, the width direction of the third end 103 of the second optical path 22) intersect (here, perpendicular to) each other (see Figure 20C).

[0142] 20A is a side view (side view seen from the left) showing the positional relationship between the first light source 11, the first optical waveguide 120, the second optical waveguide 220, and the first light receiving component 21 in the assembled state of the optical module C10 of this modification. Also, Fig. 20B is a front view showing the positional relationship between the first light source 11, the first optical waveguide 120, the second optical waveguide 220, and the first light receiving component 21 in the assembled state of the optical module C10 of this modification. Also, Fig. 19C is a top view showing the positional relationship between the first optical waveguide 120 and the second optical waveguide 220 in the assembled state of the optical module C10 of this modification.

[0143] In the optical module C10 of this modification, even if the relative positions of the first housing 91 and the second housing 92 are shifted, at least the end of the third end 103 can be overlapped with the second end 102 (see FIG. 8 ) and / or the end of the second end 102 can be overlapped with the third end 103 (see FIG. 9 ). This makes it possible to improve (increase) the tolerance for misalignment of the second optical path 22 with respect to the first optical path 12.

[0144] In addition, since the optical module C10 of the above-mentioned embodiment is equipped with the first mirror 129 and the second mirror 229, the direction of the light A1 can be changed by the first mirror 129 and the second mirror 229, which has the advantage that the first optical path 12 and the second optical path 22 can be arranged apart from each other vertically.

[0145] (2.8) Modification 8 An optical module C10 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0146] 21 , in the optical module C10 of this modified example, the height (vertical dimension) of the peripheral wall 915 of the first housing 91 and the height (vertical dimension) of the peripheral wall 925 of the second housing 92 are lower than those of the optical module C10 of the embodiment (see FIG. 5 ). In the assembled state, the upper end of the first light source 11 is located in a recess 929 of the second housing 92, and the lower end of the second light source 31 is located in a recess 919 of the first housing 91. The first light source 11 and the second light source 31 overlap each other in a side view. Note that "side view" means viewing along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0147] The optical module C10 of this modified example can be made smaller in size, and the positioning of the first module C1 and the second module C2 can be facilitated.

[0148] (2.9) Other Modifications In one modification, the tilt angle of the first mirror 129 is not limited to 45°. In this case, the tilt angle of the second mirror 229 is set appropriately so that the light A1 can be reflected toward the second optical waveguide 220 according to the tilt angle of the first mirror 129. The same applies to the third mirror 329 and the fourth mirror 429.

[0149] In one modification, the first mirror 129 is not limited to a flat mirror, but may be, for example, a concave mirror, as are the second mirror 229 to the fourth mirror 429.

[0150] In one modified example, a holding terminal for fixing the first housing 91 to the first circuit board may be provided on the first housing 91. The holding terminal is electrically insulated from the first drive device 13 and the fourth drive device 43. The holding terminal may be provided, for example, on a corner of the first housing 91. The same applies to the second housing 92.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the first mirror 129 (the second end 102 of the first optical path 12) and the longitudinal direction of the second mirror 229 (the third end 103 of the second optical path 22) are perpendicular to each other, but this is not limited thereto and they may intersect at an angle smaller than 90°.

[0152] In one variation, the first module C1 and the second module C2 do not have to be configured on the same chip. Alternatively, the first module C1 may have only one of the light-emitting and light-receiving components, and the second module C2 may have only the other of the light-emitting and light-receiving components.

[0153] In one modified example, the plurality of first connection terminals 14 and the plurality of fourth connection terminals 44 may protrude from the bottom surface of the first housing 91. Furthermore, the plurality of first connection terminals 14 may protrude from both the bottom surface and the side wall of the first housing 91. The plurality of fourth connection terminals 44 may protrude from both the bottom surface and the side wall of the first housing 91. Similarly, the plurality of second connection terminals 24 and the plurality of third connection terminals 34 may protrude from the bottom surface of the second housing 92. Furthermore, the plurality of second connection terminals 24 may protrude from both the bottom surface and the side wall of the second housing 92. The plurality of third connection terminals 34 may protrude from both the bottom surface and the side wall of the second housing 92.

[0154] In one modified example, a filler may be disposed in the portion of the first optical path 12 other than the first optical waveguide 120 (light-guiding member 50) and the first mirror 129. For example, the first groove 150 of the first base 15 (the portion other than the first optical waveguide 120 and the first mirror 129) may be filled with a filler. The filler is preferably a material with a lower refractive index than the light-guiding member 50 that constitutes the first optical waveguide 120. The same applies to the second optical path 22 to the fourth optical path 42.

[0155] (3) Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0156] The optical module (C10) of the first aspect includes a first light source (11), a first optical path (12), a second optical path (22), and a light-receiving component (21). The first optical path (12) has a first end (101) and a second end (102). The first end (101) of the first optical path (12) faces the first light source (11). The second optical path (22) has a third end (103) and a fourth end (104). The third end (103) of the second optical path (22) is disposed above the second end (102) of the first optical path (12). The first light-receiving component (21) faces the fourth end (104) of the second optical path (22). In the first optical path (12), the width (W2) of the second end (102) is wider than the width (W1) of the first end (101). In the second optical path (22), the width (W3) of the third end (103) is wider than the width (W4) of the fourth end (104). When viewed from above, the second end (102) of the first optical path (12) overlaps with the third end (103) of the second optical path (22). When viewed from above, the extension direction (X direction) of the first optical path (12) and the extension direction (Y direction) of the second optical path (22) intersect with each other.

[0157] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0158] The optical module (C10) of the second aspect is the same as the first aspect, and further includes a housing (9). The first optical path (12) includes a first mirror (129) disposed at a second end (102) of the first optical path (12) inside the housing (9). When viewed from above, the first mirror (129) overlaps with a third end (103) of the second optical path (22).

[0159] According to this aspect, the first optical path (12) and the second optical path (22) can be arranged vertically apart from each other.

[0160] In the optical module (C10) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the second optical path (22) includes a second mirror (229) disposed at a third end (103) of the second optical path (22) inside the housing (9). When viewed from above, the second mirror (229) overlaps with the second end (102) of the first optical path (12).

[0161] According to this aspect, the first optical path (12) and the second optical path (22) can be arranged vertically apart from each other.

[0162] The optical module (C10) of the fourth aspect is the same as that of the second or third aspect, and further includes a second light source (31), a third optical path (32), a fourth optical path (42), and a second light receiving component (41). The third optical path (32) has a fifth end (105) and a sixth end (106). The fifth end (105) of the third optical path (32) faces the second light source (31). The fourth optical path (42) has a seventh end (107) and an eighth end (108). The seventh end (107) of the fourth optical path (42) is disposed below the sixth end (106) of the third optical path (32). The second light receiving component (41) faces the eighth end (108) of the fourth optical path (42). When viewed from above, a sixth end (106) of the third optical path (32) overlaps with a seventh end (107) of the fourth optical path (42). When viewed from above, the extension directions of the third optical path (32) and the fourth optical path (42) are arranged to intersect with each other. The housing (9) has a first housing (91) and a second housing (92) located above the first housing (91). The first optical path (12) and the fourth optical path (42) are arranged within the first housing (91). The second optical path (22) and the third optical path (32) are arranged within the second housing (92).

[0163] According to this aspect, the size of the optical module (C10) capable of transmitting and receiving signals in both directions can be reduced.

[0164] In the optical module (C10) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the first light source (11) and the second light source (31) overlap each other in a side view.

[0165] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the size of the optical module (C10).

[0166] The optical module (C10) of the sixth aspect is any one of the second to fifth aspects, and further includes a drive device (first drive device 13) arranged inside the housing (9) and a connection terminal (first connection terminal 14) arranged outside the housing (9). The connection terminal is electrically connected to the drive device.

[0167] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0168] In the optical module (C10) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the housing (9) has a first housing (91) and a second housing (92) located above the first housing (91). The first optical path (12) is disposed within the first housing (91). The second optical path (22) is disposed within the second housing (92). The first housing (91) has side walls (first side wall 911 to fourth side wall 914) having a first fitting portion (81). The second housing (92) has side walls (first side wall 921 to fourth side wall 924) having a second fitting portion (82). The first fitting portion (81) and the second fitting portion (82) are fitted together. The first fitting portion (81) includes a convex portion (811), and the second fitting portion (82) includes a concave portion (822) that fits with the convex portion (811) of the first fitting portion (81), or the first fitting portion (81) includes a concave portion (812), and the second fitting portion (82) includes a convex portion (821) that fits with the concave portion (812) of the first fitting portion (81).

[0169] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce misalignment between the first housing (91) and the second housing (92).

[0170] In the optical module (C10) of the eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the housing (9) has a first housing (91), a first cover member (916), a second housing (92), and a second cover member (926). The first housing (91) has a first opening (9190) on its upper surface. The first cover member (916) is disposed in the first opening (9190) of the first housing (91). The second housing (92) has a second opening (9290) on its lower surface. The second housing (92) is located above the first housing (91). The second cover member (926) is disposed in the second opening (9290) of the second housing (92). The first optical path (12) is disposed in the first housing (91). The second optical path (22) is disposed in the second housing (92). At least one of the first housing (91) and the first cover member (916) has a first fitting portion (81). At least one of the second housing (92) and the second cover member (926) has a second fitting portion (82). The first fitting portion (81) and the second fitting portion (82) are fitted together. The first fitting portion (81) includes a convex portion (811), and the second fitting portion (82) includes a concave portion (822) that fits with the convex portion (811) of the first fitting portion (81), or the first fitting portion (81) includes a concave portion (812), and the second fitting portion (82) includes a convex portion (821) that fits with the concave portion (812) of the first fitting portion (81).

[0171] According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce misalignment between the first housing (91) and the second housing (92).

[0172] In the optical module (C10) of the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the connection terminal (first connection terminal 14) is provided on a side wall or a bottom surface of the first housing (91). The length of the first fitting portion (81) is greater than the width of the connection terminal.

[0173] According to this aspect, in an assembled state, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the housing (9).

[0174] In the optical module (C10) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first optical path (12) includes a light-guiding member (51, 52) tapering from the second end (102) toward the first end (101), or the second optical path (22) includes a light-guiding member (51, 52) tapering from the third end (103) toward the fourth end (104).

[0175] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0176] In an optical module (C10) of an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first optical path (12) includes a light-guiding member (56, 57). The light-guiding member (56, 57) has a common portion (565, 575) on the first end (101) side of the first optical path (12). The light-guiding member has a first portion (566, 576) and a second portion (567, 577) connected to the common portion (565, 575) on the second end (102) side of the first optical path (12). There is a gap between the first portion (566, 576) and the second portion (567, 577).

[0177] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0178] In the optical module (C10) of the 12th aspect, in any one of the first to 11th aspects, the first optical path (12) includes a lens (light-guiding member 53, 54, 55) arranged between the first end (101) and the second end (102).

[0179] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0180] In the optical module (C10) of the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the second optical path (22) includes a lens (light-guiding member 53, 54, 55) arranged between the third end (103) and the fourth end (104).

[0181] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0182] In the optical module (C10) of the 14th aspect, in any one of the first to 13th aspects, when viewed from above, the area of ​​the third end (103) of the second optical path (22) is larger than the area of ​​the second end (102) of the first optical path (12).

[0183] According to this aspect, it is possible to increase the amount of light (A1) that can be transmitted to the light receiving component (21).

[0184] The optical module (C10) of a fifteenth aspect includes a first light source (11), a first optical path (12), a second optical path (22), and a light-receiving component (21). The first optical path (12) has a first end (101) and a second end (102). The first end (101) of the first optical path (12) faces the first light source (11). The second optical path (22) has a third end (103) and a fourth end (104). The third end (103) of the second optical path (22) is disposed above the second end (102) of the first optical path (12). The first light-receiving component (21) faces the fourth end (104) of the second optical path (22). In the first optical path (12), the width (W2) of the second end (102) is wider than the width (W1) of the first end (101). In the second optical path (22), the width (W3) of the third end (103) is wider than the width (W4) of the fourth end (104). When viewed from above, the second end (102) of the first optical path (12) overlaps with the third end (103) of the second optical path (22). When viewed from above, the extension direction (X direction) of the first optical path (12) and the extension direction (Y direction) of the second optical path (22) are in a twisted relationship.

[0185] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the tolerance for the positional deviation of the second optical path (22) relative to the first optical path (12).

[0186] C10 Optical module 101 First end 102 Second end 103 Third end 104 Fourth end 105 Fifth end 106 Sixth end 107 Seventh end 108 Eighth end 11 First light source 12 First optical path 13 First driving device (driving device) 14 First connection terminal (connection terminal) 129 First mirror 21 First light receiving component 22 Second optical path 229 Second mirror 31 Second light source 32 Third optical path 41 Second light receiving component 42 Fourth optical path 51 Light guiding member 52 Light guiding member 53 Light guiding member (lens) 54 Light guiding member (lens) 55 Light guiding member (lens) 56 Light guiding member 565 Common portion 566 First portion 567 Second portion 57 Light guiding member 575 Common portion 576 First part 577 Second part 81 First fitting part 811 Convex part 812 Concave part 82 Second fitting part 821 Convex part 822 Concave part 9 Housing 91 First housing 911 First side wall (side wall) 912 Second side wall (side wall) 913 Third side wall (side wall) 914 Fourth side wall (side wall) 9190 First opening 92 Second housing 921 First side wall (side wall) 922 Second side wall (side wall) 923 Third side wall (side wall) 924 Fourth side wall (side wall) 9290 Second opening W1 Width W2 Width W3 Width W4 Width

Claims

1. An optical module comprising: a first light source; a first optical path having a first end and a second end, the first end facing the first light source; a second optical path having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being located above the second end of the first optical path; and a first light receiving component facing the fourth end of the second optical path, wherein the width of the second end of the first optical path is wider than the width of the first end; and the width of the third end of the second optical path is wider than the width of the fourth end; when viewed from above, the second end of the first optical path overlaps with the third end of the second optical path; and when viewed from above, the extension directions of the first optical path and the second optical path intersect with each other.

2. An optical module according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the first optical path includes a first mirror disposed at the second end of the first optical path inside the housing, and wherein the first mirror overlaps with the third end of the second optical path when viewed from above.

3. An optical module according to claim 2, wherein the second optical path includes a second mirror disposed at the third end of the second optical path inside the housing, and when viewed from above, the second mirror overlaps with the second end of the first optical path.

4. An optical module as described in claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a second light source; a third optical path having a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end facing the second light source; a fourth optical path having a seventh end and an eighth end, the seventh end being located below the sixth end of the third optical path; and a second light receiving component facing the eighth end of the fourth optical path, wherein, when viewed from above, the sixth end of the third optical path overlaps with the seventh end of the fourth optical path, and when viewed from above, the extension directions of the third optical path and the fourth optical path intersect with each other, and the housing comprises: a first housing; and a second housing located above the first housing, wherein the first optical path and the fourth optical path are located within the first housing, and the second optical path and the third optical path are located within the second housing.

5. The optical module according to claim 4, wherein the first light source and the second light source overlap each other in a side view.

6. An optical module according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a driving device disposed within the housing; and a connection terminal disposed outside the housing and electrically connected to the driving device.

7. An optical module as described in claim 6, wherein the housing comprises: a first housing; and a second housing located above the first housing; the first optical path is arranged within the first housing, and the second optical path is arranged within the second housing; the first housing has a sidewall having a first fitting portion; the second housing has a sidewall having a second fitting portion; the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted together; the first fitting portion includes a convex portion and the second fitting portion includes a concave portion that fits with the convex portion of the first fitting portion, or the first fitting portion includes a concave portion and the second fitting portion includes a convex portion that fits with the concave portion of the first fitting portion.

8. The optical module according to claim 6, wherein the housing comprises: a first housing having a first opening on its top surface; a first cover member arranged in the first opening of the first housing; a second housing having a second opening on its bottom surface and positioned above the first housing; and a second cover member arranged in the second opening of the second housing; the first optical path is arranged within the first housing; the second optical path is arranged within the second housing; at least one of the first housing and the first cover member has a first fitting portion; and at least one of the second housing and the second cover member has a second fitting portion; the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted together; the first fitting portion includes a convex portion and the second fitting portion includes a concave portion that fits with the convex portion of the first fitting portion, or the first fitting portion includes a concave portion and the second fitting portion includes a convex portion that fits with the concave portion of the first fitting portion.

9. An optical module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the connection terminal is provided on the side wall or bottom surface of the first housing, and the length of the first fitting portion is greater than the width of the connection terminal.

10. An optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first optical path includes a light-guiding member that tapers from the second end toward the first end, or the second optical path includes a light-guiding member that tapers from the third end toward the fourth end.

11. An optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first optical path includes a light-guiding member, the light-guiding member having a common portion on the first end side of the first optical path, and a first portion and a second portion on the second end side of the first optical path, each of which is connected to the common portion, and there is a gap between the first portion and the second portion.

12. An optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first optical path includes a lens disposed between the first end and the second end.

13. An optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second optical path includes a lens disposed between the third end and the fourth end.

14. An optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, when viewed from above, the area of ​​the third end of the second optical path is larger than the area of ​​the second end of the first optical path.

15. An optical module comprising: a first light source; a first optical path having a first end and a second end, the first end facing the first light source; a second optical path having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being disposed above the second end of the first optical path; and a light receiving component facing the fourth end of the second optical path, wherein in the first optical path, the second end has a width greater than the width of the first end; in the second optical path, the third end has a width greater than the width of the fourth end; when viewed from above, the second end of the first optical path overlaps with the third end of the second optical path; and the extension directions of the first optical path and the second optical path are in a twisted relationship.

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