Connector component

Abstract

A connector component according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed on a substrate surface of an optical IC substrate. This connector component comprises: a reflective component that reflects, in a second direction along the substrate surface, light emitted in a first direction intersecting the substrate surface; an optical component that is optically coupled with light emitted from the reflective component in the second direction; a receptacle which holds the reflective component and to / from which the optical component is attached / detached; and a positioning part that positions the optical component with respect to the receptacle. The positioning part is disposed at a position aligned along the first direction with the optical path of the light emitted in the second direction.

Description

Connector component

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector components. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2024-161961 filed on September 19, 2024, and incorporates all the descriptions set forth in the above Japanese application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an optical connection structure. The optical connection structure includes a substrate, an optical IC mounted on the substrate, a receptacle mounted on the optical IC, an optical fiber connection component connected to the receptacle, and a clip for holding the optical fiber of the optical fiber connection component. The attachment of the receptacle, the optical fiber connection component, and the clip to the optical IC is performed along a direction orthogonal to the substrate surface of the substrate on which the optical IC is mounted.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an optical connection structure for optically connecting an adapter and an optical waveguide substrate to each other. The adapter has a plurality of optical fibers arranged along a predetermined direction and a pair of alignment pins provided at each of both ends of the plurality of optical fibers in the predetermined direction. The optical waveguide substrate is provided with rails into which each of the pair of alignment pins is inserted.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes an optical connection structure in which an optical interconnect assembly is connected to an optical substrate having an optical waveguide. A ferrule for holding a plurality of optical fibers is connected to the optical interconnect assembly. The optical interconnect assembly has a waveguide inside. The optical fibers are optically connected to the optical substrate through the waveguide of the optical interconnect assembly.

[0005] International Publication No. 2024 / 105658 US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0384007 International Publication No. 2023 / 099921

[0006] The connector component according to this disclosure is arranged on the substrate surface of an optical IC substrate. The connector component comprises a reflective component that reflects light emitted in a first direction intersecting the substrate surface in a second direction along the substrate surface; an optical component that optically couples with light emitted from the reflective component in the second direction; a receptacle that holds the reflective component and to which the optical component is attached and detached; and a positioning unit that positions the optical component relative to the receptacle. The positioning unit is positioned to be aligned with the optical path of the light emitted in the second direction and along the first direction.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of multiple connector components arranged according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the receptacle and optical component of the connector component according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the optical component attached to the receptacle of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the optical component according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the lens array removed from the optical component according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a front view showing the optical component of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the receptacle and reflective member according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 7 viewed from a different direction than Figure 7. Figure 9 is a side view showing the optical component attached to the receptacle of Figure 7. Figure 10 is a side view showing the optical component attached to the receptacle of Figure 7. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the receptacle and optical component of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a side view showing an optical component and receptacle according to a modified example. Figure 13 is a diagram showing various examples of reflective members. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example in which a lens array is mounted on an optical IC substrate. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a modified receptacle. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 15 from a different direction than that of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an optical component of a modified design. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a modified receptacle and optical component. Figure 19 is a front view showing the receptacle and reflective member of Figure 17.

[0008] Connector components are sometimes required to be arranged at high density in a limited space. However, in connector components where a pair of alignment pins are provided at each end of multiple optical fibers, high-density arrangement can be difficult. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of miniaturization.

[0009] This disclosure aims to provide connector components that can be arranged at high density and made compact.

[0010] According to this disclosure, the devices can be arranged at high density and made compact.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below. (1) A connector component according to one embodiment is arranged on the substrate surface of an optical IC substrate. The connector component includes a reflective component that reflects light emitted in a first direction intersecting the substrate surface in a second direction along the substrate surface, an optical component that optically couples with light emitted from the reflective component in the second direction, a receptacle that holds the reflective component and to which the optical component is attached and detached, and a positioning unit that positions the optical component relative to the receptacle. The positioning unit is positioned to be aligned with the optical path of the light emitted in the second direction and along the first direction.

[0012] This connector component includes a reflective component that reflects light emitted in a first direction intersecting the substrate surface in a second direction along the substrate surface, and a receptacle that holds the reflective component. By having the reflective component reflect the light emitted in the first direction in the second direction along the substrate surface, the connector component can be prevented from becoming bulky in the first direction. Therefore, the connector component can be made compact. The connector component has a positioning section that positions the optical component relative to the receptacle. The positioning section is positioned to be aligned with the optical path of the light emitted in the second direction and along the first direction. By positioning the positioning section to be aligned with the optical path of the light along the first direction intersecting the substrate surface, it is possible to prevent the positioning section from protruding from the optical path along the substrate surface. Since the area of ​​the part of the connector component facing the substrate surface can be reduced, the connector components can be arranged at a high density.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, the receptacle may be provided with a fixing part that fixes the position of the optical component in the second direction relative to the receptacle. In this case, the position of the optical component attached to the receptacle in the second direction can be fixed by the fixing part. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the optical component relative to the receptacle can be improved.

[0014] (3) In (2) above, the fixing part may include a first spring that presses the optical component in the direction opposite to the first direction. In this case, the optical component attached to the receptacle can be pressed in the direction opposite to the first direction by the first spring.

[0015] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the positioning unit may include a first groove extending in the second direction in the optical component, a guide pin that fits into the first groove, and a second groove extending in the second direction in the receptacle. The positioning unit may position the optical component relative to the receptacle by sandwiching the guide pin between the first groove and the second groove. In this case, the optical component is positioned by sandwiching the guide pin between the first groove formed in the optical component and the second groove formed in the receptacle. Therefore, the optical component can be positioned with a simple configuration.

[0016] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the optical component may have multiple optical fibers. The multiple optical fibers may be arranged along a first direction and also along a third direction that intersects the first and second directions. In this case, the multiple optical fibers can be arranged at high density in the optical component.

[0017] (6) In (3) above, the optical component may have projections that protrude along a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions. A pair of projections may be aligned along the third direction. The fixing part may include a pair of first springs that press down on each of the pair of projections. In this case, the optical component has a pair of projections, and the pair of first springs of the receptacle press down on the pair of projections in the direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, the optical component can be firmly held in place by the pair of first springs.

[0018] (7) In any of (2), (3), and (6) above, the fixing part may include a second spring that presses against the side of the optical component opposite to the substrate surface. In this case, since the side of the optical component opposite to the substrate surface is pressed against by the second spring, the optical component can be held even more firmly.

[0019] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the receptacle may have a stopper portion against which the optical component to be attached to the receptacle abuts. In this case, the optical component can be attached to the receptacle by abutting the optical component against the stopper portion. Therefore, the attachment of the optical component to the receptacle can be easily performed.

[0020] (9) In any of (1) to (8) above, the receptacle may include a first component having a fixing portion for fixing the position of the optical component in a second direction relative to the receptacle, and a second component having a second groove extending along the second direction. The material of the first component may be metal, and the material of the second component may be resin. In this case, by including metal in the first component having the fixing portion, the first component can be easily manufactured, and the fixing of the optical component by the fixing portion can be made stronger. By including resin in the second component having the second groove, the second component can be manufactured by resin molding, and thus the second component having the second groove can be easily manufactured.

[0021] Specific examples of connector components according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following examples, but is as defined by the claims, and all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims are intended. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted where appropriate. The drawings may be simplified or exaggerated in part for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of multiple connector components 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the connector components 1 are arranged on the substrate surface 2b of the optical IC substrate 2. For example, multiple optical IC substrates 2, each with connector components 1 attached, are mounted on a substrate 4 on which components 3 are arranged. Light is emitted from the substrate surface 2b in a first direction D1 that intersects the substrate surface 2b. The connector components 1 have a reflective component 5, which reflects the light emitted from the substrate surface 2b in the first direction D1 in a second direction D2 along the substrate surface 2b. For example, multiple connector components 1 are arranged along a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0023] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the connector component 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector component 1 includes an optical component 10 that optically couples with light L emitted from the reflective component 5 in a second direction D2, and a receptacle 20 that holds the reflective component 5 and to which the optical component 10 is attached and detached. The optical component 10 is detachable from the receptacle 20 along the second direction D2. The second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are directions along the substrate surface 2b of the optical IC substrate 2. For example, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are directions parallel to the substrate surface 2b, and the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface 2b. As described above, multiple connector components 1 are arranged in the third direction D3, and the optical component 10 is attached and detached from the receptacle 20 along the second direction D2. This makes the connector component 1 compact and allows for high-density arrangement of multiple connector components 1.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an optical component 10. As shown in Figure 4, the optical component 10 is, for example, an optical fiber component having a plurality of optical fibers 11. The optical fibers 11 are, for example, single-mode fibers. However, the optical fibers 11 may be multimode fibers or polarization-maintaining fibers. The type of optical fiber 11 is not particularly limited. The plurality of optical fibers 11 are arranged along a first direction D1 and along a third direction D3. The optical component 10 includes, for example, optical fibers 11, a support member 12 that supports the optical fibers 11, and a lens array 13. For example, the plurality of optical fibers 11 are tapered outside the support member 12. As an example, the lens array 13 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The lens array 13 is fixed to the support member 12. For example, the lens array 13 is fixed to the support member 12 with an adhesive. The material of the lens array 13 is silicon or glass. This glass is, for example, fused silica glass or high refractive index glass.

[0025] The lens array 13 has a plurality of lens portions 13b. Light L emitted from the plurality of lens portions 13b along the second direction D2 is incident on the reflective component 5. Light L emitted from the reflective component 5 along the second direction D2 is incident on the lens portions 13b. For example, a plurality of lens portions 13b are arranged along the first direction D1, and a plurality of lens portions 13b are arranged along the third direction D3. In the lens array 13, the plurality of lens portions 13b are arranged in a two-dimensional array. In this case, the lens portions 13b can be arranged at high density in the lens array 13. The number of lens portions 13b arranged along the third direction D3 is greater than the number of lens portions 13b arranged along the first direction D1. As an example, the number of lens portions 13b arranged along the third direction D3 is 40, and the number of lens portions 13b arranged along the first direction D1 is 3. The lens array 13 may have an anti-reflective coating attached to the lens portions 13b. In this case, reflection of light L at the lens portions 13b can be prevented.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the lens array 13 removed from the optical component 10. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support member 12 is an optical fiber array that holds a plurality of arranged optical fibers 11. The support member 12 has, for example, an insertion portion 12b into which the plurality of optical fibers 11 are inserted, and a holding portion 12f that holds the cores of the plurality of optical fibers 11 and exposes the tip surfaces 11b of the optical fibers 11.

[0027] The insertion portion 12b is, for example, shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. Multiple optical fibers 11 are inserted into the insertion portion 12b from a direction opposite to the second direction D2. The insertion portion 12b has a window 12h through which the multiple optical fibers 11 passing through the interior of the insertion portion 12b are exposed. For example, when viewed along the first direction D1, the window 12h is rectangular. Adhesive can be introduced into the interior of the insertion portion 12b through the window 12h. The multiple optical fibers 11 are fixed to the insertion portion 12b by this adhesive. For example, the material of the insertion portion 12b is SUS (Steel Use Stainless) or engineering plastic. This engineering plastic is, for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0028] The holding portion 12f is, for example, shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The holding portion 12f has an end face 12d into which the tip surface 11b of the optical fiber 11 is exposed, and optical fiber holding holes 12c for holding the core wires of the optical fiber 11. The end face 12d is, for example, rectangular. As an example, the length of the end face 12d in the third direction D3 is longer than the length of the end face 12d in the first direction D1. The holding portion 12f has a plurality of optical fiber holding holes 12c. For example, the material of the holding portion 12f is glass or silicon. This glass is, for example, borosilicate glass or fused silica glass. Each of the plurality of optical fiber holding holes 12c is inserted into and held by each of the plurality of optical fiber holding holes 12c. For example, the number and arrangement of the optical fiber holding holes 12c are the same as the number and arrangement of the optical fiber 11.

[0029] For example, at the end face 12d, multiple optical fiber holding holes 12c are arranged along the third direction D3, and multiple optical fiber holding holes 12c are arranged along the first direction D1. At the holding portion 12f, multiple optical fiber holding holes 12c are arranged in a two-dimensional array. In this case, the optical fiber holding holes 12c can be arranged at high density at the holding portion 12f. The number of optical fiber holding holes 12c arranged along the third direction D3 is greater than the number of optical fiber holding holes 12c arranged along the first direction D1.

[0030] As an example, the number of optical fiber holding holes 12c aligned along the third direction D3 is 40, and the number of optical fiber holding holes 12c aligned along the first direction D1 is 3. The optical fiber holding holes 12c are formed, for example, by laser processing, etching, or a combination of laser processing and etching. The optical fiber holding holes 12c are formed to have a dimensional tolerance of less than 2 μm (or less than 1 μm). Each of the multiple lens portions 13b of the lens array 13 is optically coupled to each of the multiple optical fibers 11 inserted and held in the optical fiber holding holes 12c.

[0031] Figure 6 is a front view of the optical component 10 as seen along the second direction D2. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the optical component 10 has a projection 12j that protrudes along the third direction D3. The optical component 10 has a pair of projections 12j. The pair of projections 12j are aligned along the third direction D3. For example, the insertion portion 12b has a pair of side surfaces 12k that extend in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The pair of side surfaces 12k are aligned along the third direction D3. The projection 12j protrudes from the side surfaces 12k. As an example, the projection 12j is cylindrical.

[0032] The optical component 10 has a first groove 14 extending along a second direction D2 and a guide pin 15 fixed in the first groove 14. The first groove 14 and the guide pin 15 are part of a positioning unit 30 that positions the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20. For example, a part of the guide pin 15 fits into the first groove 14. The guide pin 15 is fixed to the first groove 14, for example, by adhesive. The first groove 14 is a V-groove, which is V-shaped when viewed along the second direction D2. However, the first groove 14 may be a U-groove or a rectangular groove, and the shape of the first groove 14 is not particularly limited. The first groove 14 is recessed in the surface 16 of the optical component 10 facing the substrate surface 2b.

[0033] In the following, the direction in which the connector component 1 is provided (first direction D1) as viewed from the substrate surface 2b may be referred to as up, upper, or upward, and the direction in which the substrate surface 2b is provided as viewed from the connector component 1 (opposite direction to the first direction D1) may be referred to as down, lower, or downward. However, these directions are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the placement position, orientation, or direction of the objects. Surface 16 is, for example, the lower surface of the support member 12 and the lower surface of the lens array 13. In this case, the guide pin 15 is fixed to the first groove 14 extending in the second direction D2 on the lower surface of the support member 12 and the lower surface of the lens array 13. The first groove 14 is formed on the lower surface of the optical component 10. The guide pin 15 is fixed to the first groove 14 formed on the lower surface of the optical component 10.

[0034] For example, the optical component 10 has a pair of first grooves 14 and a pair of guide pins 15. The pair of first grooves 14 are aligned along a third direction D3. Each of the pair of guide pins 15 is fixed to each first groove 14. The first grooves 14 are positioned to align with the optical path of light emitted from the reflective component 5 in a second direction D2 and along the first direction D1. The "optical path of light emitted in a second direction" refers to the optical path of light that is input and output from the reflective component along the second direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the "optical path of light emitted in the second direction" is the optical fiber 11. The first groove 14 is positioned to align with the optical fiber 11 along the first direction D1. The guide pin 15 is also positioned to align with the optical path of light L along the first direction D1, similar to the first groove 14. In this embodiment, the guide pin 15 is positioned to align with the optical fiber 11 along the first direction D1. For example, the first groove 14 and the guide pin 15 are positioned between the substrate surface 2b and the support member 12 (or lens array 13). As an example, the first groove 14 and the guide pin 15 are positioned below the optical fiber 11.

[0036] For example, the position of the tip of the guide pin 15 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 is the same as the position of the end face 12d of the support member 12 in the second direction D2. The tip of the guide pin 15 is located on the same plane as the end face 12d. The guide pin 15 is, for example, in the shape of a round bar. The guide pin 15 is fixed in the first groove 14 in a state extending along the second direction D2. The material of the guide pin 15 is, for example, SUS (Steel Use Stainless), cemented carbide, or zirconia. The guide pin 15 can be manufactured, for example, with a dimensional tolerance of 0.5 μm or less. In this case, the optical component 10 can be positioned with high precision relative to the receptacle 20.

[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the receptacle 20. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the receptacle 20 from a different direction than that shown in Figure 7. The receptacle 20 includes, for example, a heat-resistant material that can withstand the heat of solder reflow. "Heat of solder reflow" refers to the heat applied to the component during solder reflow. The temperature of "heat of solder reflow" is, for example, 260°C. "Heat-resistant" means that it does not irreversibly change even when exposed to heat. "Change" refers to, for example, deformation (deformation due to melting as one example). "Heat-resistant material" refers to a material that does not irreversibly change even when exposed to the heat of solder reflow.

[0038] The inclusion of a heat-resistant material in the receptacle 20 reduces its warping. The receptacle 20 includes, for example, at least one of Kovar, Invar, liquid crystal polymer, SUS304, and SUS430. These materials are heat-resistant and can withstand the heat of solder reflow. The receptacle 20 may also be made of metal, for example. As an example, the receptacle 20 is manufactured by sheet metal fabrication. The receptacle 20 has, for example, a first plate portion 21 that contacts the substrate surface 2b, and a second plate portion 22 that extends in a second direction D2 and a third direction D3 at a position away from the first plate portion 21 in a first direction D1. The first plate portion 21 extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The first plate portion 21 has thickness in the first direction D1. The second plate portion 22 has an inner surface 22b facing the first plate portion 21 and an outer surface 22c opposite to the inner surface 22b.

[0039] The connector component 1 includes a positioning section 30 for positioning the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20. As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the positioning section 30 includes a first groove 14 extending along a second direction D2 in the optical component 10, a guide pin 15 fixed to the first groove 14, and a second groove 23 extending along the second direction D2 in the receptacle 20. The position of the positioning section 30 in the third direction D3 is included between the end of the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the third direction D3 and the end of the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. In this case, the positioning section 30 does not protrude from the plurality of optical fibers 11 in the third direction D3, which contributes to miniaturization of the optical component 10. The second groove 23 is, for example, a V-groove that is V-shaped when viewed along the second direction D2. However, the second groove 23 may be a U-groove or a rectangular groove, and the shape of the second groove 23 is not particularly limited.

[0040] The second groove 23 is formed, for example, on the upper surface of the first plate portion 21. The second groove 23 is recessed on the surface 21b of the first plate portion 21 that faces away from the substrate surface 2b. Surface 21b is, for example, the upper surface of the first plate portion 21. For example, the receptacle 20 has a pair of second grooves 23. The pair of second grooves 23 are aligned along a third direction D3. When the optical component 10 is attached to the receptacle 20, each guide pin 15 of the optical component 10 fits into each second groove 23. This fixes the position of the optical component 10 in the third direction D3 relative to the receptacle 20.

[0041] For example, the receptacle 20 has a pair of side walls 24 extending from the end of the first plate portion 21 in the third direction D3 to the end of the second plate portion 22 in the third direction D3. The side walls 24 are portions bent from the first plate portion 21 and the second plate portion 22. The side walls 24 extend in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and have thickness in the third direction D3. The pair of side walls 24 are aligned along the third direction D3. The reflective component 5 is positioned in the space defined by the first plate portion 21, the second plate portion 22, and the pair of side walls 24.

[0042] The reflective component 5 is, for example, a prism. The reflective component 5 is fixed to the inner surface 22b of the second plate portion 22, for example. The reflective component 5 is fixed to the inner surface 22b by, for example, an adhesive. The reflective component 5 has a reflective surface 5b that reflects light traveling in the first direction D1 toward the second direction D2. The reflective surface 5b is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The reflective component 5 contains, for example, a heat-resistant material that can withstand the heat of solder reflow. By containing a heat-resistant material, the deterioration of the reflective component 5 due to heat can be reduced. The material of the reflective component 5 is, for example, glass. However, the reflective component 5 may also contain a metal coated with a reflective film, and the material of the reflective component 5 is not particularly limited.

[0043] The receptacle 20 has an abutting portion 25 against which the optical component 10 attached to the receptacle 20 abuts. The abutting portion 25 is formed, for example, on the second plate portion 22. As an example, the abutting portion 25 is formed at the center of the second plate portion 22 in the third direction D3. The abutting portion 25 has a hole 25b penetrating the second plate portion 22 in the first direction D1 and a protruding portion 25c entering from the outer surface 22c of the second plate portion 22 into the inside of the hole 25b. The protruding portion 25c protrudes (downward) from the end of the hole 25b in the second direction D2 toward the first plate portion 21. For example, when the support member 12 of the optical component 10 abuts against the protruding portion 25c (see FIG. 13), the movement of the optical component 10 in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 is blocked.

[0044] The receptacle 20 includes a fixing portion 26 for fixing the position of the optical component 10 in the second direction D2 with respect to the receptacle 20. The fixing portion 26 includes a first spring 27 that presses the optical component 10 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 and a second spring 28 that presses the surface 17 (see FIG. 5) opposite to the first plate portion 21 of the optical component 10. The surface 17 is, for example, the upper surface of the support member 12. The fixing portion 26 includes a pair of first springs 27 that press each of the pair of protrusions 12j.

[0045] The strength of the first spring 27 is, for example, 0.1 N or more and 10 N or less. For example, the first spring 27 is formed on the second plate portion 22. The second plate portion 22 has, for example, a wide portion 22d located between a pair of side walls 24 arranged along the third direction D3 and a narrow portion 22f protruding from the wide portion 22d in the second direction D2. The length of the narrow portion 22f in the third direction D3 is smaller than the length of the wide portion 22d in the third direction D3. The first spring 27 has elasticity in the first direction D1. The first spring 27 has, for example, a first protruding portion 27b protruding from the end of the narrow portion 22f in the third direction D3 and a second protruding portion 27c protruding from the end of the first protruding portion 27b opposite to the narrow portion 22f in the second direction D2.

[0046] The first protruding portion 27b is, for example, plate-shaped and extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The second protruding portion 27c has a first inclined portion 27d extending obliquely downward from the first protruding portion 27b and a second inclined portion 27f extending obliquely upward from the end of the first inclined portion 27d in the second direction D2. For example, when viewed along the third direction D3, the second protruding portion 27c (the first inclined portion 27d and the second inclined portion 27f) is V-shaped. When viewed along the third direction D3, for example, the first inclined portion 27d is curved so as to protrude upward. For example, the second inclined portion 27f extends linearly. A protrusion 12j of the optical component 10 fits under the second protruding portion 27c.

[0047] As described above, the first spring 27 is formed in the narrow portion 22f of the second plate portion 22. Since the width of the receptacle 20 (the length in the third direction D3) can be suppressed, the connector component 1 can be made compact and arranged at a high density. For example, when viewed along the second direction D2, the pair of first springs 27 are within the range of the third direction D3 of the receptacle 20. Since the enlargement of the receptacle 20 in the third direction D3 can be prevented, it contributes to further compactification and high-density arrangement.

[0048] For example, the second spring 28 is formed in the second plate portion 22. The second plate portion 22 has a hole 22h penetrating the second plate portion 22 in the first direction D1. The second spring 28 is formed in the hole 22h. The second spring 28 protrudes from the end of the hole 22h in the second direction D2 into the inside of the hole 22h. The second spring 28 has elasticity in the first direction D1. The abutting portion 25 and the second spring 28 are arranged along the second direction D2. The second spring 28 is formed, for example, between a pair of first springs 27 arranged along the third direction D3. The second spring 28 has a protruding portion 28b that enters from the outer surface 22c of the second plate portion 22 into the inside of the hole 22h. For example, the protruding portion 28b is U-shaped when viewed along the third direction D3. When the optical component 10 is attached to the receptacle 20, the position of the optical component 10 is fixed by the protruding portion 28b of the second spring 28 pressing the surface 17 of the optical component 10 downward.

[0049] The movement of each part when the optical component 10 is attached to the receptacle 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the state in which the optical component 10 is being attached to the receptacle 20. Figure 10 shows the state in which the optical component 10 has been attached to the receptacle 20. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the optical component 10 is attached to the receptacle 20 by being inserted between the first plate portion 21 and the second plate portion 22.

[0050] When the optical component 10 is inserted into the receptacle 20, the projection 12j of the optical component 10 contacts the second inclined portion 27f of the first spring 27. When the optical component 10 is pushed in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 while the projection 12j is in contact with the second inclined portion 27f, the first spring 27 bends upward, causing the projection 12j to move over the second inclined portion 27f and below the first inclined portion 27d in the opposite direction. When the projection 12j moves below the first inclined portion 27d, the bending of the first spring 27 is released and the first spring 27 moves downward. The attachment of the optical component 10 to the receptacle 20 is completed when the support member 12 of the optical component 10 abuts against the abutment portion 25 (projection portion 25c).

[0051] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical component 10 and the receptacle 20 when the optical component 10 is attached to the receptacle 20. As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the positioning unit 30, which positions the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20, is positioned to align with the optical fiber 11, which is the optical path of the light L emitted in the second direction D2, and the first direction D1. The positioning unit 30 positions the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20 by sandwiching a guide pin 15 between the first groove 14 and the second groove 23.

[0052] When removing the optical component 10 from the receptacle 20, the optical component 10 is pulled in the second direction D2. When the optical component 10 is pulled in the second direction D2, the projection 12j comes into contact with the first inclined portion 27d. When the optical component 10 is pulled while the projection 12j is in contact with the first inclined portion 27d, the first spring 27 bends upward, causing the projection 12j to move over the first inclined portion 27d in the second direction D2. Further pulling of the optical component 10 in the second direction D2 completes the removal of the optical component 10 from the receptacle 20.

[0053] The effects and advantages obtained from the connector component 1 according to this embodiment will now be explained. The connector component 1 includes a reflective component 5 that reflects light L emitted in a first direction D1 intersecting the substrate surface 2b in a second direction D2 which is along the substrate surface 2b, and a receptacle 20 that holds the reflective component 5. By the reflective component 5 reflecting the light L emitted in the first direction D1 in the second direction D2 which is along the substrate surface 2b, it is possible to prevent the connector component 1 from becoming larger in the first direction D1. Therefore, the connector component 1 can be made compact.

[0054] The connector component 1 has a positioning section 30 for positioning the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20. The positioning section 30 is positioned to align with the optical path of the optical light L emitted in a second direction D2 and along a first direction D1. By positioning the positioning section 30 to align with the optical path of the optical light L along the first direction D1 that intersects the substrate surface 2b, it is possible to prevent the positioning section 30 from protruding from the optical path along the substrate surface 2b. In this embodiment, by positioning the positioning section 30 between the optical path of the optical light L (multiple optical fibers 11) and the substrate surface 2b, it is possible to prevent the positioning section 30 from protruding from the optical path in a third direction D3. Since the area of ​​the part of the connector component 1 facing the substrate surface 2b can be reduced, the connector components 1 can be arranged at a high density.

[0055] The receptacle 20 may include a fixing portion 26 for fixing the position of the optical component 10 in the second direction D2 relative to the receptacle 20. In this case, the position of the optical component 10 attached to the receptacle 20 in the second direction D2 can be fixed by the fixing portion 26. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20 can be improved.

[0056] The fixing portion 26 may include a first spring 27 that presses the optical component 10 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. In this case, the optical component 10 attached to the receptacle 20 can be pressed in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 by the first spring 27.

[0057] The positioning unit 30 may include a first groove 14 extending along the second direction D2 in the optical component 10, a guide pin 15 that fits into the first groove 14, and a second groove 23 extending along the second direction D2 in the receptacle 20. The positioning unit 30 may position the optical component 10 relative to the receptacle 20 by sandwiching the guide pin 15 between the first groove 14 and the second groove 23. In this case, the optical component 10 is positioned by sandwiching the guide pin 15 between the first groove 14 formed in the optical component 10 and the second groove 23 formed in the receptacle 20. Therefore, the optical component 10 can be positioned with a simple configuration.

[0058] The optical component 10 may have a plurality of optical fibers 11. The plurality of optical fibers 11 may be arranged along a first direction D1, and also along a third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this case, the plurality of optical fibers 11 can be arranged at high density in the optical component 10.

[0059] The optical component 10 may have projections 12j that protrude along a third direction D3 that intersects both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. A pair of projections 12j may be aligned along the third direction D3. The fixing part 26 may include a pair of first springs 27 that press down on each of the pair of projections 12j. In this case, the optical component 10 has a pair of projections 12j, and the pair of first springs 27 of the receptacle 20 press down on the pair of projections 12j in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. Therefore, the optical component 10 can be firmly held in place by the pair of first springs 27.

[0060] The fixing portion 26 may include a second spring 28 that presses against the surface 17 of the optical component 10 opposite to the substrate surface 2b. In this case, since the surface 17 of the optical component 10 opposite to the substrate surface 2b is pressed against by the second spring 28, the optical component 10 can be held even more firmly.

[0061] The receptacle 20 may have a stopper portion 25 against which the optical component 10 to be attached to the receptacle 20 abuts. In this case, the optical component 10 can be attached to the receptacle 20 by abutting the optical component 10 against the stopper portion 25. Therefore, the attachment of the optical component 10 to the receptacle 20 can be easily performed.

[0062] Various modifications of the connector component will be described. Some of the configurations of the connector component in the various modifications described later are the same as some of the configurations of connector component 1 described above. In the following, the descriptions of configurations that overlap with the configuration of connector component 1 will be omitted as appropriate, and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0063] Figure 12 is a side view showing a connector component 1A having an optical component 10A according to a modified example. As shown in Figure 12, the optical component 10A has a projection 12p that has a different shape from the projection 12j described above. When viewed along the third direction D3, the shape of the projection 12p is pentagonal. The projection 12p has a first contact surface 12q that contacts the first inclined portion 27d of the first spring 27, and a second contact surface 12r that contacts the second inclined portion 27f of the first spring 27.

[0064] When viewed along the third direction D3, the first contact surface 12q and the second contact surface 12r are shaped like mountains. The first contact surface 12q and the second contact surface 12r are inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction D2. The inclination angle of the first contact surface 12q with respect to the second direction D2 is the same as the inclination angle of the first inclined portion 27d with respect to the second direction D2. The inclination angle of the second contact surface 12r with respect to the second direction D2 is the same as the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 27f with respect to the second direction D2. In the case of an optical component 10A having a projection 12p, the optical component 10A can be prevented from coming out of the receptacle 20 more reliably.

[0065] Figures 13 and 14 show various examples of the optical path of light L and the reflective component 5. As shown in Figure 13, the optical IC substrate 2 has a lens 2c embedded in the substrate surface 2b. For example, the optical IC substrate 2 has a plurality of lenses 2c, which are arranged along a second direction D2. For example, as shown in the "surface reflection mirror type" of Figure 13, light L is converted into collimated light by the lens 2c and emitted from the lens 2c in a first direction D1, and reflected in a second direction D2 by the reflective surface 5b of the reflective component 5. The light L reflected in the second direction D2 at the reflective surface 5b is focused by the lens portion 13b of the lens array 13 and incident on the tip surface 11b of the optical fiber 11.

[0066] The light L may be light emitted from the optical fiber 11. In this case, the light L emitted from the optical fiber 11 is converted into collimated light by the lens portion 13b of the lens array 13 and emitted from the lens portion 13b in the opposite direction to the second direction D2, and reflected by the reflective surface 5b of the reflective component 5 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. The light L reflected in the opposite direction by the reflective surface 5b is focused by the lens 2c on the substrate surface 2b and incident on the optical IC substrate 2.

[0067] As shown in the "internal reflection mirror type" in Figure 13, the reflective component 5 may have a medium 5c through which light L is transmitted and an internal reflective surface 5d located inside the medium 5c. In this case, light L emitted from the lens 2c or light L emitted from the lens portion 13b passes through the medium 5c of the reflective component 5 and is reflected at the internal reflective surface 5d. As shown in the "wavelength separation / combination filter" in Figure 13, the reflective component 5 may perform wave splitting and demultiplexing of light L. In this case, the reflective component 5 includes a first reflective surface 5b1 that reflects light L from the first lens 2c1 among the plurality of lenses 2c, a second reflective surface 5b2 that reflects light L from the second lens 2c2 among the plurality of lenses 2c, and a third reflective surface 5b3 that reflects light L from the third lens 2c3 among the plurality of lenses 2c.

[0068] The first reflective surface 5b1, the second reflective surface 5b2, and the third reflective surface 5b3 reflect only light L of a specific wavelength. The wavelengths of light L reflected by the first reflective surface 5b1, the second reflective surface 5b2, and the third reflective surface 5b3 are all different. The light L emitted from the first lens 2c1 and reflected by the first reflective surface 5b1, the light L emitted from the second lens 2c2 and reflected by the second reflective surface 5b2, and the light L emitted from the third lens 2c3 and reflected by the third reflective surface 5b3 combine and are emitted from a single lens section 13b. In this way, multiple beams of light L combine at the reflective component 5.

[0069] Light L emitted from one lens portion 13b may be demultiplexed by the reflective component 5. In this case, the light L emitted from the lens portion 13b is reflected by any of the first reflective surface 5b1, the second reflective surface 5b2, and the third reflective surface 5b3. The light L reflected by the third reflective surface 5b3 is incident on the third lens 2c3, the light L reflected by the second reflective surface 5b2 is incident on the second lens 2c2, and the light L reflected by the first reflective surface 5b1 is incident on the first lens 2c1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 14, the connector component may have a lens array 2d mounted on the substrate surface 2b of the optical IC substrate 2. The lens array 2d has, for example, a plurality of lenses 2f arranged along a second direction D2. In this case, the light L emitted from each of the plurality of lenses 2f of the lens array 2d is reflected in the second direction D2 at the reflective surface 5b of the reflective component 5. The plurality of light L reflected at the reflective surface 5b of the reflective component 5 may be incident on each of the plurality of lenses 2f.

[0071] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing a modified receptacle 40. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the receptacle 40 viewed from a different direction than that shown in Figure 15. The receptacle 40 can be used in place of the receptacle 20 described above. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the receptacle 40 comprises a first part 41 having a fixing portion 26 and a second part 42 having a second groove 23 formed therein.

[0072] For example, the first component 41 has the function of a spring that holds the optical component 10 in place. The second component 42 has a second groove 23 for positioning the guide pin 15. The material of the first component 41 is metal. The first component 41 is manufactured, for example, by sheet metal processing. In this case, it is easy to process the first component 41 to form a spring. For example, the material of the first component 41 may be SUS or Kovar alloy. The first component 41 may contain a heat-resistant material that can withstand the heat of solder reflow. The material of the second component 42 is resin. The second component 42 is manufactured, for example, by resin molding. In this case, it is easy to process the second component 42 to form a second groove 23. For example, the material of the second component 42 may be liquid crystal polymer. The second component 42 may contain a heat-resistant material that can withstand the heat of solder reflow.

[0073] As described above, the receptacle 40 includes a first component 41 having a fixing portion 26 for fixing the position of the optical component 10 in a second direction D2 relative to the receptacle 40, and a second component 42 having a second groove 23 formed therein that extends along the second direction D2. The material of the first component 41 is metal, and the material of the second component 42 is resin. In this case, by including metal in the first component 41 having the fixing portion 26, the first component 41 can be easily manufactured, and the fixing of the optical component 10 by the fixing portion 26 can be made stronger. Since the second component 42 having the second groove 23 is made of resin, the second component 42 can be easily manufactured by resin molding.

[0074] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing a modified optical component 50. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a modified receptacle 60 and optical component 50. Figure 19 is a front view showing the receptacle 60 and reflective component 5. As shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19, the optical component 50 has a guide pin 51 protruding from the end face 12d, instead of the first groove 14 and guide pin 15 described above.

[0075] The guide pins 51 are part of the positioning section 70 that position the optical component 50 relative to the receptacle 60. The guide pins 51 protrude from the end face 12d in the direction opposite to the second direction D2. The optical component 50 has a pair of guide pins 51 aligned along the third direction D3. The guide pins 51 are positioned to align with the lens array 13 (lens section 13b) along the first direction D1. For example, the guide pins 51 are positioned above the lens array 13 (lens section 13b). The shape and material of the guide pins 51 are, for example, the same as the shape and material of the guide pins 15 described above.

[0076] Receptacle 60 differs from receptacle 40 in that it has guide holes 61 into which guide pins 51 are inserted, instead of the second groove 23 described above. The guide holes 61 are formed in the second component 42. The guide holes 61 penetrate the second component 42 in the second direction D2. For example, the guide holes 61 are provided above the reflective component 5. Receptacle 60 has a pair of guide holes 61 aligned along the third direction D3. Each of the pair of guide holes 61 is inserted into each of the pair of guide pins 51. The positioning unit 70 includes the guide pins 51 and the guide holes 6. The positioning unit 70 is positioned to align with the lens array 13 (lens unit 13b), which is the optical path of light L emitted in the second direction D2, along the first direction D1. The positioning unit 70 positions the optical component 50 relative to the receptacle 60 by inserting the guide pins 51 into the guide holes 61.

[0077] The positioning section 70 is positioned to align with the optical path of the light L emitted in the second direction D2 and with the first direction D1. By positioning the positioning section 70 to align with the optical path of the light L along the first direction D1, it is possible to prevent the positioning section 70 from protruding from the optical path along the substrate surface 2b. Therefore, the optical component 50 and receptacle 60 according to the modified example can be provided with the same effects as the connector component 1 described above.

[0078] Embodiments and various modifications of the connector component relating to this disclosure have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above. That is, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways within the scope of the gist described in the claims. For example, the shape, size, number, material and arrangement of the parts of the connector component can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0079] For example, in the embodiment described above, a reflective component 5 fixed to the inner surface 22b of the second plate portion 22 was explained. However, the reflective component does not have to be fixed to the inner surface 22b of the second plate portion 22. For example, the reflective component may be integrally molded with the receptacle (for example, two-color molded). Thus, the arrangement of the reflective component is not particularly limited.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the tip of the guide pin 15 is located on the same plane as the end face 12d. However, the guide pin 15 may protrude in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 from the end face 12d, or it may be recessed into the second direction D2 from the end face 12d. Thus, the position of the guide pin 15 with respect to the first groove 14 can be appropriately changed within a range that does not impair the stability of the optical component 10 with respect to the receptacle 20 and does not obstruct the optical path.

[0081] In the embodiment described above, a first groove 14 is formed on the lower surface of the optical component 10, a guide pin 15 is inserted into the first groove 14 formed on the lower surface of the optical component 10, and a second groove 23 is formed on the upper surface of the first plate portion 21 of the receptacle 20. However, the orientation of the first groove, guide pin, and second groove may be reversed. Alternatively, the first groove may be formed on the upper surface of the optical component 10, a guide pin may be inserted into the first groove formed on the upper surface of the optical component, and a second groove may be formed on the lower surface of the second plate portion 22 of the receptacle 20. The locations of the first groove, guide pin, and second groove can be changed as appropriate.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, an optical component 10, which is an optical fiber component, was described. However, the optical component may be something other than an optical fiber component. For example, the optical component may be a waveguide component having an optical waveguide, and the type of optical component is not particularly limited.

[0083] In the embodiment described above, the fixing part 26 includes a first spring 27 and a second spring 28, and an example was described in which the optical component 10 is fixed to the receptacle 20 by spring force. However, the fixing part may also fix the optical component to the receptacle by means other than springs. For example, the fixing part may fix the optical component to the receptacle by interlocking grooves. The method of fixing the optical component to the receptacle is not particularly limited.

[0084] 1, 1A...Connector component 2...Optical IC substrate 2b...Substrate surface 2c...Lens 2c1...First lens 2c2...Second lens 2c3...Third lens 2d...Lens array 2f...Lens 3...Component 4...Substrate 5...Reflective component 5b...Reflective surface 5b1...First reflective surface 5b2...Second reflective surface 5b3...Third reflective surface 5c...Medium 5d...Internal reflective surface 6...Guide hole 10, 10A...Optical component 11...Optical fiber 11b...Tip surface 12...Support member 12b...Insertion part 12c...Optical fiber holding hole 12d...End face 12f...Holding part 12h...Window 12j...Protrusion 12k...Side surface 12p...Protrusion 12q...First contact surface 12r...Second contact surface 13...Lens array 13b...Lens part 14...First groove 15... Guide pin 16, 17... Surface 20... Receptacle 21... First plate part 21b... Surface 22... Second plate part 22b... Inner surface 22c... Outer surface 22d... Wide part 22f... Narrow part 22h... Hole 23... Second groove 24... Side wall 25... Butt part 25b... Hole 25c... Protrusion 26... Fixing part 27... First spring 27b... First protrusion 27c... Second protrusion 27d... First inclined part 27f... Second inclined part 28... Second spring 28b... Protrusion 30... Positioning part 40... Receptacle 41... First component 42... Second component 50... Optical component 51... Guide pin 60... Receptacle 61... Guide hole 70... Positioning part L... Optical

Claims

1. A connector component disposed on the substrate surface of an optical IC substrate, comprising: a reflective component that reflects light emitted from the substrate surface in a first direction intersecting the substrate surface in a second direction along the substrate surface; an optical component that optically couples with light emitted from the reflective component in the second direction; a receptacle that holds the reflective component and to which the optical component is attached and detached; and a positioning unit that positions the optical component relative to the receptacle, wherein the positioning unit is positioned to be aligned with the optical path of the light emitted in the second direction and along the first direction.

2. The connector component according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a fixing portion for fixing the position of the optical component in the second direction relative to the receptacle.

3. The connector component according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion includes a first spring that presses the optical component in a direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning portion includes a first groove extending in the second direction in the optical component, a guide pin that fits into the first groove, and a second groove extending in the second direction in the receptacle, and the positioning portion positions the optical component relative to the receptacle by sandwiching the guide pin between the first groove and the second groove.

5. The connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical component has a plurality of optical fibers, the plurality of optical fibers are arranged along a first direction and along a third direction that intersects the first and second directions.

6. The connector component according to claim 3, wherein the optical component has projections that protrude along a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions, a pair of the projections are aligned along the third direction, and the fixing portion includes a pair of the first springs that press down on each of the pair of projections.

7. The connector component according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 6, wherein the fixing portion includes a second spring that presses against the surface of the optical component opposite to the substrate surface.

8. The connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receptacle has a stopper portion against which the optical component attached to the receptacle abuts.

9. The connector component according to any one of claims 2, 3, 6, and 7, wherein the receptacle includes a first component having a fixing portion for fixing the position of the optical component in the second direction relative to the receptacle, and a second component having a second groove extending along the second direction, wherein the material of the first component is metal and the material of the second component is resin.

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