JP2004348123A - Optical transceiver - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical transceiver for realizing fixation of an optical connector assembled at the tip of an optical fiber by space-saving to an optical element mounted on a circuit substrate. <P>SOLUTION: The optical transceiver 10 is arranged so as to hold the optical connector 14 only by pushing in the optical connector 14 assembled at the tip of the optical fiber 15 from the direction rectangular to the circuit substrate 11 to a connector holder 13 on a circuit substrate 11 in which an optical element 16 is mounted. Therefore, mounting of the optical connector 14 on the circuit substrate 11 and connection to the optical element 16 can be realized with space-saving. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  According to the present invention, an optical connector provided at the tip of an optical fiber is positioned on a substrate such as a circuit board on which an optical element serving as a light emitting element and / or a light receiving element is mounted at a position where the optical connector can be optically connected to the optical element. The present invention relates to an optical transceiver that can be implemented as an optical transceiver.

At present, an optical transceiver used in an optical LAN (LAN) system or the like has an optical axis of a light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser or a light receiving element such as a photodiode along a surface direction (extending direction) of a circuit board. A method is generally used in which an optical connector is attached to an end of a circuit board or a lead frame on which these optical elements are mounted, and connected to an external optical fiber. As the ferrule of the optical connector used here, a well-known single-core (eg, MU type, SC type) optical ferrule and a multi-core (eg, MT type, MINI-MT type) optical ferrule are used. The optical transceiver used has already been standardized.
By the way, recently, as the demand for the photoelectric composite circuit and the opto-electric hybrid board has increased, such a connection type optical transceiver having the board as the optical axis has various restrictions on the mounting position of the optical connector. The degree of freedom in designing the route and the circuit board is limited, and furthermore, there is a problem that the board cannot be miniaturized.
JP-A-6-273641

  In view of the above problems, the present invention can reduce the size of a structure for attaching an optical connector to a board (for example, a circuit board or the like) on which an optical element is mounted, and can easily attach the optical connector on a circuit board. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical transceiver in which the degree of freedom in designing the mounting position within the optical transceiver is improved, and the positioning of the optical connector with respect to the optical element is easy and the positioning accuracy can be stably maintained for a long period of time.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a connector holder mounted on the substrate and detachably optically connecting the optical element and the optical connector, wherein the connector holder includes the optical element and the optical element. At a position where the optical fiber is optically connected, a locking means for holding the optical connector is provided, and the locking means pushes the optical connector to the substrate when the optical connector is pushed toward the substrate. The optical connector has a structure for holding while biasing toward the optical connector, and the optical connector, with the optical connector being held by the connector holder, with respect to an optical axis of a light emitting surface and / or a light receiving surface of the optical element. The optical fiber is supported so that an optical axis of the optical fiber forms a certain angle, and the optical connector has a mirror that forms an optical path for optically connecting the optical element and the optical fiber. Providing an optical transceiver. When the optical connector is pushed in a direction along an optical axis of a light emitting surface and / or a light receiving surface of the optical element, the locking means holds the optical connector while urging the optical connector toward the substrate. May have.
Further, in the present invention, an optical element provided on a substrate; an optical connector connected to an optical fiber; and a connector holder mounted on the substrate for detachably optically connecting the optical element and the optical connector. The connector holder includes a positioning unit that holds the optical connector at a position where the optical element and the optical fiber are optically connected, and includes a fitted portion and a fitting portion to which the fitted portion is fitted. The optical connector is configured such that, in a state where the optical connector is held by the connector holder, the optical axis of the optical fiber forms a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element. The optical transceiver further comprises a mirror for forming an optical path for optically connecting the optical element and the optical fiber. The connector holder may include locking means for holding the optical connector by pushing the optical connector toward the board.

  In the present invention, the optical axis of the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element is oriented so as to intersect with the substrate (specifically, the surface of the substrate on which the optical connector is mounted). The pushing of the optical connector into the stopping means is an operation of pushing the optical connector toward the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element mounted on the substrate. When one optical connector is optically connected to a light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted as an optical element on a substrate, the direction of the optical axis of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element and the direction of the optical axis of the light receiving surface of the light receiving element are changed. If aligned, pushing the optical connector into the locking means is movement of the optical connector in a direction along the optical axis of both the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface.

  As a configuration of the locking means, the connector holder has a plurality of pressing pieces that can be elastically deformed, and the optical connector is pressed between the plurality of pressing pieces, so that the plurality of pressing pieces are A configuration in which the optical connector is pressed toward the substrate from two or more directions, a pressing protrusion for holding the optical connector between the substrate and the substrate, and the plurality of presses; When the optical connector is pushed into the space between the pieces, it is elastically deformed in a direction to expand the space, so that the optical connector is pushed between the holding protrusion and the substrate. A configuration having a surface can be adopted.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the optical transceiver of this invention, the optical connector assembled at the front-end | tip of an optical fiber was positioned to the board which is a circuit board etc. from the board | substrate, it was positioned by the positioning means, and the optical connector mounted on the board was used. The optical element mounted on the substrate and the optical fiber inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical element can be optically connected via an optical connector. Since there is almost no need to secure the working space required for pushing the optical connector into the positioning means other than the installation space for the means and the optical connector, the positioning of the optical connector on the board is practically realized in a space-saving manner. it can. For this reason, there is an excellent effect that there is no restriction on the circuit design of the circuit board, and the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the optical element on the board can be improved.
Further, by pressing the optical connector on the optical element mounted on the substrate (or the module mounting the optical element) by the optical connector, the optical connector is pushed into the locking means on the substrate. In a state where it is positioned at an optically connectable position with respect to the substrate, it can be configured to be held down by being pressed against the substrate by the locking means. In this case, the connection between the optical element and the optical fiber (optical connector) on the circuit board can be extremely easily performed. In the configuration employing the locking means, the optical axis of the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element is inclined with respect to the substrate, and the optical connector is moved on the substrate by moving along the optical axis. Work required for pushing the optical connector into the locking means, in addition to the installation space for the locking means and the optical connector, on the substrate, as long as it is held by the locking means by being pushed into the locking means. Since there is almost no need to secure a space, the holding of the optical connector on the substrate can be substantially achieved in a small space. For this reason, there is an excellent effect that there is no restriction on the circuit design of the substrate and the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the optical element on the substrate can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing the structure of an optical transceiver 10 (substrate-mounted optical transceiver) according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view (drawing side of an optical fiber 15), and FIG. 3 is a side opposite to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view.

1 to 4, reference numeral 11 denotes a substrate, 12 denotes a photoelectric conversion module, 13 denotes a connector holder, 14 denotes an optical connector, and 15 denotes an optical fiber (for example, a quartz optical fiber).
The circuit board 11 is a circuit board as an example here.
The photoelectric conversion module 12 is a chip-shaped or array-shaped module on which a light emitting element such as a semiconductor laser (for example, a laser diode: LD) or an optical element which is a light receiving element such as a photodiode (PD) is mounted (or incorporated). is there. The optical axis (light receiving surface) of the optical element of the photoelectric conversion module 12 is perpendicular to the circuit board 11. The photoelectric conversion module 12 is electrically connected to a circuit or the like on the circuit board 11. FIG. 4 and the like illustrate a configuration in which the optical element 16 of the photoelectric conversion module 12 is formed on a surface (hereinafter, a bonding surface 12b) of the photoelectric conversion module 12 that faces the bottom surface 12a facing the circuit board 11. Further, the bonding surface 12b extends in a direction along the circuit board 11. Although not specifically shown, the circuit board on which the photoelectric conversion module is mounted includes a photoelectric conversion circuit, a control processing unit, an optical signal processing circuit, an optical element driving circuit, a storage circuit, and other electronic components on the circuit board. Various circuits for performing drive control and the like may be configured as necessary, or an LSI having these circuit functions may be mounted as necessary.

  The optical transceiver 10 includes a photoelectric conversion module 12 mounted on a circuit board 11 and a frame-shaped connector holder 13 fixed on the circuit board 11 and arranged so as to surround the photoelectric conversion module 12 from outside. Have. The connector holder 13 has a function of positioning and holding the optical connector 14 assembled at the tip of the optical fiber 15 on the photoelectric conversion module 12 and pressing the optical connector 14 so as not to be displaced with respect to the photoelectric conversion module 12. In this embodiment, the joint surface 14a (described later) of the optical connector 14 supported by the connector holder 13 is an optical axis perpendicular to the joint surface 12b of the photoelectric conversion module 12 (in this embodiment, in other words, the circuit board The optical fiber 15 and the optical element 16 are optically connected to each other by optical connection with the bonding surface 12b of the photoelectric conversion module 12 having an optical axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 11. ing.

  Specifically, the connector holder 13 is formed by bending a metal plate such as stainless steel, and is provided on the circuit board 11 at a plurality of contact portions 13a (lower end portions of the frame-shaped main body 13d) to be contacted. The fixing piece 13b protruding from the base plate is made to penetrate the circuit board 11 and is fixed to the circuit board 11 on the back surface (the lower surface in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the circuit board 11 so that the circuit board 11 does not move. Fixed to.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing the structure of the optical connector 14, wherein FIG. 5A is a front sectional view, and FIG. 5B is a view from the joining surface 14 a side joined to the joining surface 12 b of the photoelectric conversion module 12. (C) is a side view. FIG. 6 is a side view of the optical connector 14.
The optical connector 14 is, for example, fixed to a main body 14b made of a synthetic resin such as plastic (eg, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), epoxy resin) or the like so as to be attached to the main body 14b. And a glass plate 14c for sandwiching and fixing 15a. The glass plate 14c is exposed at the joint surface 14a of the optical connector 14. When the optical connector 14 is installed so as to be superimposed on the photoelectric conversion module 12, the glass plate 14c is attached to the joint surface 12b of the photoelectric conversion module 12. It is arranged facing. Further, the optical connector 14 is formed in an appearance block shape having a size almost the same as or slightly smaller than that of the photoelectric conversion module 12. There is no big protrusion.
In the optical connector, a light-transmitting plate made of a material other than the glass plate can be used instead of the glass plate, and for example, a plastic-made one may be used.
In short, it is sufficient that the light transmitting plate is made of a material that does not cause practically any problem of light attenuation or light loss in at least the used wavelength band.

The optical fiber 15a sandwiched between the main body 14b of the optical connector 14 and the glass plate 14c is precisely positioned by a positioning groove 14d formed in the main body 14b. The positioning grooves 14d are formed at a pitch substantially equal to the arrangement pitch of the optical fibers 15a and at least as many as the optical fibers 15a.
The optical fiber 15a of this embodiment is a single-core optical fiber exposed from the tip of the optical fiber 15 which is a multi-core optical fiber tape, and between the main body 14b of the optical connector 14 and the glass plate 14c, The plurality of optical fibers 15a exposed at the distal end of the optical fiber 15 are arranged in parallel by a plurality of positioning grooves 14d formed in parallel on the surface of the main body 14b of the optical connector 14 on which the glass plate 14c is mounted, and each of them is precisely formed. Is positioned. One optical fiber 15a is housed and positioned in one positioning groove 14d. The glass plate 14c can function as a lid that presses the optical fiber 15a arranged in the positioning groove 14d into the positioning groove 14d. Since the optical fiber 15a is pressed into the positioning groove 14d by the glass plate 14c, the state where the optical fiber 15a is positioned by the positioning groove 14d is stably maintained.

The sectional shape of the positioning groove 14d of this embodiment is a V-shaped groove. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cross-sectional shape of the positioning groove 14d may be, for example, a round groove (a groove having a semicircular cross section), a U-shaped groove, or the like. Further, instead of forming the positioning groove on the lower surface of the main body 14b of the optical connector 14, a configuration in which the positioning groove is formed on the upper surface of the glass plate 14c and a configuration in which both the lower surface of the main body 14b of the optical connector and the upper surface of the glass plate 14c are adopted. It is possible.
Further, the optical fiber 15 is not limited to a multi-core optical fiber ribbon, and various configurations such as a single-core optical fiber core can be adopted. The optical fiber 15a may have any configuration as long as it is positioned with high precision by the positioning groove with respect to the reflecting portion 14g (described later). In this case, the optical fiber 15a is a bare optical fiber. Various types can be adopted. However, in order to secure the positioning accuracy by the positioning groove, the entire length is a bare optical fiber, or a configuration in which the bare optical fiber is exposed at least at the end is used to position the bare optical fiber. For the portion other than the bare optical fiber at the tip, a configuration such as a single-core optical fiber such as an optical fiber core wire or an optical fiber strand can be adopted. As the positioning groove, at least a configuration capable of positioning the bare optical fiber at the tip of the optical fiber 15a with high accuracy so as to be in a desired direction with respect to the reflecting portion 14g (described later) may be used. When having a relatively thick covering portion as compared with the bare optical fiber, a thin groove portion for accommodating the bare optical fiber, and a relatively thick groove portion for accommodating the covering portion formed continuously with the thin groove portion. And a positioning groove having the following.
An optical fiber (specifically, a bare optical fiber) applied to the optical connector 14 is, for example, a silica-based GI type (GI: graded index) optical fiber, but is not limited thereto. Absent.

  The bare optical fiber exposed at the tip of the optical fiber 15a is inserted into a concave portion 14f of the main body 14b of the optical connector 14 which is recessed from a surface 14e to which the glass plate 14c is attached. In the recess 14f, the optical fiber 15a (specifically, a bare optical fiber at the tip) inserted into the recess 14f is located on the optical axis extension of the tip face, and the optical fiber 15a (specifically, exposed at the tip). A reflective portion 14g formed of a metal vapor-deposited film or the like is formed on the inner wall surface facing the distal end of the bare optical fiber through a slight clearance. The reflecting portion 14g forms a reflecting surface inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the extension of the optical axis of the end surface of the optical fiber (bare optical fiber in detail), and the optical connector 14 is mounted on the photoelectric conversion module 12. At this time, it is located just above the optical element 16 on the photoelectric conversion module 12, faces the light emitting surface or the light receiving surface of the optical element 16, and exits from the end of the optical fiber 15 a (specifically, the bare optical fiber at the end). It functions as a mirror that deflects the emitted light by 90 degrees to irradiate the optical element 16 and that deflects the emitted light from the optical element 16 by 90 degrees to enter the optical fiber 15a. That is, the reflecting portion 14g functions as a mirror that forms the optical path 17 between the optical fiber 15a and the optical element 16.

The portion of the optical path 17 located between the reflecting portion 14g and the optical element 16 is an optical path connecting the optical connector 14 and the optical element 16, and is the circuit board 11 (more precisely, the extension of the circuit board). (In this embodiment, a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction), so that in the optical transceiver 10, the optical element 16 and the optical fiber 15 are tilted with respect to the circuit board 11 in the optical axis. Optical connection. The optical connector 14 has a function of optically connecting an optical fiber 15 extending in a direction transverse to an optical axis of an optical path connecting the optical connector 14 and the optical element 16 to the optical element 16.
Here, the reflection portion functioning as the mirror is, specifically, a reflection film formed by a metal deposition film, but is not limited thereto. For example, a formed chip is incorporated in the recess 14f. Various configurations, such as a configuration, can be adopted.
Further, the reflecting portion 14g is not limited to the one having the reflecting surface inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the extension of the optical axis of the end surface of the optical fiber (specifically, the bare optical fiber). The reflecting portion 14g forms a bent optical path between the tip of the optical fiber 15 fixed to the optical connector 14 and the optical element 16 so that the optical axis of the optical path connecting the optical connector 14 and the optical element 16 is formed. Any optical fiber may be used as long as it enables optical connection between the optical fiber 15 extending in the lateral direction and the optical element 16, and is an extension of the optical axis of the end surface of the optical fiber (specifically, a bare optical fiber). Is not particularly limited.
Further, the optical fiber 15a does not necessarily need to protrude from the positioning groove 14d into the recess 14f, and it is sufficient that the positioning accuracy of the tip portion facing the reflecting portion 14g with respect to the reflecting portion 14g is ensured. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the portion is flush with the inner surface of the recess 14f without protruding into the recess 14f, or is located at a position where it enters the positioning groove from the recess.

The recess 14f is closed on the joining surface 14a side by the glass plate 14c, and after the optical fiber 15a is fixed, contamination due to intrusion of dust or the like can be prevented. The recess 14f may be a cavity, but may be filled with a transparent (or translucent) adhesive (217) that does not hinder the optical path to fix the optical fiber 15a and the glass plate 14c.
Further, light passing through the optical path 17 between the optical fiber 15a and the optical element 16 joint surface, particularly light passing between the reflecting portion 14g and the optical element 16 joint surface, passes through the glass plate 14c. I have. The glass plate 14c has optical characteristics that allow light passing through the optical path 17 to pass through with little loss due to scattering or the like.

According to the optical transceiver 10, the optical connector 14 is installed on the photoelectric conversion module 12 and held by the connector holder 13, whereby the optical path of the optical element 16 and the optical fiber 15 (the light beam formed by each optical fiber 15 a). Road) can be realized.
Further, the optical connector 14 installed on the photoelectric conversion module 12 is pressed by the photoelectric conversion module 12 by the structure of the connector holder 13 and is stably held so as not to be displaced with respect to the photoelectric conversion module 12.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the connector holder 13 has a pair of pressing pieces 13c which are elastic pieces for pressing the optical connector 14 into the photoelectric conversion module 12. The holding piece 13c is a leaf spring-shaped small piece protruding from the frame-shaped main body 13d of the connector holder 13 and functions as a locking means according to the present invention. The connector holder 13 illustrated here is one part obtained by bending and forming a single metal plate such as a stainless steel plate, and the holding piece 13 c is formed by forming the metal plate forming the connector holder 13 into a frame shape of the connector holder 13. It is a part formed by standing up from the main body 13d. The pressing piece 13c is formed in the space (the optical connector pressing space 13e) into which the optical connector 14 is pressed from the frame-shaped main body 13d of the connector holder 13 to the inside of the frame-shaped main body 13d in plan view (that is, between the plurality of pressing pieces 13c). Side) slightly. The holding projection 13f is formed so as to protrude from the base end of the holding piece 13c protruding from the connector holder 13 into the optical connector insertion space 13e.
Further, in the pressing protrusion 13f, a portion of the pressing piece 13e located on the side of the projecting distal end from the connector holder 13 from the most protruding portion (projecting distal end 13g) toward the center of the optical connector pushing space 13e. The (returned portion 13h) is inclined so that the rising height from the connector holder 13 is increased from the protruding tip 13g of the pressing protruding portion 13f to the outside of the optical connector pushing space 13e. A guiding inclined surface 13i is formed to guide the optical connector 14 pushed from above the holder 13 into the connector holder 13 (specifically, the optical connector pushing space 13e) to the optical connector pushing space 13e.

  In the optical transceiver 10, the optical connector 14 is placed on the connector holder 13 with the joint surface 14 a facing the optical element 16 and the joint surface 14 a kept substantially parallel to the circuit board 11. The optical connector 14 is pressed into the optical connector insertion space 13e, and is engaged with the holding pieces 13c (specifically, the holding projections 13f) on both sides of the optical connector insertion space 13e. The pressing piece 13c presses down toward the circuit board 11 so that the pressing piece 13c can be held in a state pressed against the photoelectric conversion module 12. Further, the optical connector 14 has a positioning accuracy with respect to the photoelectric conversion module 12 by inserting and fitting a pair of positioning pins 14h protruding from the bonding surface 14a into a pin hole 12c opened in the bonding surface 12b of the photoelectric conversion module 12. Can be secured. The positioning pins 14h are opposed to each other on both sides of the reflecting portion 14g, in other words, on both sides via the recesses 14f. However, the projecting positions of the pair of positioning pins 14h are not limited thereto. It can be changed as appropriate.

  The positioning pins 14h function as positioning means for positioning the optical connector 14 at a position where the optical connector 16 can be optically connected to the optical element 16 in the photoelectric conversion module 12. However, since the insertion of the positioning pin 14h into the pin hole 12c is started before the retaining pin 13c is engaged and held, the pushing of the optical connector 14 into the optical connector pushing space 13e causes the positioning pin to be inserted. When the insertion of the optical connector 14h into the pin hole 12c is started, the optical connector 14 moves toward the optical element 16 by pushing the light emitting surface or the light receiving surface of the optical element 16 along the optical axis (in other words, the optical connector pushing space 13e). , A plurality of holding pieces 13c. When the optical connector 14 is engaged with the plurality of holding pieces 13c constituting the locking means and the optical connector 14 is held by the locking means so as to be pressed toward the circuit board 11, the positioning pin 14h and the pin The optical connector 14 is accurately positioned at a position where the optical connector 14 can be optically connected to the optical element 16 by the accuracy with the hole 12c.

The positioning pin fixed to the optical connector and the photoelectric conversion module having a pin hole into which the positioning pin is inserted and fitted can optically connect the optical connector to an optical element on a circuit board. It functions as a pin-fitting type positioning means for positioning at an appropriate position. In the above-described embodiment, a method is described in which a fitting pin (positioning pin) protruding from the optical connector is inserted and fitted into a pin hole of the photoelectric conversion module. It is not necessary to be a member other than the photoelectric conversion module, and a member fixed to the circuit board or the circuit board itself may be used. It is also possible to adopt a method in which a member fixed to the circuit board (such as a photoelectric conversion module) or a fitting pin fixed to and protruding from the circuit board itself is inserted and fitted into a pin hole formed in the optical connector. .
The positioning pin corresponds to the fitting portion according to the present invention, and the pin hole corresponds to the fitted portion according to the present invention. However, the fitting part and the fitting part may be any as long as they function to precisely position the optical connector so that the optical connector can be optically connected to the optical element, and are not limited to the combination of the positioning pin and the pin hole. Absent.
Further, the fitting portion and the fitted portion are configured to generate a fixing force (fitting force) for restricting separation of the optical connector from the optical element by fitting the fitting portion and the fitted portion. Can also be adopted. In this case, the fitting portion and the fitted portion can also function as locking means for holding the optical connector.

Specifically, the engagement and holding of the optical connector 14 by the respective holding pieces 13c of the locking means is performed by the protrusions 14i projecting from both sides of the optical connector 14 facing each other. This is realized by being sandwiched between the unit 13f and the photoelectric conversion module 12. That is, the optical connector 14 is pressed into the photoelectric conversion module 12 by the both holding pieces 13c. The optical connector 14 is sandwiched between the holding projection 13f of each holding piece 13c and the circuit board 11 via the photoelectric conversion module 12, so that the holding projection 13f of each holding piece 13c causes the circuit board 11 Is pressed down.
The dimension between the projections 14i on both sides of the optical connector 14 facing each other (the dimension between the projecting tips of the projections 14i from the optical connector 14) is the projection tip 13g of the holding projection 13f of the pair of holding pieces 13c. The optical connector 14 (specifically, pressed slightly from above the connector holder 13 against the pressing protrusion 13f (specifically, the folded portion 13h) of each pressing piece 13c constituting the locking means from the connector holder 13 is slightly larger than the separation distance therebetween. Is pressed toward the optical element 16, the inclination of the guiding inclined surface 13i of the folded portion 13h with respect to the pushing direction of the optical connector 14 causes the optical connector to be pressed. The optical connector 14 can be pushed toward the optical element 16 while elastically deforming the holding piece 13c so as to expand the pushing space 13e. That is, with respect to the pair of pressing pieces 13c, the pressing of the optical connector 14 into the optical connector pressing space 13e proceeds toward the optical element 16 while pressing and opening the space between the pair of pressing pieces 13c. Then, when the optical connector 14 (specifically, the protrusion 14i) passes through the pressing protrusion 13f of each pressing piece 13c to the photoelectric conversion module 12 side, the photoelectric conversion module 12 and the pressing The protruding portions 14i on both sides of the optical connector 14 are sandwiched between the protruding portion 13f and the optical connector 14 is pressed by the photoelectric conversion module 12 by both holding pieces 13c.

In addition, as a holding piece, a holding projection for holding the optical connector 14 so as to be sandwiched between the circuit board 11 and a space 13e for pushing the optical connector into which the holding piece is pushed when the optical connector is pushed in is expanded. And a guide inclined surface for pushing the optical connector between the holding protrusion and the circuit board to realize elastic deformation in the direction in which the optical connector is pushed (elastic deformation to the outside of the optical connector pushing space 13e). Any elastic piece may be used, and the specific shape is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to apply a bent-shaped leaf spring-shaped holding projection instead of the curved-shaped leaf spring-shaped holding projection. In addition, a holding piece made of a member different from the connector holder, a holding piece made of resin, or the like can be adopted.
Further, the structure of the locking means for pressing the optical connector 14 against the photoelectric conversion module 12 is not limited to the above-described shape of the pressing piece, and may be, for example, an engagement protrusion provided on the inner surface of the frame-shaped main body 13d. Various configurations can be adopted, such as a configuration in which an engagement recess formed on the side surface of the optical connector 14 is engaged.

  According to the optical transceiver 10 described above, the space required for mounting the optical connector 14 on the circuit board 11 is equal to or slightly larger than the space required for mounting the photoelectric conversion module 12 on the circuit board 11. The connection between the photoelectric conversion module 12 (specifically, the optical element 16) and the optical fiber 15 on the circuit board 11 can be realized in a very small space.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
For example, in the embodiment described above, the optical connector 14 is optically connected to the optical element 16 with an optical axis in a direction substantially orthogonal to the circuit board 11, so that the optical fiber 15 and the optical element 16 are connected. However, in the present invention, the direction of the optical axis of the optical connection between the optical element 16 and the optical connector 14 is a direction inclined with respect to the circuit board. The direction is not limited to a direction substantially orthogonal to the circuit board 11. Furthermore, the present invention can optically connect an optical fiber along a circuit board to an optical element via an optical connector with an optical axis inclined relative to the circuit board. The stop means only has to perform the function of positioning and holding the optical connector at a position where the optical fiber can be optically connected to the optical element, and various specific configurations of the connector holder can be adopted.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the optical connector arranged so as to be superimposed on the optical element 16 mounted on the circuit board is held by the connector holder is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An optical connector, which is positioned and held so as to be pressed toward the optical element by the connector holder on the other side of the circuit board against the optical element mounted on one side of the circuit board, A configuration in which the optical element is optically connected to the optical element through the through hole can also be adopted.
The optical connector used in the present invention can be said to be a surface mount type optical connector. In the present invention, the optical transceiver uses this surface mount type optical connector and is mounted on a substrate (such as a circuit board). The structure for receiving the optical connector (the above-described locking means, connector holder, etc.) is a general term for itself. Therefore, for example, the substrate side is only a light receiving and emitting element, and even if there is no configuration of the various electric circuits, an optical connector (surface mounting type optical connector) is provided on an end face (light receiving surface or light emitting surface) of the light receiving and emitting element. If it is a confronting configuration, it can be said that it constitutes an optical transceiver. Further, even if there is no board and only a board-mounted optical connector and its receiving structure (connector holder) alone (that is, a configuration in which an optical element is directly held by the receiving structure), the optical transceiver according to the present invention is considered to be applicable. (In this case, the connector holder also serves as the substrate).

The adhesive filling the recess of the optical connector is not limited to a completely transparent adhesive. Even if the adhesive is translucent, any adhesive can be used as long as it allows light passing through the optical fiber to pass through at an allowable transmittance.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, when using a multi-core optical fiber ribbon, one or a plurality of optical fibers positioned at one end in the width direction are used for transmission and positioned at the other end. One or a plurality of optical fibers may be used for reception, and one or a plurality of fibers located at the center in the width direction may not be used. In this case, since there is no unused fiber at the center, the distance between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is increased, and the problem of interference due to scattered light can be further reduced.
Further, in the present invention, a configuration in which the connector holder includes only the locking means or the positioning means can be realized.
In the present invention, the “substrate” refers to the entire mounting target (base or table) on which the optical element is mounted, and is not limited to a circuit board. The position of the optical element with respect to the substrate is not necessarily required to be on the substrate, and may be, for example, a form in which the optical element is disposed in a hole formed in the substrate.
The positioning pin is a general term for a protruding member that positions the optical connector and the board. As the positioning pin, a metal round bar pin is preferably used as exemplified in the above-described embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, a protrusion formed by integral molding on a resin optical connector, or a protrusion formed by integral molding on a resin substrate may be used. Anything that protrudes from the optical connector side or the board side toward the other side and performs the function of positioning the optical connector and the board can be said to correspond to the positioning pin in the present invention. For example, if the projecting portion projecting from the optical connector is fitted to the mating side (substrate) and performs the function of positioning between the substrate and the optical connector, the projecting portion projecting from the optical connector is provided. Can be referred to as a “positioning pin” according to the present invention. In addition, if the protrusion protruding from the board side is to be engaged with a recess (fitting portion) on the optical connector side to perform the function of positioning between the board and the optical connector, the present invention is applicable. It can be referred to as "positioning pin" in the invention. As described above, the positioning pin is preferably a round bar pin having a circular cross section, but may have, for example, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, or the like. Further, the cross-sectional shape may be hollow. The number of positioning pins is preferably two, but may be any number other than two (one or three or more) for the purpose of improving positioning accuracy and the like.
On the other hand, the “pin hole (positioning pin hole)” in the present specification is a general term for a portion where the positioning pin is fitted, and is not limited to a pin hole that is a round hole corresponding to a round bar pin. . If the positioning pin is fitted to perform the function of positioning the positioning pin with high accuracy and positioning between the substrate and the optical connector, this is called a pin hole according to the present invention. be able to.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a structure of an optical transceiver according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the optical transceiver of FIG. 1 (a side view as viewed from a side from which the optical fiber 15 is drawn). FIG. 3 is a side view of the optical transceiver of FIG. 1 as viewed from the side opposite to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the optical transceiver of FIG. 1. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams schematically showing an optical connector attached to the optical transceiver of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 1A is a front sectional view, and FIG. 1B is a view seen from a joining surface side joined to a joining surface of a photoelectric conversion module. The bottom view and (c) are side views. FIG. 6 is a side view of the optical connector of FIG. 5.

Explanation of reference numerals

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Optical transceiver, 11 ... Substrate (circuit board), 12 ... Photoelectric conversion module, 13 ... Connector holder, 14 ... Optical connector, 14a ... Joint surface, 14g ... Mirror (reflection part), 15, 15a ... Optical fiber, 16 ... optical element, 17 ... optical path.

Claims (6)

An optical transceiver,
An optical element provided on the substrate, comprising a connector holder mounted on the substrate, for detachably optically connecting the optical element and the optical connector,
The connector holder has a locking means for holding the optical connector at a position where the optical element and the optical fiber are optically connected,
The locking means, when the optical connector is pushed toward the substrate, has a structure that holds the optical connector while urging the optical connector toward the substrate,
The optical connector is configured such that, in a state where the optical connector is held by the connector holder, the optical axis of the optical fiber forms a fixed angle with respect to the optical axis of the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element. Support optical fiber,
The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector includes a mirror that forms an optical path for optically connecting the optical element and the optical fiber.   When the optical connector is pushed in a direction along an optical axis of a light emitting surface and / or a light receiving surface of the optical element, the locking means holds the optical connector while urging the optical connector toward the substrate. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, further comprising: An optical transceiver,
An optical element provided on the substrate;
An optical connector connected to an optical fiber; and a connector holder mounted on the substrate for detachably optically connecting the optical element and the optical connector.
The connector holder, at a position where the optical element and the optical fiber are optically connected, holding the optical connector, comprising a positioning unit having a fitted portion and a fitting portion to which it is fitted,
The optical connector is configured such that, in a state where the optical connector is held by the connector holder, the optical axis of the optical fiber forms a fixed angle with respect to the optical axis of the light emitting surface and / or the light receiving surface of the optical element. Support optical fiber,
The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the optical connector includes a mirror that forms an optical path for optically connecting the optical element and the optical fiber.   4. The optical transceiver according to claim 3, wherein the connector holder has a locking means for holding the optical connector by pushing the optical connector toward the board.   The locking means has a plurality of elastically deformable holding pieces provided on the connector holder, and the optical connector is pushed between the plurality of holding pieces, so that the plurality of holding pieces are connected to the optical connector. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical transceiver is pressed toward the substrate from two or more directions. The holding piece is
A projection for holding the optical connector between the substrate and the holding portion; and when the optical connector is pushed into the space between the plurality of holding pieces, it is elastically deformed in a direction to expand the space, 6. The optical transceiver according to claim 5, further comprising a guiding inclined surface between the holding protrusion and the substrate so that the optical connector is pushed.

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