JPH11109176A - Assembling device for optical transmission module and assembling method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical transmission module assembling device for fully automatic and continuous performing the aligning connection of an optical waveguide module to an optical fiber array to assemble an optical transmission module. SOLUTION: An optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array are loaded on a carrying pallet and housed in a magazine rack 11, and the carrying pallet is supplied to an assembling device to automatically perform the fitting of an optical connector attached to the optical fiber array, the relative positioning by the outer shape confirmation of a work according to the image of a television camera 5, and the application of an adhesive. Thereafter, the positioning is performed by a minutely moving stage 6 so that the optical output is maximum, and the adhesive is hardened and fixed. These processes are fully automated, whereby the assembling of an optical transmission module can be continuously and automatically performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical transmission module assembling apparatus and an assembling method, and more particularly, to an optical transmission module assembling method for assembling an optical transmission module by performing automatic alignment connection between an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an assembling method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an optical transmission module assembling apparatus, an aligning operation between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber array is conventionally performed by inputting light from one of the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array and outputting light from the other. While monitoring the optical output, the position is adjusted using a fine movement stage or the like while one of the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array is fixed, and the adhesive is fixed in a state where the optical output is maximized. Was common. Generally, in the manufacturing process of the optical transmission module, this position adjustment is called alignment.

FIG. 10 is a view schematically showing a configuration example of an optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the prior art. Hereinafter, an optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, 1 is an optical waveguide module, 2 is an optical fiber array, 3 is an optical connector, 4 is an optical fiber, 5 is a television camera, 6 is a fine movement stage, 7 is a fixing jig, and 25 is an optical path.

The optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the prior art shown in FIG. 10 is an example in which the optical fiber array 2 is fixed and the optical waveguide module 1 is moved to perform alignment.
It comprises a fixing jig 7 for fixing the optical fiber array 2, a fine movement stage 6 for fixing the optical waveguide module 1, and an image pickup means such as a television camera 5 or a microscope used for performing coarse positioning.

[0005] When assembling the optical transmission module by connecting the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array by the optical transmission module assembling apparatus as described above, the operator first attaches the optical waveguide module 1 to the fine movement stage 6, The fiber array 2 is attached to the fixing jig 7. The optical connector 3 attached to the optical fiber array 2
And an optical fiber 4 connected to a stabilizing light source and a photodetector (not shown) for monitoring output light.

After that, the operator uses the television camera 5 or the microscope to perform coarse positioning of the optical fiber array 2 and the optical waveguide module 1 on the basis of the outer shape of the optical fiber module 1 or a marker. The connection surface between the optical fiber module 1 and the optical waveguide module 1 is brought close to each other, the load is detected, and the bonding interval is set so that the connection surface between the optical fiber array 2 and the optical waveguide module 1 is brought into close contact. further,
Thereafter, the operator actually inputs light into the optical path 25 between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 and uses the fine movement stage 6 so that the coupling loss between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is minimized. Optical waveguide module 1
Adjust the position of to perform precise positioning. This positioning accuracy requires an accuracy of about 0.5 μm in the plane direction and about 0.1 ° in the angle direction. For this reason, the work of alignment connection is
This is a time-consuming operation that requires adjustment by a skilled operator and takes time.

[0007]

The prior art described above is
In the process of aligning and connecting the optical waveguide module of the optical transmission module and the optical fiber array, it is necessary to always operate the device by an operator or manually attach and detach it, and mass production is low even by a skilled operator. Has problems.

That is, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the worker manually assembles, the work can be handled without any problem, but the mass productivity is low and it is difficult to reduce the price of the optical transmission module. There is a problem that there is.

In general, an optical waveguide, which is made of glass, silicon oxide, or the like, formed on a silicon substrate and is easily chipped, or an optical fiber, which is a wire member that is easily entangled and elastic, is conveyed by a machine. In addition, when detecting the optical output at the time of alignment between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber, if the optical fiber is bent, the optical output decreases, so that the optical fiber must be handled carefully. Further, when the optical waveguide or the optical fiber is transported to the centering position by a machine, it is necessary to exchange a mechanism for transporting and a mechanism for fixing the optical waveguide or optical fiber at the centering position.

In order to align the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, it is necessary to adjust the position of the optical axis between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array while monitoring the optical output. Means for coarsely positioning the light output within a detectable range by appropriate position adjustment is required. This rough positioning is often performed based on the outer shape of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array imaged by an imaging means such as a television camera, but the optical waveguide module using silicon oxide and the optical fiber using glass. Due to the difference in the material from the array and the difference in the surface condition during processing, it is difficult to perform high-precision positioning because the image is displayed differently on the television camera.

In the above-mentioned prior art, since the optical connector attached to the optical fiber array is designed on the premise of manual connection, no mechanism for automatically fitting is provided, and workability is reduced. Was bad. Furthermore, the above-mentioned prior art, at the time of curing the adhesive by ultraviolet irradiation,
Irradiation of ultraviolet rays to the fixing jig of the optical fiber array and the main body of the optical waveguide module raises the temperature thereof, which may affect the positional accuracy of the optical axis adjustment.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, to improve mass productivity, and to reduce the cost of the optical transmission module by mounting and dismounting conventionally performed manually. A self-aligning connection mechanism between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array, which realizes automation of the operation and enables accurate operation of the product performance such as coarse positioning, precision positioning, and adhesive curing of the optical module assembly. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical transmission module assembling apparatus and an assembling method provided with the optical transmission module.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided an optical transmission module assembling apparatus for assembling an optical transmission module by performing self-aligning connection between an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array. And a transport pallet for mounting an optical fiber array,
The transport pallet has a function of supplying the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array on the transport pallet to the assembly area in a form mounted on the transport pallet, and mounting and discharging the optical transmission module on which the alignment connection is completed again on the transport pallet. This is achieved by:

[0014] The object is to provide a magazine rack capable of storing a plurality of the transport pallets and supplying the transport pallets to the apparatus in a form in which the transport pallets are stored in the magazine rack. Has an attached optical connector via an optical fiber,
This can be achieved by fitting the optical connector to a connector provided on the device side for optical input / output for alignment connection by a positioning mechanism using a guide pin and a similar mechanism.

Further, the object is to provide a chuck for transferring the optical fiber array on the transport pallet to an assembling position, and to provide a protective material on a holding portion of the chuck. This is achieved by using a mechanism for fixing the optical fiber array at the time of centering connection between the optical fiber array and the optical fiber array.

[0016] Further, the above object is to provide an imaging means used for detecting position information for coarse positioning after the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array are transferred to the assembly position;
This is achieved by providing epi-illumination and oblique illumination for illuminating the connection position.

Further, the object is to provide an optical transmission module assembling method for assembling an optical transmission module by performing self-centering connection between an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array. A process of recognizing the outer shape of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array by capturing an image of the positional relationship from three or more directions; A step of moving one of the fiber arrays three-dimensionally to correct the amount of displacement and approaching the connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array; and one of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array To detect the load in the abutment direction by moving the By obtaining a connection position of the fiber array, comprising the steps of positioning the interval of the connecting surface between the optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array to freely set value,
Once the gap between the connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array is opened, an ultraviolet curing adhesive is applied to the gap, and the ultraviolet light is applied so that the connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array is irradiated with ultraviolet light. Moving the irradiating part, narrowing the distance between the connecting surfaces of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, and positioning the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array so that the coupling loss at the optical path connecting portion is minimized; And curing the adhesive by irradiating the adhesive.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to image the relative positional relationship between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array from three or more directions to recognize the outer shape of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array. Simultaneously illuminating from two or more directions to take an image, and detecting the coordinates of the relative outer position of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, and curing the adhesive by irradiating the ultraviolet rays This is achieved by the step of performing the step of adjusting the ultraviolet irradiation range with a shielding plate attached to the ultraviolet irradiation section to prevent unnecessary sections other than the adhesive section from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. You.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the optical transmission module assembling apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transport pallet for transporting, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fiber fixing clip used in the transport pallet illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fitting mechanism of an optical connector and an optical fiber. 6, FIG. 6 is a view showing a structure of a parallel chuck portion for holding the optical fiber array, FIG. 7 is a view for explaining alignment of the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array, and FIG. 8 is an alignment of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a heart process, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation unit. 1 to 9, 8 is a transport pallet, 9 is a fixing clip, 10 is a connector fixing jig, 11 is a magazine rack, 12 is a pallet pusher section, 13 and 15 are parallel chucks, 14 is a protective material, and 16 is an incident light. Illumination, 17 is oblique illumination, 18 is an adhesive application section, 19 is an ultraviolet irradiation section, 20 is a shielding plate, 21 is a magazine rack elevator, 22 is a connector attaching / detaching section, 23 is a guide pin, 24 is an optical fiber array holder, Reference numeral 26 denotes an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

An optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mounts a fine movement stage 6 provided on a base, an optical waveguide module 1 and an optical fiber array 2. A magazine rack 11 for accommodating a plurality of transport pallets 8 for transporting them, a magazine rack elevator 21 for moving the magazine rack 11 up and down to feed an internal transport pallet to a predetermined height position, A pallet pusher unit 12 for pushing a certain transport pallet 8 to a working position, an epi-illumination illumination 16 and an oblique illumination 17 for illuminating a connection between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2, and a television camera used for performing coarse positioning. 5, a parallel chuck 13 for transporting the optical fiber array 2 to the centering position, and a transport for the optical waveguide module 1. A parallel chuck 15 is taken out from the let-8, the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2
An adhesive application section 18 for applying an adhesive to the connection section, an ultraviolet irradiation section 15 for curing the adhesive, and fitting of the optical connector 3 and the optical fiber 4 fixed to the optical connector fixing jig 10 of the transport pallet 8. And a connector attaching / detaching portion 22 for controlling the connection.

The optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 are mounted on the transport pallet 8 as shown in FIG. 3, and the fiber portion of the optical fiber array 2 is fixed to at least one fiber for easy attachment and detachment of the fiber. It is fixed on the transport pallet by the clip 9. This fixing clip 9 has a shape having a notch as shown in FIG. 4, and the optical fiber portion of the optical fiber array 2 is inserted and fixed from the notch. Since the optical fiber portion of the optical fiber array 2 can move freely in the optical axis direction within the fixing clip 9, in the position embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. When the optical fiber array 2 is transported to the alignment position using
Can be kept fixed.

The optical connector 3 attached to the optical fiber array 2 is fixed by being fitted into a connector fixing jig 10 provided on a transport pallet 8 as shown in FIG. The fixing jig 10 can easily fix the optical connector 3 only by the fitting operation. The optical fiber array 2 is fixed on the transport pallet 8 by an optical fiber array retainer 24 which is a mechanism using a spring force.
Fixing and opening can be easily controlled.

The transport pallet 8 to which the optical waveguide module 1, the optical fiber array 2, and the optical connector 3 attached to the optical fiber array 2 are fixed as described above.
Are assembled in the optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state where a plurality of them are stored in the magazine rack 11.

In the apparatus, the magazine rack 11 is controlled to move up and down by a magazine rack elevator 21. Secure in position. The transport pallet 8 is taken out of the magazine rack 11 by the pallet pusher unit 12 and moved to the assembly area.

The transport pallet 8 moved to the assembly area is fixed at that position, and the optical connector fixing jig 10
And the optical fiber 4 fixed to the connector attaching / detaching portion 22 of the optical transmission module assembling apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, this fitting is performed by a connector attaching / detaching portion 22 having a guide pin 23 and a mechanism capable of linear movement in one or more directions.

On the other hand, the optical fiber array 2 on the transport pallet 8 is taken out by the parallel chuck 13 and positioned at the centering position. As shown in FIG. 6, the parallel chuck 13 is provided with a protective material 14 at a portion where the optical fiber array 2 is gripped, and grips the optical fiber array 2 with sufficient gripping force without damaging the optical fiber array 2. be able to. Then, the optical fiber array 2 is continuously gripped and fixed by the parallel chuck 13 at the centering operation position, and the centering operation can be performed, and there is no need to transfer the optical fiber array 2 to another.

The optical waveguide module 1 connected to the optical fiber array 2 is taken out of the transport pallet 8 using the parallel chuck 15, and is transferred to the fine movement stage 6 for adjusting the optical axis.

Thus, the optical fiber array 2 fixed to the parallel chuck 13 and the fine movement stage 6 for adjusting the optical axis
As shown in FIG. 7, the optical waveguide module 1 transferred to is arranged so that the portions for performing centering connection face each other. Then, in order to perform the rough positioning, the vicinity of the connection surface between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is photographed from three or more directions using the television camera 5, and the external positions of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 are determined. Get relative coordinate information of The camera direction at this time is, for example, the “−Y”, “+ X”, “−X” direction in FIG.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a description will be given of a process of aligning the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 in the optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the television camera 5 in a state where the parts for performing the centering connection are arranged so as to face each other.
FIG. 8A shows the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 shown in FIG. Based on these information, the optical waveguide module 1 is three-dimensionally (X, Y, Z, θx, θy, θz, so that the connection surface between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 can be most closely adhered. (In six axial directions) to roughly position the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 such that the mutual position of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is within a range in which even a slight optical output can be detected. As a result, the portion for performing the alignment connection shown in the television camera 5 is as shown in FIG.

As a material of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2, glass or silicon oxide is often used. When the component made of glass or silicon oxide is illuminated only by the epi-illumination 16 or the oblique illumination 17, it is projected on the television camera 5 due to the difference in the material and surface condition of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2. The resulting image has shading, which causes an error in the acquired relative position information.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, since the epi-illumination 16 and the oblique illumination 17 are used in combination, the optical waveguide module 1 made of silicon oxide and glass are used. The image projected by the television camera 5 with the optical fiber array 2 can be made uniform, and information on the relative coordinates between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 can be grasped with high accuracy. .

The relative position information between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 at the time of coarse positioning is shown in FIG.
By using an algorithm for comparing and judging information from three or more directions and erasing erroneous information caused by chips or burrs as shown in FIG.

The rough alignment between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is performed based on the relative position information between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 as shown in FIG. After the alignment of X, Y, θx, θy, and θz is performed, one of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is moved as shown in FIG. Detect the position of
This is performed by a step of adjusting the bonding interval.

The determination as to whether or not the coarse positioning has been correctly performed is made based on whether light is input to the optical path 25 from one of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 and the light output is output from the other. Will be

After the coarse positioning is performed and the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 are positioned in a range where the optical output can be detected, as shown in FIG. The distance between the adhesive surface and the optical fiber array 2 is increased. Then, the adhesive application section 18 is moved to the working position, and the adhesive discharge port of the adhesive application section 18 is mechanically positioned in the gap between the bonding surfaces of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2, and the optical waveguide UV curable adhesive 2 to the adhesive between module 1 and optical fiber array 2
6 is applied automatically.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8 (e), the distance between the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 is reduced again, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 19 is moved to the working position, and the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber The ultraviolet irradiation unit 19 is mechanically positioned at a position where the bonding surface with the array 2 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light.

After the preparation for ultraviolet irradiation is completed, light is incident on the optical path 25 of the optical waveguide module 1 or the optical fiber array 2 to move the fine movement stage 6 in a helical manner, so that the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 The relative positions of the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 are automatically adjusted so as to minimize the coupling loss. Whether or not the alignment has been correctly performed is determined based on the optical output output from either the optical waveguide module 1 or the optical fiber array 2. Immediately after the adjustment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 19
UV light is applied to cure the UV curable adhesive 26, and the optical waveguide module 1 and the optical fiber array 2 are bonded and fixed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ultraviolet irradiation section 19 is provided with a shielding plate 20 to prevent unnecessary parts from being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

By the above-described steps, the aligning connection between the optical waveguide module 1 of the optical transmission module and the optical fiber array 2 is completed.

The optical transmission module completed by bonding and fixing the optical fiber array 2 to the optical waveguide module 1 is accommodated in the transport pallet 8 by the parallel chuck 15 and again accommodated in the magazine rack 11. After storing the transport pallet 8 on which the completed optical transmission module is mounted, the magazine rack 11 is moved up and down by the magazine rack elevator 21 to send out the next transport pallet 8 to the work position. Accordingly, the optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can continuously work.

The optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention is capable of transporting, aligning, excluding the curing time of the adhesive required for assembling one optical transmission module.
The time required for the discharge can be reduced to 2 to 3 minutes, and the time required for assembling the optical transmission module can be greatly reduced.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array, which are difficult to handle, are mounted on a transport pallet, and a plurality of transport pallets are assembled into a device using a magazine rack. Parts transportation, automatic fitting of optical connectors, optical axis adjustment, assembly with ultraviolet curing adhesive, and storage of completed optical transmission modules can be performed fully automatically, and aligning and connecting work of optical transmission modules Can be performed unattended, and productivity can be improved.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the connecting process between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array is fully automated, so that the assembling time can be reduced and the quality can be stabilized.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, the aligning and connecting work of the optical transmission module can be performed unattended, that is, the connection process between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array can be fully automated. The assembling time of the transmission module can be reduced and the quality can be stabilized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the optical transmission module assembling apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transport pallet for transporting an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a configuration example of a fiber fixing clip used for the transport pallet shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a fitting mechanism of an optical connector and an optical fiber.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a parallel chuck portion for holding an optical fiber array.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating alignment of an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of aligning the optical waveguide and the optical fiber array.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultraviolet irradiation unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical waveguide module 2 Optical fiber array 3 Optical connector 4 Optical fiber 5 TV camera 6 Fine movement stage 7 Fixing jig 8 Conveying pallet 9 Fixing clip 10 Connector fixing jig 11 Magazine rack 12 Pallet pusher part 13, 15 Parallel chuck 14 Protective material Reference Signs List 16 epi-illumination 17 oblique illumination 18 adhesive application section 19 ultraviolet irradiation section 20 shielding plate 21 magazine rack elevator 22 connector attaching / detaching section 23 guide pin 24 optical fiber array holder 25 optical path 26 ultraviolet curing adhesive

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyasu Sasaki 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Hitachi, Ltd.Production Technology Laboratory (72) Inventor Noboru Nomori 393 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi Shonan Electronics Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] An optical transmission module assembling apparatus for assembling an optical transmission module by performing self-centering connection between an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array, comprising a transport pallet on which the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array are mounted. The transport pallet has a function of supplying the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array to the assembling area in a form mounted on the transport pallet, and mounting the aligned optical transmission module again on the transport pallet and discharging the same. An optical transmission module assembling apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The optical transmission module assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a magazine rack capable of storing a plurality of the transport pallets, and supplying the transport pallets to the apparatus in a form in which the transport pallets are stored in the magazine rack. apparatus. 3. The optical fiber array is provided with an attached optical connector via an optical fiber, and is provided on an optical input / output device side for aligning connection with the optical connector. 3. The optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fitting with the connector is performed by a positioning mechanism including a guide pin and a copying mechanism. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a chuck for transferring the optical fiber array on the transport pallet to the centering position, wherein a protective member is provided on a grip portion of the chuck. Optical transmission module assembly equipment. 5. A chuck for transferring the optical fiber array to an assembly position, wherein the chuck also functions as a mechanism for fixing the optical fiber array when the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array are aligned and connected. An optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to the above. 6. After an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array are transferred to an assembly position, an imaging means used for detecting position information for coarse positioning, and epi-illumination and oblique illumination for illuminating a connection position are provided. The optical transmission module assembling apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: 7. An optical transmission module assembling method for assembling an optical transmission module by performing self-centering connection between an optical waveguide module and an optical fiber array, wherein a relative positional relationship between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array is set to three. An image of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array by recognizing the outer shape of the optical fiber module and the optical fiber array; Moving one of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, and moving one of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array. By detecting the load in the abutment direction by bringing the connection surface closer, the connection between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber Obtaining the connection position, positioning the connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array at a freely set value; and temporarily opening the connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, A step of applying an ultraviolet-curing adhesive and moving an ultraviolet irradiator so that ultraviolet rays are irradiated to a connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array; and a connection surface between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array. And then curing the adhesive by irradiating ultraviolet rays after positioning so as to minimize the coupling loss at the connection part of the optical path between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array. Optical transmission module assembly method. 8. The relative positional relationship between the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array is imaged from three or more directions,
In the step of recognizing the outer shape of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array, the image is obtained by simultaneously illuminating from two or more directions, and the relative outer position coordinates of the optical waveguide module and the optical fiber array are detected. The method for assembling an optical transmission module according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The step of irradiating the ultraviolet light to cure the adhesive is performed by adjusting an ultraviolet irradiation range by a shielding plate attached to the ultraviolet irradiation part, and irradiating unnecessary parts other than the adhesive part with the ultraviolet light. 9. The method of assembling an optical transmission module according to claim 7, wherein the method is performed while preventing the optical transmission module from being operated.