Optical apparatus

An optical apparatus includes a substrate 1, a wiring pattern 8 formed on the substrate 1, a light-receiving element 3 and a light-emitting element 2 provided on the substrate 1 and spaced apart from each other in a direction x, a light-transmitting resin 4 covering the light-receiving element 3, a light-transmitting resin 5 covering the light-emitting element 2, and a light-shielding resin 6 covering the light-transmitting resin 4 and the light-transmitting resin 5. The wiring pattern 8 includes a first light-blocking portion 83 interposed between the light-shielding resin 6 and the substrate 1 and positioned between the light-receiving element 3 and the light-emitting element 2 as viewed in x-y plane. The first light-blocking portion 83 extends across the light-emitting element 2 as viewed in the direction x.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an optical apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 38is a sectional view of an example of a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor900shown in the figure includes a glass-epoxy substrate91, a light-emitting element92, a light-receiving element93, primary mold resin portions94,95, and a secondary mold resin portion96. The light-emitting element92and the light-receiving element93are mounted on the glass-epoxy substrate91. The light-emitting element92emits infrared light. The light-receiving element93sends out an electric signal corresponding to the amount of received infrared light. The primary mold resin portions94and95are transparent and transmit infrared light. The primary mold resin portion94covers the light-receiving element93on the glass-epoxy substrate91. The primary mold resin portion94has a convex light-incident surface940. The primary mold resin portion95covers the light-emitting element92on the glass-epoxy substrate91. The primary mold resin portion95has a convex light-emitting surface950. The secondary mold resin portion96is black and does not transmit infrared light. The secondary mold resin portion96covers the primary molding resin portions94and95on the glass-epoxy substrate91. The secondary mold resin portion96has a first opening961and a second opening962. The light-incident surface940is exposed to the direction z side through the first opening961. The light-emitting surface950is exposed to the direction z side through the second opening962. The highest point of the light-incident surface940is at the same position as the edge of the first opening961in the direction z. Similarly, the highest point of the light-emitting surface950is at the same position as the edge of the second opening962in the direction z. This type of proximity sensor is disclosed in e.g. Patent Document 1.

For instance, the proximity sensor900is incorporated in a touch panel type electronic device (such as a cell phone). The proximity sensor900is arranged adjacent to a liquid crystal display902of an electronic device. The proximity sensor900and the liquid crystal display902face a light-transmitting cover903. The infrared light L91emitted from the light-emitting element92travels through the light-emitting surface950toward the light-transmitting cover903. The infrared light L91then passes through the light-transmitting cover903to be reflected by the object901. The infrared light L91reflected by the object901passes through the light-transmitting cover903again. Then, the infrared light L91passes through the light-incident surface940to be received by the light-receiving element93. The light-receiving element93sends an electric signal corresponding to the amount of the received infrared light to a controller (not shown). When the output level from the light-receiving element93exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller determines that the object901is close to the liquid crystal display902. That is, in an electronic device, when a user holds a liquid crystal display902close to his or her cheek to make a phone call, the approach of the cheek is detected by the proximity sensor900. By this, the touch panel operation using the liquid crystal display902is disabled during a phone call, whereby malfunction during a phone call is prevented. Also, during a phone call, the liquid crystal display902is set to an “off” state, which suppresses power consumption of the battery of the electronic device.

As shown inFIG. 38, the proximity sensor900is arranged to have a certain distance from the light-transmitting cover903. Thus, some part of the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting surface950impinges on the light-transmitting cover903with a relatively large incident angle. The light impinging on the light-transmitting cover903with a relatively large incident angle is reflected by the light-transmitting cover903to become noise light L92. The noise light L92impinging on the light-incident surface940can be received by the light-receiving element93. When the noise light L92is received by the light-receiving element93, false detection may occur in which the controller determines the object901is close to the light-transmitting cover903, though the object901is not actually close to the light-transmitting cover.

The proximity sensor900may include an illuminance sensor, in addition to the light-receiving element93. Each of the illuminance sensor and the light-receiving element93is made of a chip and arranged on the glass-epoxy substrate91. In recent years, there is an increasing demand for size reduction of such a proximity sensor900.

In the proximity sensor900, between the primary mold resin portion94and the primary mold resin portion95, the same transparent resin as the material for the primary mold resin portions94,95may be formed in the space between the secondary mold resin portion96and the glass-epoxy substrate91. In this case, during the use of the proximity sensor900, the light emitted from the light-emitting element92may pass through this transparent resin to be received by the light-receiving element93. The above-described false detection may occur when the light emitted from the light-emitting element92passes through this transparent resin and received by the light-receiving element93.

TECHNICAL REFERENCE

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an optical apparatus that does not easily cause false detection.

Means for Solving the Problems

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus comprising a substrate, a wiring pattern on the substrate, a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element provided on the substrate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the substrate, a first light-transmitting resin covering the light-receiving element, a second light-transmitting resin covering the light-emitting element, and a light-shielding resin covering the first light-transmitting resin and the second light-transmitting resin. The wiring pattern includes a first light-blocking portion interposed between the light-shielding resin and the substrate and positioned between the light-receiving element and the light-emitting element as viewed in the thickness direction. The first light-blocking portion extends across the light-emitting element as viewed in the first direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus comprising a substrate, a light-receiving element provided on the substrate, a first light-transmitting resin covering the light-receiving element, and a light-shielding resin covering the first light-transmitting resin and including a first opening. The first light-transmitting resin includes a light-incident surface exposed through the first opening. The light-shielding resin includes a first irregular surface. In the depth direction of the first opening, the first irregular surface is oriented in the direction from the light-receiving element toward the light-incident surface. The first irregular surface is positioned on a first direction side of the first opening, the first direction being perpendicular to the depth direction of the first opening.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus comprising a substrate, a light-receiving element provided on the substrate, a first light-transmitting resin covering the light-receiving element, and a light-shielding resin covering the first light-transmitting resin and including a first opening. The first light-transmitting resin includes a light-incident surface exposed through the first opening. The light-receiving element includes a semiconductor substrate, an infrared light detecting portion provided on the semiconductor substrate, and a visible light detecting portion provided on the semiconductor substrate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus comprising a substrate, a light-receiving element provided on the substrate, a first light-transmitting resin covering the light-receiving element, and a light-shielding resin covering the first light-transmitting resin and including a first opening. The first light-transmitting resin includes a light-incident surface exposed through the first opening. The light-shielding resin includes a first inner circumferential wall defining the first opening. The first inner circumferential wall includes a first edge. In the depth direction of the first opening, the first edge is offset in the direction from the light-receiving element toward the light-incident surface from any portion of the first light-transmitting resin exposed through the first opening.

Preferably, the first light-blocking portion includes a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from each other, and the light-shielding resin includes a bonding portion that is sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion and in contact with the substrate.

Preferably, the bonding portion overlaps the light-emitting element in a second direction perpendicular to both of the thickness direction of the substrate and the first direction.

Preferably, each of the first portion and the second portion is in the form of a strip elongated in a second direction perpendicular to both of the thickness direction of the substrate and the first direction.

Preferably, the first light-blocking portion includes two joint portions spaced apart from each other as viewed in the thickness direction, with the bonding portion positioned therebetween. Each of the joint portions is connected to both of the first portion and the second portion.

Preferably, the wiring pattern includes a light-emitting element pad on which the light-emitting element is bonded.

Preferably, the wiring pattern includes a second light-blocking portion interposed between the light-shielding resin and the substrate. The second light-blocking portion overlaps the light-emitting element pad in the first direction.

Preferably, the second light-blocking portion includes a portion covered by the second light-transmitting resin.

Preferably, the second light-blocking portion is connected to the first light-blocking portion.

Preferably, the wiring pattern includes a third light-blocking portion interposed between the light-shielding resin and the substrate. The third light-blocking portion overlaps the light-emitting element pad in the first direction. The light-emitting element pad is positioned between the second light-blocking portion and the third light-blocking portion as viewed in the first direction.

Preferably, the third light-blocking portion includes a portion covered by the second light-transmitting resin.

Preferably, the third light-blocking portion is connected to the first light-blocking portion.

Preferably, the optical apparatus further comprises a wire bonded to the light-emitting element. The wiring pattern includes a wire bonding pad on which the wire is bonded. The third light-blocking portion is electrically connected to the wire bonding pad.

Preferably, the optical apparatus further comprises a wire bonded to the light-emitting element. The wiring pattern includes a wire bonding pad on which the wire is bonded, and a linking portion connected to the light-emitting element pad and the first light-blocking portion.

Preferably, the light-emitting element includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode. The first light-blocking portion is electrically connected to the cathode electrode.

Preferably, the first light-blocking portion is a ground electrode.

Preferably, the wiring pattern includes a light-receiving element pad on which the light-receiving element is arranged, and a connecting portion connected to the light-receiving element pad and the first light-blocking portion.

Preferably, the first light-blocking portion includes a portion covered by the second light-transmitting resin.

Preferably, the wiring pattern includes a mounting terminal on a side of the substrate which is opposite from a side where the first light-blocking portion is provided.

Preferably, the optical apparatus further comprises a through-hole electrode electrically connected to the mounting terminal and penetrating the substrate.

Preferably, in the first irregular surface, the light-shielding resin includes a plurality of grooves extending in one direction.

Preferably, the first irregular surface includes first groove surfaces and second groove surfaces. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves and face each other across the bottom of the groove. The second groove surface is further away from the first opening than the first groove surface is.

Preferably, the first groove surface is inclined at a first angle with respect to the first direction, and the second groove surface in inclined at a second angle smaller than the first angle with respect to the first direction.

Preferably, the first angle is 50-70°.

Preferably, each of the grooves extends in a second direction perpendicular to both of the depth direction and the first direction.

Preferably, each of the grooves extends circumferentially around the center of the first opening.

Preferably, each of the grooves extends in the first direction. The first irregular surface includes first groove surfaces and second groove surfaces. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves and face each other across the bottom of the groove. The first groove surfaces are inclined at a first angle with respect to a second direction perpendicular to both of the depth direction and the first direction. The second groove surfaces are further away from an imaginary straight line extending through the center of the first opening in the first direction than the first groove surfaces are and inclined at a second angle smaller than the first angle with respect to the second direction.

Preferably, the light-shielding resin includes a second irregular surface oriented in the direction from the light-receiving element toward the light-incident surface in the depth direction of the first opening. The first opening is positioned between the first irregular surface and the second irregular surface.

Preferably, both of the first groove surfaces and the second groove surfaces are flat.

Preferably, the light-incident surface includes a portion that overlaps the infrared light detecting portion as viewed in the depth direction of the first opening.

Preferably, the light-receiving element includes a multi-layered optical film that covers the infrared light detecting portion and transmits infrared light.

Preferably, part of the visible light detecting portion is positioned inside a smallest rectangular region that is the smallest rectangular region enclosing the infrared light detecting portion as viewed in the depth direction of the first opening.

Preferably, the entirety of the visible light detecting portion is positioned outside a smallest rectangular region that is the smallest rectangular region enclosing the infrared light detecting portion as viewed in the depth direction of the first opening.

Preferably, the light-receiving element includes a functional element portion that performs computation with respect to an output from the visible light detecting portion and an output from the infrared light detecting portion.

Preferably, the light-receiving element includes a multi-layered optical film that covers the infrared light detecting portion and the functional element portion and transmits infrared light.

Preferably, the optical apparatus further includes a light-emitting element provided on the substrate. As viewed in the depth direction of the first opening, the infrared light detecting portion is further away from the light-emitting element than the visible light detecting portion is.

Preferably, the first inner circumferential wall is an inclined surface that proceeds toward the center of the first opening as proceeding toward the deeper side in the depth direction of the first opening.

Preferably, the first inner circumferential wall includes a first portion and a second portion facing each other in a first direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the first opening. The inclination angle of the first portion with respect to the depth direction of the first opening is larger than the inclination angle of the second portion with respect to the depth direction of the first opening.

Preferably, the inclination angle of the first portion with respect to the depth direction of the first opening is not less than 15°.

Preferably, the first light-transmitting resin includes a first projection received in the first opening, and the first projection provides the light-incident surface.

Preferably, the first projection is spaced apart from the first inner circumferential wall.

Preferably, the light-incident surface is flat.

Preferably, the optical apparatus further includes a light-emitting element provided on the base, and a second light-transmitting resin covering the light-emitting element. The light-shielding resin is interposed between the first light-transmitting resin and the second light-transmitting resin and covers the second light-transmitting resin. The light-shielding resin includes a second opening, and the second light-transmitting resin includes a light-emitting surface exposed through the second opening.

Preferably, the light-shielding resin includes a second inner circumferential wall defining the second opening. The second inner circumferential wall includes a second edge. In the depth direction of the second opening, the second edge is offset in the direction from the light-emitting element toward the light-emitting surface from any portion of the second light-transmitting resin exposed through the second opening.

Preferably, the second inner circumferential wall is an inclined surface that proceeds toward the center of the second opening as proceeding toward the deeper side in the depth direction of the second opening.

Preferably, the second light-transmitting resin includes a second projection received in the second opening, and the second projection provides the light-emitting surface.

Preferably, the second light-transmitting resin includes a first cut surface provided by the second projection, and a second cut surface provided by the second projection and positioned further away from the light-receiving element than the first cut surface is.

Preferably, the first cut surface faces the second inner circumferential wall. The second cut surface is exposed from the light-shielding resin to the side opposite from the side where the light-receiving element is arranged.

Preferably, the first cut surface is spaced apart from the second inner circumferential wall.

Preferably, the light emitting-surface is a convex surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising an optical apparatus provided by any one of the first through the fourth aspects of the present invention, and a light-transmitting cover facing the light-emitting surface.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

A first embodiment is described below with reference toFIGS. 1-25. The electronic device801shown inFIG. 22includes an optical apparatus101, a liquid crystal display802and a light-transmitting cover803. For instance, the electronic device801is a cell phone of a touch panel type.

The liquid crystal display802displays icons used for carrying out various functions of the electronic device801. For instance, the light-transmitting cover803is made of acrylic. The light-transmitting cover803transmits infrared light and visible light. The light-transmitting cover803faces the liquid crystal display802and the optical apparatus101. The optical apparatus101is arranged as spaced apart from the light-transmitting cover803a distance d. For instance, the distance d is about 0.25-1 mm.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of the optical apparatus101shown inFIG. 22.FIG. 2is a sectional view taken along lines II-II inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a sectional view taken along lines III-III inFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a sectional view taken along lines IV-IV inFIG. 1.FIG. 5is a plan view of the optical apparatus shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 6is a sectional view taken along lines VI-VI inFIG. 5.FIG. 7is a sectional view taken along lines VII-VII inFIG. 5.

The optical apparatus101shown in these figures is a proximity sensor and includes a substrate1, a light-emitting element2, a light-receiving element3, light-transmitting resins4,5, a light-shielding resin6, wires78,79(seeFIG. 2, not shown inFIGS. 3,4,6,7and so on), and a wiring pattern8(seeFIG. 2, not shown inFIGS. 3,4,6,7and so on).

For instance, the substrate1is made of glass epoxy resin. The substrate1has a mount surface10and a back surface11. The mount surface10and the back surface11face away from each other. Both of the mount surface10and the back surface11have a length in the direction x and a width in the direction y. The thickness direction of the substrate1corresponds to the direction z. A wiring pattern8is formed on the mount surface10and the back surface11. The wiring pattern8is described later.

The light-emitting element2is an LED chip. The light-emitting element2emits infrared light. The light-emitting element2is arranged on the mount surface10of the substrate1. The light-emitting element2is electrically connected to the wiring pattern8on the mount surface10via a wire78. As viewed in x-y plane (viewed in the direction z), the light-emitting element2is in the form of a rectangle having a size of 0.35×0.35 mm. The light-emitting element2includes a cathode electrode21and an anode electrode22. In this embodiment, the anode electrode22is bonded to the wiring pattern8. To the cathode electrode21is bonded the wire78.

The light-receiving element3converts the received infrared light into an electric signal corresponding to the received amount of infrared light. The light-receiving element3is electrically connected to the wiring pattern8on the mount surface10via the wire79. As viewed in x-y plane, the light-receiving element3is in the form of a rectangle having a size of 1.6×1.8 mm. Further, in this embodiment, the light-receiving element3converts the received visible light into an electric signal corresponding to the received amount of visible light.

FIG. 8is a plan view of the light-receiving element3of the optical apparatus101shown inFIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the light-receiving element3includes a semiconductor substrate30, a visible light detecting portion31, an infrared light detecting portion32, a functional element portion33and a multi-layered optical film34.

For instance, the semiconductor substrate30is a silicon substrate. The visible light detecting portion31, the infrared light detecting portion32and the functional element portion33are provided on the semiconductor substrate30. The visible light detecting portion31and the infrared light detecting portion32are at the center of the semiconductor substrate30as viewed in x-y plane. As shown inFIG. 8, in the light-receiving element3, part of the visible light detecting portion31is positioned inside the smallest rectangular region S11enclosing the infrared light detecting portion32as viewed in x-y plane. In other words, the infrared light detecting portion32is L-shaped as viewed in x-y plane, and the visible light detecting portion31makes an inroad into the infrared light detecting portion32(makes an inroad into a portion within the smallest rectangular region S11and out of the infrared light detecting portion32).

The functional element portion33is on the outer side of the visible light detecting portion31and the infrared light detecting portion32. A plurality of wiring layers (now shown) are formed on the semiconductor substrate30. Of the wiring layers of the semiconductor substrate30, the portion overlapping the infrared light detecting portion32and the functional element portion33is covered by the multi-layered optical film34. The multi-layered optical film34has an opening in the portion overlapping the visible light detecting portion31. Thus, of the wiring layers of the semiconductor substrate30, the portion overlapping the visible light detecting portion31is not covered by the multi-layered optical film34but exposed from the multi-layered optical film34.

The visible light detecting portion31and the semiconductor substrate30provide a plurality of photodiodes PDA1, PDA2, PDA3, PDB1, PDB2and PDB3. Each of the photodiodes PDA1, PDA2and PDA3is formed by providing a pn junction surface (light-receiving surface) at a predetermined depth position from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate30. Each of the photodiodes PDA1, PDA2, PDA3outputs a photocurrent corresponding to the received amount of visible light and infrared light by photoelectric conversion.

Each of the photodiodes PDB1, PDB2and PDB3is formed by providing a pn junction surface (light-receiving surface) at a predetermined depth position from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate30. The depth positions of the photodiodes PDB1, PDB2, PDB3from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30are deeper than the depth positions of the photodiodes PDA1, PDA2, PDA3from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30. It is known that the spectral sensitivity characteristics of a photodiode generally depend on the depth of the pn junction surface (light-receiving surface) from the surface of the semiconductor substrate. As the position of the pn junction surface (light-receiving surface) from the surface of the semiconductor substrate becomes deeper, the peak of the spectral sensitivity characteristics shifts toward a longer wavelength side. Thus, the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the photodiodes PDB1, PDB2and PDB3are shifted toward a longer wavelength side as compared with the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the photodiodes PDA1, PDA2, PDA3. Therefore, each of the photodiodes PDB1, PDB2and PDB3outputs, by photoelectric conversion, a photocurrent corresponding to the received amount of infrared light only. The area of each photodiode PDB1, PDB2, PDB3as viewed in x-y plane is smaller than that of each photodiode PDA1, PDA2, PDA3as viewed in x-y plane.

FIG. 9Ais an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing the visible light detecting portion31of the light-receiving element3shown inFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 9A, the photodiodes PDA1and PDB1form a pair to provide a first light-receiving unit311. The photodiodes PDA1and PDB1of the first light-receiving unit311are connected in series between the power supply potential Vcc and the ground potential. In the first light-receiving unit311, current I1is outputted from between the photodiodes PDA1and PDB1. The current I1is the difference obtained by subtracting the photocurrent from the photodiode PDB1, which contains an infrared light component, from the photocurrent from the photodiode PDA1, which contains a visible light component and an infrared light component. That is, the first light-receiving unit311outputs the current I1corresponding to the difference between the amount of light received by the photodiode PDA1and the amount of light received by the photodiode PDB1.

Similarly, the photodiodes PDA2and PDB2form a pair to provide a second light-receiving unit312. The photodiodes PDA2and PDB2of the second light-receiving unit312are connected in series between the power supply potential Vcc and the ground potential. The second light-receiving unit312outputs the current I2corresponding to the difference between the amount of light received by the photodiode PDA2and the amount of light received by the photodiode PDB2.

Similarly, the photodiodes PDA3and PDB3form a pair to provide a third light-receiving unit313. The photodiodes PDA3and PDB3of the third light-receiving unit313are connected in series between the power supply potential Vcc and the ground potential. The third light-receiving unit313outputs the current I3corresponding to the difference between the amount of light received by the photodiode PDA3and the amount of light received by the photodiode PDB3.

As shown inFIG. 8, the area ratio of the light-receiving surface of the photodiode PDB1to that of the photodiode PDA1in the first light-receiving unit311, the area ratio of the light-receiving surface of the photodiode PDB2to that of the photodiode PDA2in the second light-receiving unit312, and the area ratio of the light-receiving surface of the photodiode PDB3to that of the photodiode PDA3in the third light-receiving unit313are different from each other. Though not described in detail, the area ratios of the light-receiving surfaces are made different from each other in order that a constant output can be obtained with respect to a given illuminance, regardless of the kind of the light source of the light that impinges on the visible light detecting portion31. That is, in this embodiment, a constant output is obtained with respect to a given illuminance, regardless of whether the light source is a halogen lamp that produces light containing a large amount of infrared light component, an incandescent lamp that produces light containing a still larger amount of infrared light component, or a fluorescent lamp that produces light that does not contain a large amount of infrared light component.

The semiconductor substrate30and the infrared light detecting portion32provide a photodiode PDC. The photodiode PDC is formed by providing a pn junction surface (light-receiving surface) at a predetermined depth position from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate30. The depth position of the photodiode PDC from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30is almost the same as the depth position of the photodiodes PDB1, PDB2, PDB3from the surface of the semiconductor substrate30. Therefore, the photodiode PDC outputs, by photoelectric conversion, a photocurrent corresponding to the received amount of infrared light only. The area of the photodiode PDC as viewed in x-y plane is larger than the entire area of the visible light detecting portion31as viewed in x-y plane.FIG. 9Bis an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing the infrared light detecting portion32of the light-receiving element3shown inFIG. 8. As shown in the figure, the photodiode PDC is connected to the power supply potential Vcc. The photodiode PDC outputs a photocurrent Ic corresponding to the received amount of infrared light.

The functional element portion33performs computation with respect to an output from the visible light detecting portion31and an output from the infrared light detecting portion32. The functional element portion33includes an analogue circuit and a digital circuit. The current I1from the first light-receiving unit311, the current I2from the second light-receiving unit312, the current I3from the third light-receiving unit313, and the photocurrent Ic from the photodiode PDC are inputted into the functional element portion33. Based on the photocurrent Ic, the functional element portion33computes, as a digital value, the amount of infrared light received by the photodiode PDC. When the amount of infrared light received by the photodiode PDC exceeds a predetermined threshold, a proximity signal indicating that there is an object nearby is outputted to the outside. Further, based on the currents I1-I3, the functional element portion33computes, as a digital value, the amount of visible light received by the visible light detecting portion31. The functional element portion33outputs to the outside an illuminance signal indicating the illuminance corresponding to the amount of visible light received by the visible light detecting portion31.

The multi-layered optical film34is made of a resin that transmits only the light in the infrared wavelength range. As noted before, the multi-layered optical film34covers the infrared light detecting portion32and the functional element portion33. Thus, the infrared light detecting portion32and the functional element portion33does not receive visible light but receive infrared light only. The multi-layered optical film34does not cover the visible light detecting portion31. Thus, the visible light detecting portion31reliably receives visible light.

The light-transmitting resin4shown inFIGS. 1-3andFIGS. 5-7is a first light-transmitting resin and covers the light-receiving element3and the mount surface10. The light-transmitting resin4is transparent and transmits light in the wavelength range from visible light to infrared light. For instance, the light-transmitting resin4is made of an epoxy resin. The light-transmitting resin4includes a flat surface43and a projection40.

The flat surface43is planar and extends along a plane perpendicular to the direction z. The flat surface43is ring-shaped. The flat surface43faces the direction z1side. The projection40is a first projection and elevated from the flat surface43toward the direction z1side. As viewed in x-y plane, the outline of the projection40is in the form of a circle that is e.g. 1 mm in diameter. As viewed in x-y plane, the projection40is surrounded by the flat surface43.

The projection40includes a light-incident surface41. The light-incident surface41faces the direction z1side. In this embodiment, the light-incident surface41is planar and extends along a plane perpendicular to the direction z. Unlike this embodiment, the light-incident surface41may be a convex surface bulging toward the direction z1side. As viewed in x-y plane, the light-incident surface41overlaps the light-receiving element3. More specifically, as viewed in x-y plane, the light-incident surface41overlaps the infrared light detecting portion32and the visible light detecting portion31of the light-receiving element3. The arrangement that the light-incident surface41overlaps the infrared light detecting portion32as viewed in x-y plane advantageously causes the light traveling in the direction z2to reliably reach the infrared light detecting portion32. However, unlike this embodiment, as viewed in x-y plane, the light-incident surface41may not overlap the visible light detecting portion31and the flat surface43may overlap the visible light detecting portion31.

The light-transmitting resin5shown inFIGS. 1,2,4and5is a second light-transmitting resin and covers the light-emitting element2and the mount surface10. The light-transmitting resin5is transparent and transmits light in the wavelength range from visible light to infrared light. For instance, the light-transmitting resin5is made of an epoxy resin. The light-transmitting resin5includes a flat surface53and a projection50.

The flat surface53is planar and extends along a plane perpendicular to the direction z. The flat surface53faces the direction z1side. The projection50is a second projection and elevated from the flat surface53toward the direction z1side. As viewed in x-y plane, the projection50is surrounded by the flat surface53.

The projection50includes a light-emitting surface51and a pair of cut surfaces52A and52B. The light-emitting surface51faces the direction z1side. The light-emitting surface51is a convex surface bulging toward the direction z1side. The light-emitting surface51is made convex toward the direction z1side in order that a large amount of light from the light-emitting element2travels toward the direction z1side. As viewed in x-y plane, the light-emitting surface51overlaps the light-emitting element2. The light-emitting surface51has an edge which is arcuate as viewed in x-y plane at each of its two ends spaced apart from each other in the direction y. The maximum diameter of the light-emitting surface51, which is the distance between these two edges, is e.g. 0.44 mm. Each cut surface52A,52B is planar and extends along the y-z plane. The cut surface52A faces the direction x2side, whereas the cut surface52B faces the direction x1side. Each of the cut surfaces52A and52B is connected to the light-emitting surface51at an end in the direction x. As shown inFIG. 5, the distance between the cut surface52A and the light-receiving element3is smaller than the distance between the cut surface52B and the light-receiving element3. That is, the cut surface52B is positioned further away from the light-receiving element3than the cut surface52A is.

As shown inFIG. 2, the light-shielding resin6covers the light-transmitting resins4,5and the mount surface10. The light-shielding resin6transmits neither visible light nor infrared light. For instance, the light-shielding resin6is made of an epoxy resin. The light-shielding resin6is positioned between the light-transmitting resin4and the light-transmitting resin5. Between the light-transmitting resin4and the light-transmitting resin5, the light-shielding resin6is indirect contact with the mount surface10throughout the entire dimension of the mount surface10in the direction y. With this arrangement, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element2is prevented from directly reaching the light-receiving element3by passing through the inside of the optical apparatus101.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, the light-shielding resin6includes a first surface6A, a pair of second surfaces6B and6C, and a pair of third surfaces6D and6E.

The first surface6A faces the direction z1side. For instance, the first surface6A is 5 mm in length along the direction x and 2.5 mm in width along the direction y. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first surface6A includes a surface601(second irregular surface), a surface602, a surface603(first irregular surface) and a surface604. In this embodiment, the surfaces601-604have the same sectional shape. Detailed description is given below.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the surface601of the first surface6A is a portion that is on the direction x2side of the first opening61, which will be described later. At the surface601, the light-shielding resin6has a plurality of grooves641(not shown inFIG. 5). The grooves641extend in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves641extend in the direction y. The surface601includes first groove surfaces651aand second groove surfaces651b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves641and face each other across the bottom of the groove. In each of the grooves641, the first groove surface651ais on the direction x2side, whereas the second groove surface651bis on the direction x1side. That is, in each of the grooves641, the first groove surface651ais further away from the first opening61than the second groove surface651bis. Both of the first groove surface651aand the second groove surface651bextend along the direction y and are planar.

Each first groove surface651ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x1side. The first groove surface651ais inclined at a first angle θ11with respect to the direction x. Each second groove surface651bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x2side. The second groove surface651bis inclined at a second angle θ12with respect to the direction x. Preferably, each of the first angle θ11and the second angle θ12is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ11and the second angle θ12are the same.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the surface602of the first surface6A is a portion that overlaps the first opening61, which will be described later, in the direction x. At the surface602, the light-shielding resin6has a plurality of grooves642(not shown inFIG. 5). The grooves642extend in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves642extend in the direction y. The surface602includes first groove surfaces652aand second groove surfaces652b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves642and face each other across the bottom of the groove. In each of the grooves642, the first groove surface652ais on the direction x2side, whereas the second groove surface652bis on the direction x1side. Both of the first groove surface652aand the second groove surface652bextend along the direction y and are planar.

Each first groove surface652ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x1side. The first groove surface652ais inclined at a first angle θ21with respect to the direction x. Each second groove surface652bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x2side. The second groove surface652bis inclined at a second angle θ22with respect to the direction x. Preferably, each of the first angle θ21and the second angle θ22is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ21and the second angle θ22are the same.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the surface603of the first surface6A is a portion that is on the direction x1side of the first opening61, which will be described later. Further, the surface603is on the direction x2side of the second opening62, which will be described later. That is, the surface603is positioned between the first opening61and the second opening62. At the surface603, the light-shielding resin6has a plurality of grooves643(not shown inFIG. 5). The grooves643extend in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves643extend in the direction y. The surface603includes first groove surfaces653aand second groove surfaces653b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves643and face each other across the bottom of the groove. In each of the grooves643, the first groove surface653ais on the direction x2side, whereas the second groove surface653bis on the direction x1side. That is, in each of the grooves643, the second groove surface653bis further away from the first opening61than the first groove surface653ais. Both of the first groove surface653aand the second groove surface653bextend along the direction y and are planar.

Each first groove surface653ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x1side. The first groove surface653ais inclined at a first angle θ31with respect to the direction x. Each second groove surface653bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x2side. The second groove surface653bis inclined at a second angle θ32with respect to the direction x. Preferably, each of the first angle θ31and the second angle θ32is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ31and the second angle θ32are the same.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the surface604of the first surface6A is a portion that overlaps the second opening62, which will be described later, in the direction x. At the surface604, the light-shielding resin6has a plurality of grooves644(not shown inFIG. 5). The grooves644extend in one direction. In this embodiment, the grooves644extend in the direction y. The surface604includes first groove surfaces654aand second groove surfaces654b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves644and face each other across the bottom of the groove. In each of the grooves644, the first groove surface654ais on the direction x2side, whereas the second groove surface654bis on the direction x1side. Both of the first groove surface654aand the second groove surface654bextend along the direction y and are planar.

Each first groove surface654ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x1side. The first groove surface654ais inclined at a first angle θ41with respect to the direction x. Each second groove surface654bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x2side. The second groove surface654bis inclined at a second angle θ42with respect to the direction x. Preferably, each of the first angle θ41and the second angle θ42is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ41and the second angle θ42are the same.

Unlike this embodiment, the surfaces601-604may not be the above-described irregular surfaces, and all the surfaces601-604may be flat surfaces. Alternatively, of the first surface6A, only the surface603may be an irregular surface, whereas surfaces other than the surface603, i.e., the surfaces601,602and604may be flat surfaces.

The second surface6B faces the direction x1side, whereas the second surface6C faces the direction x2side. At the second surface6B, the light-transmitting resin5is exposed. That is, the light-transmitting resin5has an exposed surface5bthat is flush with the second surface6B. The third surface6D faces the direction y2side, whereas the third surface6E faces the direction y1side. Except the first surface6A, all the paired second surfaces6B,6C and the paired third surfaces6D,6E are flat surfaces.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first opening61and the second opening62are provided in the light-shielding resin6. Both of the first opening61and the second opening62are formed in the first surface6A. The depth direction of the first opening61and the depth direction of the second opening62correspond to the direction z. For instance, the depth of the first opening61and the second opening62is 0.42 mm. For instance, the maximum inner diameter of the first opening61is 1.3 mm. For instance, the maximum inner diameter of the second opening62along the direction y is 0.59 mm.

The light-transmitting resin4is exposed through the first opening61. More specifically, the light-incident surface41and the flat surface43of the light-transmitting resin4are exposed through the first opening61. The projection40of the light-transmitting resin4is received in the first opening61.

As shown inFIG. 5, the light-shielding resin6includes an inner circumferential wall610defining the first opening61. As viewed in x-y plane, the inner circumferential wall610is generally circular. The projection40is spaced apart from the inner circumferential wall610. The inner circumferential wall610is an inclined surface that proceeds toward the center of the first opening61as proceeding toward the deeper side (direction z2side) in the depth direction of the first opening61. The inclination angle of the inner circumferential wall610with respect to the direction z becomes larger as proceeding further away from the light-emitting element2in the direction x.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the inner circumferential wall610includes portions610A,610B and610C. The portion610A is closer to the light-emitting element2than the portions610B and610C are. On the other hand, the610C is further away from the light-emitting element2than the portions610A and610B are. The portion610A and the portion610C face each other in the direction x. The portion610B is between the portion610A and the portion610C in the direction x.

The portion610A is a second portion. The inclination angle φ11of the portion610A with respect to the direction z is substantially 0°. In the portion between the portion610A and the portion610B, the inclination angle with respect to the direction z gradually becomes larger as proceeding from the portion610A toward the portion610B. The inclination angle φ12of the portion610B with respect to the direction z is larger than the inclination angle φ11. For instance, the inclination angle φ12is 7.5°. In the portion between the portion610B and the portion610C, the inclination angle with respect to the direction z gradually becomes larger as proceeding from the portion610B toward the portion610C. The portion610C is a first portion. The inclination angle φ13of the portion610C with respect to the direction z is larger than both of the inclination angles φ11and φ12. For instance, the inclination angle φ13is 15°. The inclination angle φ13may be made larger than 15°, in accordance with the depth or inner diameter of the first opening61.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, the inner circumferential wall610has an edge611as a first edge. The edge611is circular. At the edge611, the inner circumferential wall610and the first surface6A are connected to each other. In the depth direction (direction z) of the first opening61, the edge611is offset in the direction from the light-receiving element3toward the light-incident surface41(direction z1) from any portion of the light-transmitting resin4exposed through the first opening61.

The light-transmitting resin5is exposed through the second opening62. More specifically, the light-emitting surface51and the flat surface53of the light-transmitting resin5are exposed through the second opening62. The projection50of the light-transmitting resin5is received in the second opening62.

As shown inFIG. 5, the light-shielding resin6includes an inner circumferential wall620defining the second opening62. The projection50is spaced apart from the inner circumferential wall620. The inner circumferential wall620is an inclined surface that proceeds toward the center of the second opening62as proceeding toward the deeper side (direction z2side) in the depth direction of the second opening62. The inclination angle of the inner circumferential wall620with respect to the depth direction is substantially constant throughout the entire circumference.

The inner circumferential wall620includes portions620A and620B. As viewed in x-y plane, the portion610A is arcuate and along the outermost edge of the light-emitting surface51. The portion620B is flat and faces the cut surface52A. On the side further from the light-receiving element3in the direction x, the inner circumferential wall620does not have a wall surface and is open. Thus, the cut surface52B is exposed from the light-shielding resin6in the direction x1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the inner circumferential wall620has an edge621as a second edge. Part of the edge621is circular. At the edge621, the inner circumferential wall620and the first surface6A are connected to each other. In the depth direction (direction z) of the second opening62, the edge621is offset in the direction from the light-emitting element2toward the light-emitting surface51(direction z1) from any portion of the light-transmitting resin5exposed through the second opening62.

FIG. 10is a plan view showing the state when the light-transmitting resins4,5and the light-shielding resin6are omitted fromFIG. 5. In this figure, the light-transmitting resins4and5are indicated by imaginary lines.FIG. 11is a bottom view of the optical apparatus101.

The wiring pattern8shown inFIGS. 2,10and11includes a light-receiving element pad811, a light-emitting element pad812, a plurality of wire bonding pads821, a plurality of through-hole surrounding portions822, a first light-blocking portion83, a second light-blocking portion841, a third light-blocking portion842, a connecting portion851, a connecting wiring861, and mounting terminals88.

The light-receiving element pad811, the light-emitting element pad812, the wire bonding pads821, the through-hole surrounding portions822, the first light-blocking portion83, the second light-blocking portion841, the third light-blocking portion842, the connecting portion851and the connecting wiring861are provided on the mount surface10of the substrate1. The mounting terminals88are provided on the back surface11of the substrate1. That is, the mounting terminals88are provided on a side of the substrate1which is opposite from the side where the first light-blocking portion83is provided. For instance, the wiring pattern8is formed by electroplating. A resist layer (not shown) made of a resin may be provided on the wiring pattern8.

On the light-receiving element pad811shown inFIG. 10is mounted the light-emitting element3. On the light-emitting element pad812is mounted the light-emitting element2. As viewed in plan, the area of the light-emitting element pad812is smaller than that of the light-receiving element pad811.

A wire78or a wire79is bonded to each of the wire bonding pads821. Each wire bonding pad821is generally rectangular as viewed in plan. Each through-hole surrounding portion822is connected to a wire bonding pad821. Each through-hole surrounding portion822includes a generally circular portion as viewed in plan.

FIG. 12is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XII-XII inFIG. 10.

The first light-blocking portion83shown inFIGS. 10 and 12is interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. As shown inFIG. 10, as viewed in x-y plane, the first light-blocking portion83is positioned between the light-receiving element2and the light-emitting element3. The first light-blocking portion83extends across the light-emitting element2as viewed in the direction x. That is, the end of the first light-blocking portion83on the direction y1side is positioned on the direction y1side of the light-emitting element2, and the end of the first light-blocking portion83on the direction y2side is positioned on the direction y2side of the light-emitting element2. In this embodiment, the first light-blocking portion83extends along the direction y. However, the first light-blocking portion83may have a curved shape open toward the light-emitting element pad812as viewed in x-y plane. The first light-blocking portion83has an opening839. In this embodiment, the opening839is elongated in the direction y. Part of the light-shielding resin6is received in the opening839. The portion of the light-shielding resin6which is received in the opening839is in contact with the substrate1. This portion of the light-shielding resin6which is received in the opening839is the bonding portion609. In other words, the light-shielding resin6includes the bonding portion609bonded to the substrate1. InFIG. 10, the bonding portion609is indicated by hatching.

The first light-blocking portion83includes a first portion831, a second portion832and joint portions833,834. The first portion831and the second portion832are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the first portion831and the second portion832are spaced apart from each other in the direction x as viewed in x-y plane. Each of the first portion831and the second portion832is in the form of a strip elongated in the direction y. The first portion831and the second portion832sandwich the bonding portion609. The first portion831(i.e., the first light-blocking portion83) may include a portion covered by the light-transmitting resin5, as shown inFIG. 12. Unlike this embodiment, the first light-blocking portion83may not be covered by the light-transmitting resin5. The joint portions833and834are spaced apart from each other, sandwiching the bonding portion609between them. Each joint portion833,834is connected to the first portion831and the second portion832. The first portion831, the second portion832and the joint portions833,834define the opening839.

FIG. 13is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XIII-XIII inFIG. 10.

The second light-blocking portion841shown inFIGS. 10 and 13is interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. In this embodiment, the second light-blocking portion841is in the form of a strip elongated in the direction x. In the direction x, the second light-blocking portion841overlaps the light-emitting element pad812. The second light-blocking portion841is on the direction y2side of the light-emitting element pad812. The second light-blocking portion841may include a portion covered by the light-transmitting resin5, as shown inFIG. 13. Unlike this embodiment, the second light-blocking portion841may not be covered by the light-transmitting resin5. Preferably, the second light-blocking portion841is connected to the first light-blocking portion83.

The third light-blocking portion842shown inFIGS. 10 and 13is interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. In this embodiment, the third light-blocking portion842is in the form of a strip elongated in the direction x. In the direction x, the third light-blocking portion842overlaps the light-emitting element pad812. The third light-blocking portion842is on the direction y2side of the light-emitting element pad812. Thus, the light-emitting element pad812is between the third light-blocking portion842and the second light-blocking portion841. The third light-blocking portion842may include a portion covered by the light-transmitting resin5, as shown inFIG. 13. Unlike this embodiment, the third light-blocking portion842may not be covered by the light-transmitting resin5. Preferably, the third light-blocking portion842is connected to the first light-blocking portion83.

In this embodiment, the third light-blocking portion842is electrically connected to the wire bonding pad821on which the wire78is bonded. Thus, the first light-blocking portion83, which is connected to the third light-blocking portion842, is electrically connected to the wire bonding pad821on which the wire78is bonded. As noted before, the wire78is bonded to the cathode electrode21of the light-emitting element2. Thus, both of the third light-blocking portion842and the first light-blocking portion83are electrically connected to the cathode electrode21of the light-emitting element2. The first light-blocking portion83may be a ground electrode in a circuit including the light-emitting element2.

As shown inFIG. 10, the connecting portion851is connected to the light-receiving element pad811and the first light-blocking portion83. The connecting wiring861is connected to the wire bonding pad821on which the wire79bonded to the light-receiving element3is bonded, and to the through-hole surrounding portion822. The connecting wiring861is insulated from the first light-blocking portion83and extends across the first light-blocking portion83in the direction x.

As shown inFIG. 11, each of the mounting terminals88is rectangular as viewed in x-y plane. Each mounting terminal88is electrically connected to a through-hole surrounding portion822, the light-receiving element pad811, the light-emitting element pad812or the like via a through-hole electrode89(only one is shown inFIG. 2, not shown in other figures) penetrating the substrate1.

A method for making the optical apparatus101is briefly explained below.

FIG. 14is a plan view showing a step in a process of making the optical apparatus101. First, as shown inFIG. 14, a substrate1is prepared. A wiring pattern8is formed on the substrate1. Then, as shown in the figure, a light-emitting element2and a light-receiving element3are placed on the substrate1. Then, a wire78is bonded to the light-emitting element2and wiring pattern8, and wires79are bonded to the light-receiving elements3and the wiring pattern8.

FIG. 15is a plan view showing a step subsequent to FIG.14.FIG. 16is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XVI-XVI inFIG. 15.FIG. 17is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XVII-XVII inFIG. 15. Then, a molding step for forming the light-transmitting resins4and5is performed. This molding step is referred to as a primary resin molding step. In the primary resin molding step, a mold701is first pressed against the substrate1, as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17. The mold701has a flat surface702facing the mount surface10of the substrate1. InFIG. 15, the region of the substrate1which overlaps the flat surface702is indicated by hatching. In pressing the mold701against the substrate1, the flat surface702is brought into contact with the first light-blocking portion83. In this process, as shown inFIG. 16, the opening839formed in the first light-blocking portion83is closed by the flat surface702. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 17, in pressing the mold701against the substrate1, the flat surface702is brought into contact with the second light-blocking portion841and the third light-blocking portion842.

FIG. 18is a plan view showing a step subsequent toFIG. 15.FIG. 19is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XIX-XIX inFIG. 18.FIG. 20is a schematic enlarged sectional view taken along lines XX-XX inFIG. 18. Then, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, a resin material is introduced into the space enclosed by the substrate1and the mold701, and then the resin material is hardened. By this process, the light-transmitting resin4covering the light-receiving element3and the light-transmitting resin5covering the light-emitting element2are formed. As shown inFIG. 19, in introducing a resin material into the space enclosed by the substrate1and the mold701, the resin does not enter the opening839because the opening839is closed by the flat surface702. Thus, the light-transmitting resin is not formed in the opening839. InFIG. 18, the region of the substrate1on which the light-transmitting resin4,5is formed is indicated by hatching.

Then, a light-shielding resin6to cover the light-transmitting resins4,5and the substrate1is formed by a molding step. This molding step is referred to as a secondary rein molding step. By the secondary resin molding step, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the light-shielding resin6that covers the first light-blocking portion83, the second light-blocking portion841and the third light-blocking portion842are formed. Further, since the light-transmitting resin5is not formed in the opening839as shown inFIG. 19, the light-shielding resin6is formed also in the opening839as shown inFIG. 12. Thus, the bonding portion609for bonding to the substrate1is formed in the light-shielding resin6.

As shown inFIG. 21, a mold7is used in the secondary resin molding step. The mold7includes a cylindrical portion70corresponding to the shape of the first opening61and a cylindrical portion70corresponding to the shape of the second opening62. InFIG. 21, only the cylindrical portion70corresponding to the first opening61is shown. The cylindrical portion70is arranged around the projection40or the projection50and removed from the light-shielding resin6after the resin is hardened. Thus, the inner circumferential wall610of the opening61is formed without the contact of the cylindrical portion70with the projection40. This prevents the resin material for forming the light-shielding resin6from adhering to the light-incident surface41. Similarly, the inner circumferential wall620of the second opening62is formed without the contact of the cylindrical portion70with the projection50. This prevents the resin material for forming the light-shielding resin6from adhering to the light-emitting surface51. In order for the cylindrical portion70to be easily removed from the light-shielding resin6, the inner circumferential wall610is made an inclined surface that proceeds toward the center of the first opening61as proceeding deeper (direction z2side) in the depth direction of the first opening61. This holds true for the inner circumferential wall620.

The use of the electronic device801is described below.

As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the infrared light L11emitted from the light-emitting element2travels through the light-emitting surface51toward the light-transmitting cover803. The infrared light L11passes through the light-transmitting cover803. When there is an object891close to the light-transmitting cover803as shown in the figure, the infrared light L11passing through the light-transmitting cover803is reflected by the object891and then travels again toward the light-transmitting cover803. The infrared light L11reflected by the object891passes through the light-transmitting cover803and the light-incident surface41and is then received by the infrared light detecting portion32of the light-receiving element3. The functional element portion33of the light-receiving element3outputs to the outside the above-described proximity signal indicating that there is an object891close to light-transmitting cover803. When the functional element portion33outputs to the outside a proximity signal during the emission of infrared light L11from the light-emitting element2, it indicates that the optical apparatus101has detected the object891close to the light-transmitting cover803. On the other hand, when there is no object close to the light-transmitting cover803, the infrared light L11emitted from the light-emitting element2and passing through the light-transmitting cover803continues to travel in the direction z1. Thus, the infrared light L11emitted from the light-emitting element2is not received by the infrared light detecting portion32of the light-receiving element3. In this case, the functional element portion33of the light-receiving element3does not output the above-described proximity signal to the outside. When the functional element portion33does not output a proximity signal during the emission of infrared light L11from the light-emitting element2, it indicates that the optical apparatus101has not detected any object891close to the light-transmitting cover803. In this way, the optical apparatus101detects presence or absence of the object891close to the light-transmitting cover803. Although the travel direction of the infrared light L11shown inFIG. 22is not along the direction z, the travel direction of the infrared light L11passing through the light-emitting surface51, reflected by the object891and received by the light-receiving element3actually extends substantially along the direction z.

The advantages of this embodiment are described below.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, in the optical apparatus101, the wiring pattern8has the first light-blocking portion83. The first light-blocking portion83is interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1, and also between the light-emitting element2and the light-receiving element3as viewed in x-y plane. The first light-blocking portion83extends across the light-emitting element2in the direction y. With this arrangement, between the light-emitting element2and the light-receiving element3, the first light-blocking portion83blocks the travel path of the light from the light-transmitting resin5to the light-transmitting resin4through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. Thus, between the light-emitting element2and the light-receiving element3, the light emitted from the light light-emitting element2is prevented from traveling from the light-transmitting resin5to the light-transmitting resin4by passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. Thus, the light emitted from the light-emitting element2is prevented from passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1to be received by the light-receiving element3. This reduces false detection such as determining an object891to exist close to the light-transmitting cover803, though the object891actually does not exist close to the light-transmitting cover.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 12, in the optical apparatus101, the first light-blocking portion83has the first portion831and the second portion832which are spaced apart from each other. The light-shielding resin6has the bonding portion609sandwiched between the first portion831and the second portion832and in contact with the substrate1. In this arrangement, the bonding strength between the material forming the bonding portion609, which is part of the light-shielding resin6, and the material forming the substrate1is generally larger than the bonding strength between the material forming the light-shielding resin6and the material forming the wiring pattern8. Also, even in the case where a resist layer (not shown) is provided on the wiring pattern8, the bonding strength between the material forming the bonding portion609and the material forming the substrate1is generally larger than the bonding strength between the material forming the bonding portion609and the material forming the resist layer. Thus, the arrangement that the light-shielding resin6has the bonding portion609in contact with the substrate1is suitable for reliably bonding the light-shielding resin6to the substrate1. Thus, the optical apparatus101reliably prevents the light-shielding resin6from being detached from the substrate1.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 13, in the optical apparatus101, the wiring pattern8has the second light-blocking portion841interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. The second light-blocking portion841overlaps the light-emitting element pad812in the direction x. With this arrangement, even when the light emitted from the light-emitting element2travels within the light-transmitting resin5toward the direction y2side of the light-emitting element pad812, the second light-blocking portion841prevents the light from passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. Thus, even when the light from the light-emitting element2travels toward the direction y2side of the light-emitting element pad812within the light-transmitting resin5, the light from the light-emitting element2is prevented from traveling from the light-transmitting resin5to the light-transmitting resin4by passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. Thus, the light emitted from the light-emitting element2is prevented from passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1to be received by the light-receiving element3. This reduces false detection such as determining an object891to exist close to the light-transmitting cover803, though the object891actually does not exist close to the light-transmitting cover.

In the optical apparatus101, the second light-blocking portion841is connected to the first light-blocking portion83. This arrangement eliminates the gap between the second light-blocking portion841and the first light-blocking portion83. Thus, between the second light-blocking portion841and the first light-blocking portion83, the light from the light-emitting element2is prevented from traveling from the light-transmitting resin5to the light-transmitting resin4by passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. Thus, the light emitted from the light-emitting element2is prevented from passing through a gap between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1to be received by the light-receiving element3. This further reduces the above-described false detection.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 13, in the optical apparatus101, the wiring pattern8has the third light-blocking portion842interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. The third light-blocking portion842overlaps the light-emitting element pad812in the direction x. In the direction y, the light-emitting element pad812is positioned between the second light-blocking portion841and the third light-blocking portion842. This further reduces the false detection for the same reason as described above with respect to the second light-blocking portion841.

In the optical apparatus101, the third light-blocking portion842is connected to the first light-blocking portion83. This reduces the false detection for the same reason as described above with respect to the second light-blocking portion841.

In the optical apparatus101, the first light-blocking portion83, which tends to have a relatively large area as viewed in x-y plane, can function as an antenna. When the first light-blocking portion83functions as an antenna, the circuit including the light-emitting element2, for example, may malfunction. Thus, it is preferable that the first light-blocking portion83is a ground electrode. When the first light-blocking portion83is a ground electrode, the potential of the first light-blocking portion83is constant even when the first light-blocking portion83functions as an antenna. This reduces malfunction of the circuit including the light-emitting element2.

In the optical apparatus101, some part of the infrared light L11exiting the light-emitting surface51impinges on the light-transmitting cover803with a relatively large incident angle. As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the part of the infrared light L11which impinges on the light-transmitting cover803with a relatively large incident angle does not pass through the light-transmitting cover803but is reflected by the inner surface of the light-transmitting cover803to become noise light L12. Part of the noise light L12travels toward the first surface6A or the first opening61while forming a relatively large angle with respect to the direction z. In the optical apparatus101, in the depth direction (direction z) of the first opening61, the edge611of the inner circumferential wall610is offset in the direction from the light-receiving element3toward the light-incident surface41(direction z1) from any portion of the light-transmitting resin4exposed through the first opening61. Thus, the light-shielding resin6blocks part of the noise light L12that travels while forming a relatively large angle with respect to the direction z before the light reaches the light-incident surface41. This reduces the amount of noise light L12that passes through the light-incident surface41to reach the light-receiving element3. Reducing the amount of the noise light L12reaching the light-receiving element3reduces false detection such as determining an object891to exist close to the light-transmitting cover803, though the object891actually does not exist close to the light-transmitting cover.

In the optical apparatus101, the inner circumferential wall610has portions610A and610C that face each other in the direction (direction x) perpendicular to the depth direction (direction z) of the first opening61. The inclination angle φ13of the portion610C with respect to the depth direction of the first opening61(direction z) is larger than the inclination angle φ1of the portion610A with respect to the depth direction of the first opening61(direction z). As shown inFIG. 23, part of the noise light L12enters the first opening61. The part of the light entering the first opening61is reflected by the portion610C. As the inclination angle φ13is larger than the inclination angle φ11, the noise light L12reflected by the portion610C does not travel toward the light-emitting surface41but travels toward the portion610A. Thus, the amount of the noise light L12that reaches the light-emitting surface41after being reflected by the portion610C reduces. Accordingly, the amount of the noise light L12that reaches the light-receiving element3reduces, which leads to further reduction of false detection.

FIG. 25is a graph obtained by simulation, showing the amount of the noise light L12received by the light-receiving element3with respect to the inclination angle φ13of the portion610C of the inner circumferential wall610. In this graph, the output level of the light-receiving element3when the inclination angle φ13is 0° is determined to be “100%” as a reference level. As will be understood from the graph, the amount of the noise light L12reduces to the lower limit level when the inclination angle φ3is 15° or larger.

In the optical apparatus101, the light-incident surface41is flat. With this arrangement, the amount of the noise light L12that impinges on the light-emitting surface41after being reflected by the portion610C is smaller than the case where the light-incident surface41is convex.

In the optical apparatus101, in the depth direction (direction z) of the second opening62, the edge621of the inner circumferential wall620is offset in the direction from the light-emitting element3toward the light-emitting surface51(direction z1) from any portion of the light-transmitting resin5exposed through the second opening62. With this arrangement, the light traveling from the light-emitting surface51in a direction that forms a large incident angle to the light-transmitting cover803is easily blocked by the inner circumferential wall620. This reduces the amount of noise light L12received by the light-receiving element3, which leads to reduction of false detection.

In the optical apparatus101, the cut surface52B is exposed from the light-shielding resin6in the direction x1. With this arrangement, the infrared light L11is emitted from the cut surface52B as well. The infrared light L11emitted from the cut surface52B travels in the direction x1without being blocked by the inner circumferential wall620. This also reduces the amount of noise light L12received by the light-receiving element3, which leads to reduction of false detection.

In the optical apparatus101, the light-shielding resin6has the surface603. The surface603is irregular, faces the direction z1, and is positioned on the direction x1side of the first opening61. The surface603, which is irregular, can be arranged in such a manner that the noise light L12reflected by the surface603does not travel toward the first opening61. Thus, the amount of the noise light L12that travels toward the first opening61can be reduced. In particular, in the optical apparatus101, the light-shielding resin6has a plurality of grooves643elongated in one direction on the surface603. The surface603includes first groove surfaces653aand second groove surfaces653b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves643and face each other across the bottom of the groove. In each of the grooves643, the second groove surface653bis further away from the first opening61than the first groove surface653ais. According to this arrangement, part of the noise light L12is reflected by the first groove surface653ato travel toward the side opposite from the first opening61. Thus, the amount of the noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61reduces. Unlike this embodiment, the surface603may be made irregular by forming minute irregularities on the surface603.

FIG. 24is a graph obtained by simulation, showing the amount of the noise light L12received by the light-receiving element3, depending on the inclination angle θ31, with respect to the distance d between the optical apparatus101and the light-transmitting cover803. In this graph, the output level of the light-receiving element3when the inclination angle θ31is 0° is determined to be “1” as a reference level. As will be understood from the graph, when the inclination angle θ31is 50°, 60° or 70°, the amount of the noise light L12received by the light-receiving element3is effectively reduced even when the distance d changes in the range of from 0.25 to 1 mm.

In the optical apparatus101, the light-receiving element3has the semiconductor substrate30, the visible light detecting portion31and the infrared light detecting portion32. The visible light detecting portion31and the infrared light detecting portion32are provided on the same semiconductor substrate30. According to this structure, a single-chip light-receiving element3having the visible light detecting function and the infrared light detecting function is provided. This arrangement achieves size reduction of the light-receiving element3, as compared with the case where each of the visible light detecting function and the infrared light detecting function is realized by an individual chip. Size reduction of the light-receiving element3contributes to size reduction of the optical apparatus101. In the structure including a single-chip light-receiving element3having the visible light detecting function and the infrared light detecting function, both of the light to reach the visible light detecting portion31and the light to reach the infrared light detecting portion32pass through the light-incident surface41. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a light-incident surface for the light to reach the infrared light detecting portion32, separately from the light-incident surface for the light to reach the visible light detecting portion31. This also contributes to size reduction of the optical apparatus101.

In the optical apparatus101, the light-receiving element3has the multi-layered optical film34that covers the infrared light detecting portion32and transmits the infrared light. With this structure, in molding the light-transmitting resin4on the light-receiving element3, an individual resin molding step is not necessary for each of the visible light detecting portion31and the infrared light detecting portion32. Moreover, the multi-layered optical film34is formed in a semiconductor process for forming a thin film on the semiconductor substrate30. Thus, an additional process for forming the multi-layered optical film34is not necessary, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment can be used. Thus, the manufacturing cost reduces.

A variation of the first embodiment is described below with reference toFIG. 26. In the variation below, the elements that are identical or similar to those of the foregoing optical apparatus101are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the foregoing optical apparatus, and the description is omitted.

This figure is a plan view showing a variation of the optical apparatus according to the first embodiment. The optical apparatus of this variation differs from the optical apparatus101in that the wiring pattern8includes a third light-blocking portion843instead of the light-blocking portion842, the wiring pattern includes a linking portion852, the cathode electrode21is bonded on the light-emitting element pad812, and a wire78is bonded on the anode electrode22. Other structures are the same.

In this variation, unlike the third light-blocking portion842of the optical apparatus101, the third light-blocking portion843is not electrically connected to the wire bonding pad821on which the wire78is bonded. Specifically, the third light-blocking portion843is interposed between the light-shielding resin6and the substrate1. In this variation, the third light-blocking portion843is in the form of a strip elongated in the direction x. The third light-blocking portion843overlaps the light-emitting element pad812in the direction x. The third light-blocking portion843is on the direction y2side of the light-emitting element pad812. Thus, the light-emitting element pad812is positioned between the third light-blocking portion843and the second light-blocking portion841. Similarly to the third light-blocking portion842, the third light-blocking portion843may include a portion covered by the light-transmitting resin5, or the third light-blocking portion843may not be covered by the light-transmitting resin5. Preferably, the third light-blocking portion843is connected to the first light-blocking portion83.

The linking portion852is connected to the light-emitting element pad812and the first light-blocking portion83. In this variation, the linking portion852is in the form of a strip elongated in the direction x. However, the shape of the linking portion852is not limited to this. The linking portion852is positioned between the light-emitting element pad812and the first light-blocking portion83and covered by the light-transmitting resin5.

As noted before, the cathode electrode21is bonded to the light-emitting element pad812. Thus, both of the linking portion852and the first light-blocking portion83are electrically connected to the cathode electrode21of the light-emitting element2. In this variation again, the first light-blocking portion83may be a ground electrode in a circuit including the light-emitting element2.

With this structure again, the same advantages as those of the optical apparatus101are obtained.

The above-described structure of the wiring pattern8may be applied to the optical apparatus according to the second through the sixth embodiments.

A second through a ninth embodiments are described below. In the embodiments below, the elements that are identical or similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 27is a sectional view of an optical apparatus according to a second embodiment.

The optical apparatus102shown in the figure is different from the foregoing optical apparatus101in that each of the grooves641-644has a rectangular cross section. Except the cross sectional shape of the grooves641-644, the structure of the optical apparatus102is the same as that of the optical apparatus101, so that the description is omitted. With this structure again, similarly to the first embodiment, the first groove surface653areflects part of the noise light L12to cause the noise light to travel toward the side opposite from the first opening61. Thus, the noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61reduces.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 28is a sectional view of an optical apparatus according to a third embodiment.

The optical apparatus103shown in the figure is different from the optical apparatus101in cross sectional shape of the grooves641-644. That is, at the surface601of the optical apparatus103, the first angle θ11that is the inclination angle of each groove surface651awith respect to the direction x is smaller than the second angle θ12that is the inclination angle of each groove surface651bwith respect to the direction x. At the surface603of the optical apparatus103, the first angle θ31that is the inclination angle of each groove surface653awith respect to the direction x is larger than the second angle θ32that is the inclination angle of each groove surface653bwith respect to the direction x. The inclination angle θ21and the inclination angle θ22are the same. Similarly, the inclination angle θ41and the inclination angle θ42are the same.

According to this structure, at the surface603, the first angle θ31is larger than the second angle θ32. This arrangement reduces the amount of noise light L12that is reflected by the first groove surface653aand then impinges on the second groove surface653b, and reliably causes the light reflected by the first groove surface653ato travel toward the side opposite from the first opening61. This arrangement is suitable for reducing the amount of noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61.

Moreover, at the surface601, the first angle θ11is smaller than the second angle θ12. According to this structure, the noise light L12traveling from between the surface603and the light-transmitting cover803to the space between the surface601and the light-transmitting cover803is reliably reflected by the first groove surface651aso that the noise light travels toward the direction x2side. This arrangement is suitable for reducing the amount of noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 29is a plan view of an optical apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.FIG. 30is a sectional view taken along lines XXX-XXX inFIG. 29.

In the optical apparatus104shown in the figure, a plurality of grooves646are provided on the surfaces601-603of the first surface6A of the light-shielding resin6. Each groove646extends in the same direction. In this embodiment, each groove646extends circumferentially around the center of the first opening61. The surfaces601-603include first groove surfaces656aand second groove surfaces656b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves646and face each other across the bottom of the groove646. At the center of the surface603in the direction y, the first groove surface656aof each groove646is positioned on the direction x2side, whereas the second groove surface656bis positioned on the direction x1side. That is, at the center of the surface603in the direction y, the second groove surface656bof each groove646is further away from the first opening61than the first groove surface656ais. The first groove surface656aand the second groove surface656bat the center of the surface603in the direction y are described below.

Each first groove surface656ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x1side. The first groove surface656ais inclined at a first angle θ61with respect to the direction x. Each second groove surface656bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the direction x2side. The second groove surface656bis inclined at a second angle θ62with respect to the direction x. Preferably, each of the first angle θ61and the second angle θ62is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ61and the second angle θ62are the same. However, as in the third embodiment, the first angle θ61may be larger than the second angle θ62.

With this arrangement again, the first groove surface656areflects part of the noise light L12to cause the noise light to travel toward the side opposite from the first opening61. Thus, the noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61reduces.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 31is a plan view of an optical apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.FIG. 32is a sectional view taken along lines XXXII-XXXII inFIG. 31.

In the optical apparatus105shown in the figures, a plurality of grooves647are provided on the surface603of the first surface6A of the light-shielding resin6. The grooves647extend in one direction. InFIG. 31, the region having the grooves647is indicated by hatching for convenience. In this embodiment, each groove647extends in the direction x. The surface603includes first groove surfaces657aand second groove surfaces657b. Each of the first groove surfaces and each of the second groove surfaces define one of the grooves647and face each other across the bottom of the groove647. In each groove647, the second groove surface657bis further away from the imaginary straight line L15extending through the center of the first opening610in the direction x than the first groove surface657ais.

Each first groove surface657ais an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding away from the imaginary L15in the direction y. The first groove surface657ais inclined at a first angle θ71with respect to the direction y. Each second groove surface657bis an inclined surface that proceeds toward the direction z2side as proceeding toward the imaginary line L15in the direction y. The second groove surface657bis inclined at a second angle θ72with respect to the direction y. Preferably, each of the first angle θ71and the second angle θ72is 50-70°. In this embodiment, the first angle θ71is larger than the second angle θ72.

With this structure, the noise light L12reflected by the first groove surface657atravels to proceed away from the imaginary straight line L15as viewed in x-y plane. Thus, the noise light L12traveling toward the first opening61reduces.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 33is a perspective view of an optical apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.FIG. 34is a sectional view taken along lines XXXIV-XXXIV inFIG. 33.

The optical apparatus106shown in the figure differs from the foregoing optical apparatus101in that the light-transmitting resin5is not exposed from the light-shielding resin6in the direction x1. The first surface6A of the light-shielding resin6includes a surface605positioned on the direction x1side of the second opening62. In this embodiment, the surface605has a plurality of grooves645. Unlike this embodiment, the surface605may not have grooves and may be a flat surface. This structure provides substantially the same advantages as those of the optical apparatus101.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 35is a plan view showing a light-receiving element of an optical apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in the light-receiving element3, the entirety of the visible light detecting portion31is positioned outside the smallest rectangular region S11enclosing the infrared light detecting portion32as viewed in x-y plane. Moreover, as viewed in x-y plane, the infrared light detecting portion32is positioned further away from the light-emitting element2than the visible light detecting portion31is. This structure provides the same advantages as those of the optical apparatus101.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 36is a sectional view of an optical apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

The optical apparatus108shown in the figure differs from the optical apparatus101in that the light-receiving element3comprises a photodiode that does not include a visible light detecting portion. The optical apparatus108includes a substrate1, a light-emitting element2, a light-receiving element3, an illuminance sensor element3′, light-transmitting resins4,5,999and a light-shielding resin6. Since the structures of the substrate1, the light-emitting element2, the light-transmitting resins4,5and the light-shielding resin6are substantially the same as those of the optical apparatus101, description of these is omitted. The illuminance sensor element3′ has the same function as that of the visible light detecting portion31of the light-receiving element3of the optical apparatus101. The light-transmitting resin999covers the illuminance sensor element3′ and is exposed from the light-shielding resin6. Visible light impinges on the illuminance sensor element3′ through a portion of the light-transmitting resin999which is exposed from the light-shielding resin6. This arrangement also reduces the noise light L12that travels toward the first opening61.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 37is a sectional view of an electronic device according to a ninth embodiment.

The electronic device808shown in the figure is different from the above-described electronic device801in that the optical apparatus109does not include the light-emitting element2and the light-transmitting resin5. Since the other parts are the same as those of the optical apparatus101, the description is omitted. For instance, the optical apparatus109can be used along with a light-emitting device301including a light-emitting element2and separate from the optical apparatus109, to function as a proximity sensor. This arrangement also reduces the noise light L12that travels toward the first opening61.

The scope of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The specific structure of each part of the present invention can be varied in design in many ways.