Patent Publication Number: US-2007110368-A1

Title: Package and Optical Module Assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a package, more specifically, to a package for containing an optical module coupled to an optical fiber.  
      Further, the present invention relates to an optical module assembly containing a package coupled to an optical fiber.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Conventionally, a package for containing an optical module coupled to optical fibers has been known.  
      Such a package generally consists of a tube surrounding an optical module and opening on the opposite ends, and end covers fixed to the respective ends of the tube. The tube consists of a container and a lid. Each of the end covers has an aperture through which an optical fiber extending from the optical module is passed. The tube is generally made of metal, while the end covers are generally made of rubber or plastic (See Japanese Patent Publication 1 below.).  
      A way of mounting the optical module into the package is as follows. Firstly, the optical module coupled to the optical fibers is passed through the tube and positioned therein. Each of the optical fibers is passed through the respective end covers, and the end covers are moved to the tube over the optical fiber, fitted into the tube and fixed thereto by an adhesive and so on. When it is necessary to fill a resin into an interior of the package, in a state in which the lid is removed from the container, such a resin is filled thereinto and then the lid is mounted to the container.  
      Further, a package having a reinforcement cord (see Patent Publications 2 and 3 below) and a package having a stopper for stopping an optical fiber when the optical fiber is pulled (see Patent Publication 4 below) have been known.  
      Patent Publication 1: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2003-207658 (FIG. 1)  
      Patent Publication 2: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 5-93818  
      Patent Publication 3: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 5-93819  
      Patent Publication 4: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2003-232957  
      In such a conventional package, for example, described in the Patent Publication 1, since the optical fibers are passed through the tube and the respective end covers, it may be hard to assemble them together. Further, when a longitudinal length of the tube is large relative to a dimension of a cross section thereof, dimensions after the tube consisting of the container and the lid is assembled may become inaccurate. Further, since the end covers are fitted into the tube and fixed thereto, a shape of each of the end covers may become complicated so that a cost of manufacturing them may become high. Further, since the material of the tube and that of the end covers are different from each other, it is necessary to provide different manufacturing processes therefore. Thus, there is room for reducing a cost of manufacturing and assembling the package.  
      Additionally, a structure of the conventional package is complicated.  
      Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a package of which the structure is simple, of which dimensions are precise, and which can be manufactured cheaply.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical module assembly in which an optical module connected to an optical fiber is contained in the above-stated package.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      To achieve the above-stated object, a package according to the present invention is a package for containing an optical module coupled to an optical fiber comprising a body having a bottom panel for supporting the optical module and a plurality of side panels provided along a periphery of the bottom panel to surround the optical module; and a lid having a top panel mounted on the side panels for covering over the body; wherein the plurality of side panels include an edged side panel which partially defines an aperture through which the optical fiber is passed; wherein the lid further has an extension panel extending downward from the top panel, the extension panel having an edge cooperating with the edge of the edged side panel to define the aperture through which the optical fiber is passed; and wherein the body is formed by folding one sheet panel including the bottom panel and the side panels, while the lid is formed by folding one sheet panel including the top panel and the extension panel, folding locations of the body and the lid having folding grooves.  
      In this package, the body is formed by folding the bottom panel and the side panels thereof along the folding grooves. At this stage in which the lid is not mounted on the body, an aperture through which the optical fibers are passed is not formed. Then, the optical module is disposed inside of the body. The optical module may be directly mounted on the bottom panel or mounted thereto via a resin. If necessary, the inside of the body is filled with such a resin. Then, the lid is formed by folding the top panel and the extension panels thereof along the folding grooves and the lid is mounted on the body. When the lid is mounted on the body, the aperture through which the optical fiber is passed is defined by the edge of the edged side panel and the edge of the extension panel. Thus, the optical module is contained in the package.  
      The package according to the present invention consists of two parts, namely, the body and the lid. Thus, a structure of the package becomes simple and the body and the lid can be manufactured by using common processes. Since folding positions of the bottom panel and the side panels are determined accurately by the grooves, dimensions of a profile of the package become accurate. Specially, it is advantageous to make a package in which a longitudinally length thereof is large. Thus, for example, when a number of packages are arranged in a line and positioned and fitted close to each other, stresses given to the packages through receiving surfaces thereof become uniform so that fluctuation of performances of the optical modules contained in the packages can be reduced. Further, since, in a state in which the lid is not mounted to the body, it is not necessary to provide an aperture through which the optical module is passed, the optical module can be easily disposed in the body. Thus, in the package according to the present invention, a structure thereof is simple, dimensions thereof are accurate and it is made cheaply.  
      In the package according to the present invention, preferably, steps are provided at locations where the bottom panel and the plurality of the side panels are joined relative to each other so that the bottom panel and the plurality of the side panels can be mated with each other. Preferably, steps are provided at locations where the top and extension panels of the lid and the side panels of the body are joined relative to each other so that the top and extension panels of the lid and the side panels of the body are mated with each other.  
      In this package, the bottom panel, the side panels, the top panel, and the extension panel joined to each other can be easily positioned by mating the steps thereof with each other so that a cost of assembling them can be reduced. Further, a sealing property and a strength of portions of those panels for joining them can be enhanced. For example, when the package is subjected to an impact from the outside, a deformation of the package can be reduced. Which combinations of the bottom panel, the side panels, the top panel and the extension panel are joined to each other is arbitrary. For example, the bottom panel may not be joined to some of the side panels.  
      In the package according to the present invention, preferably, the folding grooves of the body and the lid are made by means of a half-etching process.  
      In this package, when profiles of the body and the lid are made, the grooves can be simultaneously made. Thus, it is unnecessary to provide a special facility for making the grooves. Further, a processing time for making the grooves can be reduced and it is easy to ensure a dimensional accuracy of the grooves. As a result, the dimensions of the package can be made more accurately and the package can be made more cheaply.  
      In the package according to the present invention, preferably, the body has a receiving panel for receiving an optical fiber.  
      In this package, when the optical module on which the optical fiber is mounted is sealingly contained in the package, a strength of the optical module relative to a tension to the optical fiber can be increased by adhesively fixing the optical fiber to the receiving panel.  
      To achieve the above-stated object an optical module assembly according to the present invention comprises the above-stated package containing the optical module coupled to the optical fiber.  
      As explained above, according to the present invention, a package of which the structure is simple, of which the dimensions are precise, and which can be manufactured cheaply can be provided.  
      Further, according to the present invention, an optical module assembly in which an optical module connected to an optical fiber is contained in the above-stated package can be provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In the accompanying drawings:  
       FIG. 1  is a partially fragmentary front view of an optical module assembly including a package which is a first embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a left side view of the optical module shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a left side view of the optical module shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a development view of a body explained later;  
       FIG. 6  is a development view of a lid explained later:  
       FIG. 7  is a left side view of an optical module assembly including a package which is a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 8  is a front side view of an optical module assembly including a package which is a third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a left side view of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a right side view of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a development view of a body of the package which is the third embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 12  is a development view of a lid of the package which is the third embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 13  is a front view of an optical module assembly including a package which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a left side view of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is a right side view of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a development view of a body of the package which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 17  is a development view of a body of the package which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Firstly, referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a first embodiment of a package according to the present invention will be explained in detail.  
       FIG. 1  is a partially fragmentary front view of an optical module assembly including a package which is a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are respectively left and right side views of the optical module shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a development view of a body explained later, while  FIG. 6  is a development view of a lid also explained later.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , an optical module assembly  1  has an optical module  4  coupled to optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  extending longitudinally, a package  6  containing the optical module  4 , and a resin  8  filled in the package  6  for securing the optical module  4  in the package  6 , the package  6  being an embodiment of the present invention The optical module  4  extends longitudinally. The one optical fiber  2   a  is coupled to one end  4   a  of the optical module  4  and the two optical fibers  2   b  are coupled to the other end  4   b  thereof. The optical module  4  is, for example, an optical-waveguide-type optical module.  
      The package  6  has a body  10  surrounding the optical module  4  and opening upward, and a lid  12  covering over the body  10 .  
      The body  10  includes a rectangular bottom panel  14  for supporting the optical module  4 , and four side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  provided along a periphery of the bottom panel  14  to surround the optical module  4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the body  10  is formed by folding one sheet panel  10 ′ including the bottom panel  14  and the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 . In this embodiment, the side panels  16 ,  18  are respectively connected to the shorter sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the bottom panel  14 , and the side panels  20 ,  22  are connected to respective two longer sides  14   c  thereof. The shorter side  14   a  is located on a side of the one optical fiber  2   a , while the shorter side  14   b  is located on a side of the two optical fibers  2   b . Grooves  26  for folding the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  relative to the bottom panel  14  are provided at locations where the bottom panel  14  and the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are connected to each other, that is, the sides  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  of the bottom panel  14 . A depth of each of the grooves  26  is preferably a half of a thickness of the sheet panel  10 ′.  
      The side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  adjacent to each other may be joined by an adhesive or other joining means. Sides  16   a ,  18   a ,  20   a ,  22   a  of the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  joined to each other are provided with steps  28  configured to be mated with each other. A depth and a width of each of the steps  28  is preferably equal to a half of the thickness of the bottom panel  14  or the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 .  
      Each of the side panels  20 ,  22  connected to the longer sides  14   c  of the bottom panel  14  has a height greater than that of the optical module  4 . Upper sides  20   b ,  22   b  of the side panels  20 ,  22  are provided with respective steps  30  which have a depth and a width respectively equaling to those of the steps  28  of the sides  20   a ,  22   a.    
      A height or level of each of upper sides  16   b ,  18   b  of the side panels  16 ,  18  connected to the shorter sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the bottom panel  14  is the same as that of the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b . In this embodiment, the height or level is approximately half of the height of the side panels  20 ,  22  connected to the longer sides  14   c . The upper sides  16   b ,  18   b  respectively have edges  34   a ,  34   b  which partially define apertures  32   a ,  32   b  through which the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are passed. In this embodiment, the edges  34   a ,  34   b  respectively have a semi-circular cutout and a rectangular cutout.  
      The lid  12  has a top panel  38  mounted on the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  to cover the body  10 , and extension panels  40 ,  42  respectively extending downward from the top panel  38  toward the side panels  16 ,  18  of the body  10 . In this embodiment, the top panel  38  has the same dimensions and rectangular shape as those of the bottom panel  14 , and the extension panels  40 ,  42  respectively extend from shorter sides  38   a ,  38   b  of the top panel  38 . The shorter side  38   a  is located on the side of the one optical fiber  2   a , while the shorter side  38   b  is located on the side of the two optical fibers  2   b . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the lid  12  is formed by folding one sheet panel  12 ′ including the top panel  38  and the extension panels  40 ,  42 . Thicknesses of the top panel  38  and the extension panel  40 ,  42  are preferably equal to that of the bottom panel  14  or the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 . Grooves  44  for folding the extension panels  40 ,  42  relative to the top panel  38  are provided at locations where the top panel  38  and the extension panels  40 ,  42  are connected to each other, that is, sides  38   a ,  38   b  of the top panel  38 . A depth of the groove  44  is preferably equal to half of the thickness of the top panel  38  or the extension panels  40 ,  42 .  
      The extension panels  40 ,  42  and the side panels  20 ,  22  adjacent to each other are joined together by an adhesive or other joining means. Sides  40   a ,  42   a  of the extension panels  40 ,  42  are provided with steps  46  configured to be mated with the sides  20   a ,  22   a  of the side panels  20 , 22 . A depth and a width of the step  46  is preferably equal to half of the thickness of the bottom panel  14  or side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 .  
      The two longer sides  38   c  of the top panel  38  are provided with steps  50  having a depth and a width equal to those of the steps  46  of the sides  40   a ,  42   a  and configured to be mated with the steps  30  of the upper sides  20   b ,  22   b  of the side panels  20 ,  22 .  
      The extension panels  40 ,  42  have a width equal to that of the top panel  38 . A height of each of lower sides  40   b ,  42   b  of the extension panels  40 ,  42  is substantially equal to the height or level of the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b . The extension panels  40 ,  42  abut the upper sides  16   b ,  18   b  of the side panels  16 ,  18 . The lower sides  40   b ,  42   b  respectively have edges  52   a ,  52   b  cooperating with the edges  34   a ,  34   b  of the side panels  16 ,  18  of the body  10  to form the apertures  32   a ,  32   b  through which the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are passed. In this embodiment, the edges  52   a ,  52   b  respectively have a semi-circular cutout and a rectangular cutout. Thus, the edge  34   a  of the body  10  and the edge  52  of the lid  12  form the circular aperture  32   a , while the edge  34   b  of the body  10  and the edge  52   b  of the lid  12  form the rectangular aperture  32   b.    
      A longitudinal size of the package depends on a size of an optical communication part contained therein, for example, an optical splitter. For a one ×four channel splitter, a length of the package may be  30  mm while a width and a height may be 3 mm. A thickness of each of the sheet panels  10 ′,  12 ′ respectively forming the body  10  and the lid  12  is preferably 0.2-0.3 mm.  
      The body  10  and the lid  12  are preferably made of a material of which a thermal extension coefficient is approximately equal to that of glass, which is a typical material of the optical module  4 .  
      A heat transmission rate in the resin  8  is preferably small so that a change in an environmental temperature will have little influence on the optical module  4 .  
      Under a high-temperature high-humidity environment, for example, under a condition of 85° C. and 85% Rh according to the Tercordia standard, in order to minimize an influence of the change in environmental condition on the optical module  4 , the resin  8  may be made of a material with a low moisture permeability. For example, the resin  8  may be silicone resin, epoxy resin or any other material of which the moisture permeability is about 190 g/m 2 ·24 Hr.  
      Next, an exemplary way of manufacturing a package which is the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Generally, the body  10  and the lid  12  are manufactured by means of a half-etching process. Since a way of manufacturing the body  10  is similar to that of manufacturing the lid, only the former way will be explained; that is, the explanation of the latter way is omitted.  
      A kovar panel larger than a developed body or sheet panel  10 ′ is prepared. Further, a front-side mask for leaving portions except for the grooves  26  and the steps  28  of the developed body  10 ′ is prepared, while a back-side mask for leaving the developed body  10 ′ is prepared.  
      The front-side mask is disposed on a front surface of the kovar panel and the panel is etched so that portions except for the body  10 ′ and portions of the grooves  26  and the steps  28  are eroded. This front-side etching process is performed until half of a thickness of the kovar panel is eroded. Then, the back-side mask is disposed on a back surface of the kovar panel and the panel is etched so that portions except for the body  10 ′ are eroded. This back-side etching process is performed until half of the thickness of the kovar panel is eroded, that is, until the body  10 ′ is left or taken out by connecting the portions except for the body  10 ′ eroded in the front-side etching process to the portions except for the body  10 ′ eroded in the back-side etching process. As a result, the grooves  26  and the steps  28  each having a depth equal to half of the thickness of the sheet panel  10 ′ are obtained.  
      The front-side etching process and the back-side etching process may be performed simultaneously or separately. The depth of the grooves  26  and the steps  28  may be changed according to the body  10 ′ to be manufactured. For example, when the depth of the grooves  26  is different from that of the steps  28 , a plurality of front-side masks are needed.  
      Then, the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are folded along the grooves  26  relative to the bottom panel  14 . The steps  28  of the sides  16   a ,  18   a ,  20   a ,  22   a  of the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  adjacent to each other are mated with each other and fixed to each other by means of an adhesive to form the body  10  having a profile with precise dimensions.  
      The lid  12  is formed in a way similar to that of the body  10 .  
      A predetermined amount of the resin  8  is introduced into the body  10 . An optical module  4  is contained and positioned in the body  10  without bubbles being formed between the optical module  4  and the resin  8 . The lid  12  is disposed on the body  10  by mating the steps  46 ,  50  of the lid  12  with the steps  28 ,  30  of the body  10  so that an inside of the body  10  is filled with the resin  8 . The steps  28 ,  30  allow the lid  12  to be easily positioned relative to the body  10 . Then, the resin  8  is thermal cured to fix the optical module  4  and the package  6  to each other.  
     Second Embodiment  
      Next, referring to  FIG. 7 , a package which is a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. As explained in detail later, the package  72  which is the second embodiment of the present invention has components similar to those of the package  6  except that a side panel  74  and an extension panel  80  are respectively employed instead of the side panel  16  of the body  10  and the extension panel  40  of the lid  12  of the package  6  which is the first embodiment of the present invention. Thus, only portions of the second embodiment different from the first embodiment will be explained, that is, explanations of the other portions will be omitted.  
       FIG. 7  is a left side view of an optical module assembly including a package which is the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 7 , the numbers indicating components of the second embodiment similar to components of the first embodiment are the same as those indicating such components of the first embodiment, and explanations of such components of the second embodiment are omitted.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , a package  72  of an optical module  70  has the body  10  and the lid  12 . A side panel  74  is connected to the shorter sides  14   a  of the bottom panel  14  of the body  10 . A height of an upper side  74   b  of the side panel  74  is lower than a height of the side panels  20 ,  22  by a half of a thickness thereof. The upper side  74   b  has an edge  78  partially defining the aperture  32   a  through which the optical fiber  2   a  is passed. In this embodiment, the edge  78  defines a cutout, namely, an elongated aperture extending downward from the upper side  74   b  beyond the level of the optical fiber  2   a.    
      The lid  12  has an extension panel  80  extending downward from the top panel  38  along the edge  78  of the side panels  74  of the body  10 . The extension panel  80  has a width equal to that of the elongated aperture formed by the edges  78  of the side panel  74 , and a lower edge  80   a  cooperates with the edge of the side panel  74  to form the aperture  32   a  through which the optical fiber  2   a  is passed. Thus, a level of the lower edge  80   a  is higher than that of the optical fiber  2   a . The edge  78  of the body  10  and the lower edge  80   a  of the lid  12  define the rectangular aperture  32   a.    
      A way of manufacturing the package  72  which is the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that of manufacturing the package  6  which is the first embodiment of the present invention, and thus an explanation of the former way is omitted.  
     Third Embodiment  
      Next, referring to  FIGS. 8-12 , a package which is a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained.  
       FIG. 8  is a partially fragmentary front view of an optical module assembly including a package which is the third embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 9 and 10  are respectively left and right side views of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 11  is a development view of the body explained later, while  FIG. 12  is a development view of the lid also explained later.  
      The package which is the third embodiment of the present invention has components similar to those of the package  6  of the first embodiment except that the shapes of the side panels  16 ,  18  of the body  10  and the shapes of the extension panels  40 ,  42  of the lid  12  are revised, and receiving panels  168 ,  170  are added as explained later. Thus, the numbers indicating the components of the package of the third embodiment similar to those of the package  6  of the first embodiment are the same as those indicating such components of the first embodiment and explanations of such components of the third embodiment are omitted.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , an optical module assembly  100  has a package  106  which is a third embodiment of the present invention, the package  106  having a body  110  and a lid  112  assembled together. In this embodiment, the optical fibers  2   b  are defined by a tape consisting of four optical fibers, and this optical fiber tape  2   b  is arranged so that the four optical fibers are aligned in an up-down direction. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the body  110  is formed by folding one sheet panel  110 ′, while the lid  112  is formed by folding one sheet panel  112 ′.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , side panels  116 ,  118  are respectively connected to the shorter sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the bottom panel  14  of the body  11 . The side panels  116 ,  118  respectively have lateral sides  16   a ,  18   a  formed with steps  28  with which the lateral sides  20   a ,  22   a  of the side panels  20 ,  22  are mated. A height of upper sides  116   b ,  118   b  of the side panels  116 ,  118  is equal  9  to that of side panels  20 ,  22 . Further, the side panels  116 ,  118  respectively have cutouts  160 ,  162  extending downward from their upper sides  116   b ,  118   b . These cutouts  160 ,  162  respectively have edges  134   a ,  134   b  partially defining apertures  132   a ,  132   b  through which the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are passed.  
      Further, extension panels  140 ,  142  are respectively connected to the shorter sides  38   a ,  38   b  of the top panel  38  of the lid  112  and extending downward from the top panel  38 . A width of each of the extension panels  140 ,  142  is generally less than that of the top panel  38  by double the thickness of the top panel  38 . Further, the extension panels  140 ,  142  respectively have cutouts  164 ,  166  extending upward from their lower sides  140   b ,  142   b . These cutouts  164 ,  166  respectively have edges  152   a ,  152   b  partially defining the apertures  132   a ,  132   b  through which the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are passed.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , a longitudinal length of the top panel  38  is generally shorter than that of the bottom panel  14  by double the thickness of the panel, and is determined so that, when the body  110  and the lid  112  are assembled together, the extension panels  140 ,  142  respectively contact the side panels  116 ,  118  and are located therebetween. The extension panels  140 ,  142  and the side panels  116 ,  118  are fixed to each other by an adhesive.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the cutout  160  of the side panel  116  and the cutout  164  of the extension panel  140  are formed so that, when the body  110  and the lid  112  are assembled together, the cutouts  160 ,  164  are aligned with each other, and the edge  134   a  of the cutout  160  and the edge  152   a  of the cutout  164  cooperate to form the aperture  132   a  through which the optical fiber  2   a  is passed. Further, the cutout  162  of the side panel  118  and the cutout  166  of the extension panel  142  are formed so that, when the body  110  and the lid  112  are assembled together, the cutouts  162 ,  166  are aligned with each other, and the edge  134   b  of the cutout  162  and the edge  152   b  of the cutout  166  cooperate to form the aperture  132   b  through which the optical fibers  2   b  are passed. In this embodiment, the aperture  132   a  is circular, while the aperture  132   b  is elongated.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , the body  110  has therein a receiving panel  168  for receiving the optical fiber  2   a  and a receiving panel  170  for receiving the optical fiber tape  2   b . In this embodiment, the receiving panels  168 ,  170  are connected to the side panel  22 , abut the side panel  20 , and are folded at respective intermediate portions of the receiving panels  168 ,  170  in a V-shaped form. Further, the receiving panel  168  is relatively short in the width direction and is folded in a V-shaped form generally at a center level of the package  106  in a height or up-down direction to receive the one optical fiber  2   a . On the other hand, the receiving panel  170  is relatively long in the width direction, and is folded in a V-shaped form at the bottom surface  14  of the package  106  or near of the bottom surface  14  to receive the optical fiber tape  2   b.    
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , between the receiving panels  168 ,  170  and the side panel  22 , folding grooves  172  are provided on the same surface as that of the groove  26 , while folding grooves  174  are provided on the opposite surface relative to the grooves  26  at an intermediate portion of the receiving panels  168 ,  170 .  
      A way of manufacturing the package  106  which is the third embodiment of the present invention is generally the same way as that of the package  6  which is the first embodiment except that a front mask is defined so that the receiving panels  168 ,  170  remain and the grooves  172  are etched, while a back mask is defined so that the receiving panels  168 ,  170  remain and the grooves  174  are etched.  
      In accordance with the third embodiment of the package  106 , when the optical module  4  is sealingly contained in the package  106  after the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are mounted on the optical module  4 , the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  and the receiving panels  168 ,  170  are fixed to each other by an adhesive which causes a small internal stress when it is cured and/or a temperature is changed, so that a strength of the optical module assembly  100  regarding, for example, tension on the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  can be increased. The adhesive is, for example, silicone or epoxy resin, and moisture permeability of the adhesive is about 190 g/m 2 ·24 Hr.  
      Further, since each of the body  110  and the lid  112  is formed by folding one panel  110 ′,  112 ′ having grooves  26 ,  44 , profile dimensions of the body  110  and the lid  112  are precise and an operation for aligning the lid  112  with the body  110  is easy.  
     Fourth Embodiment  
      Next, referring to  FIGS. 13-17 , a package which is a fourthd embodiment of the present invention will be explained.  
       FIG. 13  is a partially fragmentary front view of an optical module assembly including a package which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 14 and 15  are respectively left and right side views of the optical module assembly shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 16  is a development view of the body explained later, while  FIG. 17  is a development view of the lid also explained later.  
      The package which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention has components similar to those of the package  6  according to the first embodiment of the present invention except that the shapes of the side panels  16 ,  18  of the body  10  and the shapes of the extension panels  40 ,  42  of the lid  12  are revised, and receiving panels  268 ,  270 , holding panels  264 ,  266  and side panels  260 ,  262  are added as explained later. Thus, the numbers indicating components of the package of the fourth embodiment similar to components of the package  6  of the first embodiment are the same as those indicating such components of the first embodiment and explanations of such components of the fourth embodiment are omitted.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , an optical module assembly  200  has a package  206  which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the package  206  having a body  210  and a lid  212  assembled together. In this embodiment, the optical fibers  2   b  are defined by a tape consisting of four optical fibers, and this optical fiber tape  2   b  is disposed so that the four optical fibers are aligned in a lateral direction. Further, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the body  210  is formed by folding one sheet panel  210 ′, while the lid  212  is formed by folding one sheet panel  212 ′.  
      As shown in  FIG. 13 , side panels  216 ,  218  are respectively connected to the shorter sides  14   a ,  14   b  of the bottom panel  14  of the body  210 . Further, the body  210  has, inside thereof, a receiving panel  268  for receiving the optical fiber  2   a  and a receiving panel  270  for receiving the optical fiber tape  2   b . In this embodiment, the receiving panels  268 ,  270  are respectively connected to the side panels  216 ,  218 , longitudinally extend therefrom, and are folded downward to abut the bottom panel  14 .  
      Further, extension panels  240 ,  242  are respectively connected to the shorter sides  38   a ,  38   b  of the top panel of the lid  212 . Further, the lid  212  has, inside thereof, a holding panel  264  for holding the optical fiber  2   a  and a holding panel  266  for holding the optical fiber tape  2   b . In this embodiment, the holding panels  264 ,  266  are respectively connected to the extension panels  240 ,  242 , longitudinally extend therefrom, and are folded upward to abut the top panel  38 .  
      The optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are fixed to the receiving panels  268 ,  270  and the holding panels  264 ,  266  by means of a high-quality adhesive.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , side panels  260 ,  262  are respectively connected to the longer sides  38   c  of the top panel  38  of the lid  212  so that the lid  212  is formed into a box opening downward. A width of the top panel  38  is generally greater than that of the bottom panel  14  by double the thickness of the sheet panel  212 ′ so that, when the body and the lid  212  are assembled together, the side panels  20 ,  22  of the body  210  respectively contact the side panels  260 ,  262  therebetween, and are fixed thereto by means of an adhesive. Further, a width of each of the receiving panels  268 ,  270  and the holding panels  264 ,  266  is generally smaller than that of the bottom panel by double the thickness of the sheet panel  210 ′.  
      The side panel  216  and the extension panel  240  respectively have edges  234   a ,  252   a  at locations where the side panel  216  and the extension panel  240  are respectively connected to the receiving panel  268  and the holding panel  264 , the edges  234   a ,  252   a  partially defining an aperture  232   a  through which the optical fiber  2   a  is passed. Further, the side panel  218  and the extension panel  242  respectively have edges  234   b ,  252   b  at locations where the side panel  218  and the extension panel  242  are respectively connected to the receiving panel  266  and the holding panel  266 , the edges  234   b ,  252   b  partially forming an aperture  232   b  through which the optical fibers  2   b  are passed.  
      As shown in  FIG. 16 , folding grooves  272  are provided between the side panel  216  and the receiving panel  268  and between the side panel  218  and the receiving panel  270  in the same plane as that of the grooves  26 , while holding grooves  274  are provided intermediate of the receiving panels  268 ,  270  in the same plane as that of the grooves  26 .  
      Further, as shown in  FIG. 17 , grooves  44  are provided for folding the extension panels  240 ,  242  and the side panels  260 ,  262  relative to the top panel  38  at locations where the top panel  38  is connected to the extension panels  240 ,  242  and the side panels  260 ,  262 , i.e., the sides  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  of the top panel  38 . The extension panels  240 ,  242  and the side panels  260 ,  262  adjacent to each other are joined together by means of an adhesive. Steps  46  are provided on the sides  40   a .  42   a  of the extension panels  240 ,  242  to mate the sides  260   a ,  262   a  of the side panels  260 ,  262 .  
      Folding grooves  276  are provided between the extension panel  240  and the holding panel  264  and between the extension panel  242  and the holding panel  266  in the same plane as that of the grooves  44 , while folding grooves  278  are provided intermediate of the holding panels  264 ,  266  in the same plane as that of the grooves  44 .  
      A way of manufacturing the package  206  which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention is generally the same as that of manufacturing the package  6  which is the first embodiment of the present invention, and thus explanations of the former way are omitted.  
      In accordance with the package  206  which is the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the optical module  4  is sealingly contained in the package  206  after the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are mounted on the optical module  4 , the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b , the receiving panels  268 ,  270  and the holding panels  264 ,  266  are fixed to each other by an adhesive which causes only small internal stress when it is cured and/or a temperature is changed, so that a strength of the optical module assembly  200  regarding, for example, tension on the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  can be increased.  
      Further, since each of the body  210  and the lid  212  is respectively formed by folding one respective sheet panel  210 ′,  212 ′ having respective grooves  26 ,  44 , profile dimensions thereof are precise and an operation of aligning the lid  212  with the body  210  is easy.  
      Although the above optical module assemblies which are embodiments of the present invention have been explained, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, that is, these embodiments can be modified in different ways within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Namely, it goes without saying that these modified embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.  
      In the above embodiments, although the resin  8  is filled inside of the package  6 , when the optical module  4  is merely fixed thereto, the resin  8  may not be filled inside of the package  6 , namely, an appropriate amount of resin  8  is applied to the bottom panel  14  to fix the optical module  4  thereto.  
      Further, in the above embodiments, although the body  10  is constructed so that the bottom panel  14  is connected to each of the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , as long as the body  10  is formed, a way of constructing the body  10  is arbitrary. Thus, for example, the side panel  16  may be connected to the side panel  20  and a groove for folding them relative to each other may be provided therebetween.  
      Further, in the above embodiments, although the steps  28 ,  30 ,  46 ,  50  are provided at locations where the side panels  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  of the body  10  are joined to the top panel  38  and the extension panels  40 ,  42  of the lid  12 , as long as the body  10  and the lid  12  are appropriately positioned relative to each other, the steps  28 ,  30 ,  46 ,  50  may not be provided.  
      Further, in the above embodiments, although the bottom panel  14  is rectangular, as long as the optical module is supported by the bottom panel  14 , a shape of the bottom panel  14  is arbitrary; that is, it may be polygonal. In this case, the number of the side panels is changed according to a shape of the bottom panel.  
      Further, shapes of the apertures  32   a ,  32   b  through which the optical fibers are passed are arbitrary. Further, as long as the apertures  32   as ,  32   b  are formed, shapes of the side panels  16 ,  74  of the body  10  and the extension panels  40 ,  80  of the lid  12  are arbitrary.  
      In the above-stated third embodiment, although the receiving panels  168 ,  170  are folded in the V-shaped form, as long as the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are received therein, the receiving panels  168 ,  170  may be folded in other forms, for example, in an inverted-trapezoidal form.  
      Further, in the third embodiment, although the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are fixed to the receiving panels  168 ,  170 , a shape of the receiving panels  168 ,  170  may be revised so that either the optical fiber  2   a  or the optical fibers  2   b  is/are fixed to the receiving panels  168 ,  170 . Further, a length of the receiving panel  168 ,  170  is arbitrary.  
      Further, in the fourth embodiment, the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  are connected to both the receiving panels  168 ,  170  and the holding panels  264 ,  266 , the optical fibers  2   a ,  2   b  may be connected to either one of these panels. Further, a length of the receiving panels  268 ,  270  is arbitrary.