Optoelectronic connection component and information device

Abstract

The invention relates to an optoelectronic connection component and an information device. The present disclosure provides a connection member capable of increasing transmission capacity and reducing the size or thickness of an information device. The optical connection member includes: a first terminal member; a second terminal member; at least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end located on an opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the first terminal member and the second end being connected to the second terminal member; and at least one metal wire having a first end connected to the first terminal member and a second end located on an opposite side of the first end, the second end connected to the second terminal member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optoelectrical connection member and an information apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic apparatus in which a cable provided with connectors at both ends is built in. In the electronic apparatus, the cable passes through a hinge portion. Other openable electronic apparatuses provided with a hinge portion are disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-119698

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. H6-131077

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-154760

[0008] In various electronic apparatuses, an increase in transmission capacity between electrical components respectively mounted on two housings that are connected in a manner rotatable by a hinge portion is desired. On the other hand, if the number of electrical wirings is simply increased in order to increase the transmission capacity, the miniaturization or thinning of the electronic apparatus is impeded. Therefore, in various electronic apparatuses, it is desired to increase the transmission capacity and to miniaturize or thin the electronic apparatus. SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a connection member and an electronic apparatus provided with the connection member, which can increase the transmission capacity and miniaturize or thin the electronic apparatus.

[0010] An optoelectrical connection member of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first terminal member, a second terminal member, at least one optical fiber, and at least one metal wire. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end is connected to the first terminal member, and the second end is connected to the second terminal member. The metal wire has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end is connected to the first terminal member, and the second end is connected to the second terminal member.

[0011] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the transmission capacity of information can be increased and the electronic apparatus can be miniaturized or thinned. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an information apparatus of one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the fifth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII of the optoelectrical connection member shown in Figure 6

[0020] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an optoelectrical connection member of the sixth embodiment.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 1: information device;

[0023] 2: monitor section;

[0024] 2b: display;

[0025] 2c: camera;

[0026] 2d: frame section;

[0027] 3: main body section;

[0028] 3b: keyboard;

[0029] 3c: touch panel;

[0030] 3d: power button;

[0031] 3f: main board;

[0032] 3h: frame section;

[0033] 4: hinge section;

[0034] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E: optoelectrical connection member;

[0035] 20, 20A: first terminal member;

[0036] 20B: third terminal member;

[0037] ​21, 21A: First substrate;

[0038] 21B: Third substrate;

[0039] 22: First optical component;

[0040] 23: First connecting terminal;

[0041] 24, 24A, 24B: Control ICs;

[0042] 25, 25A, 25B: Connectors;

[0043] 26: Optical components;

[0044] 30, 30A: Second terminal components;

[0045] 30B: Fourth terminal component;

[0046] 31, 31A: Second substrate;

[0047] 31B: Fourth substrate;

[0048] 32: Second optical component;

[0049] 33: Second connection terminal;

[0050] 34, 34A, 34B: Control ICs;

[0051] 35, 35A, 35B: Connectors;

[0052] 36: Optical components;

[0053] 40: Wiring Department;

[0054] 41: Optical fiber;

[0055] 41a: First end;

[0056] 41b: Second end;

[0057] 41c: Glass section;

[0058] 41d: covered part;

[0059] 42: Metal wire;

[0060] 42a: First end;

[0061] 42b: Second end;

[0062] 42c: Metal part;

[0063] 42d: covered part;

[0064] 45, 45A, 45B: Hinged parts;

[0065] 50, 55: Maintaining parts;

[0066] 51: Laminated components;

[0067] 52: Laminated components;

[0068] 53, 54: Storage Department;

[0069] D1: First direction;

[0070] D2: Second direction;

[0071] D3: third direction;

[0072] X: Rotation axis. Detailed Implementation

[0073] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0074] First, the contents of the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed for explanation.

[0075] [1] One embodiment of the optoelectronic connection component includes a first terminal member, a second terminal member, at least one optical fiber, and at least one metal wire. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the first terminal member, and the second end being connected to the second terminal member. The metal wire has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the first terminal member, and the second end being connected to the second terminal member.

[0076] [2] Another embodiment of the optoelectronic connection component includes a first terminal component, a second terminal component, a third terminal component, a fourth terminal component, at least one optical fiber, and at least one metal wire. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the first terminal component, and the second end being connected to the second terminal component. The metal wire has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the third terminal component, and the second end being connected to the fourth terminal component.

[0077] The optoelectronic connection component of [1] or [2] includes not only metal wires but also optical fibers. This significantly increases transmission capacity compared to the case of separate electrical wiring. Furthermore, the increased transmission capacity reduces the amount of wiring required, enabling the miniaturization or thinning of electronic devices equipped with the connection component.

[0078] [3] In the optoelectronic connection component described in [2] above, the first terminal component and the third terminal component may be a shared terminal component. In this case, one terminal component can be shared. As a result, the connection component can be miniaturized.

[0079] [4] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] to [3] above, at least a portion of the optical fiber and the metal wire may be twisted together in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the optical fiber and the metal wire can be processed as a single unit, thereby facilitating the assembly of the optoelectronic connection component. Furthermore, by twisting, the cross-sectional area of ​​the optical fiber and the metal wire can be reduced, thus enabling the miniaturization or thinning of electronic devices.

[0080] [5] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] to [4] above, the optical fiber and the metal wire may be twisted together in a portion along their longitudinal direction, and a hinge portion through which the optical fiber and the metal wire pass is located in this twisted portion. In this case, the optical fiber and the metal wire are integrated by twisting in the hinge portion where the passage area narrows, thus making it easy for the optoelectronic connection component to pass through the hinge portion, thereby facilitating the assembly of the optoelectronic connection component into the electronic device.

[0081] [6] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] to [5] above, a metal wire may be wound around the optical fiber as a reference, thereby twisting the optical fiber and the metal wire together. In this case, since the metal wire is wound around the optical fiber, the increase in transmission loss due to bending of the optical fiber can be prevented. Furthermore, by using a metal wire to protect the optical fiber, the increase in transmission loss of the optical fiber due to the application of external force can be prevented.

[0082] [7] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] to [6] above, the number of metal wires may be greater than the number of optical fibers, and two or more metal wires may be twisted together with the optical fiber. In this case, the optical fiber is protected by two or more metal wires.

[0083] [8] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] to [7] above, the optoelectronic connection component may also include a holding portion that holds the optical fiber and the metal wire in at least a portion along its length. In this case, the optical fiber and the metal wire can be treated as a single unit by the holding portion, thereby facilitating the assembly of the optoelectronic connection component.

[0084] [9] In the optoelectronic connection component described in [8] above, the retaining part may also be formed by a pair of laminated parts that are bonded to each other. In this case, the retaining part can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, the retaining part can be manufactured using laminated parts while confirming the configuration of the optical fiber and the metal wire, thus improving the positional accuracy of the optical fiber and the metal wire.

[0085]

[10] In the optoelectronic connection component described in [8] or [9] above, the holding part may hold the optical fiber and the metal wire in a state of separation from each other. In this case, mutual interference between the optical fiber and the metal wire can be prevented.

[0086]

[11] In any of the optoelectronic connection components described in [1] and [4] to

[10] above, the first terminal component may include: a first substrate; a first optical component disposed on the first substrate and optically connected to a first end of an optical fiber; and a first connection terminal disposed on the first substrate and connected to a first end of a metal wire. Alternatively, the second terminal component may include: a second substrate; a second optical component disposed on the second substrate and optically connected to a second end of an optical fiber; and a second connection terminal disposed on the second substrate and connected to a second end of a metal wire. Alternatively, the first optical component may include at least one of a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element, and the second optical component may include at least one of a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element. In this case, the optoelectronic connection component can be easily assembled into information equipment, etc., using the first terminal component and the second terminal component.

[0087]

[12] As another aspect, this disclosure relates to an information device. The information device includes: an optoelectronic connection component of any one of [1] to

[11] above; and a first device component and a second device component. The first device component is connected to a first terminal member, and the second device component is connected to a second terminal member. In this case, an information device with significantly increased transmission capacity can be used compared to the case of separate electrical wiring. Furthermore, according to this connection component, since the transmission capacity can be significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, thereby enabling the information device to be miniaturized or thinned.

[0088] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0089] Hereinafter, specific examples of optoelectronic connection components and information devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications with the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0090] [First Implementation]

[0091] Reference Figure 1 An example of an information device equipped with the optoelectronic connection component of this embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, information device 1 is, for example, a laptop computer. Information device 1 includes a monitor unit 2, a main body unit 3, and a hinge unit 4. The monitor unit 2 includes, for example, a display 2b, a camera 2c, and a frame unit 2d. The display 2b is, for example, an LCD display, and the camera 2c is a webcam. The display 2b and the camera 2c are driven by receiving electrical signals.

[0092] The frame portion 2d is a frame-shaped portion formed in the monitor portion 2. The frame portion 2d, for example, holds the display 2b and the camera 2c. For example, the frame portion 2d is configured as a rectangular plate. In this case, the frame portion 2d has a long side extending along a first direction D1 and a short side extending along a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the direction in which the rotation axis X of the hinge portion 4 extends. The second direction D2 is a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1, extending along the frame portion 2d and approaching the hinge portion 4.

[0093] The main body 3 includes a keyboard 3b, a touchpad 3c, a power button 3d, a motherboard 3f, and a frame 3h. The keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d are electrically connected to the motherboard 3f. The keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d are operated by the user of the information device 1. When operated via the keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d, signals are output from the motherboard 3f to each part of the information device 1, thereby enabling each part of the information device 1 to perform its function.

[0094] The frame portion 3h is a frame-shaped part formed in the main body portion 3. The frame portion 3h holds the keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d, and accommodates the motherboard 3f. For example, the frame portion 3h is set to a rectangular plate shape. In this case, the frame portion 3h has a long side extending along a first direction D1 and a short side extending along a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1, extending along the frame portion 3h, and away from the hinge portion 4.

[0095] The hinge portion 4 is a part that allows the monitor portion 2 to rotate relative to the main body portion 3 about the rotation axis X. The hinge portion 4 is, for example, cylindrical. As an example, the information device 1 has two hinge portions 4 arranged side by side along the first direction D1. However, the shape and number of hinge portions 4 are not particularly limited. The photoelectric connection member 10, which will be described in detail later, passes through the hinge portion 4.

[0096] The information device 1 also has an optoelectronic connection component 10. The optoelectronic connection component 10 is built into the information device 1. Figure 1 To facilitate understanding of the illustrations, the optoelectronic connection component 10, which serves as the wiring structure built into the information device 1, is shown in solid lines. Multiple components constituting the information device 1 are electrically and optically connected to each other via the optoelectronic connection component 10. For example, the camera 2c and the motherboard 3f are electrically and optically connected via the optoelectronic connection component 10. The camera 2c is electrically driven via the electrical connection. The image data and voice data acquired by the camera 2c are transmitted to the motherboard 3f via the optical connection. It should be noted that the actions achieved by the electrical and optical connections via the optoelectronic connection component 10 are not limited to these and can be applied to various actions, which is obvious to those skilled in the art; therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 2 An example of the optoelectronic connection component 10 will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10 includes a first terminal component 20, a second terminal component 30, and a wiring section 40. The wiring section 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42. Figure 2 In the example shown, the cabling section 40 includes one optical fiber 41 and four metal wires, but is not limited to this; it may also include two or more optical fibers 41, or it may include only one metal wire. Such a cabling section 40 is configured to pass through the hinge section 4 of the information device 1. Specifically, the cabling is gathered (summarized) in at least a portion such that the optical fibers 41 and metal wires 42 of the cabling section 40 have cross-sections sufficient to pass through the hinge section 4.

[0098] Optical fiber 41 has a first end 41a and a second end 41b located opposite to the first end 41a. The first end 41a of optical fiber 41 is connected to a first terminal member 20, and the second end 41b of optical fiber 41 is connected to a second terminal member 30. Each metal wire 42 has a first end 42a and a second end 42b located opposite to the first end 42a. The first end 42a of metal wire 42 is connected to the first terminal member 20, and the second end 42b of metal wire 42 is connected to the second terminal member 30.

[0099] The first terminal component 20 is, for example, a component configured and connected to the camera 2c of the monitor unit 2 of the information device 1. The first terminal component 20 includes: a first substrate 21; a first optical component 22 disposed on the first substrate 21 and optically connected to the first end 41a of an optical fiber 41; a first connection terminal 23 disposed on the first substrate 21 and connected to the first end 42a of a metal wire 42; a control IC (Integrated Circuit) 24; and a connector 25. The first optical component 22 is provided with a lens component and an optical element 26 including a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element. The first end 41a of the optical fiber 41 is optically coupled to the optical element 26 via the lens component. As an example, the optical element 26 may also be mounted on the first substrate 21. In this case, the first optical component 22 converts light extending in a direction parallel to the first substrate 21 to a direction orthogonal to the first substrate 21.

[0100] Control IC 24 controls the photoelectric conversion and other processing of the optical element 26 in the first optical component 22. When the optical element 26 is a light-receiving element, control IC 24 outputs the photoelectric converted electrical signal to connector 25. When the optical element 26 is a light-emitting element, control IC 24 sends the electrical signal input from connector 25 (e.g., image information from camera 2c) to optical element 26 for photoelectric conversion and then into optical fiber 41.

[0101] Connector 25 is used for direct or indirect connection to information device 1 (refer to) which is built into an equipment equipped with optoelectronic connection component 10. Figure 1 The electrical components (e.g., camera 2c) of the device. Various connectors can be used as connector 25.

[0102] The second terminal component 30 is, for example, a component disposed near and connected to the motherboard 3f of the main body 3 of the information device 1. The second terminal component 30 includes: a second substrate 31; a second optical component 32 disposed on the second substrate 31 and optically connected to the second end 41b of an optical fiber 41; a second connection terminal 33 disposed on the second substrate 31 and connected to the second end 42b of a metal wire 42; a control IC 34; and a connector 35. The second optical component 32 is provided with a lens component and an optical element 36 including a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element. The second terminal component 30 has the same structure as the first terminal component 20. The second substrate 31, the second optical component 32, the second connection terminal 33, the control IC 34, the connector 35, and the optical element 36 perform the same functions as the first substrate 21, the first optical component 22, the first connection terminal 23, the control IC 24, the connector 25, and the optical element 26; therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0103] In this embodiment, the optoelectronic connection component 10 and the information device 1 equipped with the optoelectronic connection component 10 include not only the metal wire 42 but also the optical fiber 41. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case where electrical wiring is separate. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is greatly increased, the amount of wiring required can be reduced, thereby enabling the electronic device equipped with the connection component to be miniaturized or thinned. Moreover, in the optoelectronic connection component 10, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are configured to pass through the hinge portion 4. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring portion 40, including the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42. Therefore, in this respect, the electronic device can also be miniaturized or thinned.

[0104] [Second Implementation]

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 3 The optoelectronic connection component of the second embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 3As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10A includes a first terminal member 20, a second terminal member 30, and a wiring section 40. The wiring section 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42. In the wiring section 40 of the second embodiment, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are twisted together to form a twisted section 45. This twisted section 45 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 41, etc., over approximately its entire length. In this twisted section 45, each wire is twisted to reduce its cross-sectional area, thus allowing it to easily pass through the hinge section 4. In the twisted section 45, the twisting can be performed by winding the metal wire 42 around the optical fiber 41 as a reference, or conversely, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 can be twisted as the same wire. It should be noted that the other structures are the same as those of the optoelectronic connection component 10 of the first embodiment. Such an optoelectronic connection component 10A can also be mounted on an information device 1.

[0106] Similar to the first embodiment, the optoelectronic connection component 10A and the information device 1 equipped with the optoelectronic connection component 10A in this embodiment also include an optical fiber 41 in addition to a metal wire 42. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case where electrical wiring is separate. Furthermore, the significantly increased transmission capacity reduces the amount of wiring required, allowing for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device equipped with the connection component. Moreover, in the optoelectronic connection component 10A, the twisted portion 45 allows the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 to easily pass through the hinge portion 4. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring portion 40, including the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42. Therefore, miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device is also possible in this respect. Furthermore, in the optoelectronic connection component 10A, the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 can be integrated as a single unit via the twisted portion 45, allowing for easy assembly of the optoelectronic connection component 10A into the information device 1, etc.

[0107] [Third Implementation]

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 4 The optoelectronic connection component of the third embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 4As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10B includes a first terminal member 20, a second terminal member 30, and a wiring section 40. The wiring section 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42. In the wiring section 40 of the third embodiment, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are twisted together in a portion along their longitudinal direction to form a twisted section 45A. In this twisted section 45A, similar to the second embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​each wire is reduced by twisting, thus allowing it to easily pass through the hinge section 4. That is, in the optoelectronic connection component 10B of the third embodiment, the twisted section 45A is provided in a manner corresponding to the hinge section 4. It should be noted that the other structures are the same as those of the optoelectronic connection components 10 and 10A of the first and second embodiments. Such an optoelectronic connection component 10B can also be mounted on the information device 1.

[0109] Similar to the first embodiment, the optoelectronic connection component 10B and the information device 1 equipped with the optoelectronic connection component 10B in this embodiment also include an optical fiber 41 in addition to a metal wire 42. This significantly increases transmission capacity compared to the case where electrical wiring is separate. Furthermore, the increased transmission capacity reduces the amount of wiring required, allowing for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device equipped with the connection component. Moreover, in the optoelectronic connection component 10B, the twisted portion 45A allows the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 to easily pass through the hinge portion 4. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring portion 40, including the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42. This also allows for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device. Furthermore, in the optoelectronic connection component 10B, the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 can be integrated as a single unit via the twisted portion 45A, making it easy to assemble the optoelectronic connection component 10B into the information device 1, etc.

[0110] [Fourth Implementation]

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 5 The optoelectronic connection component of the fourth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10C includes a first terminal component 20A, a second terminal component 30A, a third terminal component 20B, a fourth terminal component 30B, and a wiring section 40. The wiring section 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42.

[0112] The first terminal component 20A and the third terminal component 20B correspond to the first terminal component 20 of the first embodiment. The first end 41a of the optical fiber 41 is connected to the first terminal component 20A, and the first end 42a of the metal wire 42 is connected to the third terminal component 20B. The first terminal component 20A includes: a first substrate 21A; a first optical component 22 disposed on the first substrate 21A and connected to the first end 41a of the optical fiber 41; a control IC 24A; and a connector 25A. The first optical component 22 is provided with a lens component and an optical element 26. The control IC 24A controls the optical element 26. The third terminal component 20B includes: a third substrate 21B; a first connection terminal 23 disposed on the third substrate 21B and connected to the first end 42a of the metal wire 42; a control IC 24B; and a connector 25B. The control IC 24B controls electrical signals and voltages.

[0113] The second terminal component 30A and the fourth terminal component 30B correspond to the second terminal component 30 of the first embodiment. The second end 41b of the optical fiber 41 is connected to the second terminal component 30A, and the second end 42b of the metal wire 42 is connected to the fourth terminal component 30B. The second terminal component 30A includes: a second substrate 31A; a second optical component 32 disposed on the second substrate 31A and connected to the second end 41b of the optical fiber 41; a control IC 34A; and a connector 35A. The second optical component 32 is provided with a lens component and an optical element 36. The control IC 34A controls the optical element 36. The fourth terminal component 30B includes: a fourth substrate 31B; a second connection terminal 33 disposed on the fourth substrate 31B and connected to the second end 42b of the metal wire 42; a control IC 34B; and a connector 35B. The control IC 34B controls electrical signals and voltages.

[0114] In the wiring section 40 of the fourth embodiment, similarly to the second and third embodiments, at least a portion of the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are twisted together in the longitudinal direction to form a twisted section 45B. The twisting method is the same as in the second embodiment, etc. In this twisted section 45B, each wire is twisted, resulting in a smaller cross-sectional area, thus allowing easy passage through the hinge section 4 of the information device 1. This twisted section 45B can also be provided partially, corresponding to the hinge section 4. It should be noted that other structures are the same as those of the optoelectronic connection member 10 of the first embodiment, etc. Such an optoelectronic connection member 10C can also be mounted on the information device 1.

[0115] Similar to the first embodiment, the optoelectronic connection component 10C and the information device 1 equipped with the optoelectronic connection component 10C in this embodiment also include an optical fiber 41 in addition to a metal wire 42. This significantly increases transmission capacity compared to separate electrical wiring. Furthermore, the increased transmission capacity reduces the amount of wiring required, allowing for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device equipped with the connection component. Moreover, in the optoelectronic connection component 10C, the twisted portion 45B allows the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 to easily pass through the hinge portion 4. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring portion 40, including the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42. This also allows for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device. Furthermore, in the optoelectronic connection component 10C, the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 can be integrated as a single unit via the twisted portion 45B, making it easy to assemble the optoelectronic connection component 10C into the information device 1, etc. It should be noted that in the optoelectronic connection component 10C, the terminal component for optical connection and the terminal component for electrical connection are separated, thus increasing the design flexibility when mounting it on the information device 1.

[0116] [Fifth Implementation]

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The optoelectronic connection component of the fifth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10D includes a first terminal member 20, a second terminal member 30, and a wiring portion 40. The wiring portion 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42. The optoelectronic connection component 10D of the fifth embodiment also includes a holding portion 50 for holding the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42. The holding portion 50 is formed, for example, by placing the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 between a pair of laminates 51, 52 and then laminating them. Figure 7 As shown, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are housed in the holding portion 50 in a separated manner by the receiving portion 53 and the receiving portion 54. The optical fiber 41 may have a glass portion 41c and a coating portion 41d covering the glass portion 41c, and the metal wire 42 may have a metal portion 42c and a coating portion 42d covering the metal portion 42c. The optical fiber 41 reduces the influence of external forces applied to the optical fiber by having such a coating portion 41d. The metal portions 42c are insulated from each other by having such a coating portion 42d. However, the laminating members 51 and 52 may also perform some or all of the function of such a coating portion. It should be noted that such a coating structure is the same as that of the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0118] Similar to the first embodiment, the optoelectronic connection component 10D and the information device 1 equipped with the optoelectronic connection component 10D in this embodiment also include an optical fiber 41 in addition to a metal wire 42. This significantly increases transmission capacity compared to separate electrical wiring. Furthermore, the increased transmission capacity reduces the amount of wiring required, allowing for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device equipped with the connection component. Moreover, in the optoelectronic connection component 10D, the holding portion 50 allows the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 to easily pass through the hinge portion 4. This reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring portion 40, including the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42. This also allows for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device. Furthermore, the holding portion 50 integrates the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 in the optoelectronic connection component 10D, making it easy to assemble the optoelectronic connection component 10D into the information device 1, etc.

[0119] [Sixth Implementation Method]

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 8 The optical connection component of the sixth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the optoelectronic connection component 10E includes a first terminal member 20, a second terminal member 30, a wiring portion 40, and a holding portion 55. The holding portion 55 is the same component as the holding portion 50 in the fifth embodiment, but the length of the holding portion 55 is shorter. Even with this shorter holding portion, it can achieve the same effect as in the fifth embodiment.

[0121] The optoelectronic connection component and the information device equipped with the optoelectronic connection component have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments and modifications. For example, in the fourth embodiment described above (see...), Figure 5 In the fourth embodiment, the first terminal component 20A and the third terminal component 20B can be used as a common terminal (i.e., the first terminal component 20), or the second terminal component 30A and the fourth terminal component 30B can be used as a common terminal (i.e., the second terminal component 30).

[0122] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments described above, when twisting the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42, the metal wire 42 is wound around the optical fiber 41 with the optical fiber 41 as a reference, thereby twisting the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42. In this case, since the metal wire 42 is wound around the optical fiber 41, the increase in transmission loss due to bending of the optical fiber 41 can be prevented. In addition, since the optical fiber 41 is protected by the metal wire 42, the increase in transmission loss of the optical fiber 41 due to the application of external force can be prevented.

[0123] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments described above, the coating portion 42d of the metal wire 42 may also have a lower Young's modulus than the coating portion 41d of the optical fiber 41. In this case, the lateral pressure exerted on the optical fiber 41 by the coating portion 42d of the metal wire 42 is reduced. Therefore, the increase in transmission loss of the optical fiber 41 is prevented.

Claims

1. An optoelectronic connection component, comprising: First terminal component; Second terminal component; At least one optical fiber has a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the first end being connected to a first termination member, and the second end being connected to a second termination member; and At least one metal wire has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the first terminal member, and the second end being connected to the second terminal member.

2. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal component includes: a first substrate; a first optical component disposed on the first substrate and optically connected to the first end of the optical fiber; and a first connection terminal disposed on the first substrate and connected to the first end of the metal wire. The second terminal component includes: a second substrate; A second optical component is disposed on the second substrate and optically connected to the second end of the optical fiber; and a second connection terminal is disposed on the second substrate and connected to the second end of the metal wire. The first optical component includes at least one of a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element, and the second optical component includes at least one of a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element.

3. An optoelectronic connection component, comprising: First terminal component; Second terminal component; Third terminal component; Fourth terminal component; At least one optical fiber has a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the first end being connected to a first termination member, and the second end being connected to a second termination member; and At least one metal wire has a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, the first end being connected to the third terminal member, and the second end being connected to the fourth terminal member.

4. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 3, wherein, The first terminal component and the third terminal component are shared terminal components.

5. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together at least a portion of their length.

6. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together in a portion along their longitudinal direction, and a hinge portion through which the optical fiber and the metal wire pass is located in this twisted portion.

7. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The metal wire is wound around the optical fiber as a reference, thereby twisting the optical fiber and the metal wire together.

8. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The number of metal wires is greater than the number of optical fibers. Two or more of the metal wires are twisted together with the optical fiber.

9. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising: The retaining part retains the optical fiber and the metal wire at least a portion of its length.

10. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 9, wherein, The retaining part is formed by a pair of laminated parts that fit together.

11. The optoelectronic connection component according to claim 9, wherein, The retaining part holds the optical fiber and the metal wire in a state of separation from each other.

12. An information device, comprising: The optoelectronic connection component as described in claim 1 or 3; and First equipment component and second equipment component. The first device component is connected to the first terminal component. The second device component is connected to the second terminal component.

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