Information device, method of manufacturing information device, and optical connection module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information device, a manufacturing method of an information device, and an optical connection module. The present invention provides an information device capable of preventing breakage of an optical fiber arranged in the information device. The information device includes a first member having a first surface, a second member connected to the first member, a first terminal arranged in the first member, a second terminal arranged in the second member, and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal. The optical fiber is arranged along the first surface at the first member. The optical fiber has at least one bent portion bent at a corner portion of the first member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information equipment, methods for manufacturing information equipment, and optical connection modules. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer) having a first housing and a second housing that can be opened and closed. In this electronic device, a first connector is disposed in the first housing, and a second connector is disposed in the second housing. The first connector and the second connector are electrically connected to each other via a cable. Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose another electronic device that can be opened and closed.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-119698 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-131077 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-154760 In information devices such as laptops, the signal transmission capacity inside the device has increased due to improvements in the performance of built-in electronic components (such as cameras). Therefore, the use of optical fiber to replace conventional cables, or the use of both optical fiber and conventional cables, is being considered. However, optical fiber is more prone to breakage than electrical cable. Therefore, there is a need for information devices, their manufacturing methods, and optical connection modules that can prevent breakage when optical fiber is placed in the housing, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information device, a method for manufacturing the information device, and an optical connection module that can prevent damage to the optical fiber when it is configured in an information device.

[0005] The information device disclosed herein includes: a first component having a first surface; a second component connected to the first component; a first terminal disposed on the first component; a second terminal disposed on the second component; and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal. The optical fiber is configured at the first component to run along the first surface. The optical fiber has at least one bend at a corner of the first component.

[0006] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, damage to optical fibers configured in information equipment can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of an information device implemented in one way.

[0008] Figure 2 It means used for Figure 1 The diagram shows the optical connection module of the information device.

[0009] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 A 3D view of the optical fiber passing through the hinge in the optical connection module.

[0010] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the configuration (wiring) of the optical connection module in the main body (casing part) of the information device shown.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of a housing component for housing the bend of an optical fiber.

[0012] Figure 6 It is used for Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating the assembly method of the storage components.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a deformed example of a housing component for housing the bent portion of an optical fiber.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing another modified example of a housing component for housing the bent portion of an optical fiber.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1: Information equipment; 5: Equipment body; 10: First component; 11: Housing; 11a: Inner surface (first surface); 11b, 11c: Corners; 12: Display; 13: Camera; 20: Second component; 21: Housing; 22: Keyboard; 23: Touchpad; 24: Power button; 25: Motherboard; 30: Optical connection module; 31: First terminal; 31a, 32a: Substrate; 31b, 32b: Electrical connectors; 31c, 32 c: Photoelectric conversion element; 31d, 32d: Lens unit; 32: Second terminal; 33: Optical fiber; 33a, 33b: Bending part; 35, 35A, 35B: Storage component; 35a: Surface (assembly surface); 35b: Bending groove; 40: Hinge; 40a: First end; 40b: Second end; 41: First component; 42: Second component; 43, 44: Through hole; 50: Adsorption clamp; 51: Adsorption part; X: Hinge shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0016] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0017] (1) An information device according to one embodiment includes: a first component having a first surface; a second component connected to the first component; a first terminal disposed on the first component; a second terminal disposed on the second component; and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal. The optical fiber is disposed at the first component along the first surface. The optical fiber has at least one bend at a corner of the first component.

[0018] In the information device described in (1) above, an optical fiber is provided to optically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, the signal transmission capacity within the information device can be increased. Furthermore, in this information device, the optical fiber is configured at the first component such that the optical fiber has at least one bend at a corner of the first component. In this case, the optical fiber can be configured at the first component away from areas where large components (such as displays) are to be placed, thus preventing damage to the optical fiber. Moreover, in this information device, the optical fiber is used for signal transmission, thereby reducing noise to the signal.

[0019] (2) Alternatively, the information device described in (1) may also include a receiving component for receiving the bent portion of the optical fiber. Alternatively, the receiving component may be mounted at the corner of the first component. In this case, the bent portion of the optical fiber is protected by the receiving component. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber, especially damage to the bent portion, can be prevented.

[0020] (3) In the information device described in (2) above, the housing component and the bent portion of the optical fiber may also be integrally formed. In this case, the movement of the optical fiber relative to the housing component is restricted. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber caused by such movement can be prevented. Furthermore, damage to the bent portion of the optical fiber can be reliably prevented.

[0021] (4) In the information device described in (2) above, the housing member may have a bending groove corresponding to the bending portion of the optical fiber, or the bending portion may be embedded in the bending groove. In this case, the bending portion of the optical fiber is reliably fixed by the housing member. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber caused by movement can be prevented. Furthermore, damage to the bending portion of the optical fiber can be reliably prevented.

[0022] (5) In any of the information devices described in (2) to (4) above, the receiving component may have a mounting surface parallel to the first surface. In this case, when the receiving component is assembled onto the first component, the receiving component can be assembled with high precision by adsorbing the mounting surface using an adsorption clamp. Therefore, compared to the case where the receiving component is misaligned and causes fiber breakage, fiber breakage can be reduced.

[0023] (6) In any of the information devices described in (2) to (5) above, the bending portion may be the part of the optical fiber that bends when no external force is applied to it. In this case, damage to the bending portion formed by bending the optical fiber can be prevented. Furthermore, if the bending portion of the optical fiber that bends when no external force is applied to it is housed in a housing member, damage to the optical fiber can be prevented even more reliably.

[0024] (7) In any of the information devices described in (1) to (6) above, the optical fiber may be bent at two or more points on the first member, or the bending portion may include a first bending portion bent at a first corner of the first member and a second bending portion bent at a second corner of the first member. Alternatively, the optical fiber may be bent at an angle of 85 to 95 degrees at both the first and second bending portions. In this case, the optical fiber can be efficiently positioned along the frame of the first member, avoiding areas suitable for large components. Therefore, fiber breakage can be prevented, and the information device can be miniaturized or thinned.

[0025] (8) In any of the information devices described in (1) to (7) above, the first terminal and the second terminal may each include: a substrate; an electrical connector disposed on the substrate; and a photoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the electrical connector and optically connected to an optical fiber. In this case, photoelectric conversion can be performed in the first terminal and the second terminal respectively.

[0026] (9) Alternatively, the information device of any one of (1) to (8) above may also include a hinge that allows the first component and the second component to be connected in an openable and closable manner. Alternatively, the optical fiber may pass through the hinge between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, the openable and closable information device can be miniaturized or thinned, and the transmission capacity between the first component and the second component can be significantly increased.

[0027] (10) In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an information device. The method comprises the following steps: preparing an optical connection module, wherein the optical connection module includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal; preparing a device body, wherein the device body includes a first component having a first surface and a second component connected to the first component; assembling the first terminal to the first component; assembling the second terminal to the second component; and configuring the optical fiber at the first component along the first surface. In this method for manufacturing the information device, when configuring the optical fiber, at least one bent portion of the optical fiber is provided at a corner of the first component.

[0028] In the manufacturing method of the information device described in (10) above, an optical fiber is provided to optically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, an information device with increased signal transmission capacity can be obtained. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this information device, the optical fiber is configured at the first component such that the optical fiber has at least one bend at a corner of the first component. In this case, the optical fiber can be configured at the first component to avoid areas where large components (such as displays) are to be placed, and damage to the optical fiber can be prevented during manufacturing.

[0029] (11) In the manufacturing method of the information device described in (10) above, the optical connection module or the first component may also include a receiving component configured to receive a bent portion of an optical fiber. In this manufacturing method, when configuring the optical fiber, the receiving component of the optical connection module containing the bent portion may be assembled to the corner of the first component, or the optical fiber may be assembled to the receiving component located at the corner of the first component to form the bent portion. In either case, damage to the optical fiber during assembly can be prevented.

[0030] (12) In the manufacturing method of the information device described in (11) above, the housing component may have a mounting surface opposite to the bent portion of the optical fiber, or the housing component may be assembled to the corner of the first component by using an adsorption clamp to adsorb the mounting surface of the housing component during assembly. In this case, the assembly of the housing component to the first component can be performed with high precision by adsorbing the mounting surface of the housing component with an adsorption clamp. Furthermore, the assembly of the housing component to the first component can be automated to improve assembly efficiency or reduce the defect rate during assembly.

[0031] (13) In the manufacturing method of the information device described in (11) or (12) above, when configuring the optical fiber, a housing member containing a bend formed by pre-bending the optical fiber is assembled at the corner of the first member. In this case, breakage can be prevented when the bend is provided in the optical fiber.

[0032] (14) In the manufacturing method of the information device described in (10) above, the first component may also include a receiving component configured to receive a bent portion of the optical fiber. In this manufacturing method, when arranging the optical fiber, the bent portion formed by pre-bending the optical fiber may be assembled into the receiving component located at the corner of the first component. In this case, breakage of the bent portion of the optical fiber can be prevented more reliably.

[0033] (15) In any of the above-mentioned (10) to (14) methods of manufacturing information devices, the first component and the second component may be connected in an openable and closable manner by a hinge, or the optical fiber may pass through the hinge between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this case, an openable and closable information device can be obtained that enables the miniaturization or thinning of the device and significantly increases the transmission capacity between the first component and the second component.

[0034] (16) In another aspect, this disclosure relates to an optical connection module. The optical connection module includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal. In this optical connection module, a receiving member is provided to receive a bent portion of the optical fiber, or the optical fiber is formed with a bent portion that bends when no external force is applied to the optical fiber. By using such an optical connection module, an information device with a bent portion at the corner of the first member can be easily manufactured.

[0035] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] Hereinafter, specific examples of an information device, a method for manufacturing an information device, and an optical connection module according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the examples described below, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope equivalent to the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. For ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings are sometimes simplified, omitted, or exaggerated, and the dimensions and proportions are not limited to those depicted in the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of an information device implemented in one manner. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the information device 1 is, for example, a laptop computer, and includes a first component 10 and a second component 20. The first component 10 is a monitoring unit, and the second component 20 is a main body. The first component 10 is connected to the second component 20 in an openable and closable manner using a hinge 40. The first component 10 includes, for example, a housing 11, a display 12, and a camera 13. The housing 11 has a rectangular inner surface 11a (first surface) (see also...). Figure 4 The display 12 and camera 13 are mounted on the housing 11. The display 12 is, for example, an LCD display, and the camera 13 is a web camera. The display 12 and camera 13 are driven by receiving electrical signals.

[0037] The second component 20 includes a housing 21, a keyboard 22, a touchpad 23, a power button 24, and a motherboard 25. The keyboard 22, touchpad 23, and power button 24 are electrically connected to the motherboard 25. The keyboard 22, touchpad 23, and power button 24 are operated by the user of the information device 1. When operated via the keyboard 22, touchpad 23, and power button 24, signals are output from the motherboard 25 to various parts of the information device 1, enabling each part of the information device 1 to perform its function.

[0038] The information device 1 also includes an optical connection module 30. The optical connection module 30 has a first terminal 31, a second terminal 32, and an optical fiber 33. The optical fiber 33 can be considered an example of "optical fiber" in this application. Multiple components constituting the information device 1 are electrically connected to each other. The multiple components constituting the information device 1 operate upon receiving electrical signals. For this purpose, the optical connection module 30 has an optical fiber 33 through which optical signals are transmitted. The first terminal 31 is connected to a first end of the optical fiber 33, and the second terminal 32 is connected to a second end of the optical fiber 33. In other words, the first terminal 31 is optically connected to the second terminal 32 via the optical fiber 33. The first terminal 31 is disposed on a first component 10, and the second terminal 32 is disposed on a second component 20.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the optical connection module used in information device 1. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal 31 includes: a substrate 31a; an electrical connector 31b disposed on the substrate 31a; a photoelectric conversion element 31c electrically connected to the electrical connector 31b and optically connected to the optical fiber 33; and a lens unit 31d, including a lens for focusing light from the photoelectric conversion element 31c to the optical fiber 33. The electrical connector 31b is electrically connected to the camera 13. For example, the camera 13 outputs an image signal as an electrical signal to the electrical connector 31b. It should be noted that the type of electrical connector 31b is not particularly limited.

[0040] The photoelectric conversion element 31c converts an electrical signal into an optical signal. As an example, the photoelectric conversion element 31c is a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), a type of semiconductor laser diode. For instance, the photoelectric conversion element 31c converts an image signal, which is an electrical signal input from the camera 13 via the electrical connector 31b, into an optical signal. The photoelectric conversion element 31c outputs this optical signal to the lens of the lens unit 31d, where the lens focuses the optical signal onto the optical fiber 33.

[0041] Optical fiber 33 has a core and a cladding covering the core. Optical fiber 33 is covered by the cladding. For example, optical fiber 33 is an optical fiber core (with a core, cladding, and cladding) with an outer diameter of 250 μm. The optical fiber core is, for example, multimode optical fiber. The core and cladding are, for example, made of glass. The core and cladding can also be made of plastic. There are no particular limitations on the type and material of the optical fiber core. Optical fiber 33 can also be an optical fiber with a cladding further surrounding the 250 μm outer diameter optical fiber core. Furthermore, optical fiber 33 can also be an optical fiber with an optical fiber core and a metal wire (e.g., copper) and a cladding covering the area around the optical fiber core and the metal wire. The optical connection module 30 can also have one or more optical fibers 33. However, the number of optical fibers 33 is not particularly limited. Optical fiber 33 extends from the first terminal 31, passes through the hinge 40, and extends to the second terminal 32. Optical fiber 33 transmits the optical signal from the photoelectric conversion element 31c of the first terminal 31 to the second terminal 32. It should be noted that, when the optical fiber 33 has an optical fiber core and a metal wire (e.g., copper), the optical fiber core can be connected to lens units 31d and 32d, while the metal wire can be connected to portions of substrate 31a other than lens unit 31d and portions of substrate 32a other than lens unit 32d. Furthermore, when the optical fiber 33 has an optical fiber core and a metal wire, the optical fiber core can be connected to lens units 31d and 32d, while the metal wire can be connected to substrates other than substrates 31a and 32a.

[0042] The second terminal 32 has the same configuration as the first terminal 31. The second terminal 32 includes: a substrate 32a; an electrical connector 32b disposed on the substrate 32a; a photoelectric conversion element 32c electrically connected to the electrical connector 32b and optically connected to the optical fiber 33; and a lens unit 32d, including a lens that focuses light from the photoelectric conversion element 32c to the optical fiber 33. The second terminal 32 may also have a different configuration than the first terminal 31. The electrical connector 32b is electrically connected to the motherboard 25. For example, an electrical signal is output from the electrical connector 32b to the motherboard 25.

[0043] The photoelectric conversion element 32c converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. As an example, the photoelectric conversion element 32c is a PD (PhotoDiode). For example, the photoelectric conversion element 32c converts an optical signal from the lens of the lens unit 32d into an electrical signal. For example, the photoelectric conversion element 32c converts an image signal, which is the aforementioned optical signal transmitted from the first terminal 31 via optical fiber 33, into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is output from the photoelectric conversion element 32c to the motherboard 25 via the electrical connector 32b, where it is processed by the chipset mounted on the motherboard 25.

[0044] In such an optical connection module 30, the optical fiber 33 is configured to pass through the hinge 40. Figure 3This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of optical fiber 33 passing through hinge 40. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, hinge 40 has a first component 41 and a second component 42. The second component 42 is mounted to the first component 41 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the first component 41 about the hinge axis X. The first component 41 is, for example, a plate-like member made of metal, and has at least one through hole 43. The through hole 43 penetrates the plate-like member. Figure 3 In the example shown, for instance, two through holes 43 are provided. The second component 42 is, for example, a metal plate-like member with at least one through hole 44. The through hole 44 penetrates the plate-like member. Figure 3 In the example shown, for instance, there are two through holes 44.

[0045] The optical fiber 33 passes, for example, through a through hole 43 and a through hole 44 located at the first end 40a of the hinge 40 in the direction extending along the hinge axis X. The through holes 43 and 44 through which the optical fiber 33 passes are configured to be opposite each other when the first component 41 and the second component 42 are closed. The optical fiber 33 may also pass through a through hole 43 located at the first end 40a of the hinge 40 and a through hole 44 located at the second end 40b. Furthermore, the optical fiber 33 may also pass through a through hole 43 located at the second end 40b of the hinge 40 and a through hole 44 located at the first end 40a. It should be noted that the hinge 40 may also be of other types.

[0046] Here, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The configuration (cabinet) of fiber optic cable 33 in information equipment 1 will be described. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in the information device 1, the optical fiber 33 of the optical connection module 30 is formed to be bent at corners 11b and 11c of the housing 11 of the first member 10. That is, the optical fiber 33 is bent at two bends 33a and 33b in the first member 10. The bending angle of the optical fiber 33 at the bends 33a and 33b can be, for example, between 85 degrees and 95 degrees, with 90 degrees as an example. Thus, an L-shaped wiring can be provided within the housing 11.

[0047] By bending the optical fiber 33 at corners 11b and 11c, the optical fiber 33 can be arranged along the outer edge of the housing 11. This arrangement allows the optical fiber 33 to be positioned around the display 12. Therefore, it prevents the optical fiber 33 from coming into contact with the display 12 during its placement, thus preventing damage. Furthermore, the optical fiber 33 is thinner than a cable, thereby increasing the ratio of the display 12 to the housing 11. This allows for miniaturization or thinning of the information device 1, or for increasing the size of the display 12.

[0048] The bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 are respectively housed in the housing component 35. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of a housing component for housing the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33. Figure 5 In the example shown, the housing member 35 is manufactured by insert molding. Such a housing member 35 can be obtained, for example, by resin molding in which the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 are disposed within a mold. Thus, the optical fiber 33 (bent portions 33a and 33b) is integrated with the housing member 35. The optical fiber 33 used for such molding can also be pre-bent (before molding) by applying heat to the optical fiber while bending it to a predetermined angle and then cooling it. Alternatively, the housing member 35 with through holes through which the optical fiber 33 passes can be formed first, and the optical fiber 33 can then pass through the bent through holes (in this case, preferably an unbent optical fiber 33). Figure 5 The storage component 35 is shown.

[0049] Next, a method for manufacturing the information device 1 using the optical connection module 30 will be described. This manufacturing method includes the following steps: preparing the optical connection module 30; preparing a device body 5, wherein the device body 5 includes a first member 10 having an inner surface 11a and a second member 20 connected to the first member 10; assembling a first terminal 31 to the first member 10; assembling a second terminal 32 to the second member 20; and configuring an optical fiber 33 along the inner surface 11a at the first member 10. In this manufacturing method, when configuring (wiring) the optical fiber 33 to the first member 10, etc., at least one (two in the example shown in the figures) of the optical fiber 33 is provided with a bend 33a and a bend 33b at corners 11b and 11c of the first member 10 (housing 11).

[0050] In this manufacturing method, when assembling the optical fiber 33 into the housing 11, such as Figure 6As shown, the housing member 35, which houses the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33, is assembled by adsorbing the adsorption part 51 of the adsorption clamp 50 onto the surface 35a (assembly surface). The surface 35a of the housing member 35 is a plane parallel to the inner surface 11a of the housing 11, and is opposite to the bent portions 33a and 33b. By adsorbing the housing member 35 in this way, the housing member 35 (i.e., the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33) can be assembled with high precision at the specified positions of the corners 11b and 11c of the housing 11. The housing member 35 can be fixed to the inner surface 11a of the housing 11 by an adhesive. Alternatively, a fitting structure (e.g., an embedding protrusion) can be provided on the back of the housing member 35, and a fitting structure (e.g., a hole for the embedding protrusion) can be provided on the housing 11, so that the two fit together to fix the housing member 35 to the housing 11. It should be noted that it is also possible to use a non-adhesive type, and instead assemble the storage component 35 to the housing 11 by using claw components to clamp the two sides of the storage component 35.

[0051] It should be noted that, as Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal 31 is mounted near the corner 11b. The bend 33a of the optical fiber 33 is fixed at this corner 11b, thus reducing the load applied to the first terminal 31 that fixes one end of the optical fiber 33. Therefore, even if vibration is applied to the optical fiber 33, the vibration applied to the first terminal 31 is reduced. Therefore, in the information device 1, the receiving member 35 mounted at the corner 11b prevents adverse situations such as the end of the optical fiber 33 fixed to the first terminal 31 from falling off.

[0052] Here, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Examples of deformation of the housing components of the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 in the information device 1 will be explained. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the housing component for housing the optical fiber 33, specifically the bent portions 33a and 33b.

[0053] like Figure 7As shown, the housing member 35A in the first modified example has bending grooves 35b corresponding to each of the bending portions 33a and 33b. The bending grooves 35b are grooves that are bent in the same way as the bending portions 33a and 33b, and may have bending angles of 85 to 95 degrees, for example, bending to 90 degrees in one example. The housing member 35A can be assembled to the corner portions 11b and 11c of the housing 11 of the first member 10. After assembly, the optical fiber 33 is fitted into the bending grooves 35b of the housing member 35A. Alternatively, the housing member 35A can be assembled to the housing 11 after the optical fiber 33 is fitted into the bending grooves 35b. Thus, the bending portions 33a and 33b are formed. It should be noted that the portions corresponding to the bending portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 can also be pre-bent so that the bending portions 33a and 33b fit into the bending grooves 35b. Even using the housing member 35A, an information device 1 can be obtained where the optical fiber 33 has bent portions 33a and 33b that bend at the corners 11b and 11c of the first member 10. It should be noted that when the optical fiber 33 has been pre-bent to form the bent portions 33a and 33b, the optical fiber 33 bends at the bent portions 33a and 33b even when no external force is applied to the optical fiber 33. This external force also includes the force from the housing member 35A.

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, the housing member 35B in the second modified example has a pair of claws corresponding to each of the bent portions 33a and 33b. The pair of claws of the housing member 35B are claws that are bent in the same way as the bent portions 33a and 33b, for example, they may have a bending angle of 85 to 95 degrees, and as an example, they may be bent to 90 degrees. The housing member 35B is fitted to the corner portions 11b and 11c of the housing 11 of the first member 10. Then, the optical fiber 33 is fitted into the pair of claws of the housing member 35B. Thus, the bent portions 33a and 33b are formed. It should be noted that the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 fitted into the housing member 35B may have been pre-bent as described above, or they may not have been pre-bent.

[0055] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, an optical fiber 33 is provided to optically connect the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32. In this case, the signal transmission capacity within the information device 1 can be increased. Furthermore, in the information device 1, the optical fiber 33 is configured at the first member 10 such that it has at least one bend 33a or bend 33b that bends at at least one corner 11b or corner 11c of the first member 10 (housing 11). In this case, the optical fiber 33 can be configured at the first member 10 away from areas where large components (e.g., displays) can be placed, preventing damage to the optical fiber 33. Moreover, in the information device 1, using the optical fiber 33 for signal transmission reduces signal noise.

[0056] The information device 1 of this embodiment further includes a housing member 35, a housing member 35A, and a housing member 35B for housing the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33. The housing members 35, 35A, and 35B are assembled to the corner portions 11b and 11c of the first member 10 (housing 11). In this case, the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 are protected by the housing members 35, 35A, and 35B. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber 33 can be further prevented.

[0057] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the housing member 35 is integrally formed with the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33. In this case, the movement of the optical fiber 33 relative to the housing member 35 is restricted. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber 33 caused by such movement can be prevented.

[0058] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the housing member 35A has a bending groove 35b corresponding to the bending portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33, and the bending portions 33a and 33b are embedded in the bending groove 35b. In this case, the bending portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 are reliably fixed by the housing member 35A. Therefore, damage to the optical fiber 33 caused by movement can be prevented.

[0059] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the storage member 35 and the storage member 35A have a surface 35a parallel to the inner surface 11a of the housing 11. In this case, when the storage member 35 and the storage member 35A are assembled to the first member 10, the assembly can be performed with high precision by adsorbing the surface 35a using the adsorption clamp 50. Therefore, the storage member 35 and the storage member 35A are not misaligned and thus the optical fiber 33 is not damaged, reducing the risk of damage to the optical fiber 33.

[0060] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the bending portions 33a and 33b may be portions formed by pre-bending the optical fiber 33. In other words, the bending portions 33a and 33b may be portions where the optical fiber 33 is bent when no external force is applied to it. In this case, when the optical fiber 33 is assembled to the first member 10, damage to the bending portions 33a and 33b formed by bending the optical fiber 33 can be prevented. In particular, when the pre-bent bending portions 33a and 33b are housed in the housing members 35, 35A, and 35B, damage to the optical fiber 33 is further reliably prevented.

[0061] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the optical fiber 33 may be bent at two or more points on the first member 10. The bends 33a and 33b include a bend 33a (first bend) bent at one corner 11b (first corner) of the first member 10 and a bend 33b (second bend) bent at another corner 11c (second corner) of the first member 10. At the bends 33a and 33b, the optical fiber 33 is bent at an angle of 85 to 95 degrees (e.g., 90 degrees). In this case, the optical fiber 33 can be efficiently positioned along the frame of the first member 10, avoiding areas where large components (e.g., displays) can be arranged. Therefore, breakage of the optical fiber 33 can be prevented, and the information device 1 can be miniaturized or thinned.

[0062] In the information device 1 of this embodiment, the first terminal 31 includes: a substrate 31a; an electrical connector 31b disposed on the substrate 31a; and a photoelectric conversion element 31c electrically connected to the electrical connector 31b and optically connected to the optical fiber 33. The second terminal 32 includes: a substrate 32a; an electrical connector 32b disposed on the substrate 32a; and a photoelectric conversion element 32c electrically connected to the electrical connector 32b and optically connected to the optical fiber 33. In this case, photoelectric conversion can be performed in the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32 respectively.

[0063] The information device 1 of this embodiment also includes a hinge 40 that connects the first component 10 and the second component 20 in an openable / closeable manner. The optical fiber 33 is configured to pass through the hinge 40 between the first terminal 31 and the second terminal 32. As a result, in the openable / closeable information device 1, the device can be miniaturized or thinned, and the transmission capacity between the first component 10 and the second component 20 can be significantly increased.

[0064] The information device and its manufacture have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments or various modifications. For example, in the above embodiments, a laptop computer has been described as an example of an information device, but it is not limited thereto. The information device of this disclosure may also be another information device such as a server. In this case, the optical fiber 33 can also be configured in the same way.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 are housed in the housing members 35, 35A, and 35B and disposed at the corners 11b and 11c of the housing 11. However, the bent portions 33a and 33b of the optical fiber 33 may be pre-bent to a predetermined angle by heat treatment or the like, and then directly assembled and fixed to the housing 11. In this case, the housing member 35 is not required.

Claims

1. An information device, comprising: The first component has a first surface; The second component is connected to the first component; A first terminal is configured on the first component; A second terminal is configured on the second component; as well as An optical fiber connects the first terminal to the second terminal. The optical fiber is configured at the first member to run along the first surface. The optical fiber has at least one bend that is bent at the corner of the first member.

2. The information device according to claim 1, wherein, The information device also includes a receiving component for receiving the bent portion of the optical fiber. The storage component is assembled at the corner of the first component.

3. The information device according to claim 2, wherein, The storage component is integrally formed with the bent portion of the optical fiber.

4. The information device according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving component has a bending groove corresponding to the bending portion of the optical fiber. The curved portion is embedded in the curved groove.

5. The information device according to claim 2, wherein, The storage component has an assembly surface parallel to the first surface.

6. The information device according to claim 1, wherein, The bent portion is the part of the optical fiber that bends when no external force is applied to it.

7. The information device according to claim 1, wherein, The optical fiber is bent in more than two places at the first component. The curved portion includes a first curved portion that bends at a first corner of the first component and a second curved portion that bends at a second corner of the first component. In the first and second bends, the optical fiber is bent at an angle of 85 to 95 degrees.

8. The information device according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal and the second terminal respectively have: substrate; Electrical connectors, disposed on the substrate; and The photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected to the electrical connector and optically connected to the optical fiber.

9. The information device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The information device also includes a hinge that allows the first component and the second component to be connected in an openable and closable manner. The optical fiber passes through the hinge between the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. A method for manufacturing an information device, comprising the following steps: Prepare the optical connection module, among which, The optical connection module includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and an optical fiber that optically connects the first terminal to the second terminal; Prepare a main body of equipment, wherein the main body of equipment includes a first component having a first surface and a second component connected to the first component; The first terminal is assembled onto the first component; Assemble the second terminal onto the second component; and The optical fiber is configured at the first component to run along the first surface. When configuring the optical fiber, at least one bend is provided where the optical fiber bends at the corner of the first member.

11. The method for manufacturing an information device according to claim 10, wherein, The optical connection module or the first component further includes a receiving component configured to receive the bent portion of the optical fiber. When configuring the optical fiber, the bending portion is formed by assembling the housing member of the optical connection module that houses the bending portion to the corner of the first member, or by assembling the optical fiber to the housing member located at the corner of the first member.

12. The method for manufacturing an information device according to claim 11, wherein, The housing component has a mounting surface that faces the bent portion of the optical fiber. When assembling the storage component, an adsorption clamp is used to adsorb the mounting surface of the storage component to assemble the storage component to the corner of the first component.

13. The method for manufacturing an information device according to claim 11, wherein, When configuring the optical fiber, the housing member containing the bend formed by pre-bending the optical fiber is assembled to the corner of the first member.

14. The method for manufacturing an information device according to claim 10, wherein, The first component further includes a receiving component configured to receive the bent portion of the optical fiber. When configuring the optical fiber, the bent portion formed by pre-bending the optical fiber is assembled into the receiving member located at the corner of the first member.

15. A method for manufacturing an information device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The first component and the second component are connected in an openable and closable manner by a hinge. The optical fiber passes through the hinge between the first terminal and the second terminal.

16. An optical connection module comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and an optical fiber optically connecting the first terminal to the second terminal, wherein, The optical fiber is provided with a receiving member for receiving the bent portion of the optical fiber, or the optical fiber is provided with a bent portion that bends when no external force is applied to the optical fiber.

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