Optical connection component, method for manufacturing device, and device

Abstract

To provide a connection component capable of miniaturizing or thinning an apparatus while increasing transmission capacity in an openable / closable apparatus.SOLUTION: The optical connection component includes an optical fiber including a first end and an opposite second end, and a hinge component through which the optical fiber is passed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical connecting component, a method for manufacturing a device, and the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an openable / closable electronic device equipped with a hinge part. In such an electronic device, electrical components attached to two housings rotatably connected by the hinge part are connected by electrical wiring passing through the hinge part. Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose other openable / closable electronic devices equipped with hinge parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2011-119698 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-131077 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2001-154760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an openable electronic device equipped with a hinge part, it is desirable to increase the transmission capacity between the electrical components attached to each of the two housings rotatably connected by the hinge part. However, increasing the number of electrical wirings to increase the transmission capacity hinders the miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the transmission capacity of an openable device while making the device smaller or thinner.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a connecting component for an openable / closable device that can increase transmission capacity while reducing the size or thickness of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical connecting part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an optical fiber having a first end and an opposite second end, and a hinge part through which the optical fiber is passed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in an openable / closable device, it is possible to increase the information transmission capacity while reducing the size or thickness of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical connecting part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the optical connecting part shown in FIG. 1 (particularly the structure of the optical parts on both ends). [Figure 3] Part (a) of Figure 3 is a plan view showing the relationship in size between the through hole of the hinge part and the optical part, part (b) of Figure 3 is a plan view showing the relationship in size between the through hole of the hinge part and the optical part of a modified example, and part (c) of Figure 3 is a plan view for explaining the tapered shape provided in the through hole of the hinge part. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example in which the optical connecting part shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an information device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an optical connecting part according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an optical connecting part according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an optical connecting part according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the auxiliary member is removed from the optical connecting part shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an optical fiber in an auxiliary member of the optical connecting part shown in FIG. [Figure 10]Part (a) of Figure 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of how to pass an optical fiber in the optical connecting part shown in Figure 7, and part (b) of Figure 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of how to pass an optical fiber in the optical connecting part shown in Figure 7, showing an example in which an excess length portion is provided. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an optical connecting part according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An optical connecting part according to one embodiment includes an optical fiber having a first end and an opposite second end, and a hinge part through which the optical fiber is passed.

[0010] The optical connection part [1] uses optical fiber. This allows for a significant increase in transmission capacity compared to electrical wiring. In addition, because the transmission capacity can be significantly increased, the amount of wiring required can be reduced, allowing for the miniaturization or thinning of openable devices in which the optical connection part is installed.

[0011] [2] The optical connecting part of [1] above may further include a first optical part optically connected to a first end of the optical fiber. In this case, since the optical part is attached to the optical fiber in advance, it becomes easy to attach the optical connecting part to the device.

[0012] [3] In the optical connecting part of [2] above, the first optical part may include a first lens module having at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element. In this case, since the light receiving and emitting element are attached to the optical fiber in advance, it is easy to attach the optical connecting part to the device.

[0013] [4] In the optical connecting part of [3] above, the first optical part may further include a first substrate on which the first lens module is mounted and a first connector provided on the first substrate. In this case, the optical connecting part can be easily attached to a device.

[0014] [5] The optical connecting part of [4] may further include a second optical part optically connected to a second end of the optical fiber. The second optical part may include a second lens module having at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element, a second substrate on which the second lens module is mounted, and a second connector provided on the second substrate. In this case, it becomes even easier to attach the optical connecting part to a device.

[0015] [6] In the optical connecting component of any of [2] to [5] above, the hinge component may include a hole through which the optical fiber passes, and the first optical component may be large enough to prevent the optical fiber from passing through the hole. In this case, the optical fiber is prevented from coming loose from the hinge component in the optical connecting component. This makes it easier to attach the optical connecting component to a device.

[0016] [7] In any of the optical connecting components [1] to [6] above, the optical fiber may be passed through the hinge component so as to intersect with the hinge axis of the hinge component. In this case, wiring of the optical fiber within the device is facilitated.

[0017] [8] In any of the optical connecting parts [1] to [6] above, the optical fiber may be passed through the hinge part so as to be parallel to the hinge axis of the hinge part. In this case, the degree of freedom in wiring of the optical fiber within the device can be increased.

[0018] [9] In the optical connecting component of any one of [1] to [8] above, an excess length of the optical fiber may be provided at least one between the first end and the hinge component and within the hinge component. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber and protects it even when an external force such as tension is applied to the optical fiber.

[0019]

[10] In any of the optical connecting components [1] to [9] above, the hinge component may include a hole through which the optical fiber passes, and the hole may be provided with at least one tapered portion. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber and protects it even if the optical fiber comes into contact with and rubs against the edge of the hole.

[0020]

[11] In the optical connecting component of any one of [1] to

[10] above, the hinge component may include a hole through which the optical fiber passes, and a protective member for protecting the optical fiber may be provided between the hole and the optical fiber. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber and protects it even if the optical fiber is rubbed against the hole.

[0021]

[12] In the optical connecting component of any one of [1] to

[11] above, the hinge component may include a first member and a second member that is rotatable around a hinge axis relative to the first member. In this case, the hinge component functions reliably.

[0022]

[13] In the optical connecting part of

[12] above, the first member may include a first through hole for passing the optical fiber therethrough, and the second member may include a second through hole for passing the optical fiber therethrough. In this case, the optical fiber can be reliably passed through the hinge part.

[0023]

[14] In the optical connecting component of

[13] above, the first through hole and the second through hole may face each other when the first member and the second member are closed, or may be misaligned with each other. In this case, options for passing the optical fiber through the hinge can be increased.

[0024]

[15] In the optical connecting component of any one of

[12] to

[14] above, at least one of the first member and the second member may be provided with a third through hole along the hinge axis, which increases the options for passing the optical fiber through the hinge.

[0025]

[16] In the optical connecting component of any one of [1] to

[15] above, the hinge component may include a hinge body including a first member and a second member rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis, and a hinge auxiliary member attached to the hinge body, and the optical fiber may be passed through the hinge auxiliary member. In this case, the optical fiber can be routed through the hinge component without interfering with the function of the hinge body that is responsible for opening and closing operations.

[0026]

[17] In any of the optical connecting components [1] to

[16] above, the optical fiber may be a multimode optical fiber. In this case, the optical fiber can be optically connected with a simple structure while maintaining the transmission capacity of the optical fiber.

[0027]

[18] In any of the optical connecting components [1] to

[17] above, the optical fiber may be slidable relative to the hinge component. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber and protects it even when an external force such as tension is applied to the optical fiber.

[0028]

[19] Any of the optical connecting parts [1] to

[18] above may further include an electric wire having a first end and an opposite second end, and the electric wire may be passed through the hinge part. In this case, optical wiring and electric wiring can be used together.

[0029]

[20] A method for manufacturing a device according to one embodiment includes the steps of: preparing an optical connecting device according to any one of [1] to

[19] above; preparing a first device member and a second device member; attaching a hinge part of the optical connecting device to at least one of the first device member and the second device member; and attaching a first part including a first end of an optical fiber of the optical connecting device to the first device member. In this case, a device that is miniaturized or thinned while increasing transmission capacity can be easily manufactured.

[0030]

[21] In the manufacturing method of the device according to

[20] above, the step of attaching the first portion of the optical fiber may be performed after the step of attaching the hinge part. In this case, it becomes easier to attach the optical connecting part to the device (first device part). Also, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber from being damaged.

[0031]

[22] The manufacturing method of the device according to

[21] above may further include a step of attaching a second portion including a second end of the optical fiber of the optical connecting device to a second device member. This step of attaching the second portion of the optical fiber may be performed after the step of attaching the hinge part. In this case, it becomes easier to attach the optical connecting device to the device (second device member). Also, it is possible to prevent damage to the optical fiber.

[0032]

[23] An apparatus according to one embodiment includes the optical connecting part according to any one of [1] to

[19] above, a first apparatus member, and a second apparatus member. The first apparatus member is attached to the second apparatus member by a hinge part of the optical connecting part so as to be rotatable relative to the second apparatus member. A first portion of an optical fiber including a first end is attached to the first apparatus member, and a second portion of the optical fiber including a second end is attached to the second apparatus member. This results in an apparatus that is smaller or thinner while increasing transmission capacity.

[0033] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of optical connecting components, device manufacturing methods, and devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical elements or elements having identical functions will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0034] [First embodiment] An optical connecting part according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the optical connecting part according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the optical connecting part shown in Fig. 1 (particularly the structure of the optical parts at both ends).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical connecting part 1 includes an optical fiber 10, a hinge part 20, a first optical part 30, and a second optical part 40. The optical fiber 10 includes a first end 11 and an opposite second end 12. The optical fiber 10 is a member in which a glass fiber including a core and a cladding is covered with one or more resin layers. The optical fiber 10 is, for example, a multimode optical fiber. A multimode optical fiber has a large core diameter and is resistant to bending and the like. However, the optical fiber 10 may also be a single-mode optical fiber. In addition to a glass fiber, the optical fiber 10 may also be a plastic fiber (POF: Plastic Optical Fiber) or a plastic clad fiber (PCF: Plastic Clad Fiber).

[0036] The hinge component 20 includes a hinge shaft 21, a first member 22, and a second member 24. The second member 24 is attached to the first member 22 so as to be rotatable around the hinge shaft 21 relative to the first member 22. The first member 22 is, for example, a metal plate-like member, and is provided with at least one through hole 23 (first through hole). The through hole 23 penetrates the plate-like member. In the example shown in FIG. 1, for example, two through holes 23 are provided. The second member 24 is, for example, a metal plate-like member, and is provided with at least one through hole 25 (second through hole). The through hole 25 penetrates the plate-like member. In the example shown in FIG. 1, for example, two through holes 25 are provided.

[0037] The optical fiber 10 is passed through the through hole 23 and the through hole 25 located on the same side. The through hole 23 and the through hole 25 through which the optical fiber 10 is passed are arranged so as to face each other when the first member 22 and the second member 24 are closed.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first optical component 30 includes a first lens module 31, a control IC 32, a connector 33, and a substrate 34. The first lens module 31 has an optical element 35, which is at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element. A first end 11 of the optical fiber 10 is attached to the first lens module 31. The first lens module 31 has a lens member, and the lens member optically couples the first end 11 of the optical fiber 10 to the optical element 35. For example, the optical element 35 may be mounted on the substrate 34. In this case, the first lens module 31 converts light extending in a direction parallel to the substrate 34 into light in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 34.

[0039] The control IC 32 controls processes such as photoelectric conversion in the optical element 35 of the first optical component 30. When the optical element 35 is a light-receiving element, the control IC 32 outputs a photoelectrically converted electrical signal to the connector 33. When the optical element 35 is a light-emitting element, the control IC 32 sends an electrical signal input from the connector 33 to the optical element 35, where it is photoelectrically converted and inputs the signal into the optical fiber 10.

[0040] The connector 33 is a member for directly or indirectly connecting an electrical component (for example, a camera module 103) built into the electronic device 100 (see FIG. 4) to which the optical connecting component 1 is attached. Various types of connectors can be used as the connector 33.

[0041] The substrate 34 is, for example, a rectangular substrate, and has mounted thereon the first lens module 31, the control IC 32, and the connector 33. As the substrate 34, various types of substrates can be used.

[0042] The second optical component 40 includes a second lens module 41, a control IC 42, a connector 43, and a substrate 44. The second lens module 41 has an optical element 45, which is at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element. The second end 12 of the optical fiber 10 is attached to the second lens module 41. The second lens module 41 has a lens member that optically couples the second end 12 of the optical fiber 10 to the optical element 45. The optical element 45 may be mounted on the substrate 44, for example. In this case, the second lens module 41 converts light extending in a direction parallel to the substrate 44 into a direction perpendicular to the substrate 44. The second optical component 40 may have a structure similar to that of the first optical component 30. In this case, the second lens module 41, the control IC 42, the connector 43, and the substrate 44 have structures corresponding to the first lens module 31, the control IC 32, the connector 33, and the substrate 34, respectively.

[0043] Here, with reference to part (a) of FIG. 3, the relationship in size between the through hole 23 of the first member 22 of the hinge component 20 and the first optical component 30 will be described. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 3, in the optical connecting component 1, there is a portion where the first optical component 30 (substrate 34) is larger in the horizontal direction than the through hole 23. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 3, the first optical component 30 may be formed so as to be larger than the through hole 23 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Although not shown in the figure, the relationship in size between the through hole 25 of the second member 24 and the second optical component 40 is also similar to part (a) or (b) of FIG. 3. This relationship prevents the optical fiber 10 from coming loose from the hinge component 20.

[0044] Such an optical connecting part 1 can be produced by passing the optical fiber 10 through the through holes 23, 25 of the hinge part 20, and then attaching the first optical part 30 and the second optical part 40 to both ends (first end 11 and second end 12) of the optical fiber 10. Alternatively, the optical connecting part 1 may be produced by attaching the first optical part 30 or the second optical part 40 to one end of the optical fiber 10, passing the optical fiber 10 through the hinge part 20, and then attaching the remaining optical parts to the optical fiber 10.

[0045] 3(c), tapered portions 26 may be provided on the edges of the through holes 23, 25 of the hinge part 20 through which the optical fiber 10 passes. The tapered portions 26 are formed so as to widen from the inside of the through holes 23, 25 toward the outside. Such tapered portions 26 may be provided on both sides of the through holes 23, 25, or may be provided on the outside or inside. The tapered portions 26 may be not only in a form that gradually widens toward the outside, but also in an R-shape.

[0046] Next, a method for mounting the optical connecting part 1 on an electronic device 100 such as a PC and a form in which the optical connecting part 1 is mounted will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The electronic device 100 includes a first device member 101, a second device member 102, a camera module 103, and a hinge mechanism 104. When the electronic device 100 is a laptop PC, the first device member 101 is provided with, for example, a display 105, and the second device member 102 is provided with a keyboard (not shown).

[0047] To incorporate the optical connecting part 1 into the electronic device 100, first, the optical connecting part 1 is prepared by passing the optical fiber 10 through the hinge part 20. Then, the first device member 101 and the second device member 102 of the electronic device 100 are prepared. The first device member 101 and the second device member 102 include a housing and various electronic devices (such as a camera module 103 and a display 105) to be installed in the housing. Once these preparations are complete, the hinge part 20 of the optical connecting part 1 is attached to the first device member 101 and the second device member 102. The hinge part 20 is attached to each member so as to be located within the hinge mechanism 104.

[0048] After the hinge part 20 has been attached, the first part 13 including the first end 11 of the optical fiber 10 of the optical connecting part 1 is attached to the first device member 101. Similarly, the second part 14 including the second end 12 of the optical fiber 10 of the optical connecting part 1 is attached to the second device member 102. This attachment is performed by attaching each part of the optical fiber 10 to each member, for example, with tape. Thus, in the manufacturing method using the optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment, the first part 13 and the second part 14 of the optical fiber 10 are attached to the first device member 101 and the second device member 102, respectively, after the hinge part 20 has been attached to the first device member 101 and the second device member 102.

[0049] Furthermore, once the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 of the optical fiber 10 are attached to the housing, the first optical component 30 of the optical connecting component 1 is electrically connected to an electrical component such as a camera module 103. Similarly, the second optical component 40 is electrically connected to a control circuit (e.g., a CPU) built into the second equipment member 102. In this manner, an electronic device incorporating the optical connecting component 1 is fabricated.

[0050] As described above, the optical fiber 10 is used in the optical connecting part 1 according to the first embodiment. This allows the transmission capacity of the electronic device 100 in which it is incorporated to be significantly increased compared to the case of electrical wiring. For example, the optical connecting part 1 can easily transmit signals from an electrical component with a large transmission capacity, such as a camera module 103. Furthermore, since the transmission capacity can be significantly increased by using the optical connecting part 1, the number of wires required in the electronic device 100 can be reduced, and the openable electronic device 100 in which the optical connecting part 1 is installed can be made smaller or thinner.

[0051] The optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment includes a first optical part 30 optically connected to a first end 11 of an optical fiber 10, and a second optical part 40 optically connected to a second end 12. Since the optical parts for connection are attached to the optical fiber 10 in advance, the optical connecting part 1 can be easily attached to the electronic device 100.

[0052] In the optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment, the hinge part 20 includes through holes 23, 25 through which the optical fiber 10 passes, and the first optical part 30 and the second optical part 40 are sized so as not to be able to pass through the corresponding through holes 23, 25. This prevents the optical fiber 10 from coming off the hinge part 20 in the optical connecting part 1. This makes it easy to attach the optical connecting part 1 to the electronic device 100.

[0053] In the optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment, the optical fiber 10 is passed through the hinge part 20 so as to be perpendicular to (intersect with) the hinge axis 21 of the hinge part 20. In this case, the optical fiber 10 can be easily wired inside the electronic device 100.

[0054] In the optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment, tapered parts 26 may be provided in the through holes 23, 25 of the hinge part 20. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber 10 and protects it even if the optical fiber 10 comes into contact with and is rubbed against the edges of the through holes 23, 25.

[0055] In the optical connecting part 1 according to this embodiment, the optical fiber 10 is slidable relative to the hinge part 20. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber 10 and protects it even when an external force such as tension is applied to the optical fiber 10.

[0056] [Second embodiment] Next, an optical connecting part 1A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Hereinafter, explanations of points that overlap with those of the first embodiment may be omitted. As shown in Fig. 5, the optical connecting part 1A includes an optical fiber 10, a hinge part 20, a first optical part 30, and a second optical part 40, similar to the first embodiment. In the optical connecting part 1A, the position of the through hole 25 through which the optical fiber 10 passes is different, and is not opposed to but offset from the through hole 23 through which the optical fiber 10 passes. The rest of the structure is the same as that of the optical connecting part 1, and the incorporation into the electronic device 100 is also similar.

[0057] As with the optical connecting part 1 according to the first embodiment, the optical connecting part 1A according to the second embodiment can significantly increase the transmission capacity in the electronic device 100 in which it is incorporated. Furthermore, the number of wires required in the electronic device 100 can be reduced, making it possible to make the openable and closable electronic device 100 in which the optical connecting part 1A is mounted smaller and thinner.

[0058] [Third embodiment] Next, an optical connecting part 1B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Hereinafter, explanations of points that overlap with those of the first embodiment may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the optical connecting part 1B includes an optical fiber 10, a hinge part 20, a first optical part 30, and a second optical part 40, similar to the first embodiment. In the optical connecting part 1B, the position and extension direction of a through hole 27 (third through hole) through which the optical fiber 10 passes are different. This through hole 27 extends along the hinge axis 21 of the hinge part 20, and the optical fiber 10 is passed through the through hole 27 so as to be parallel to the hinge axis 21. The rest of the structure is the same as that of the optical connecting part 1, and the incorporation into the electronic device 100 is also the same.

[0059] As with the optical connecting part 1 according to the first embodiment, the optical connecting part 1B according to the third embodiment can significantly increase the transmission capacity of the electronic device 100 in which it is incorporated. Furthermore, by reducing the number of wires required in the electronic device 100, the openable and closable electronic device 100 in which the optical connecting part 1B is mounted can be made smaller or thinner. In the optical connecting part 1B according to this embodiment, the optical fiber 10 is passed through the hinge part 20 so as to be parallel to the hinge axis 21 of the hinge part 20. This increases the degree of freedom in wiring the optical fiber 10 within the device.

[0060] The optical connecting component according to the present disclosure may be a combination of two or three of the above-described first, second and third embodiments for passing the optical fiber 10.

[0061] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an optical connecting part 1C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. Hereinafter, explanations of points that overlap with the first embodiment and the like may be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the optical connecting part 1C includes an optical fiber 10, a hinge part 20A, a first optical part 30, and a second optical part 40. In the optical connecting part 1C, the structure of the hinge part 20A is different from that of the first embodiment and the like. The structures of the optical fiber 10, the first optical part 30, and the second optical part 40 are the same as those of the optical connecting part 1, and the incorporation into the electronic device 100 is also similar. Note that, since the structure of the hinge part 20A is different, the way in which the optical fiber 10 is passed through is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0062] The hinge component 20A includes a hinge body 50 and a hinge auxiliary member 55.

[0063] The hinge main body 50 includes a first member 51 and a second member 52. The second member 52 is attached to the first member 51 via a U-shaped shaft member 54 so as to be rotatable relative to the first member 51 around two hinge shafts 53A and 53B. The first member 51 has a plate portion 51A, which is, for example, a metal plate-like member, and a metal tubular portion 51B, which is connected to the plate portion 51A and into which the shaft member 54 is inserted. The plate portion 51A has a screw hole 51C for fixing the hinge assembly 20A (hinge main body 50) to a first device member 101 (see FIG. 4 ) of the electronic device 100. The second member 52 has, for example, a plate portion 52A, which is, for example, a metal plate-like member, and a metal tubular portion 52B, which is connected to the plate portion 52A and into which the shaft member 54 is inserted. The plate portion 52A is provided with screw holes 52C for fixing the hinge part 20A (hinge body 50) to the second device member 102 of the electronic device 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0064] The hinge auxiliary member 55 is a member for passing the optical fiber 10 through, and includes a housing 56 and a fastener 57. As shown in FIG. 9 , the optical fiber 10 is passed through holes 56a and 56b of the housing 56, and a curved portion 15 of the optical fiber 10 is formed inside the housing 56. The holes 56a and 56b are formed on the same side of the housing 56. The fastener 57 is a member for loosely fastening the optical fiber 10 so that the optical fiber 10 does not come out of the housing 56. The fastener 57 may be integral with the housing 56 or may be a separate member.

[0065] The housing 56 has a first end 56c into which the optical fiber 10 is inserted, and a second end 56d on the opposite side. In the hinge assembly 20A, the protruding portion 54a of the shaft member 54 of the hinge main body 50 is inserted into the second end 56d of the housing 56, whereby the hinge main body 50 and the hinge auxiliary member 55 are combined to function as a single hinge assembly. Note that the optical fiber 10 may be formed so as not to come off the hinge assembly 20A, as in the first embodiment, or may be formed so as to be slidable.

[0066] As described above, the optical connecting part 1C according to the fourth embodiment uses the optical fiber 10, as in the first embodiment, etc. This allows the transmission capacity of the electronic device in which it is incorporated to be significantly increased compared to the case of electrical wiring. Furthermore, since the transmission capacity can be significantly increased by using the optical connecting part 1C, the number of wires required in the electronic device can be reduced, and the openable electronic device in which the optical connecting part 1C is installed can be made smaller or thinner.

[0067] In the optical connecting part 1C according to this embodiment, the hinge part 20A includes a hinge main body 50 including a first member 51 and a second member 52 that are rotatable relative to each other about hinge axes 53A and 53B, and a hinge auxiliary member 55 attached to the hinge main body 50. The optical fiber 10 is passed through the hinge auxiliary member 55. This allows the optical fiber 10 to be routed through the hinge part 20A without impeding the function of the hinge main body 50 that is responsible for the opening and closing operations. Note that the optical connecting part 1C can also achieve other advantageous effects similar to those of the first to third embodiments.

[0068] 10(a), in the optical connecting part 1C according to this embodiment, the optical fiber 10 may be drawn out from a hole 56b on the opposite side to the inserted hole 56a in the housing 56 of the hinge auxiliary member 55. By passing the optical fiber 10 in this manner, the degree of freedom of wiring using the optical connecting part 1C can be improved.

[0069] 10(b), the optical fiber 10 may be wound in the housing 56 of the inserted hinge auxiliary member 55. This allows an excess length 16 of the optical fiber 10 to be provided in the hinge component 20A (hinge auxiliary member 55). Such excess length 16 may be provided not only in the hinge component 20A, but also between the first end 11 to which the first optical component 30 is attached and the hinge component 20A, or between the second end 12 to which the second optical component 40 is attached and the hinge component 20A. The excess length 16 prevents breakage of the optical fiber 10 and protects it, even when an external force such as tension is applied to the optical fiber 10.

[0070] The optical connecting component, the method for manufacturing an electronic device using the optical connecting component, and the electronic device according to the present disclosure 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 any of the optical connecting components 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C described above, a protective member for protecting the optical fiber 10 may be provided between the optical fiber 10 and a hole (through hole) through which the optical fiber 10 passes. Such a protective member may be, for example, an elastic member such as sponge or rubber. This prevents breakage of the optical fiber 10 and protects it even if the optical fiber 10 comes into contact with and is rubbed against the edge of the hole.

[0071] In the above-described embodiments, the optical connecting components 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C each include one optical fiber 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 11 , an optical connecting component 1D may include two or more optical fibers 10, and the two or more optical fibers may be passed through one hinge component 20, 20A. Furthermore, the optical connecting component 1D may further include, in addition to the optical fiber 10, an electric wire 60 having a first end and an opposite second end. The electric wire 60 passes through the hinge component 20, 20A, similar to the optical fiber 10. In this case, the optical fiber 10 can be used to transmit data such as images and audio, while the electric wire 60 can be used to supply power, for example. The first optical component 30 and the second optical component 40 attached to both ends of the optical fiber 10 may be optical connectors. In this case, after assembly, the optical connecting component 1D can be connected to other optical components via the optical connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D...Optical connection parts 10...Optical fiber 11…First end 12…Second end 13…First part 14…Second part 15...Bend 20, 20A... Hinge parts 21...Hinge axis 22...First member 23...Through hole (first through hole) 24...Second member 25...Through hole (second through hole 26...Tapered section 30...First optical component 31...First lens module 32...Control IC 33...Connector 34... Circuit board 35...Optical elements 40...Second optical component 41...Second lens module 42...Control IC 43...Connector 44...Platform 45...Optical elements 50...Hinge body 51...First member 51A,52A…Plate part 51B,52B…Cylinder part 52...Second member 53A, 53B... Hinge shaft 54...Shaft member 54a...Protruding part 55... Hinge auxiliary member 56…Housing 56a, 56b…hole 56c…1st end 56d…Second end 57...fastener 60...Electric wire 100...Electronic equipment 101...First equipment component 102...Second equipment member 103...Camera module 104...hinge mechanism 105...Display

Claims

1. an optical fiber including a first end and an opposite second end; a hinge part through which the optical fiber is passed; An optical connecting component comprising:

2. a first optical component optically connected to the first end of the optical fiber; The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

3. the first optical component includes a first lens module having at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element; The optical connecting part according to claim 2 .

4. The first optical component is a first substrate on which the first lens module is mounted; a first connector provided on the first substrate, The optical connecting part according to claim 3 .

5. a second optical component optically connected to the second end of the optical fiber; The second optical component is a second lens module having at least one of a light receiving element and a light emitting element; a second substrate on which the second lens module is mounted; a second connector provided on the second substrate, The optical connecting part according to claim 4 .

6. the hinge part includes a hole through which the optical fiber passes; the first optical component has a size that prevents it from passing through the hole; The optical connecting part according to claim 2 .

7. The optical fiber is passed through the hinge part so as to intersect with a hinge axis of the hinge part. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

8. The optical fiber is passed through the hinge part so as to be parallel to the hinge axis of the hinge part. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

9. an excess length of the optical fiber is provided at least either between the first end and the hinge part or within the hinge part; The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

10. the hinge part includes a hole through which the optical fiber passes; The hole has at least one tapered portion. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

11. the hinge part includes a hole through which the optical fiber passes; a protection member for protecting the optical fiber is provided between the hole and the optical fiber; The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

12. The hinge component includes a first member and a second member rotatable about a hinge axis relative to the first member. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

13. the first member includes a first through hole through which the optical fiber passes; the second member includes a second through hole through which the optical fiber passes; The optical connecting part according to claim 12.

14. The first through hole and the second through hole face each other or are misaligned when the first member and the second member are closed. The optical connecting part according to claim 13.

15. a third through hole along the hinge axis is provided in at least one of the first member and the second member; The optical fiber passes through the third through hole. The optical connecting part according to claim 12.

16. The hinge component includes a hinge body including a first member and a second member that are rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis, and a hinge auxiliary member attached to the hinge body, The optical fiber is passed through the hinge assist member. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

17. The optical fiber is a multimode optical fiber. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

18. the optical fiber is slidable relative to the hinge part; The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

19. further comprising an electrical wire including a first end and an opposite second end; The electrical wire is passed through the hinge part. The optical connecting part according to claim 1 .

20. A step of preparing an optical connecting part according to any one of claims 1 to 19; providing a first device member and a second device member; attaching the hinge part of the optical connecting part to at least one of the first device member and the second device member; attaching a first portion of the optical fiber of the optical connecting part to the first device member; A method for manufacturing an equipment, comprising:

21. the step of attaching the first portion of the optical fiber occurs after the step of attaching the hinge component. A method for manufacturing the device of claim 20.

22. a step of attaching a second portion of the optical connecting part including the second end of the optical fiber to the second device member; the step of attaching the second portion of the optical fiber occurs after the step of attaching the hinge component. A method for manufacturing the device of claim 21.

23. The optical connecting part according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a first device member and a second device member; the first device member is attached to the second device member by the hinge part of the optical connecting part so as to be rotatable relative to the second device member; A device wherein a first portion of the optical fiber including the first end is attached to the first equipment member, and a second portion of the optical fiber including the second end is attached to the second equipment member.

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