Optoelectronic connection components and information equipment

Abstract

To provide a connecting component that can increase transmission capacity while making information devices smaller or thinner. [Solution] The optical connection component comprises at least one optical fiber having a first terminal member, a second terminal member, a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end connected to the second terminal member, and at least one metal wire having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end connected to the second terminal member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optoelectronic connection components and information devices.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device incorporating an electric cable provided with connectors at both ends. In this electronic device, the electric cable passes through a hinge portion. Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose another openable and closable electronic device provided with a hinge portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <tmp>

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In various electronic devices, an increase in the transmission capacity between electrical components attached to each of two housings rotatably connected at a hinge portion is desired. On the other hand, simply increasing the number of electrical wirings to increase the transmission capacity inhibits miniaturization or thinning of the electronic device. Therefore, in various electronic devices, it is desired to increase the transmission capacity while miniaturizing or thinning the electronic device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connection component capable of increasing the transmission capacity while miniaturizing or thinning an electronic device, and an electronic device provided with the connection component.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An optical-electrical connection component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises 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, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end 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, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end connected to the second terminal member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to increase the information transmission capacity while making electronic devices smaller or thinner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an information device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the optoelectronic connector shown in Figure 6 along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an optical-electrical connection component according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. [1] An optical-electrical connection component according to one embodiment comprises 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, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end 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, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end connected to the second terminal member.

[0010] [2] An optical-electrical connection component according to another embodiment comprises a first terminal member, a second terminal member, a third terminal member, a fourth 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, with the first end connected to the first terminal member and the second end 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, with the first end connected to the third terminal member and the second end connected to the fourth terminal member.

[0011] The optical-electrical connection components [1] or [2] include optical fibers in addition to metal wires. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is greatly increased, the number of wires required can be reduced, allowing for miniaturization or thinning of the electronic devices on which the connection components are mounted.

[0012] [3] In the optical electrical connection component described in [2] above, the first terminal member and the third terminal member may be common terminal members. In this case, one of the terminal members can be shared. This makes the connection component smaller.

[0013] [4] In any of the optoelectronic connection components of [1] to [3] above, the optical fiber and the metal wire may be twisted together at least in a part of the longitudinal direction. In this case, the optical fiber and the metal wire can be treated as an integral unit, and the optoelectronic connection component can be easily attached. Also, due to being twisted together, the cross-sectional area of the optical fiber and the metal wire can be reduced, so that the electronic device can be miniaturized or thinned.

[0014] [5] In any of the optoelectronic connection components of [1] to [4] above, the optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together in a part of the longitudinal direction, and a hinge portion through which the optical fiber and the metal wire are passed may be located in the twisted portion. In this case, since the optical fiber and the metal wire are integrated by twisting at the hinge portion where the passage area becomes narrow, it becomes easier to pass the optoelectronic connection component through the hinge portion, and the optoelectronic connection component can be easily attached inside the electronic device.

[0015] [6] In any of the optoelectronic connection components of [1] to [5] above, the optical fiber and the metal wire may be twisted together by winding the metal wire around the optical fiber with the optical fiber as a reference. In this case, since the metal wire is wound around the optical fiber, it is possible to prevent an increase in transmission loss due to bending of the optical fiber. Also, since the optical fiber is protected by the metal wire, it is possible to prevent an increase in the transmission loss of the optical fiber due to an external force being applied.

[0016] [7] In any of the optoelectronic connection components of [1] to [6] above, the number of metal wires may be more 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.

[0017] [8] In any of the optoelectronic connection components of [1] to [7] above, a holding portion for holding the optical fiber and the metal wire may be further provided in at least a part of the longitudinal direction. In this case, the protective portion can handle the optical fiber and the metal wire as an integrated unit, and the optoelectronic connection component can be easily attached.

[0018] [9] In the optoelectronic connection component of [8] above, the holding portion may be formed from a pair of laminated materials bonded to each other. In this case, the holding portion can be easily manufactured. Also, since the holding portion can be manufactured with the laminated material while checking the arrangement of the optical fiber and the metal wire, the positional accuracy of the optical fiber and the metal wire can be improved.

[0019]

[10] In the optoelectronic connection component of [8] or [9] above, the holding portion may hold the optical fiber and the metal wire in a state where they are separated from each other. In this case, the mutual influence between the optical fiber and the metal wire can be prevented.

[0020]

[11] In the optoelectronic connection components of [1], [4] to

[10] above, the first terminal member may include 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 member may include a second substrate, a second optical component disposed on the second substrate and optically connected to the second end of the optical fiber, and a second connection terminal disposed on the second substrate and connected to the second end of the metal wire. 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 attached to an information device or the like using the first terminal member and the second terminal member.

[0021]

[12] The disclosure also relates in another aspect to an information device, which comprises any of the optical-electrical connection components described in [1] to

[11] above, 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, the information device can have a significantly increased transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity can be significantly increased with this connection component, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the information device smaller or thinner.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of optical-electrical connection components and information devices according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0023] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figure 1, an example of an information device equipped with the optical-electrical connection component according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the information device 1 is, for example, a notebook computer. The information device 1 comprises a monitor unit 2, a main unit 3, and a hinge unit 4. The monitor unit 2 has, for example, a display 2b, a camera 2c, and a frame unit 2d. The display 2b is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the camera 2c is a webcam. The display 2b and the camera 2c are driven by receiving electrical signals.

[0024] The frame portion 2d is a part of the monitor portion 2 that is formed in a frame shape. The frame portion 2d holds, for example, the display 2b and the camera 2c. For example, the frame portion 2d is in the shape of 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 that is perpendicular 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 perpendicular to the first direction D1, extends along the frame portion 2d, and approaches the hinge portion 4.

[0025] The main unit 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 each electrically connected to the motherboard 3f. The keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d are parts operated by the user of the information device 1. When the keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d are operated, signals are output from the motherboard 3f to each part of the information device 1, causing each part of the information device 1 to function.

[0026] The frame portion 3h is a part of the main body portion 3 that is formed in a frame shape. The frame portion 3h holds the keyboard 3b, touchpad 3c, and power button 3d, and also houses the motherboard 3f. For example, the frame portion 3h is in the shape of a rectangular plate. In this case, the frame portion 3h has a long side extending along the first direction D1 and a short side extending along the third direction D3 which intersects the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1, extends along the frame portion 3h, and moves away from the hinge portion 4.

[0027] The hinge portion 4 is the part that allows the monitor portion 2 to rotate relative to the main body portion 3 around the rotation axis X. The hinge portion 4 is, for example, cylindrical. As an example, the information device 1 has two hinge portions 4 aligned along the first direction D1. However, the shape and number of the hinge portions 4 are not particularly limited. Optical electrical connection components 10, which will be described in detail later, are passed through the hinge portions 4.

[0028] Information device 1 further includes an optical-electrical connection component 10. The optical-electrical connection component 10 is built into information device 1. In Figure 1, for clarity of illustration, the optical-electrical connection component 10, which is a wiring structure built into information device 1, is shown with a solid line. Multiple components constituting information device 1 are electrically and optically connected to each other by the optical-electrical connection component 10. For example, camera 2c and motherboard 3f are electrically and optically connected by the optical-electrical connection component 10. The electrical connection allows for the electrical operation of camera 2c. The optical connection transmits image data and audio data acquired by camera 2c to the motherboard. It should be noted that the operation by electrical and optical connections by the optical-electrical connection component 10 is not limited to these and can be applied to various things, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0029] Next, an example of the optical-electrical connection component 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the optical-electrical connection component 10 comprises 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 example shown in Figure 2, the wiring section 40 includes one optical fiber 41 and four metal wires, but is not limited to this, and may include two or more optical fibers 41, or only one metal wire. Such a wiring section 40 is configured to pass through the hinge section 4 of the information device 1. Specifically, at least in part, the wiring is consolidated (bundled) so that the optical fiber 41 and metal wires 42 of the wiring section 40 have a cross-section large enough to pass through the hinge section 4.

[0030] The optical fiber 41 has a first end 41a and a second end 41b located on the opposite side of the first end 41a. The first end 41a of the optical fiber 41 is connected to the first terminal member 20, and the second end 41b of the optical fiber 41 is connected to the second terminal member 30. Each metal wire 42 has a first end 42a and a second end 42b located on the opposite side of the first end 42a. The first end 42a of the metal wire 42 is connected to the first terminal member 20, and the second end 42b of the metal wire 42 is connected to the second terminal member 30.

[0031] The first terminal member 20 is, for example, a member positioned close to the camera 2c of the monitor unit 2 of the information device 1 and connected to the camera 2c. The first terminal member 20 includes a first substrate 21, a first optical component 22 positioned on the first substrate 21 and optically connected to the first end 41a of the optical fiber 41, a first connection terminal 23 positioned on the first substrate 21 and connected to the first end 42a of the metal wire 42, a control IC 24, and a connector 25. The first optical component 22 is provided with a lens member and an optical element 26 including a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element. The lens member optically couples the first end 41a of the optical fiber 41 to the optical element 26. The optical element 26 may, as an example, 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 into a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 21.

[0032] The control IC 24 controls the processing of the optical element 26 of the first optical component 22, such as photoelectric conversion. When the optical element 26 is a light-receiving element, the control IC 24 outputs the photoelectrically converted electrical signal to the connector 25. When the optical element 26 is a light-emitting element, the control IC 24 sends the electrical signal input from the connector 25 (for example, image information from the camera 2c) to the optical element 26 for photoelectric conversion and then injects it into the optical fiber 41.

[0033] The connector 25 is a component to which the optical-electrical connection component 10 is attached and to which an electrical component (for example, a camera 2c) built into the information device 1 (see Figure 1) is connected directly or indirectly. Various types of connectors can be used as the connector 25.

[0034] The second terminal member 30 is, for example, a member that is positioned close to the motherboard 3f of the main body 3 of the information device 1 and connected to the motherboard 3f. The second terminal member 30 includes a second substrate 31, a second optical component 32 positioned on the second substrate 31 and optically connected to the second end 41b of the optical fiber 41, a second connection terminal 33 positioned on the second substrate 31 and connected to the second end 42b of the metal wire 42, a control IC 34, and a connector 35. The second optical component 32 is provided with a lens member and an optical element 36 including a light-emitting element or a light-receiving element. The second terminal member 30 has the same structure as the first terminal member 20, and the second substrate 31, second optical component 32, second connection terminal 33, control IC 34, connector 35, and optical element 36 perform the same functions as the first substrate 21, first optical component 22, first connection terminal 23, control IC 24, connector 25, and optical element 26, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0035] The optical-electrical connection component 10 and the information device 1 equipped therewith, according to this embodiment, include an optical fiber 41 in addition to the metal wire 42. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the electronic device on which the connection component is mounted smaller or thinner. Moreover, in the optical-electrical 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 as well, the electronic device can be made smaller or thinner.

[0036] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 3, an optical-electrical connection component according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the optical-electrical connection component 10A comprises 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 according to 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 substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 41, etc. In this twisted section 45, each wire is twisted together to reduce the cross-sectional area, allowing it to easily pass through the hinge section 4. In the twisted section 45, the metal wire 42 may be twisted around the optical fiber 41 with the optical fiber 41 as the reference, or the reverse may be true, or the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 may be twisted together as the same wiring. The other structures are the same as those of the optical-electrical connection component 10 according to the first embodiment. Such optical-electrical connection components 10A can also be mounted on the information device 1.

[0037] The optical-electrical connection component 10A and the information device 1 equipped therewith, according to this embodiment, are equipped with an optical fiber 41 in addition to the metal wire 42, similar to the first embodiment. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the electronic device on which the connection component is mounted smaller or thinner. In addition, in this optical-electrical connection component 10A, the twisted portion 45 allows the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 to pass through the hinge portion 4 easily. 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 as well, the electronic device can be made smaller or thinner. Moreover, in the optical-electrical connection component 10A, the twisted portion 45 allows the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 to be treated as a single unit, making it easy to attach the optical-electrical connection component 10A to the information device 1, etc.

[0038] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 4, an optical-electrical connection component according to the third embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the optical-electrical connection component 10B comprises 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 according to the third embodiment, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are twisted together in the longitudinal direction in part, forming a twisted section 45A. In this twisted section 45A, similar to the second embodiment, each wire is twisted together to reduce the cross-sectional area, allowing it to easily pass through the hinge section 4. That is, in the optical-electrical connection component 10B according to the third embodiment, the twisted section 45A is provided to correspond to the hinge section 4. The other structures are the same as those of the optical-electrical connection components 10 and 10A according to the first and second embodiments. Such an optical-electrical connection component 10B can also be mounted on the information device 1.

[0039] The optical-electrical connection component 10B and the information device 1 equipped therewith, according to this embodiment, are equipped with an optical fiber 41 in addition to the metal wire 42, similar to the first embodiment. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the electronic device on which the connection component is mounted smaller or thinner. In addition, the optical-electrical connection component 10B is configured such that the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 can easily pass through the hinge portion 4 by the twisted portion 45A. 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 as well, the electronic device can be made smaller or thinner. Moreover, in the optical-electrical connection component 10B, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 can be treated as a single unit by the twisted portion 45A, and the optical-electrical connection component 10B can be easily attached to the information device 1, etc.

[0040] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 5, an optical-electrical connection component according to the fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the optical-electrical connection component 10C comprises a first terminal member 20A, a second terminal member 30A, a third terminal member 20B, a fourth terminal member 30B, and a wiring section 40. The wiring section 40 includes at least one optical fiber 41 and at least one metal wire 42.

[0041] The first terminal member 20A and the third terminal member 20B correspond to the first terminal member 20 of the first embodiment. The first terminal member 20A is connected to the first end 41a of the optical fiber 41, and the third terminal member 20B is connected to the first end 42a of the metal wire 42. The first terminal member 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 member and an optical element 26. The control IC 24A controls the optical element 26. The third terminal member 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.

[0042] The second terminal member 30A and the fourth terminal member 30B correspond to the second terminal member 30 of the first embodiment. The second terminal member 30A is connected to the second end 41b of the optical fiber 41, and the fourth terminal member 30B is connected to the second end 42b of the metal wire 42. The second terminal member 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 member and an optical element 36. The control IC 34A controls the optical element 36. The fourth terminal member 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.

[0043] In the wiring section 40 according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the second and third embodiments, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are twisted together in at least a portion of their longitudinal direction, forming 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 together and its cross-sectional area is reduced, allowing it to easily pass through the hinge section 4 of the information device 1. This twisted section 45B may be provided in a portion of the information device 1 to correspond to the hinge section 4. The other structures are the same as those of the optical-electrical connection component 10, etc., according to the first embodiment. Such an optical-electrical connection component 10C can also be mounted on the information device 1.

[0044] The optical-electrical connection component 10C and the information device 1 equipped therewith, according to this embodiment, are equipped with an optical fiber 41 in addition to the metal wire 42, similar to the first embodiment. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the electronic device on which the connection component is mounted smaller or thinner. In addition, in this optical-electrical connection component 10C, the twisted portion 45B allows the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 to pass through the hinge portion 4 easily. 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 as well, the electronic device can be made smaller or thinner. Moreover, in the optical-electrical connection component 10C, the twisted portion 45B allows the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 to be treated as a single unit, and the optical-electrical connection component 10A can be easily attached to the information device 1, etc. Furthermore, since the optical-electrical connection component 10C separates the terminal members for optical connection and the terminal members for electrical connection, it is possible to improve the design flexibility when mounting it on the information device 1.

[0045] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, an optical-electrical connection component according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the optical-electrical connection component 10D comprises 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. The optical-electrical connection component 10D according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a holding section 50 for holding the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42. The holding section 50 is formed, for example, by arranging the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 between a pair of laminate materials 51 and 52 and laminating them. As shown in Figure 7, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 are housed in storage sections 53 and 54 within the holding section 50 so that they are separated from each other. The optical fiber 41 may have a glass portion 41c and a covering portion 41d that covers the glass portion 41c, and the metal wire 42 may have a metal portion 42c and a covering portion 42d that covers the metal portion 42c. By having such a covering portion 41d, the optical fiber 41 reduces the influence of external forces applied to the optical fiber. The metal portions 42c are insulated from each other by having such a covering portion 42d. However, laminate materials 51 and 52 may perform some or all of the functions of such covering portions. The structure of such coverings is the same for the optical fiber 41 and metal wire 42 in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0046] The optical-electrical connection component 10D and the information device 1 equipped therewith, according to this embodiment, are equipped with an optical fiber 41 in addition to the metal wire 42, similar to the first embodiment. This significantly increases the transmission capacity compared to the case of electrical wiring alone. Furthermore, because the transmission capacity is significantly increased, the number of required wires can be reduced, making the electronic device on which the connection component is mounted smaller or thinner. In addition, in this optical-electrical connection component 10D, the holding portion 50 is configured so that the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 can easily 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 as well, the electronic device can be made smaller or thinner. Moreover, in the optical-electrical connection component 10D, the holding portion 50 allows the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 to be treated as a single unit, and the optical-electrical connection component 10D can be easily attached to the information device 1, etc.

[0047] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 8, an electrical component according to the sixth embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the optical-electrical connection component 10E comprises a first terminal member 20, a second terminal member 30, a wiring section 40, and a holding section 55. The holding section 55 is the same component as the holding section 50 of the fifth embodiment, but with a shorter length. Even with a holding section of this length, the same effects and advantages as in the fifth embodiment can be achieved.

[0048] The optical-electrical connection component and the information equipment equipped with the optical-electrical connection component have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied to various embodiments and modifications. For example, in the fourth embodiment described above (see Figure 5), the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 may not be twisted together. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the first terminal member 20A and the third terminal member 20B may be a common terminal (i.e., the first terminal member 20), or the second terminal member 30A and the fourth terminal member 30B may be a common terminal (i.e., the second terminal member 30).

[0049] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments described above, when twisting the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 together, the optical fiber 41 and the metal wire 42 may be twisted together by winding the metal wire 42 around the optical fiber 41, using the optical fiber 41 as a reference. In this case, since the metal wire 42 is wound around the optical fiber 41, it is possible to prevent an increase in transmission loss due to bending of the optical fiber 41. In addition, since the optical fiber 41 is protected by the metal wire 42, it is possible to prevent an increase in the transmission loss of the optical fiber 41 due to the application of external force.

[0050] Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments described above, the coating portion 42d of the metal wire 42 may have a lower Young's modulus than the coating portion 41d of the optical fiber 41. In this case, the lateral pressure applied to the optical fiber 41 by the coating portion 42d of the metal wire 42 is reduced. Therefore, an increase in the transmission loss of the optical fiber 41 is prevented. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1…Information equipment 2…Monitor section 2b…Display 2c... Camera 2d…Frame part 3…Main body 3b... Keyboard 3c...Touchpad 3D... Power button 3f...Motherboard 3h…Frame part 4…Hinge section 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E… Optical electrical connection components 20,20A…First terminal member 20B...Third terminal component 21,21A…First board 21B...Third board 22…First optical component 23…First connection terminal 24, 24A, 24B… Control ICs 25, 25A, 25B… connectors 26…Optical elements 30, 30A... Second terminal member 30B...Fourth terminal member 31, 31A…Second board 31B…4th board 32…Second optical component 33…Second connection terminal 34, 34A, 34B… Control ICs 35, 35A, 35B… connectors 36…Optical elements 40…Wiring section 41… Fiber optic 41a...first end 41b…Second end 41c...Glass part 41d... Covering part 42… Metal wire 42a...first end 42b…Second end 42c... Metal part 42d... Covering part 45, 45A, 45B... Twisted section 50,55...Holding part 51…Laminating material 52…Laminate material 53, 54… Storage compartments D1…first direction D2…Second direction D3...Third direction X...axis of rotation

Claims

1. First terminal member and The second terminal member and At least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, wherein the first end is connected to the first terminal member and the second end is connected to the second terminal member, A metal wire having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, wherein the first end is connected to the first terminal member and the second end is connected to the second terminal member, An optical electrical connection component comprising:

2. First terminal member and The second terminal member and The third terminal component, The fourth terminal member, At least one optical fiber having a first end and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, wherein the first end is connected to the first terminal member and the second end is connected to the second terminal member, A metal wire having 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, An optical electrical connection component comprising:

3. The first terminal member and the third terminal member are common terminal members. The optical-electrical connection component according to claim 2.

4. The optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together in at least a portion of their longitudinal direction. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together in a portion of their longitudinal direction, and a hinge portion through which the optical fiber and the metal wire pass is located at the twisted portion. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The optical fiber and the metal wire are twisted together by winding the metal wire around the optical fiber, with the optical fiber being used as a reference. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The number of metal wires is greater than the number of optical fibers. Two or more of the aforementioned metal wires are twisted together in the optical fiber. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The optical fiber and the metal wire are further provided with a holding portion that holds them in at least a portion of their longitudinal direction. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The holding portion is formed from a pair of laminate materials bonded together. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 8.

10. The holding part holds the optical fiber and the metal wire apart from each other. The optical electrical connection component according to claim 8.

11. The first terminal member comprises 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 member comprises a second substrate, a second optical component disposed on the second substrate and optically connected to the second end of the optical fiber, and a second connection terminal 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. The optical-electrical connection component according to claim 1.

12. The photoelectric connection component according to claim 1 or claim 2, It comprises a first equipment component and a second equipment component, The first device component is connected to the first terminal member, An information device in which the second device component is connected to the second terminal member.

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