KR20070023638A - Photoelectric transforming connector for optical fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical fiber photoelectric conversion connector that can be applied to a small portable device such as a cellular phone, comprising: a plug having a first light emitting unit for transmitting an optical signal via an optical fiber and / or a first light receiving unit for receiving an optical signal; A second light receiving unit that opposes the first light emitting unit and converts an optical signal from the first light emitting unit into an electrical signal and / or a second light source that converts the electric signal into an optical signal and transmits the light signal to the first light receiving unit A MID having a light emitting portion, and a cell to which a plug and a MID are mounted are provided. The cell is provided to be installed so that the first light emitting part is opposed to the second light receiving part or the first light receiving part is opposite to the second light emitting part, and a bottom plate on which the plug and the MID are mounted is placed upright from the four sides of the bottom plate. It has a plurality of elastic pieces in contact with the plug and the MID. Thereby, the plug can be attached and detached in the vertical direction with respect to the bottom plate of the cell.

Optical Fiber, Photoelectric Conversion, Connectors, Mobile Phones, Mobile Devices, Sockets, Plugs, Fittings

Description

Photoelectric conversion connector for optical fiber {PHOTOELECTRIC TRANSFORMING CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBERS}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber conversion connector for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal or converting an electrical signal into an optical signal.

In general, in this type of photoelectric conversion connector, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-214100, when the socket constituting the connector and the plug are engaged, the plug is fitted in front of the socket.

According to the method of fitting the plug in the front of the socket in this way, it is possible to accurately align the optical axis of the socket and the plug. However, assuming that a photoelectric conversion connector is placed inside a small electronic device such as a mobile phone or an electronic notebook, various electronic members are installed on a circuit board to which the socket is attached. It becomes difficult. In addition, when sufficient space is secured for easy fitting of the socket and plug, the circuit board becomes large. For this reason, the application of the photoelectric conversion connector to the miniaturized portable device is virtually impossible.

On the other hand, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-329637, in order to connect circuit boards, connectors provided on one circuit board are superposed on the upper surface side of the connectors provided on the other circuit board. Also known is a configuration that allows the fitting to be made. However, there has been a problem that the height (thickness) of the small electronic device itself becomes large when the connection structure of the connector is used in small electronic devices such as mobile phones and electronic notebooks.

Disclosure of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to enable the miniaturization and fitability of the photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber.

An optical fiber photoelectric conversion connector according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first light emitting unit for connecting an optical fiber and transmitting an optical signal via the optical fiber and / or a first light receiving unit for receiving the optical signal. An electrical signal facing the first connecting member having a portion, the second light receiving portion for converting the optical signal from the first light emitting portion into an electrical signal, and / or the first light receiving portion, facing the first light emitting portion. And a second connector having a second light emitting part for converting the signal into an optical signal and transmitting the light signal to the first light receiver, and a cell to which the first connector and the second connector are mounted. A bottom plate on which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are mounted so as to oppose the light emitting portion to the second light receiving portion and / or to oppose the first light receiving portion to the second light emitting portion, and four sides of the bottom plate (邊) is to be installed upright from the top And a plurality of elastic pieces in contact with the first connecting body and the second connecting body.

According to such a structure, in a state where the second connecting body (corresponding to the socket) is mounted on the cell, the first connecting body is mounted by attaching the first connecting body (corresponding to the plug) in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate of the cell. And a 2nd connection body can be arrange | positioned laterally side by side. Therefore, the attachment / detachment work of the first connecting body becomes easy, and the photoelectric conversion connector can be assembled to the electronic device without raising the height dimension of the electronic device itself. In addition, when the photoelectric conversion connector is mounted on a circuit board, the first connector can be detached in a vertical direction with respect to the bottom plate of the cell, so that there is little possibility of interference with other electronic components on the circuit board. Lose. Therefore, the space for facilitating attaching and detaching of the first connecting member can be reduced, and the enlargement of the circuit board can be prevented. As a result, it becomes possible to apply the photoelectric conversion connector to the miniaturized portable device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows the state before the plug and MID which comprise the photoelectric conversion connector for optical fibers which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state after fitting of the plug and the MID in the first embodiment. FIG.

3A to 3D are a plan view, a side view, a front view, and a rear view of the photoelectric conversion connector after the plug and MID are fitted in the first embodiment, respectively.

4 is a perspective view showing a state in which an optical fiber is fixed to a plug in the first embodiment.

5 is a perspective view of the photoelectric conversion connector in a state before the plug and MID are fitted, as in FIG.

Fig. 6 is a front view showing the alignment of the plug and the MID in the vertical direction in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing alignment by a taper portion of the plug and MID in the first embodiment. FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration for preventing the plug from being pulled out in the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a structure in which a light receiving element and a light emitting element are provided in the MID in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a through hole of the MID in the first embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which an IC is provided in the MID according to the first embodiment. FIG.

12A and 12B are side cross-sectional views and a bottom view, respectively, showing the wiring pattern of the back surface of the MID in the first embodiment.

13A and 13B are diagrams conceptually showing a modification of the alignment by the engagement of the plug and the MID in the first embodiment, respectively.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state before fitting of the plug and MID constituting the photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows the state after fitting of the plug and MID in 2nd Embodiment.

16A to 16E are a plan view, a side view, a front view, a back view, and a bottom view of the photoelectric conversion connector after the plug and MID are fitted in the second embodiment, respectively.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an opposing state between an optical fiber of a plug and a light emitting element or light receiving element of the MID in the second embodiment.

18A and 18B are perspective views of the plug according to the second embodiment as viewed from the front bottom side and the rear top side, respectively.

19A and 19B are perspective views, respectively, seen from the front top and the rear bottom of the MID in the second embodiment.

19C and 19D are front and rear views, respectively, of the MID in the second embodiment.

It is sectional drawing which shows the plug removal prevention structure in 2nd Embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the MID is opposed to the cell in the second embodiment in the opposite direction.

To practice the invention  Best form for

(First embodiment)

An optical fiber photoelectric conversion connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a MID (Molded Interconnect Device) 20 (second connector) having a plug 10 (first connector) and a three-dimensional circuit board constituting the photoelectric conversion connector 1 according to the first embodiment. The state before fitting is shown. 2 and 3A to 3D show the photoelectric conversion connector 1 after fitting the plug 10 and the MID 20. 4 shows the shape of fixing the optical fiber to the MID. FIG. 5 is a view of the photoelectric conversion connector 1 in the state as shown in FIG. 9-12 show the structure of each part of the photoelectric conversion connector 1. As shown in FIG.

The photoelectric conversion connector 1 includes a plug 10 to which an optical fiber is connected, a MID 20 to which the plug 10 is fitted, and a metal cell on which the plug 10 and the MID 20 are mounted. 30). The MID 20 is fixed to the cell 30, and a receptacle 40 corresponding to the socket is formed.

The plug 10 is made of a conductive plastic, and two optical fibers 50A and 50B for transmitting and receiving optical signals are connected. The optical signal transmitted from the other photoelectric conversion connector passes through the optical fiber 50A on the left side of FIG. 1, for example, and the optical signal transmitted from the photoelectric conversion connector 1 passes through the optical fiber 50B on the right side. Each optical fiber 50A, 50B is formed of plastic so as to have flexibility, and is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 11 of the plug 10 as shown in FIG. The tips of the optical fibers 50A and 50B to be displayed are thermally welded to the plug 10, respectively. The cross section of the optical fiber 50A in FIG. 4 is made into the 1st light emitting part 51A, and the cross section of the optical fiber 50B is made into the 1st light receiving part 51B. In addition, the front side 10A of the plug 10 in which the optical fibers 50A and 50B are inserted, and the end faces on which the optical fibers 50A and 50B are thermally welded (first light emitting portion 51A and first light) The light receiving portion 51B) is referred to as the back surface 10B.

In the MID 20, a circuit pattern is formed on a surface of a resin molded article, and a light receiving element 60, a light emitting element 70, and the like are mounted on the circuit pattern. As shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving element 60 is provided at a position facing the first light emitting portion 51A on the MID 20 in a state where the plug 10 and the MID 20 are fitted together. . The light emitting element 70 is provided at a position facing the first light receiving portion 51B on the MID 20. The light receiving element 60 functions as a second light receiving unit for converting an optical signal from the first light emitting unit 51A into an electrical signal. The light emitting element 70 functions as a second light emitting unit for converting an electric signal into an optical signal and transmitting it to the first light receiving unit 51B. On the MID 20, a circuit pattern 24 to which a signal is transmitted is further provided.

The cell 30 opposes the first light emitting portion 51A to the light receiving element 60 (second light receiving portion), and the first light receiving portion 51B is opposed to the light emitting element 70 (second light emitting portion). In the state, the bottom plate 31 on which the plug 10 and the MID 20 are placed and the four sides of the bottom plate 31 are installed upright, and the plug 10 and the MID 20 are installed. It has an elastic piece 32 (33) 34 (35) which contacts or couples to the side surface. The elastic piece 35 is provided to be in contact with or coupled to a surface on the side opposite to the surface on which the light receiving element 60 and the light emitting element 70 are installed among the side surfaces of the MID 20. On the other hand, the cell 30 is mounted on a substrate (not shown).

When conductive plastic is used as the material for forming the plug 10 as described above, since the plug 10 can be connected to the GND of the substrate (not shown) through the cell 30, the plug 10 itself is shielded ( It can be used as part of a shield.

In order to fit the plug 10 and the MID 20, as shown in FIG. 1, with respect to the receptacle 40 formed by fixing the MID 20 on the cell 30, the upper surface of the receptacle 40 is provided. This is done by attaching the plug 10 (vertical fitting). According to this configuration, the plug 10 and the MID 20 are arranged in the transverse direction while the plug 10 is mounted in the vertical direction with respect to the circuit board on which the receptacle 40 is provided. Therefore, when this connector 1 is used for the connection of circuit boards, the height of an electronic device can be made low. In addition, when the plug 10 is detached from the receptacle 40, the plug 10 is moved in a vertical direction with respect to the circuit board on which the receptacle 40 is installed, so that the plug 10 and the other mounted on the circuit board are mounted. In addition to preventing interference with electronic components, the plug 10 and the receptacle 40 can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, the mounting density of a circuit board can be made high and a circuit board can be miniaturized. As a result, it is possible to use the photoelectric conversion connector in a small electronic device such as a mobile phone or an electronic notebook.

Of the four sides of the bottom plate 31 of the cell 30, the two sides parallel to the opposite direction of the plug 10 and the MID 20 are formed separately to correspond to the plug 10 and the MID 20, respectively. Two elastic pieces 33 and 34 are formed. That is, when attaching or detaching the plug 10 with respect to the receptacle 40, the elastic piece 33 corresponding to the plug 10 is deformed, but the elastic piece 34 corresponding to the MID 20 is not deformed. Therefore, when attaching or detaching the plug 10 with respect to the receptacle 40 in which the MID 20 is attached to the cell 30, the MID 20 does not move, and the detachment operation of the plug 10 is performed. It becomes easy.

In the vicinity of the tip of the elastic piece 33, a locking portion 33a bent inward is formed. As shown in FIG. 6, the engaging portion 33a contacts the inclined surface 14 formed on the side surface of the plug 10, and pushes the plug 10 toward the bottom plate 31 of the cell 30. Therefore, the plug 10 is prevented from coming off to the upper surface side of the receptacle 40, and the optical axis of the plug 10 and the MID 20 is aligned in the height direction of the receptacle 40. Similarly, the engaging portion 34a bent inward is formed near the tip of the elastic piece 34. The locking portion 34a contacts the inclined surface formed on the side surface of the MID 20 and pushes the MID 20 toward the bottom plate 31.

A protrusion coupling portion 12 is formed on a surface of the plug 10 that faces the MID 20, and a recess coupling portion 22 is formed on a surface of the plug 10 that faces the plug 10 of the MID 20. ) Is formed. In the state where the plug 10 and the MID 20 are fitted together, the tip 12a and the base 12b of the protrusion coupling portion 12 of the plug 10 are respectively concave of the MID 20. Opposite but not in contact with the proximal end 22a and the distal end 22b of the engaging portion 22 and concave engagement with the tapered surface 10D between the distal end 12a and the proximal end 12b of the protruding engagement portion 12. The tapered surface 20D between the base end 22a and the tip end 22b of the part 22 abuts, and the plug 10 and the MID 20 are aligned. 7 shows the alignment by the tapered surface 10D of the plug 10 and the tapered surface 20D of the MID 20. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the protrusion coupling part 12 of the plug 10 and the recess coupling part 22 of the MID 20 contact. Further, optical axis alignment can be easily performed in the direction in which the plug 10 and the MID 20 face each other and in a direction orthogonal thereto, that is, in the front-rear direction and the width direction of the receptacle 40. Moreover, the effect that the optical axis of the plug 10 and the MID 20 is hard to shift | deviate can be acquired.

In the concave coupling portion 22 of the MID 20, a partition wall 23 protruding toward the protrusion coupling portion 12 side of the plug 10 is formed between the light receiving element 60 and the light emitting element 70. In addition, the notch 13 corresponding to the partition 23 is formed in the protrusion coupling portion 12 of the plug 10. This partition 23 functions as a light shielding plate, and prevents light output from the light emitting element 70 from leaking to the light receiving element 60 side.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the optical fibers 50A and 50B are tensioned in the cell 30, the plug 10 is removed from the bottom plate 31 in order to prevent the plug 10 from falling from the MID 20 more than necessary. A pair of 1st engagement piece 37 which protrudes toward the upper surface side is provided. Each first coupling piece 37 is formed by cutting the bottom plate 31 into an approximately L-shape in a direction opposite to the plug 10 and the MID 20 and in a direction orthogonal thereto, and raising a portion along the incision to the upper surface side. It is. On the other hand, as a corner portion formed between the front surface 10A and the bottom surface 10C of the plug 10, the portion corresponding to the first coupling piece 37 is engaged with the first coupling piece 37. A pair of recesses 15 are formed. Each concave portion 15 has at least a wall surface 15a parallel to the rear surface 10B, and when the optical fibers 50A and 50B are tensioned, the wall surface 15a is the first coupling piece 37. In contact with the cross section.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the plug 10 is mounted on the receptacle 40 (or the cell 30), the first coupling piece 37 provided on the bottom plate 31 of the cell 30 is It fits in the recessed part 15 of the plug 10. As a result, even when a tensile force is applied to the optical fibers 50A and 50B, the end face 37a of the first coupling piece 37 contacts the wall surface 15a of the recess 15 so that the plug 10 can be pulled out. Is prevented. On the other hand, also regarding the MID 20, the 2nd engaging piece 38 is provided in the predetermined position of the bottom plate 31 of the cell 30, and the 2nd engaging piece 38 of the MID 20 is attached to it. The recessed part 29 is formed in the corresponding part. And the 2nd engaging piece 38 of the cell 30 is fitted in the recessed part 29 of the MID 20, and the MID 20 is being fixed to the cell 30. As shown in FIG.

When a tensile force is applied to the optical fibers 50A and 50B, the plug 10 tries to move in the direction in which the force is applied, and the elastic piece 32 of the cell 30 is bent. However, the wall surface 15a of the recessed portion 15 of the plug 10 comes into contact with the end face of the first engaging piece 37 so that the plug 10 can no longer be moved. Therefore, the elastic piece 32 or the like does not bend any more, and plastic deformation of the elastic piece 32 or the like is prevented. In addition, when mounting the plug 10 to the receptacle 40, the up-down direction is not wrong.

As described above, the cell 30 is formed of a metal plate, and for example, a GND line of a circuit board, on which a solder part 36 protruding from the lower end of the elastic pieces 33 and 34 to the side part, is not shown. Is soldered to. As a result, the receptacle 40 (or the cell 30) is provided on the circuit board, and the cell 30 is electrically connected to the GND line. By forming the plug 10 from a conductive plastic, the plug 10 itself can be used as part of the shield.

9 shows the installation structure of the light receiving element 60 and the light emitting element 70 in the MID 20. The light receiving element 60 and the light emitting element 70 are provided in the concave portion 20a of the MID 20 and are electrically connected to the necessary circuit using the Ag paste 65 and the Au wire 66. Is connected. In addition, these elements are sealed by resin (67). As shown in Fig. 1, the recessed portion 20a is further recessed from the front surface 20A of the MID 20 (the same surface as the base end 22a of the concave coupling portion 22) toward the rear surface 20B. It is formed.

10 and 11 show the through hole structure of the MID 20 and the installation structure of the IC 80. A recess 20b is formed in the back 20B of the MID 20, and the signals of the light receiving element 60 (second light receiving portion) and the light emitting element 70 (second light emitting portion) are formed in the recess 20b. Two ICs 80 are respectively mounted to process. The wiring pattern (A surface) formed on the front surface 20A and the wiring pattern (B surface) of the concave portion 20b formed on the back surface 20B are connected through the through hole wiring 27. In addition, in FIG. 10, A 'surface is the bottom surface of the recessed part 20a. These ICs 80 are sealed with resin. In the concave portion 20b of the back surface 20B of the MID 20, between the two ICs 80, each IC 80 is sealed with a resin, and the interference of signals between the respective ICs 80 is prevented. A separating wall 28 is formed to prevent this. On the surface of the isolation wall 28, a circuit pattern (conductive pattern) grounded (GND) is formed. Thereby, interference of the signal between the two ICs 80, that is, cross talk, is prevented.

12A and 12B show wiring patterns on the bottom surface of the MID 20. The MID 20 is provided with a signal line soldering portion 25 and a GND soldering portion 26 exposed from the cell 30 and soldered to the circuit board.

As described above, according to the optical fiber photoelectric conversion connector according to the first embodiment, in particular, the plug 10 is fitted from the upper surface of the receptacle 40 so as not to be pulled out in the upper surface direction, and the plug 10 and the MID are supported. The optical axis alignment in the height direction of the receptacle 40 of 20 can be made compatible. In addition, the tapered surfaces 10D and 20D are used for fitting the protrusion coupling portion 12 of the plug 10 and the recess coupling portion 22 of the MID 20, and the tapered surfaces 10D and 20D are used. Since the optical axis can be aligned in the width direction of the receptacle 40, the miniaturization and fitability of the photoelectric conversion connector can be improved.

In the present invention, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, with respect to the alignment of the plug 10 and the MID 20, two modifications will be described with reference to Figs. 13A and 13B. In the modification shown in FIG. 13A, the tapered surface is not formed between the tip 12a and the base 12b of the concave engaging portion 12 of the plug 10, and the tip of the protrusion engaging portion 12 ( Both edges 12c of 12a are in contact with the tapered surface between the base end 22a and the tip end 22b of the recess 22 of the MID 20. On the other hand, in the modification shown to FIG. 13B, the taper surface is not formed between the base end 22a and the front end 22b of the concave coupling part 22 of the MID 20, but the base end of the concave coupling part 22 is not shown. Both cabinets 22c of 22a are in contact with the tapered surface between the tip 12a and the proximal end 12b of the protruding engagement portion 12 of the plug 10. According to the structure of this modification, since the contact site | part of the protrusion coupling part 12 of the plug 10 and the recessed coupling part 22 of the MID 20 becomes small, only a contact site should just ensure dimensional precision.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure of each said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible in the range which does not change the meaning of invention. For example, in each said embodiment, although the protrusion coupling part 12 was formed in the plug 10 side, and the recessed coupling part 22 was formed in the MID 20 side, on the contrary, it is concave coupling in the plug 10 side. A portion may be formed, and a protrusion coupling portion may be formed on the MID 20 side. Alternatively, a protrusion coupling portion and a concave coupling portion corresponding to the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion are formed on the plug 10 side, and a concave coupling portion corresponding to the second light receiving portion and the second light emitting portion on the MID 20 side; The protrusion coupling portion may be formed or vice versa.

(2nd embodiment)

The photoelectric conversion connector for optical fibers according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While the first embodiment relates to a photoelectric conversion connector in which two optical fibers are connected to a plug and can simultaneously transmit and receive an optical signal, in the second embodiment, only one optical fiber is connected to the plug, A photoelectric conversion connector capable of transmitting or receiving a signal only. In addition, about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

Fig. 14 shows a MID (Molded Interconnect Device) 120 (second connector) including a plug 110 (first connector) and a three-dimensional circuit board constituting the photoelectric conversion connector 100 according to the second embodiment. The state before fitting is shown. 15, 16A to 16E, and FIG. 17 show the photoelectric conversion connector 100 after the plug 110 and the MID 120 are fitted. 18A and 18B show the configuration of the plug 110. 19A to 19D show the configuration of the MID 120. 20 shows a coupling structure of the plug 110 and the cell 130. 21 illustrates a coupling structure of the MID 120 and the cell 130.

In the photoelectric conversion connector 100 according to the second embodiment, one optical fiber 50 for transmitting or receiving an optical signal is connected to the plug 110. The optical fiber 50 is formed of plastic so as to have flexibility, and is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole 111 of the plug 110 and thermally welded to the plug 110 as in the case of the first embodiment. On the other hand, on the circuit pattern 24 of the MID 120, a light receiving element 60, a light emitting element 70, or the like is provided. The light receiving element 60 or the light emitting element 70 is provided at a position facing the end face 51 of the optical fiber 50 on the MID 120 in a state where the plug 110 and the MID 120 are fitted together. .

When a signal is transmitted to another device via the optical fiber 50, the end face 51 of the optical fiber 50 functions as the first light emitting portion. In that case, the MID 120 provided with the light receiving element 60 which functions as a 2nd light receiving part in the position which opposes the end surface 51 of the optical fiber 50 of the plug 110 can be used. In addition, when a signal is transmitted from another device or the like through the optical fiber 50, the end face 51 of the optical fiber 50 functions as the first light receiving unit. In that case, the MID 120 provided with the light emitting element 70 which functions as a 2nd light emitting part in the position which opposes the cross section 51 of the optical fiber 50 of the plug 110 can be used.

The cell 130 has the end surface 51 (first light emitting portion or first light receiving portion) of the optical fiber 50 facing the light receiving element 60 (second light receiving portion) or the light emitting element 70 (second light emitting portion). In the state, the bottom plate 131 on which the plug 110 and the MID 120 are placed is installed upright from the four sides of the bottom plate 131 and installed on the side of the plug 110 and the MID 120. It has elastic pieces 132, 133, 134, 135 to be contacted or coupled. Of the four sides of the bottom plate 131 of the cell 130, two sides parallel to the opposite direction of the plug 110 and the MID 120 are formed separately to correspond to the plug 110 and the MID 120, respectively. Two elastic pieces 133 and 134 are formed. On the other hand, the elastic piece 132 in contact with the front surface 110A of the plug 110 is formed with cutouts 132a to avoid interference with the optical fiber 50.

In order to fit the plug 110 and the MID 120, the receptacle 140 is connected to the receptacle 140 in which the MID 120 is fixed on the cell 130 as in the case of the first embodiment. The plug 110 is mounted from the upper surface of the top surface (fit in the vertical direction).

The engaging portion 133a bent inward is formed near the tip of the elastic piece 133 corresponding to the plug 110. The engaging portion 133a contacts the inclined surface 114 formed on the side surface of the plug 110 and pushes the plug 110 toward the bottom plate 131 of the cell 130. Therefore, in the state where the plug 110 is attached to the receptacle 140, the plug 110 is prevented from being inadvertently pulled out to the upper surface side of the receptacle 140.

On the other hand, in the vicinity of the central portion of the elastic piece 134 corresponding to the MID 120, an engaging portion 134a bent inward along a substantially U-shaped cutout is formed. As shown in Figs. 19A to 19D, coupling grooves 121 for engaging with the coupling portion 134a of the elastic piece 134 are formed on both sides of the MID 120. In the state in which the MID 120 is mounted on the cell 130, the coupling portion 134a of the elastic piece 134 is coupled to the coupling groove 121 of the MID 120. Therefore, when the plug 110 is detached from the receptacle 140, the elastic piece 133 corresponding to the plug 110 is deformed, but the elastic piece 134 corresponding to the MID 120 is not deformed. The MID 120 does not move in the height direction of the photoelectric conversion connector 100. As a result, the attachment / detachment work of the plug 110 becomes easy. On the other hand, the positioning in the opposite direction to the plug 110 of the MID 120 will be described later.

A protrusion coupling part 112 is formed on a surface of the plug 110 that faces the MID 120, and a concave coupling part 122 is formed on a surface of the plug 110 that faces the plug 110 of the MID 120. . Since only the light receiving element 60 or the light emitting element 70 is mounted in the concave coupling portion 122 of the MID 120, a partition wall protruding toward the protrusion coupling portion 112 side of the plug 110 is not formed. Also, the cutout portion corresponding to the partition wall is not formed in the protrusion coupling portion 112 of the plug 110.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the optical fiber 50 is tensioned in the cell 130, the upper surface side is removed from the bottom plate 131 to prevent the plug 110 from falling from the MID 120 more than necessary. The first engaging piece 137 protruding toward is provided. The first coupling piece 137 is cut in a substantially U-shape in a direction substantially opposite to the plug 110 and the MID 120 and in a direction orthogonal to the bottom plate 131, and the portion along the incision is turned upward. It is formed by raising. On the other hand, in the portion corresponding to the first engaging piece 137 of the bottom surface 110C of the plug 110, a recess 115 that is engaged with the first engaging piece 137 is formed. The recessed part 15 has the wall surface 115a parallel to the back surface 110B at least, and when the optical fiber 50 is tensioned, this wall surface 115a is attached to the end surface 137a of the 1st coupling piece 137. As shown in FIG. Contact.

In the photoelectric conversion connector 100 according to the second embodiment, in order to prevent the optical fiber 50 from coming off the plug 110 when a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 50, a stopper of the optical fiber 50 150) is installed. Specifically, a recess 151 having a rectangular cross section is formed in a direction orthogonal to the optical fiber insertion hole 111 of the plug 110. Inside the recess 151, the stopper 150 is formed of an optical fiber. It is crimped | bonded to the outer peripheral part of (50). Although not shown, the tip of the stopper 150 is press-fit into the plug 110. Therefore, the optical fiber 50 is integrated with the plug 110 via the stopper 150. Therefore, the optical fiber 50 does not come off from the plug 110 unless a very large force is applied.

When a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber 50, the plug 110 tries to move in the direction in which the force is applied, and the elastic piece 132 of the cell 130 is bent. However, the wall surface 115a of the recess 115 of the plug 110 contacts the end surface of the first engaging piece 137, so that the plug 10 cannot move further. Therefore, the elastic piece 132 or the like does not bend any more, and plastic deformation of the elastic piece 132 or the like is prevented. In addition, when mounting the plug 110 to the receptacle 140, there is no mistake in the up and down direction.

As shown in Figs. 19A to 19D, four grooves 120a are formed at both ends of the two corner portions formed by the front surface 120A and the rear surface 120B and the bottom surface 120C of the MID 120, respectively. In the bottom plate 131 of the cell 130, the bottom plate 131 is cut into a predetermined shape in a portion corresponding to the groove 120a of the MID 120, and is bent toward the upper surface side according to the notch, thereby providing four second parts. Coupling piece 138 is formed. Then, in the state where the MID 120 is mounted to the cell 130, the second coupling piece 138 of the cell 130 fits into the groove 120a of the MID 120, whereby the plug 110 and The movement of the MID 120 with respect to the cell 130 in the opposite direction of the MID 120 is regulated. As shown in FIG. 21, in the opposing direction of the plug 110 and the MID 120, micro projections are formed on the two second engagement pieces 138 so as to be pressed into the MID 120. As shown in FIG. You may also do it.

The cell 130 is formed of a metal plate. For example, the soldering portion 136 protruding downward from the lower end of the elastic piece 33 is soldered to the GND line of the circuit board (not shown). As a result, the receptacle 140 (or the cell 130) is provided on the circuit board, and the cell 130 is electrically connected to the GND line. By forming the plug 110 from a conductive plastic, the plug 110 itself can be used as part of the shield.

In this manner, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained also in the second embodiment. It goes without saying that various modifications are possible as in the case of the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes at least a first light emitting part for connecting an optical fiber and transmitting an optical signal via the optical fiber and / or for receiving the optical signal. A first connecting member having a first light receiving portion, a second light receiving portion for converting an optical signal from the first light emitting portion into an electrical signal, and / or an electric signal facing the first light receiving portion, opposite the first light emitting portion; And a second connector having a second light emitting part for converting the signal into an optical signal and transmitting the light signal to the first light receiving part, and a cell in which the first connector and the second connector are mounted. A bottom plate on which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are mounted so as to face a second light receiving part and / or to face the second light emitting part, and is installed upright from four sides of the bottom plate; Preferably It is, good, if a plurality of the elastic piece contacting the first contacts and second contacts.

Thereby, in the state which attached the 2nd connection body (equivalent to a socket) to a cell, by attaching a 1st connection body (equivalent to a plug) to the perpendicular | vertical direction with respect to the bottom plate of a cell, a 1st connection body and a 2nd The connection body can be arrange | positioned laterally. Therefore, the attachment / detachment work of the first connecting body becomes easy, and the photoelectric conversion connector can be assembled to the electronic device without raising the height dimension of the electronic device itself. In addition, when this photoelectric conversion connector is provided on a circuit board, the first connecting body can be detached in a vertical direction with respect to the bottom plate of the cell, whereby the possibility of interference with other electronic components on the circuit board becomes very small. Therefore, the space for facilitating attaching and detaching of the first connecting member can be reduced, and the enlargement of the circuit board can be prevented. As a result, it becomes possible to apply the photoelectric conversion connector to the miniaturized portable device.

In addition, of the four sides of the bottom plate, two elastic pieces that are formed separately to correspond to the first connecting body and the second connecting body are respectively formed on two sides parallel to the opposite directions of the first connecting body and the second connecting body. It is preferable that it is formed. Thereby, when attaching and detaching a 1st connection body from the back in the state which affixed the 2nd connection body to a cell, a 2nd connection body does not rattle, and attaching and detaching operation of a 1st connection body becomes easy.

Moreover, among two elastic pieces respectively provided in the two sides parallel to the opposing direction of the said 1st connection body and the 2nd connection body of the said bottom board, at least in the vicinity of the front-end | tip of the elastic piece corresponding to the said 1st connection body inwards It is preferable that the engaging portions are formed, and inclined surfaces that are pushed in the direction of the bottom plate of the cell by the engaging portions are formed on both side surfaces of the first connecting member. Thereby, while preventing a 1st connection body from falling out to an upper surface side, optical axis alignment in the height direction of a photoelectric conversion connector can be performed easily.

In addition, a projection engaging portion and a concave coupling portion are formed on opposing surfaces of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the tip and the proximal end of the projecting coupler are formed in a state where the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected. Ends of both sides in a direction orthogonal to the opposite direction of the first connecting body and the second connecting body as the front end of at least one of the protrusion coupling portion and the concave coupling portion, without contacting the base end and the front end of the concave coupling portion. It is preferable that an edge is formed to contact at least the other side of the said projection coupling part and the recess coupling part. Thereby, if there are few parts to contact and the dimension contact is ensured only in the part to contact, sufficient fitting precision of a 1st connection body and a 2nd connection body can be obtained. Therefore, compared with the structure which the whole of a 1st connection body and a 2nd connection body contacts, it does not require much dimensional precision, and manufacture of a 1st connection body and a 2nd connection body becomes easy. Moreover, optical axis alignment in the width direction and the opposing direction of a 1st connection body and a 2nd connection body can be performed easily.

In addition, it is preferable that the tapered surface is formed between the tip and the proximal end of the protrusion coupling portion and between the tip and the proximal end of the concave coupling portion, and the tapered surface of the protrusion coupling portion and the tapered surface of the concave coupling portion are in contact with each other. This makes it easy to confirm that the tapered surfaces of the protrusion coupling portion and the concave coupling portion are in contact with each other, thereby making it easier to align the first connecting member and the second connecting body and making it difficult to shift the optical axis.

In addition, the cell is provided with a coupling piece protruding from the bottom plate toward the upper surface side, and the optical fiber is connected to the first connector from a surface opposite to the surface having the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion. A concave portion coupled with the joining piece is formed at a portion of the cell plate opposite to the bottom plate, and the concave portion has a wall surface parallel to a surface having at least the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion. It is desirable to have. As a result, when a tensile force is applied to the optical fiber, even if the elastic piece is bent to some extent, the joining piece is in contact with the wall surface of the concave portion, and the elastic piece is no longer bent. As a result, plastic deformation of the elastic piece can be prevented. Moreover, when attaching a 1st connection body to a cell, it can prevent that an up-down direction mounts wrongly.

In addition, the coupling piece is formed by cutting the bottom plate of the cell in a direction parallel to the direction opposite to the first connecting body and the second connecting body and in a direction orthogonal thereto, and raising a portion along the notch to the upper surface side. It is desirable to have. As a result, when the tensile force is applied to the optical fiber and the joining piece contacts the wall of the concave portion, the joining piece is less likely to fall and the deformation of the joining piece can be prevented.

In addition, it is preferable that the first connector is made of a conductive plastic, and the cell is made of a metal to ground the cell. By connecting the cell to the GND of the circuit board, the first connector itself can be used as part of the shield.

Further, the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion are provided in parallel on a surface of the first connecting member that faces the second connecting member, and the first connecting member of the second connecting member faces the first connecting member. Preferably, the second light receiving portion and the second light emitting portion are disposed in parallel so as to face the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion, respectively. This makes it possible to simultaneously transmit and receive an optical signal with one photoelectric conversion connector without increasing the dimension in the height direction of the photoelectric conversion connector.

In addition, the protrusion coupling portion is formed in the first connecting body, the concave coupling portion is formed in the second connecting body, and the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion are respectively provided in the concave coupling portion, Between the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion in the concave coupling portion, a partition wall protruding toward the protrusion coupling portion side is formed, and a cutout portion into which the partition wall is fitted to a portion corresponding to the partition wall of the protrusion coupling portion. It is preferable that it is formed. By providing the partition walls in this way, the light from the first light emitting portion is prevented from entering the second light receiving portion or the light from the second light emitting portion is prevented from entering the first light receiving portion, thereby preventing interference of the optical signal. can do.

In addition, the second connector is provided on the surface opposite to the surface having the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion, two ICs for processing signals of the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion are provided. It is preferable that an isolation wall is formed between the ICs to have a grounding conductive pattern and to prevent interference between signals of the ICs. Thereby, crosstalk of the signal between the two ICs can be prevented.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-22828, the contents of which should be incorporated in the present invention as a result by referring to the specification and drawings of the patent application.

In addition, although the present invention has been sufficiently described by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible. Therefore, such changes and modifications should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

A first connecting member having an optical fiber connected thereto having a first light emitting portion for transmitting an optical signal and / or a first light receiving portion for receiving the optical signal via the optical fiber; Opposing the first light emitting unit, the second light receiving unit for converting an optical signal from the first light emitting unit into an electrical signal and / or the first light receiving unit, converts the electrical signal into an optical signal to the first light receiving unit A second connector having a second light emitting portion to be transmitted to And a cell to which the first and second connectors are mounted. The cell includes a bottom plate on which the first connecting member and the second connecting member are mounted so as to oppose the first light emitting part to the second light receiving part and / or to oppose the first light receiving part to the second light emitting part. An optical fiber photoelectric conversion connector, comprising: a plurality of elastic pieces contacting the first connecting body and the second connecting body so as to stand upside from four sides of the bottom plate. The method of claim 1, Of the four sides of the bottom plate, two sides which are formed separately to correspond to the first connecting body and the second connecting body are formed on two sides parallel to the opposite directions of the first connecting body and the second connecting body, respectively. Photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber, characterized in that there is. The method of claim 2, A hook that is bent inward in the vicinity of a tip of at least an elastic piece corresponding to the first connecting member among two elastic pieces respectively provided on two sides parallel to the opposing directions of the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the bottom plate. And an inclined surface which is formed on both sides of the first connecting member to be pushed toward the bottom plate of the cell by the locking portion. The method of claim 1, On the opposing surface of the first connecting member and the second connecting member, a protrusion coupling portion and a concave coupling portion are formed. In the state where the first connecting body and the second connecting body are connected, the leading end and the proximal end of the protruding engagement portion do not contact the proximal end and the distal end of the concave engagement portion, At least one tip of the protrusion coupling portion and the concave coupling portion, wherein end edges at both sides in a direction orthogonal to the opposite direction of the first connecting body and the second connecting body are different from each other at least of the protrusion coupling portion and the concave coupling portion. A photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber, characterized in that it is formed in contact with the side. The method of claim 4, wherein A tapered surface is formed between the tip and the proximal ends of the protrusion coupling portion and between the tip and the base of the concave coupling portion, respectively, and the tapered surface of the protrusion coupling portion and the tapered surface of the concave coupling portion are formed to contact each other. Photoelectric conversion connector for optical fiber. The method of claim 1, The cell is provided with a coupling piece that protrudes from the bottom plate toward the upper surface side, and the optical fiber is connected to the first connector from a surface opposite to the surface having the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion. A concave portion engaged with the joining piece is formed in a portion corresponding to the joining piece as a surface facing the bottom plate of the concave portion, the recess having a wall surface parallel to a surface having at least the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion; Photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber, characterized in that there is. The method of claim 6, The joining piece is formed by cutting the bottom plate of the cell in a direction parallel to the direction opposite to the first connecting body and the second connecting body and in a direction orthogonal thereto, and raising a portion along the notching to the upper surface side. Photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The first connector is formed of a conductive plastic, and the cell is formed of a metal to ground the cell. The method of claim 1, The first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion are provided in parallel on a surface of the first connecting body that faces the second connecting body, The optical fiber, wherein the second light receiving portion and the second light emitting portion are disposed in parallel to face the first light emitting portion and the first light receiving portion, respectively, on a surface of the second connecting body that faces the first connecting body. Photoelectric conversion connector. The method of claim 9, In addition to forming the protrusion coupling portion on the first connecting body, the concave coupling portion is formed on the second connecting body, The second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion are respectively provided in the concave coupling portion, Between the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion in the concave coupling portion, a partition wall protruding toward the protrusion coupling portion side is formed, And a cutout portion into which the partition wall is fitted, formed at a portion corresponding to the partition wall of the protrusion coupling portion. The method of claim 9, The second connector is provided on the surface opposite to the surface having the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion, two ICs for processing signals of the second light emitting portion and the second light receiving portion, A photoelectric conversion connector for an optical fiber, having a conductive pattern grounded between the two ICs, and an isolation wall for preventing interference of signals between the ICs.

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