Patent ID: 6500026
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A process for assembling a male hybrid connector having electric and optical connectors formed integrally with each other, the optical connector including: at least one optical element module having an optical element; sleeves, each of which has an optical waveguide, provided in accordance with the number of the optical element modules; a housing shared with the electric connector, the housing having receiving cylinders for holding the sleeves therein; and a case for holding the optical element modules, the process comprising the steps of:a first assembly step of reaching a provisionally inserted state, in which each sleeve is partway inserted into the corresponding receiving cylinder; a second assembly step of reaching a completely inserted state, in which each optical element module is pressed against an end face of the corresponding sleeve exposed from the receiving cylinder so as to further insert the sleeve into the corresponding receiving cylinder, and then engaging a projection formed on the optical element module with a corresponding hollow portion formed in the receiving cylinder so as to align a position of the optical element with an axis of the corresponding receiving cylinder; and a third assembly step of engaging the case with the receiving cylinders, while the case holds the optical element modules, so as to fix a position of the optical element modules with respect to the housing.