JPH1114917A - Optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deformation or breaking of a fiber array and to reduce an optical connection error by providing an array regulating member composed of a pressing part and an attaching part, one end of the attaching part being fixed to the pressing part and the other being fixed to a base. SOLUTION: An array regulating member 20 for regulating the thermal deformation of a fiber array 10 stuck to the surface of a base 18 is formed by, for example bending an elastic metal plate of SUS or the like in an L shape, one end side thereof is formed to be a pressing part 21 contacted with the fiber array 10 and the other end side thereof is formed to be an attaching part 23 fixed to the base 18. This elastic metal plate is bent such that a bending angle, i.e., an angle α made between the pressing part 21 and the attaching part 23 is slightly smaller than 90 deg.. Thus, the array regulating member 20 is provided with a function as a leaf spring, and the fiber array 10 is surely fixed to the base 18 while the upper and lower direction deformation of the same is absorbed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch which includes a fiber array and a base for supporting the fiber array, and switches an optical connection between optical fibers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques in such a field include:
An optical switch described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-113090 is known. The optical switch described in this publication includes a first optical fiber (n-side optical fiber) and a second optical fiber (master-side optical fiber). A fiber array having a fiber alignment groove for aligning the second optical fiber, the second optical fiber is selectively introduced into the fiber alignment groove, and the second optical fiber and the first optical fiber fixed to the fiber alignment groove are separated. Make optical connection. Also, when adjusting the end face interval between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, the fiber array can be moved with respect to the stage of the optical switch to enable fine adjustment of the end face interval. Here, if the fiber array itself is to be temporarily fixed to the stage of the optical switch via a screw or the like, the fiber array is formed of a brittle material such as silicon, glass, and ceramics.
The fiber array may be broken. Therefore,
A base supporting the fiber array is temporarily fixed on the stage of the optical switch, and the fiber array is fixed on the base. In this case, after applying an adhesive to the bottom surface of the fiber array or the surface of the base, the fiber array is placed on the base, and the adhesive is cured to fix the fiber array to the base.

[0003]

However, conventionally, since the fiber array was fixed to the base by the above-described method, the following problems existed. That is,
The fiber array is formed of a material such as silicon having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, whereas the base is formed of a metal having a large coefficient of thermal expansion.Therefore, there is a difference between the two coefficients of thermal expansion. When the ambient temperature changes, the fiber array may be thermally deformed due to the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion. For this reason, a large stress acts on the portion to which the adhesive is applied, and the adhesive is peeled off. This causes an increase in optical connection error, and when the optical switch is subjected to vibration or impact, the adhesive is not applied. The bonded part vibrates,
In some cases, the fiber array was damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical switch capable of preventing deformation and breakage of a fiber array and having a small optical connection error. .

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical switch having a fiber array having a fiber alignment groove for aligning a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and a fiber array having the fiber array on a surface thereof. An optical switch for selectively introducing a second optical fiber into the fiber alignment groove and optically connecting the second optical fiber to the first optical fiber fixed in the fiber alignment groove. , An array restricting member comprising: a pressing portion that abuts on an end surface in an extending direction of a fiber array adhered to a base; and an attaching portion having one end fixed to the pressing portion and the other end fixed to the base. It is characterized by having.

When fixing the fiber array on the optical switch, first, an adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the fiber array or the surface of the base, and the fiber array is mounted on the surface of the base. Then, after the adhesive is cured, the holding portion of the array regulating member is brought into contact with the upper surface of the end in the extending direction of the fiber array, and the mounting portion of the array regulating member is fixed to the base. Thereby, the fiber array is pressed against the base by the array regulating member. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to restrict vertical deformation of both ends in the extending direction of the fiber array, and that the fiber array is damaged by vibrating unbonded portions. Can be prevented.

In this case, it is preferable that the mounting portion is detachably fixed to the base via fastening means. If such a configuration is adopted, when bonding the fiber array to the base,
Since the array regulating member can be removed, the work is not hindered by the array regulating member.

In this case, it is preferable that the array regulating member has an L-shaped cross section formed by the holding portion and the mounting portion. With such a configuration, the array regulating member can be formed very easily.

Further, in this case, it is preferable that the array regulating member is formed by bending an elastic metal plate into an L-shape. If such a configuration is adopted, the array regulating member also has a function as a leaf spring, so that the fiber array can be reliably pressed against the base while absorbing the deformation of the fiber array in the vertical direction. it can.

Further, in this case, a plurality of grooves are provided on at least one of the bottom surface of the central portion in the extending direction of the fiber array and the surface of the central portion in the extending direction of the base, and the surfaces bonded by the grooves are bonded. It is preferable to apply an agent to adhere the fiber array and the base. By limiting the bonding area in this way, when the ambient temperature changes after bonding, it is possible to reduce the thermal deformation of the fiber array caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the fiber array and the base.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an optical switch according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The optical switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 7 from which a plurality of (for example, 100) tape fibers 8 are exposed. Each tape fiber 8
Is formed as a four-core tape fiber 8 by bundling four first optical fibers 9 (n-side optical fibers), and a plurality of first fibers 9 are bundled from the housing 7 in a state where the first optical fibers 9 are bundled. (For example, 400). The first optical fibers 9 are stripped from the tips of the tape fibers 8 and arranged side by side with the fiber array 10 on the stage 3 housed in the housing 7. The optical switch 1 includes two fiber arrays 10, and each fiber array 10 is adhered to a base 18 temporarily fixed on the stage 3.

On the stage 3, a head base 12 that moves in the direction in which the fiber array 10 extends is disposed, and a movable arm 14 is fixed to the head base 12. Two second optical fibers 13 (master-side optical fibers) are fixed to the movable arm 14.
By operating the movable arm 14 via an arm driving mechanism (not shown) included in the head base 12, the second
The tip of the optical fiber 13 can be brought into contact with the optical fiber array 0.

Further, on the stage 3 housed in the housing 7, a screw shaft 4 for moving the head base 12, a stepping motor 5 for driving the screw shaft 4, and a stepping motor 5 are controlled. And a control unit 6 are arranged, but their detailed description is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined number of fiber alignment grooves 15 are formed on the surface of the fiber array 10 so as to extend in a straight line in the optical fiber coupling direction. The fiber alignment groove 15 is divided into two by a separation groove 17, one side of which is used as a first fiber alignment groove 15a for aligning the first optical fiber 9, and the other side is a movable arm. A second optical fiber alignment groove 15 for aligning a second optical fiber 13 introduced by 12
Used as b. A plurality of (for example, 200) first optical fibers 9 are fixed to the first fiber alignment groove 15a with an adhesive, and a cover plate 11 that covers the first optical fibers 9 is fixed from above. The optical end face of the first optical fiber 9 is cut and aligned so as to be flush with the wall face of the separation groove 17 on the first optical fiber 9 side and the end face of the cover plate 11.

Base 18 for supporting fiber array 10
As shown in FIG. 3, protrusions 19 are provided at both left and right ends in the direction in which the fiber array 10 extends.
It has. Each protrusion 19 has two long holes 1
9a is formed, and the extending direction of the elongated hole 19a is
It matches the direction of the fiber alignment groove 15 of the fiber array 10 fixed to the base 18. A fixing screw 19b is inserted into the elongated hole 19a, and the fixing screw 19b is
The base 18 is screwed into a screw hole 3b (see FIG. 4) provided in the
Fixed to. Thereby, the base 18 can be moved on the stage 3 in the extending direction of the elongated hole 19a to adjust the end face interval between the first optical fiber 9 and the second optical fiber 13.

A support surface 18a for supporting the fiber array 10 is formed between the protrusions 19. This support surface 18
Two grooves 18b are formed at the center of the area a. An adhesive is applied to an adhesive area 18c partitioned by the two grooves 18b, and the fiber array 10 is placed thereon and the adhesive is applied. Let it cure. Fiber array 10 to base 18
The excess adhesive is accommodated in the groove 18 when placed on the
A plurality of grooves may be provided on the bottom surface at the center in the extending direction of the fiber array, and a surface partitioned by the grooves may be used as an adhesion region.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the array regulating member 20 for regulating the thermal deformation of the fiber array 10 adhered to the surface of the base 18 will be described. The array restricting member 20 is formed, for example, by using an elastic metal plate such as SUS as L
It is bent into a letter shape, and one end is formed as a pressing portion 21 for abutting on the fiber array 10, and the other end is formed as a mounting portion 23 for fixing to the base 18. Things. As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic metal plate is bent so that the bending angle, that is, the angle α formed between the holding portion 21 and the mounting portion 23 is slightly smaller than 90 °. Thereby, the array regulating member 2
0 also has a function as a leaf spring, and the fiber array 1
Fiber array 1 while absorbing vertical deformation of
0 can be reliably pressed against the base 18.

A Teflon coating is applied to the inner surface (the surface that comes into contact with the fiber array) of the tip of the holding portion 21 to form a Teflon coating portion 22. Since the pressing portion 21 contacts the upper surface (the cover plate 11) of the fiber array 10 via the Teflon coating portion 22, the friction of the contact portion can be reduced. Furthermore,
A mounting hole 24 is provided at the tip of the mounting portion 23. A mounting screw 25 is inserted into the mounting hole 24, and a screw hole 18d provided at an end of the base 18 in the extending direction (FIG. 4).
2), the array restricting member 20 is fixed to the base 18. As described above, since the array regulating member 20 is fixed to the base through the fastening means including the mounting screw 25 and the screw hole 18d, the fiber array 1
When the O is adhered to the base 18, the array regulating member 20 can be removed, and the array regulating member 20 does not hinder the work. The array regulating member 20 is mounted on the base 18.
When fixed to the Teflon coat part 22 of the holding part 21
Abuts on the upper surface of the end of the fiber array 10 in the direction in which the cover plate 11 extends.

To fix the fiber array 10 in the optical switch 1, first, the support surface 18 of the base 18 is fixed.
An adhesive is applied to an adhesive area 18c formed at the center of the area a, and the fiber array 10 is placed on the support surface 18a of the base 18, and the adhesive is cured. As described above, since the range in which the adhesive is applied is limited to the bonding region 18c of the base 18, when the ambient temperature changes after bonding, the bonding may be caused by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between the fiber array 10 and the base 18. This can reduce the thermal deformation of the fiber array 10 that occurs.

Next, the array regulating member 20 is approached from above the fiber array 10, and the Teflon coat portion 22 of the pressing portion 21 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the end of the fiber array 10 in the extending direction of the cover plate 11. Press down with force. Then, by inserting the mounting screw 25 into the mounting hole 24 of the mounting portion 23 and screwing it into the screw hole 18 d provided at the end of the base 18 in the extending direction, the array regulating member 20 is attached to the base 18. Fix it. This allows
The deformation of both ends in the extending direction of the fiber array in the vertical direction can be restricted.
Vibration of portions other than the adhesive region 18 can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another embodiment of the optical switch according to the present invention. In the array regulating member 20A included in the optical switch 1A, the mounting portion 23 is provided with the elongated hole 26. When the array restricting member 20A is attached to the base 18, the array restricting member 20A is approached from above the fiber array 10, and the holding portion 21 is
The fiber array 10 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the end in the direction in which the cover plate 11 extends, and is pressed down by applying force from above. Then, insert the mounting screw 25 into the elongated hole 26,
The array regulating member 20A is fixed to the base 18 by being screwed into a screw hole 18d provided in the base 18. Thus, even when fiber arrays having different thicknesses are held down, the array regulating member 20A can move up and down along the elongated holes 26, so that both ends of the fiber array can be reliably held down. .

[0023]

Since the optical switch according to the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, since the fiber array is pressed against the base by the array regulating member, deformation and breakage of the fiber array can be prevented, and an optical switch with less optical connection error can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of an optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fiber array included in the optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a main part of an optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another embodiment of the optical switch according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1A: optical switch, 9: first optical fiber, 10: fiber array, 13: second optical fiber, 15: fiber alignment groove, 18: base, 18b: groove, 18c: adhesive area,
20, 20A ... array regulating member, 21 ... holding part, 22 ...
Teflon coated part, 23 ... Mounting part, 24 ... Mounting hole,
25: mounting screw, 26: long hole.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kenichi Tomita 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Naoki Nakao 3-192-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Inventor Masato Kuroiwa 3-19-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A fiber array having a fiber alignment groove for aligning a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, and a base for supporting the fiber array on a surface thereof, wherein the fiber array groove includes In an optical switch for selectively introducing two optical fibers and optically connecting the second optical fiber and the first optical fiber fixed to the fiber alignment groove, a fiber array bonded to the base is provided. An optical switch, comprising: an array restricting member including a pressing portion that abuts on an end surface in the existing direction, and a mounting portion having one end fixed to the pressing portion and the other end fixed to the base. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is detachably fixed to the base via fastening means.
An optical switch as described. 3. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the array restricting member has an L-shaped cross section formed by the pressing portion and the mounting portion. 4. The array restricting member comprises an elastic metal plate L
4. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein the optical switch is formed by bending the optical switch into a letter shape. 5. A plurality of grooves are provided on at least one of a center bottom surface in the extending direction of the fiber array and a center surface in the extending direction of the base, and an adhesive is provided on a surface partitioned by the grooves. 5. The optical switch according to claim 4, wherein the fiber array is adhered to the base by applying an adhesive.