JP3030553B1 - Optical switch optical path switching unit assembling method and optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assemble an optical path switching section of an optical switch.
Provided is a method for easily aligning respective blocks for fixing an optical fiber. When assembling an optical path switching unit of an optical switch, first, a groove 13a for positioning is previously set in blocks 13 and 14 to which an input optical fiber 16 is fixed and a block 15 to which an output optical fiber 17 is fixed. , 14a, 15a
Is formed. Also, a jig member 10 having a groove 11a formed therein and a pin bar 12 having a size such that a lower half in a diametrical direction enters into the groove 11a when fitted into the groove 11a are prepared. After the pin rod 12 is fitted into the groove 11a, the blocks 13, 14, 15 are arranged in series on the jig member 10, and the positioning grooves 13a, 14 are aligned with the pin rod 12.
a, 15a, each block 13, 1
4,15 are mutually aligned. After the alignment, the pin bar 12 is removed together with the jig member 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch used in the field of optical communication, and more particularly, to a method of assembling an optical path switching section of an optical switch and an optical switch assembled by the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an optical switch for switching an optical path, an optical switch for electrically changing the refractive index and phase of an optical path to switch the traveling direction of light, or an optical switch for mechanically moving the optical path to travel the light. A system that switches directions has been proposed. Among them, the mechanical type optical switch has a small optical coupling loss, has almost no wavelength dependence of propagating light, and can maintain the optical coupling state before disconnection even after the power is cut off. Because of its characteristics, it is widely used in optical communication devices and optical transmission devices.

An example of a mechanical optical switch is an optical switch proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-208062. This optical switch is composed of an input optical fiber that is elastically deformed, two output optical fibers held at positions facing the input optical fiber, and an electromagnetic actuator that moves relatively to the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber. Has become. The distal end of the input optical fiber and the distal end of the output optical fiber are inserted and held in the optical fiber fixing member with a gap provided so as not to collide during relative movement. The electromagnetic actuator includes a soft magnetic member for a movable portion inserted into the input optical fiber, a coil disposed around the input optical fiber, and a permanent magnet. The switching function of the optical path and the self-holding function are realized by holding the soft magnetic member for the movable portion by using a permanent magnet or by switching the holding position in combination with a coil.

[0004] However, the mechanical optical switch has a process of inserting a soft magnetic member for a movable portion into an input optical fiber,
There are many complicated dimensional assembly processes such as a process of inserting an input optical fiber or an output optical fiber into an optical fiber fixing member and a process of inserting an input optical fiber into a coil. It has been difficult to construct an optical switch with multiple inputs and multiple outputs.

Therefore, an optical switch as shown in FIG. 13 has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application No. 9-296688). In this optical switch, a block 2 to which an input optical fiber 1 is fixed and a block 4 to which an output optical fiber 3 is fixed are arranged in series, and the block 2 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the optical fibers 1 and 3 ( The connection of the input optical fiber 1 to the output optical fiber 3 is switched by moving the optical fiber 1 in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the optical paths of the optical fibers 1 and 3 are switched. In FIG. 13, 5
Is a guide pin for regulating the moving range of the block 2,
Reference numerals 6 and 7 denote holding plates for fixing the optical fibers to the blocks 2 and 4.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional optical switch, the block to which the input optical fiber is fixed and the block to which the output optical fiber is fixed are aligned with high precision. There is a problem that is difficult. The assembly of the optical path switching portion of the optical switch is usually performed manually, and since the components of the optical switch are small, it takes time and effort to align the blocks with each other, resulting in poor work efficiency. For this reason, there is a demand for improving work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of assembling an optical switch optical path switching section which can easily perform alignment between respective blocks, and an optical switch assembled by the method.

[0008]

In order to attain the above object, according to the assembling method of the present invention, when assembling an optical path switching portion of an optical switch, first, a block to which an input optical fiber is fixed and an output optical fiber are fixed. A groove for positioning is previously formed in the block to which the fiber is fixed, and a jig member having at least one groove formed on a flat surface, and a jig member which is diametrically lower when fitted in the groove. Prepare a pin rod of a size that the side half enters the groove, fit the pin rod into the groove of the jig member, and then arrange the blocks in series on the jig member, By aligning the positioning grooves with the pin bars fitted into the grooves of the jig member, the respective blocks are aligned with each other, and then removing the pin bars together with the jig members. Features and To have.

According to the above method, the positioning of each block can be performed with high precision and easily by merely aligning the positioning groove of each block with the pin rod fitted in the groove of the jig member. Work efficiency is greatly improved.

The cross-sectional shape of the groove formed in the jig member and the block is preferably an isosceles triangle or a rectangle in processing.

According to the assembling method of the present invention, when assembling the optical path switching section of the optical switch, first, a block for fixing the input optical fiber and a block for fixing the output optical fiber are previously aligned. Prepare a jig member in which a plurality of cylindrical or hemispherical convex portions are formed on a flat surface while forming a cylindrical or hemispherical concave portion,
Next, the respective blocks are arranged in series on the jig member, and the cylindrical or hemispherical concave portions are fitted with the cylindrical or hemispherical convex portions, whereby the respective blocks are aligned with each other. After that, the jig member is removed.

[0012] According to the above method, the positioning of the blocks with respect to each other can be performed with high precision simply by fitting the columnar or hemispherical convex portions of the jig member into the columnar or hemispherical concave portions formed in the blocks. In addition, since it can be easily performed, the work efficiency is similarly improved.

Further, according to the present invention, a block to which an input optical fiber is fixed and a block to which an output optical fiber are fixed are arranged in series, and one of the blocks is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber. Thereby, in an optical switch for switching an optical path of an optical fiber, at least one groove parallel to the optical fiber is formed on an outer surface along the optical fiber among the outer surfaces of the block. I have. The cross-sectional shape of the groove is an isosceles triangle or a rectangle.

Further, according to the present invention, a block in which an input optical fiber is fixed and a block in which an output optical fiber is fixed are arranged in series, and one of the blocks is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber. Accordingly, in the optical switch for switching the optical path of the optical fiber, a plurality of cylindrical or hemispherical concave portions are formed on the outer surface along the optical fiber among the outer surfaces of the block. .

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. (Assembly of Optical Path Switching Unit) FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a method of assembling the optical switch optical path switching unit according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, first, a jig member 10 is prepared. The jig member 10 has a flat surface 11, and the flat surface 11 has two flat surfaces.
Each groove 11a is formed. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 11a is an isosceles triangle as shown in FIG.

When assembling the optical switch optical path switching section, first, a pin rod 12 is fitted into each of the two grooves 11a. This pin bar 12 has a circular cross section,
Further, the diameter of the pin rod 12 is such that when fitted into the groove 11a, substantially the lower half of the pin rod 12 enters the groove 11a.

The pin rod 1 fitted in the groove 11a
2, a fixed block 13 made of soft magnetic ceramics,
The movable block 14 and the fixed block 15 are arranged in series. The bottom of each of the blocks 13, 14, 15 is provided with the groove 1
Grooves 13a, 14a, 15a are formed corresponding to 1a. The details are shown in FIGS. 5 shows a cross section of the fixed block 13, and FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the movable block 14.
FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the fixed block 15. As shown in these figures, each block 13, 14,
The grooves 13a, 14a, 15a formed on the bottom surface of the
The cross-sectional shape is an isosceles triangle, and has the same shape as the groove 11a. Each block 1 is shown in FIGS.
Optical fibers, holding plates, and the like are shown in addition to 3, 14, and 15, which will be described later.

The fixed block 13, the movable block 14 and the fixed block 15 are arranged in series on the pin rod 12, and the pin rod 12 is inserted into the grooves 13a, 14a and 15a of each block.
By fitting the upper half of each of the blocks 13, 1
4, 15 can be easily aligned with each other.

Fixed block 13 and movable block 14
The grooves 13b and 14b for fixing the input optical fiber 16 are respectively formed on the upper surface of the optical disk. Although four input optical fibers 16 are provided, two of them are used here. For this reason, the fixed block 13
Has four grooves 13b for fixing the input optical fiber 16, while the movable block 14 has only two grooves 14b for fixing the input optical fiber 16. On the upper surface of the fixed block 15, four grooves 15b for fixing the output optical fiber 17 are formed. In addition, the movable block 14 and the fixed block 15
In addition to the above-mentioned groove for fixing the optical fiber, grooves 14c and 15c into which the guide pins 18 are fitted are formed on the upper surface. The groove 14c is formed wider in the width direction than the diameter of the guide pin 18, but the groove 15c is not so wide in the width direction, and the guide pin 18 is fixed by the groove 15c.

Then, the input optical fiber 16 is accommodated in the groove 13b of the fixed block 13, and a glass holding plate 19 is adhered to the upper surface of the fixed block 13 with an adhesive.
As a result, the input optical fiber 16 is fixed to the fixed block 1.
Fixed to 3.

After the input optical fiber 16 is accommodated in the groove 14b of the movable block 14 and the guide pin 18 is accommodated in the groove 14c, a glass holding plate 20 is adhered to the upper surface of the movable block 14 with an adhesive. I do. Thereby, the input optical fiber 16 is fixed to the movable block 14. However, the guide pin 18 is not fixed to the movable block 14 and is set to be freely movable in the groove 14c.

After the output optical fiber 17 is accommodated in the groove 15b of the fixed block 15 and the guide pin 18 is accommodated in the groove 15c, a glass pressing plate 21 is adhered to the upper surface of the fixed block 15 with an adhesive. I do. As a result, the output optical fiber 17 and the guide pin 18 are fixed to the fixed block 15.

Further, an adhesive is applied to the upper surfaces of the holding plates 19 and 21, and the input optical fiber 16 and the output optical fiber 1 are applied.
After adjusting the distance from the base 7, the glass base 22 is bonded and fixed. Here, the blocks 13, 14, and 15 have the same height, but the holding plate 20 is formed to be thinner than the holding plates 19 and 21, and after the optical path switching section is assembled, the holding plate 20 becomes the base. 22 so as not to interfere.

After the base 22 is bonded and fixed to the holding plates 19 and 21, the pin bar 12 is removed together with the jig member 10, and the base 22 is turned upside down so that the base 22 is on the lower side as shown in FIG. The above procedure completes the assembly of the optical path switching unit of the optical switch.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the movable block 14 and the holding plate 20. As described above, since the holding plate 20 is not fixed to the base 22, it can be moved in the direction B in FIG. However, its movement range is restricted.
That is, the movable range of the movable block 14 is regulated by the guide pins 18 fixed to the fixed block 15, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the movable block 14 has moved to the leftmost side, and FIG. It has been moved to the right. By moving the movable block 14, the optical path can be switched between the input optical fiber 16 and the output optical fiber 17.

In the above embodiment, each of the blocks 13, 1
4 and 15 are simply placed on the jig member 10, the positions of the blocks 13, 14 and 15 are easily shifted, and
The workability at the time of aligning a, 14a, and 15a with the pin bar 12 is poor. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The jig member 1 corresponds to the position where
0 is provided with a hole 10a for vacuum suction.
3, 14, and 15 are vacuum-adsorbed. Thereby, each of the blocks 13, 14, and 15 is securely held, there is no displacement, and workability can be improved.
Further, each of the blocks 13, 14, 15 may be suctioned using other suction means, for example, magnetic force or electrostatic force, instead of vacuum suction. Further, each block 13, using a spring or the like,
14 and 15 may be held mechanically.

According to the above assembly procedure, each block 13,
The positions of the grooves 14a and 15 are the same as those of the grooves 13a and 14 except for the adjustment of the distance between the input optical fiber 16 and the output optical fiber 17.
a, 15a and the pin 18 automatically determine
Variations in assembly accuracy can be kept extremely low.

(Assembly of Drive Mechanism) A drive mechanism for moving the movable block 14 is provided in the optical path switching unit assembled in the above procedure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling the drive mechanism.

First, as shown in FIG.
0 and 31 are fixed to both sides of the movable block 14 with an adhesive. Next, the permanent magnet 32 is bonded and fixed to the end surface of the fixing block 15 with an adhesive.

Further, the main yoke 34 to which the coil 33 is attached is connected to the side yokes 30 and 31 and the permanent magnet 3.
3 is fixed with an adhesive.

The above procedure completes the mounting of the drive mechanism on the optical path switching unit. According to this assembling procedure, since all the components can be assembled by sequentially attaching them from above, the assembling work is simple and the assembling cost can be reduced.

(Packaging) The optical path switching unit on which the drive mechanism is mounted is packaged. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the packaging method. First, an adhesive is applied to the notches 41, 42 formed in the package base 42 and the inner bottom surface of the package base 40, and the optical path switching unit on which the drive mechanism is mounted is housed in the package base 40. At this time, the input optical fiber 16 is accommodated in the notch 41, and the output optical fiber 17 is accommodated in the notch 42. Further, electrodes 43 and 44 are provided on the inner bottom surface of the package base 40, and lead wires 33a and 33a of the coil 33 are electrically connected to the electrodes 43 and 44, respectively.

Next, an adhesive is applied to the mating surface of the package base 40 with the package cover 45, the upper surface of the input optical fiber 16 near the notch 41, and the upper surface of the output optical fiber 17 near the notch 42. Then, the package base 40 and the package cover 45 are bonded and fixed. At this time, the electrode pins 46 erected on the package base 40,
47 is a notch 4 formed in the package cover 45.
8 and 49 respectively. The electrode pins 46,
47 denotes electrodes 43 and 44 inside the package base 40.
Respectively.

After the electrode pins 46 and 47 are placed in the notches 48 and 49, the notches 48 and 49 are filled with an adhesive, and the electrode pins 46 and 47 are fixed. Finally, the refractive index matching liquid is introduced through the hole 50 formed in the package cover 45, and then the cover 51 is adhered and fixed to the hole 50 to complete the packaging.

As the adhesive used in the present embodiment,
Epoxy adhesives or UV curable adhesives can be used. An adhesive that can maintain sufficient strength even when immersed in a refractive index matching liquid can be used similarly. Also, brazing or welding by local heating may be used.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a modification of this embodiment. In FIG. 10, one groove 11a is formed in the jig member 10, and one groove 13a is formed in the fixing block 13 corresponding to the groove 11a. Groove 11
The cross-sectional shapes of a and 13a are isosceles triangles. Although not shown in the drawing, the movable block 14 and the fixed block 15 are each formed with a groove having a similar shape.
If configured in this way. Since the hole 10a for vacuum suction can be enlarged, the holding of each of the blocks 13, 14, 15 is further ensured.

In FIG. 11, a single groove 11d having a rectangular cross section is formed in the jig member 10, and a groove 13d having a rectangular cross section is also formed in the fixing block 13 correspondingly.
Are formed. Although not shown in the figure, the movable block 14 and the fixed block 15 are similarly formed with one groove having a rectangular cross section. Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Similar effects can be obtained even if the cross-sectional shape of the groove is a polygon or an arc.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pin bar 12 having a circular cross section is used as a member for aligning the positions of the grooves. However, if there is no play between the pin and the groove, the cross section is a polygon. The same effect can be obtained with a pin bar. The same effect can be obtained by using a ball instead of a pin bar.

In the above embodiment, each of the blocks 13, 1
Grooves 13a and 14 for aligning positions 4 and 15 with each other
Although a and 15a are provided on the surface opposite to the optical fiber fixing surface, similar effects can be obtained by providing grooves on the side surfaces of each block. In this case, the grooves may be provided on both sides or only one side.

In the following method, each of the blocks 13, 1
4, 15 can be easily aligned with each other.
That is, as shown in FIG. 12, hemispherical convex portions 50a, 50b, and 50c are provided on the flat surface 11 of the jig member 10 in accordance with the arrangement positions of the blocks 13, 14, and 15. On the other hand, each of the blocks 13, 14, 15 has a hemispherical recess 13e, 14e, 1 on the surface opposite to the optical fiber fixing surface.
5e is provided. When assembling the optical path switching portion, the hemispherical convex portions 50a, 50b, 50 of the jig member 10 are used.
c is a semi-spherical recess 13e of each of the blocks 13, 14, 15;
14e, 15e, each block 1
3, 14, and 15 can be extremely easily aligned with each other. With this configuration, each block 13,
Positioning of 14, 15 in the direction along the optical fiber can be performed simultaneously.

Contrary to the above, the jig member 10 may be provided with a hemispherical concave portion, and each of the blocks 13, 14, 15 may be provided with a hemispherical convex portion. Similar effects can be obtained even when the concave and convex portions are cylindrical.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the respective blocks can be easily aligned with each other, the optical path switching unit of the optical switch can be easily assembled. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling an optical path switching unit of an optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a method of assembling a drive mechanism of the optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a method for packaging an optical switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a jig member.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fixed block on the input optical fiber side.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a movable block on the input optical fiber side.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fixed block on the output optical fiber side.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the movable block of FIG. 6 has moved.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view when a vacuum suction hole is provided in a jig member.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view when only one alignment groove is formed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view when a rectangular positioning groove is provided.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which each block is aligned with a hemispherical convex portion and a hemispherical concave portion.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conventional optical path switching unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Jig 10a Vacuum suction holes 11a, 11d Groove 12 Pin rod 13 Input optical fiber side fixed block 13a Alignment groove 13e Hemispherical recess 14 Movable block 14a Alignment groove 14e Hemispherical recess 15 Output Fixing block on optical fiber side 15a Positioning groove 15e Hemispherical recess 16 Input optical fiber 17 Output optical fiber 18 Guide pin 19, 20, 21 Holding plate 22 Base 30, 31 Side yoke 32 Permanent magnet 33 Coil 34 Main Yoke 40 Package base 45 Package cover 50a, 50b, 50c Hemispherical projection

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Aida 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Information and Communication Division, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Eiji Furukawa 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Hitachi, Ltd. Information and Communication Division (72) Inventor Hisao Kurosawa 5200 Mikajiri, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Magnetic Materials Research Laboratory (56) References JP-A-3-50520 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 26/08 F

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] When assembling an optical path switching section of an optical switch, first, a groove for positioning is formed in advance in a block to which an input optical fiber is fixed and a block to which an output optical fiber is fixed. A jig member having at least one groove formed on a flat surface, and a pin rod having a size such that a lower half in a diametrical direction enters into the groove when fitted into the groove. The pin bar is fitted into the groove of the jig member, and then the blocks are arranged in series on the jig member, and the positioning rod is aligned with the pin bar fitted in the groove of the jig member. The alignment of the blocks is performed by aligning the grooves, and then the pin rod is removed together with the jig member. 2. The method for assembling an optical switch optical path switching section according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the jig member and the groove formed in the block is an isosceles triangle or a rectangle. How to assemble an optical switch optical path switching unit. 3. When assembling the optical path switching portion of the optical switch, first, a cylindrical or hemispherical concave portion for positioning is previously formed on a block to which an input optical fiber is fixed and a block to which an output optical fiber is fixed. While being formed, a jig member having a plurality of columnar or hemispherical convex portions formed on a flat surface is prepared, and then the blocks are arranged in series on the jig member. An optical switch optical path, wherein each of the blocks is aligned with each other by fitting the cylindrical or hemispherical convex portion into the cylindrical or hemispherical concave portion, and then the jig member is removed. How to assemble the switching unit. 4. A block in which an input optical fiber is fixed and a block in which an output optical fiber is fixed are arranged in series, and one of the blocks is moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber, so An optical switch for switching an optical path of a fiber, wherein at least one groove parallel to the optical fiber is formed on an outer surface along the optical fiber among the outer surfaces of the block. 5. The optical switch according to claim 4, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the groove is an isosceles triangle or a rectangle. 6. A block which is a block where the input optical fiber fixed output optical fibers are fixed is arranged in series, by moving at right angles to one of said blocks with respect to the optical fiber, An optical switch for switching an optical path of an optical fiber, wherein a plurality of columnar or hemispherical concave portions are formed on an outer surface along the optical fiber among the outer surfaces of the block.