JP3206970B2 - Optical switch and optical fiber drive mechanism - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch for switching connection of an optical fiber wiring and an optical fiber driving mechanism, and relates to an operation such as a core switching at an optical fiber connection point in an optical fiber wiring network or the like. It is effective to use when performing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In optical fiber communication, introduction into a trunk system has been conventionally promoted, but various studies are now being conducted with the aim of further introduction into a wiring system. In the distribution network, unlike conventional relay transmission from point to point, it is necessary to construct a network with good serviceability and efficiency for users distributed in a plane. For such a wiring network configuration, it is important to use an optical cross-connect device, an optical switch, and the like that switch paths and lines while keeping optical signals.

However, these optical cross-connect devices and the like are so-called large-scale optical switches, and various studies are currently being made. However, it is difficult to realize a small-sized and multi-input / multi-output optical switch. Also, when trying to realize a large-scale optical switch, various problems occur. That is, when the number of connections increases when the optical fibers are coupled, the optical fibers are congested, and the workability of the connection is extremely reduced or incorrectly connected, and the connection point is connected to another terminal. Attempting to switch arbitrarily causes congestion of a large number of optical fibers to become a serious problem.

As a conventional optical switch, a 1 (single) × N (plural) type optical switch is applied. In this 1 × N type optical switch, a single-fiber connector is arranged on one side, while a single-fiber connector is arranged on the N side. N single-core connectors are arranged on the same plane, and the single-core connector on one side is conveyed by the connection switching mechanism and any N
It is connected with the connector on the side. Also, N (plural)
A × M (plural) type optical switch is also applied.
The M-type optical switch is provided with a plurality of guide rails arranged in a direction perpendicular to each other, facing each other, mounting an optical fiber on a movable slide terminal on each guide rail, and connecting the slide terminal to a connection switching mechanism. By moving the optical fibers, arbitrary optical fibers are connected to each other. Incidentally, such an optical fiber connection switching device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-287212.

[0005] In addition, when optical fibers are connected to each other, the end faces thereof are abutted with each other. At this time, a drive mechanism for moving the optical fibers in the longitudinal direction is used. As a conventional driving mechanism of an optical fiber, there is known a mechanism in which a pair of driving rollers are arranged so as to sandwich the optical fiber on both sides of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is moved by rotating the driving roller. This drive mechanism is used as an optical fiber butting means.

[0006]

In the above-mentioned conventional optical switches, all of them may be adequately adapted under certain specific use conditions and restrictions. Various problems arise when handling optical fibers. That is, when switching the wiring of a large number of optical fibers, miniaturization and integration of the optical switch itself, ease of operation, and the like are indispensable.

For example, in the case of a conventional 1 × N type optical switch, if an N × M type optical switch function is to be realized, at least M 1 × N type optical switches are required, and an arrangement space is required. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the size. In a conventional N × M type optical switch, 1
Although it is possible to reduce the size as compared with the × N type optical switch, a connection switching mechanism for moving each of the N-side and M-side slide terminals along the guide rail is required. When a restriction that a plurality of slide terminals must be able to be switched simultaneously is added, only the number of slide terminals, that is, N + M connection switching mechanisms are required,
In this regard, it is difficult to reduce the size of the optical switch.

On the other hand, in the conventional optical fiber driving mechanism, since the optical fiber is moved only by rotating a pair of driving rollers for holding the optical fiber, the structure is simple and relatively easy to realize. Although it is possible, there are many problems in terms of downsizing like the optical switch described above. For example, when a conventional optical fiber drive mechanism is applied as a means for abutting optical fibers in the optical switch described above, one drive mechanism must be provided for each N-side or M-side optical fiber. However, it is difficult to reduce the size. Further, in this drive mechanism, a pair of drive rollers and a drive motor for rotating the rollers are required, which leads to an increase in size.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and to provide an optical switch and an optical fiber driving mechanism which can reduce the size of the device itself and simplify the structure, and furthermore, facilitate the operation. With the goal.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an optical switch in which a plurality of guide grooves are formed in parallel on a support member arranged on one side so as to be horizontal to each other. Each of the optical fibers is mounted so that the distal end surface thereof is located on the same plane, and a plurality of movable members movable on the other side in the arrangement direction of the optical fibers on the one side by driving means are arranged vertically. An optical fiber is mounted on each of the moving members so as to be parallel to the one-side optical fiber, and the other end of the optical fiber is connected to the one-side optical fiber by the connection switching means. It is characterized in that it is supported so as to be able to approach and separate from it.

Further, in the optical switch of the present invention, in a driving mechanism for moving the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction, a vibrator is brought into contact with and held by the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is movable by a traveling wave generated by the vibrator. as well as support to, before
Detectors with different reflectivity are formed on the surface of optical fiber
The optical fiber is detected by detecting the detection unit with a sensor.
It is characterized by recognizing a stop position of the bar .

Further, the optical fiber driving mechanism according to the present invention comprises:
A plurality of optical fibers on one side are mounted on the supporting member, and an optical fiber on the other side is mounted on the moving member, and the moving member is connected by the connection switching driving means so that the tip surface of the optical fiber on the other side is the light on the one side. In an optical switch capable of moving toward and away from the distal end surface of the fiber, the moving member is movably supported by a guide rail along the moving direction, and a vibrator is contacted and held at an end of the guide rail. The moving member can be moved by generating a traveling wave on the guide rail by a vibrator.

[0013]

When the optical fiber is switched, the moving member is moved in the horizontal direction by the driving means so that the other optical fiber is made to correspond to the one optical fiber mounted in the guide groove of the support member. When the distal end face of the optical fiber on the other side approaches the distal end face of the optical fiber on the one side by the connection switching means, the opposing end faces are closely connected. The connection operation of the optical fiber is performed by moving the optical fiber on the other side in the longitudinal direction, moving the support member up and down, or moving the optical fiber up and down.

When the optical fiber is moved in the longitudinal direction, the optical fiber is moved by a traveling wave generated by a vibrator such as a piezoelectric ceramic. Further, when the moving member on which the optical fiber is mounted is moved along the guide rail, the moving member is moved by generating a traveling wave on the guide rail by the vibrator.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an optical switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a driving mechanism of a slider, FIG. 3 is a front view of an optical fiber connection switching unit, and FIG. 3 is an AA cross section, and FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an optical fiber driving mechanism.

The optical switch of this embodiment is a 10 (plural) × 100 (plural) matrix optical switch for switching the connection of optical fibers, with the 10 side being the drive side and the 100 side being the plane array side. It is.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the optical switch of this embodiment, one side (FIG.
The fiber array 12 as a support member is set horizontally by four legs 13. The fiber array 12 has a plurality of (100 in this embodiment) V-shaped guide grooves 14 formed in parallel on the upper surface thereof. The guide groove 14 is a groove for positioning the optical fiber. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the interval L between the plurality of guide grooves 14 is 0.5 mm, and the groove angle α is 90 °.
° and a tapered portion 15 is formed at an upper portion of the groove with a taper angle β of 120 ° to 150 °.

A silicon chip 16 is fixed on the fiber array 12 so as to cover the guide groove 14. Optical fibers 17 are inserted into the guide grooves 14 covered by the silicon chip 16 and fixed by bonding. The surfaces are positioned so that they are located on the same plane. In this case, the positioning accuracy of the end face of the optical fiber 17 is ± 10.
It is about μm. Note that the fiber array 12 of this embodiment is
Although the guide groove 14 is formed by grinding using a silicon single crystal as a raw material, photolithography (for example, anisotropic etching) may be used.

On the other side (left side in FIG. 1) inside the housing 11, a pair of parallel linear guide rails 22 are formed horizontally by left and right support brackets 21, and a plurality of (in this embodiment, ten) linear guide rails 22 are mounted vertically. ing. The linear guide rails 22 are disposed along the direction in which the optical fibers 17 on one side are arranged.
, A slider 23 as a moving member is movably mounted. An endless drive wire 24 is engaged with the slider 23, and the drive wire 24 can be driven by a drive motor 25 having a built-in rotary encoder. Therefore, each slider 23 can be independently moved along each linear guide rail 22 by the drive motor 25 and the drive wire 24.

The rear of the slider 23 (left side in FIG. 1)
A hollow frame 26 is provided corresponding to each slider 23 to form an optical fiber extra length storage portion, while an optical fiber guide portion is provided at a front portion (right side in FIG. 1) of each slider 23. The support pipe 27 is attached to the fiber array 12 at a predetermined angle. Then, an optical fiber 29 having a connector 28 connected to its rear end.
Is stored in the frame 26 with a predetermined extra length loosened, supported by the slider 23, and the distal end thereof is inserted into the support pipe 27. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the support pipes 27 of the upper and lower sliders 23 are curved at different angles, and overlap each other in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3). There is no such thing.

The optical fiber 29 is supported in the slider 23 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction by connection switching means. As shown in FIG.
7, an optical fiber insertion groove 31 is formed, and a vibrator housing portion 32 is formed at the center. And
An optical fiber 29 is inserted into the optical fiber insertion groove 31, and piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34 as vibrators are mounted on the vibrator housing 32 on both sides of the optical fiber 29. , 34 have conductor 3
5 and 36 are connected so that a two-phase AC voltage can be applied. One of the piezoelectric ceramics 33 is held in pressure contact with the optical fiber 29 by a coil spring 37.

The connection switching means has an optical fiber position recognition function. The advance / retreat position of the optical fiber 29 directly affects the distance between the end face of the optical fiber 29 and the end face of the optical fiber 17 on the fiber array 12, and the switching loss greatly depends on the distance between the end faces of the optical fibers 17, 29. Position stop accuracy is ± 10μ
m. Therefore, in this embodiment,
A marker 38 as a detection unit having a different reflectance is attached to the surface of the optical fiber 29, and a photoelectric sensor 39 for detecting the marker 38 is mounted on the slider 23.

Therefore, the piezoelectric ceramics 33, 34
By applying a phase alternating voltage, a traveling wave can be excited in one direction on the surface thereof, and the frictional force generated by the traveling wave with the optical fiber 29 is used as a driving force, and the traveling of the traveling wave is performed by the optical fiber 29. It can move in the opposite direction. When the photoelectric sensor 39 detects the marker 38, the optical fiber 29 is stopped, and the optical fiber 1 is stopped.
The opposing end faces of 7, 29 are positioned at predetermined intervals.
The optical fiber 29 can be moved in the opposite direction by inverting the phase of the voltage. The frictional force between the piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34 and the optical fiber 29 increases as the pressing force increases.
In No. 9, a phenomenon occurs in which the transmission loss of the optical signal due to the lateral pressure increases as the applied pressing force increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the hardness of the protective layer on the surface of the optical fiber 29 is set to be soft so that a sufficient driving frictional force can be obtained even with a small pressing force. For example, the surface of the optical fiber 29 is made of nylon resin or the like. To make it more susceptible to surface traveling waves generated by piezoelectric ceramics.

The distal end of the optical fiber 29 is in a state where the coating is removed and the glass portion is exposed. The distal end of the optical fiber 29 that comes into contact with the guide groove 14 of the fiber array 12 has an emission angle that is equal to that of the guide groove 14. It is bent in a predetermined shape so as to be parallel. The glass part is exposed at the tip of the optical fiber 29 because the fiber core eccentricity with respect to the glass part outer diameter reference of the optical fiber is formed with higher precision than the fiber coating part outer diameter reference, As a result, the optical fiber 1
When connecting 7, 29, it is possible to reduce the axial deviation and to achieve accurate connection. A protective coating may be applied to protect the exposed glass portion at the tip of the optical fiber 29. However, if the coating film thickness is inappropriate, core eccentricity may be induced to deteriorate the connection loss. Accurate coating is required.

In order to perform the connection switching operation of the optical fibers 17 and 29, first, as shown in FIGS. Return. That is, the piezoelectric ceramics 33, 34
2 to apply a two-phase AC voltage to excite a traveling wave on the surface thereof, so that a frictional force generated at this time with the optical fiber 29 is used as a driving force, and the optical fiber 29 is moved leftward by a predetermined amount in FIG. I do. In a state where the optical fiber 29 is drawn into the support pipe 27, the optical fiber 29 is moved to correspond to the position of the optical fiber 17 to be connected. That is, the drive motor 25 is driven to move the slider 23 along the linear guide rail 22 via the drive wire 24 and stop at a predetermined position.

When the positioning of the slider 23 is stopped, a two-phase AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34 in a phase opposite to that described above to excite the traveling wave, thereby moving the optical fiber 29 rightward in FIG. Move a predetermined amount in the direction. The optical fiber 29 projects from the support pipe 27 at the tip end thereof and comes into contact with the corresponding guide groove 14, and is stopped in a state where its end face is slightly in contact with or slightly separated from the end face of the optical fiber 17 to be connected. Thus, the connection switching operation between the optical fibers 17 and 29 is completed, and the desired optical fibers 17 and 29 are connected.

In the optical switch according to the present embodiment, not only the connection switching operation of the optical fiber can be easily performed, but also a non-blocking complete matrix switch can be realized. That is, of the plurality of optical fibers 29, only the one that performs the connection switching operation is replaced with the other optical fibers 29.
Can be switched at any time without changing the connection state. The optical fibers 29 drawn from the respective support pipes 27 are adjacent to each other and overlap each other in the left and right directions. However, the respective support pipes 27 supporting the optical fibers 29 are vertically shifted at different angles so as not to interfere with each other. It is curved. Therefore, the optical fiber 29 that performs the connection switching operation
Is pulled into the support pipe 27, the slider 2
Even if 3 is moved, the support pipe 27 and the optical fiber 29 do not interfere with each other.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an optical fiber connection switching unit showing an optical switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that members having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the optical switch of the present embodiment, the fiber array 12 is disposed on one side (the right side in FIG.
, And is supported by a spring 42 so as to be vertically movable. In the fiber array 12, a plurality of V-shaped guide grooves 14 are formed in parallel on the upper surface.
Are adhesively fixed. On the other hand, a pair of linear guide rails 2 is provided on the other side (the left side in FIG. 6) in the housing.
2 are vertically mounted, and a slider 23 driven by a drive motor is movably mounted. The optical fiber 29 is mounted in the slider 23, and the tip of the optical fiber 29 protrudes from the support pipe 27 and faces the end face of the optical fiber 17 on the fiber array 12.

In order to perform the connection switching operation of the optical fibers 17 and 29, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the solenoid 41 is operated to lower the fiber array 12, so that the optical fibers 17 and 29 are switched. Disconnect from the connection. At this time,
The exposed portion of the optical fiber 29 drawn from the support pipe 27 is separated from the guide groove 14 of the fiber array 12 to form a substantially straight line, and the adjacent optical fibers 29 do not interfere with each other because their tips are shifted up and down by about 0.5 mm. So that it is kept. Next, from this state, the slider 23 is moved along the linear guide rail 22 by the drive motor,
Stop at a predetermined position. And this time, solenoid 4
When the fiber array 12 is raised by operating the optical fiber 1 in the opposite manner as described above, the distal end of the optical fiber 29 comes into contact with the guide groove 14 of the fiber array 12 and is pushed and slightly bent. And slightly connected or slightly separated from each other.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of an optical fiber connection switching section showing an optical switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Note that members having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the optical switch according to the present embodiment, a plurality of V-shaped guide grooves are formed in parallel on the upper surface of the fiber array on one side, and optical fibers are respectively bonded and fixed in the guide grooves. On the other hand, on the other side, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of parallel linear guide rails 52, 53 are vertically arranged by a left and right support bracket 51 (one in the drawing).
Are shown). A slider 23 is movably mounted along the linear guide rails 52 and 53, and the slider 23 can be driven by a drive wire 24 and a drive motor 25. The optical fiber 29 is mounted in the slider 23, and the tip of the optical fiber 29 protrudes from the support pipe 27 and faces the end face of one of the optical fibers 17. The support pipes 27 are curved at different angles so as not to interfere with other support pipes when the slider 23 moves.

One of the linear guide rails 52, 53 is rotatably mounted on the support bracket 51, while the other linear guide rail 5 is mounted on the support bracket 51.
Both ends 3 are inserted into arcuate guide holes 54 formed in the support bracket 51 and are movable in the guide holes 54. An operation rod 55 is erected along the support bracket 51, and an engagement pin 56 protruding from a middle portion of the operation rod 55 is engaged with an end of the linear guide rail 53. The operation rod 55 can be moved in the axial direction by a solenoid (not shown), and by the movement, the linear guide rail 53 is moved along the guide hole 54 via the engaging pin 56, and the slider 23 moves the linear guide rail 52. It pivots as a fulcrum, and can swing the support pipe 27 and the optical fiber 29 up and down.

In order to switch the connection of the optical fiber 29, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the solenoid is operated to move the operation rod 55 in the axial direction. Slider 2 via linear guide rail 53
3 is rotated upward, and the support pipe 27 and the optical fiber 29 are rotated.
To rise. Then, the optical fiber 29 is disconnected from the optical fiber on one side. Next, the slider 23 is moved from this state by the drive motor to the linear guide rail 52,
It moves along 53 and stops at a predetermined position. Then, by operating the solenoid again to move the operation rod 55 in the axial direction, the slider 23 is rotated downward, and the support pipe 27 and the optical fiber 29 are lowered. Then, the distal end of the optical fiber 29 comes into contact with the guide groove of the fiber array and is slightly bent by being pushed, so that the end face is slightly in contact with or slightly separated from the end face of the optical fiber on one side to be connected.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an optical fiber driving mechanism representing an optical switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. Note that members having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the optical switch of the present embodiment, a plurality of V-shaped guide grooves are formed in parallel on the upper surface of the fiber array on one side, and optical fibers are respectively bonded and fixed in the guide grooves. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of plate-shaped linear guide rails 61 (one is shown in the drawing) are mounted on the other side, and piezoelectric ceramics 62 and 63 each having a laminated end. Supported by
The linear guide rail 61 has a slider 64.
Are fitted from above and pressed from below by a presser plate 65 and a pair of leaf springs 66, so that the slider 64 is movable along the linear guide rail 61.

The optical fiber 29 is mounted in the slider 64 and is movably supported by piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34. The tip of the optical fiber 29 protrudes from the support pipe 67 and is in contact with the end face of one of the optical fibers. Are facing each other. Note that the support pipes 67 are curved at different angles so that they do not interfere with other support pipes when the slider 64 moves.

To switch the connection of the optical fiber 29, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, first, a two-phase AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34, and a traveling wave is applied to the surface thereof. , The optical fiber 29 is moved and drawn into the support pipe 67. Next, when a two-phase AC voltage is applied to the laminated piezoelectric ceramics 62 and 63 in this state, a traveling wave is formed on the surface of the linear guide rail 61 by electrostrictive vibration. The frictional force with the slider 64 generated by the traveling wave is used as a driving force to move the slider 64 in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the traveling wave. At this time, one piezoelectric ceramics 33 excites a traveling wave, while the other piezoelectric ceramics 34 absorbs a reflected wave. The optical fiber 29 is moved by the movement of the slider 64 and stopped at a predetermined position. Then, the optical fiber 29 is pulled out from the support pipe 67 and brought into contact with the corresponding guide groove 14 to be connected to one of the optical fibers.

Although the above has been described with reference to the four embodiments,
The optical switch of the present invention is not limited to these, but may have another structure or a combination of the above four embodiments. For example, the first
By combining the embodiment with the third embodiment, the optical fiber 29 is movably supported on the slider 23 by the piezoelectric ceramics 33 and 34, and the slider 23 is supported by the linear guide rails 52 and 53 so as to be swingable up and down. When the connection of the optical fiber is switched, the slider 23 is moved along the linear guide rails 52 and 53 while the optical fiber 29 is pulled into the support pipe 27 and is slightly swung upward to change the position. 29 is pulled out from the support pipe 27 and then lowered to connect to the optical fiber 17 on one side.

Accordingly, the interference of the optical fiber 29 with other optical fibers during the movement of the slider 23 is more reliably prevented, and the optical fiber 29 is pulled out from the support pipe 27 and approaches the optical fiber 17 on one side. In this case, slight damage due to contact between the tip of the optical fiber 29 and the guide groove 14 of the fiber array 12 can be prevented.

In each of the embodiments described above, a pair of linear guide rails is used to move the slider. This is to prevent the slider from swinging while moving, and to prevent rotation. Alternatively, a guide groove or a projection may be formed on the linear guide rail to form a single linear guide rail. Also, a pair of piezoelectric ceramics is mounted in the slider to drive the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction, and the optical fiber is clamped. However, the same effect can be obtained by providing the piezoelectric ceramic only on one side of the optical fiber and supporting it by pressure. Can be played.

[0043]

According to the optical switch of the present invention, as described above in detail with reference to the embodiments, a plurality of optical fibers are provided on the guide groove of the support member arranged on one side, and the tip surfaces thereof are flush with each other. On the other side, a plurality of movable members that are movable along the arrangement direction of the optical fibers on one side are vertically arranged, and the optical fibers are respectively attached to the movable members on one side. The optical fiber on the other side is supported by the connection switching means so that the distal end surface of the optical fiber can approach and separate from the distal end surface of the optical fiber on one side. By using the other end as a switching movable end as a fixed end, the number of drive systems can be reduced to less than half, and there is no need to use a connector for fiber connection, thus miniaturizing and integrating the device itself. Plan It can be. Further, by moving the optical fiber to be connected in a unique plane that does not interfere in the height direction, a random connection switching operation can be performed, and the connection switching operation of the optical fiber can be facilitated.

According to the optical fiber driving mechanism of the present invention, the vibrator is in contact with and held by the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is movably supported in the longitudinal direction by the traveling wave generated by the vibrator. Reflectivity on the surface of optical fiber
Of different detection units, and the detection unit is detected by a sensor.
To recognize the stop position of the optical fiber
Since the, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus itself the rotational drive mechanism as unnecessary. Furthermore, the movable member on which the optical fiber is mounted is movably supported on a guide rail having a vibrator in contact with and held at the end, and the movable member can be moved by generating a traveling wave on the guide rail by the vibrator. ,
A peripheral mechanism including a drive motor for moving the moving member is not required, and the size of the apparatus itself can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a driving mechanism of a slider.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an optical fiber connection switching unit.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an optical fiber driving mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an optical fiber connection switching unit representing an optical switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an optical fiber connection switching unit representing an optical switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a driving mechanism of an optical fiber representing an optical switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 8;

[Description of Signs] 12 Fiber array 14 Guide groove 17, 29 Optical fiber 22, 52, 53, 61 Linear guide rail 23, 64 Slider 25 Drive motor 27, 67 Support pipe 33, 34, 62, 63 Piezoelectric ceramic 37 Coil spring 38 Marker (detection unit) 39 Photoelectric sensor 41 Solenoid 55 Operation rod 56 Engagement pin 65 Leaf spring

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Izumi Mikawa 1-6, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (56) References JP-A-6-3605 (JP, A) JP-A Heisei 6-51215 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 26/00-26/08

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of guide grooves are formed in parallel on a support member disposed on one side in a horizontal state, and an optical fiber is mounted in each of the guide grooves such that the front end surfaces thereof are located on the same plane. On the other hand, a plurality of moving members movable on the other side in the arrangement direction of the optical fibers on the one side by driving means are arranged vertically, and the optical fibers are respectively arranged on the moving members so as to be parallel to the optical fibers on the one side. An optical switch, wherein the optical fiber on the other side is supported by a connection switching means so that the distal end surface of the optical fiber can approach and separate from the distal end surface of the one side optical fiber. 2. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the connection switching means movably supports the optical fiber on the other side along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, moves forward, and the distal end surface of the optical fiber on one side. An optical switch characterized in that the optical switch can be held at a position slightly in contact with or slightly away from a surface and in a position in which the optical fiber does not come into contact with another optical fiber when it retreats and moves horizontally. 3. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the connection switching means movably supports the supporting member on which the optical fiber on one side is mounted along a vertical direction thereof, and raises the distal end surface of the supporting member. An optical switch characterized in that it can be held at a position slightly in contact with or slightly apart from the tip surface of the optical fiber on the side. 4. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the connection switching means movably supports the optical fiber on the other side along the up and down direction, and ascends so that the distal end surface of the optical fiber is the distal end of the optical fiber on one side. An optical switch characterized in that the optical switch can be held at a position slightly in contact with or slightly away from a surface and in a position not contacting another optical fiber when it moves down and horizontally. 5. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the connection switching means is configured by combining the connection switching means according to claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4. 6. An optical switch using a drive mechanism for moving an optical fiber in a longitudinal direction thereof, wherein an oscillator is brought into contact with and held by the optical fiber, and the optical fiber is movably supported by a traveling wave generated by the oscillator. And a detection mechanism having a different reflectivity on the surface of the optical fiber, and detecting the detection section by a sensor to recognize a movement stop position of the optical fiber. Optical switch used. 7. A plurality of optical fibers on one side are mounted on a supporting member, and an optical fiber on the other side is mounted on a moving member.
In the optical switch, the moving member is connected to the distal end surface of the optical fiber by the connection switching driving means so that the distal end surface can freely move toward and away from the distal end surface of the one side optical fiber. The movable member is supported by a guide rail so as to be movable, and a vibrator is in contact with and held at an end of the guide rail, and the vibrator generates a traveling wave on the guide rail, whereby the moving member is movable. Optical fiber drive mechanism.