JP3321042B2 - Optical switch and optical fiber alignment unit - 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 fiber alignment unit in which a plurality of optical fibers are introduced and fixed in a plurality of fiber alignment grooves arranged in parallel on the surface of a fiber array. The present invention relates to an optical switch comprising:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques in such a field include:
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-286131 is known.
On the upper surface of the substrate (fiber array) of the optical fiber array member described in this publication, a plurality of fiber alignment grooves having a V-shaped cross section are provided side by side. Each fiber alignment groove is divided by a separation groove near the center in the extending direction, one side is a first fiber alignment groove for aligning a first optical fiber (n-side optical fiber), and the other side is a second optical fiber ( This is a second fiber alignment groove for aligning the master side optical fiber). In each of the first fiber alignment grooves, a plurality of optical fibers (n-side optical fibers) stripped from the core fiber are aligned and adhered. Then, a cover plate for protecting each optical fiber is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate to form a set of optical fiber alignment units.

[0003]

However, the conventional optical fiber alignment unit has the following problems since it is configured as described above. That is, the introduction of the optical fiber into each fiber alignment groove is performed manually, but it is difficult to accurately introduce an optical fiber having an extremely small outer diameter into the desired fiber alignment groove, and one fiber alignment groove is required. In some cases, two optical fibers are introduced into the groove, or an optical fiber is introduced into a fiber alignment groove different from the fiber alignment groove to be introduced. Therefore, workability at the time of introducing the optical fiber into the fiber alignment groove is poor, and when the arrangement pitch of the optical fibers is shifted, a step of correcting the shift is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an optical fiber in which an optical fiber can be accurately introduced into a fiber alignment groove and an optical fiber is aligned at an accurate arrangement pitch. It is an object to provide an alignment unit and an optical switch.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber alignment unit according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of optical fibers are introduced and fixed into a plurality of fiber alignment grooves arranged in parallel on the surface of a fiber array. A guide plate fixed to the fiber array, extending in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are arranged on the optical fiber introduction side, and creating a fiber introduction space on the back surface and the wall surfaces of the fiber alignment grooves. A fixing plate fixed to the fiber array, extending in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed on the end face side of the optical fiber, and abutting on the peripheral surface of the optical fiber introduced into the fiber alignment groove through the fiber introduction space. Equipped with a guide
On the back side of the plate, it faces multiple fiber alignment grooves
A partition for forming a plurality of guide grooves is provided,
The fiber introduction space is defined by the wall and the wall of the fiber alignment groove.
It is characterized by creating .

In this optical fiber alignment unit, an optical fiber is introduced into a fiber array and fixed by the following procedure. First, a guide plate is fixed to the optical fiber introduction side of the fiber array. At this time, the guide plate extends in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed, and the opening of each fiber alignment groove is partially closed by the guide plate. Thus, a fiber introduction space is formed. Next, an optical fiber is introduced into each fiber alignment groove via each fiber introduction space. Then, the fixing plate is fixed to the fiber array while being in contact with the peripheral surface of the optical fiber that has passed through the fiber introduction space.

As described above, in the optical fiber alignment unit,
By providing a guide plate different from the fixing plate for fixing the optical fiber to the fiber array, when the optical fiber is introduced into the fiber alignment groove, the optical fiber is guided by the guide plate into the fiber alignment groove, and the optical fiber is brought to a desired position. The optical fibers can be accurately introduced into the fiber alignment grooves, and the optical fibers can be aligned at an accurate arrangement pitch.

Further, the rear surface of the guide plate to form a plurality of guide grooves facing the plurality of fiber alignment grooves, by a score out make fiber inlet space between the wall surface and the fiber alignment grooves of the wall surface of the guide groove, A space for guiding the optical fiber into the fiber alignment groove is created above each fiber alignment groove, so that the optical fiber can be easily and accurately introduced into the fiber alignment groove. Further, since the movement of the optical fiber in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed is regulated by the wall surfaces of the guide grooves, the optical fibers can be reliably held in the desired fiber alignment grooves. In this case, the arrangement pitch of the guide grooves is preferably the same as the arrangement pitch of the fiber alignment grooves, and may be at least twice the arrangement pitch of the fiber alignment grooves. Preferably a partition
Of the fiber alignment groove to span the fiber alignment groove
Both sides are in contact with the top. Also, the bulkhead is aligned with the fiber
It may be in contact with the wall surface of the groove. In addition, the partition is a guide
Multiple provided on the back of the plate, some of the multiple partitions,
Preferably, it extends toward the top of the fiber alignment groove.

An optical fiber alignment unit according to the present invention according to claim 7.
The knit is composed of a plurality of fibers juxtaposed on the surface of the fiber array.
Introduce multiple optical fibers into the fiber alignment groove and fix them.
In the aligned optical fiber alignment unit, the fiber array
To the fiber alignment groove on the optical fiber introduction side.
Extending in the installation direction, and
A guide plate that creates the space
Fixed to the bal array and the fiber alignment at the end face of the optical fiber.
It extends in the direction in which the row grooves are juxtaposed, and passes through the fiber introduction space.
Abuts the peripheral surface of the optical fiber introduced into the fiber alignment groove
The guide plate is located on the introduction side.
Comprising a divider piece overhanging towards, this creating a fiber inlet space between the wall surface and the fiber alignment grooves of the surface of the partitioning piece
And features. Thus, the optical fiber alignment unit
Next, fix the optical fiber to the fiber array.
Provide a guide plate separate from the
By providing the partition piece de plate, when introducing an optical fiber into the fiber alignment groove, the optical fiber divider piece and
Guided into the fiber alignment groove by the guide plate , the optical fiber can be accurately introduced into the desired fiber alignment groove, and the optical fibers can be aligned at the correct arrangement pitch.
Can be made.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber alignment unit in which a plurality of first optical fibers are introduced and fixed in a plurality of fiber alignment grooves arranged side by side on a surface of a fiber array. Including the second in the fiber alignment groove
The optical fiber is introduced, the optical switch for selectively optically connecting the first optical fiber and second optical fiber, optical fiber alignment unit is fixed to the fiber array, the first
A guide plate that extends in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed on the introduction side of the optical fiber and creates a fiber introduction space on the back surface and the wall surface of the fiber alignment groove. A fixing plate extending in the direction in which the alignment grooves are juxtaposed and in contact with the peripheral surface of the first optical fiber introduced into the fiber alignment grooves via the fiber introduction space ; H
Partition walls forming a plurality of guide grooves facing the fiber alignment grooves
Are provided, and the wall of the guide groove and the wall of the fiber alignment groove are
In this case, a fiber introduction space is created .
In this optical switch, an optical fiber alignment unit in which optical fibers are arranged at an accurate arrangement pitch is provided, so that an optical connection error can be reduced.

[0011]

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of an optical switch according to the present invention. The optical switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 3 and a plurality of (for example, 100)
The tape fiber 8 of the book is exposed. Each tape fiber 8 is formed as a four-core tape fiber 8 by bundling four optical fibers 9 (first optical fibers), and a plurality of the bundled optical fibers 8 (for example, 400 Book) will be discharged. The optical fiber 9 stripped from the tip of the tape fiber 8 is fixed to the fiber array 11 as a first optical fiber, and the optical switch 1 includes a plurality of (for example, 200) optical fibers 9 in the fiber array 11. Two sets of optical fiber alignment units 10 are provided as one set by being fixed. The optical fiber alignment unit 10 is a base (not shown) temporarily fixed on the stage 2 housed in the housing 3 so as to be able to enter and exit.
It is adhered and fixed to the surface.

On the stage 2, a head base 4 that moves along the direction in which the optical fiber alignment unit 10 extends is arranged, and a movable arm 4a is fixed to the head base 12. Two optical fibers 20 (second optical fibers) are fixed to the movable arm 4a, and the movable arm 4a is operated via an arm driving mechanism (not shown) included in the head base 4. , Optical fiber 2
0 can be brought into contact with the optical fiber alignment unit 10. Further, a screw shaft 5 for moving the head base 4, a stepping motor 6 for driving the screw shaft 5, and a control for controlling the stepping motor 6 are provided on the stage 1 housed in the housing 3. Although the unit 7 is arranged, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the optical fiber alignment unit 10 provided in the optical switch 1. Fiber array 11 included in this optical fiber alignment unit 10
Is formed of a material such as silicon, ceramics or the like, and a plurality of V-groove-shaped fiber alignment grooves 15 extending in a straight line in the optical fiber coupling direction are provided on the surface thereof. Each fiber alignment groove 15 is provided in the fiber array 1.
1 is divided into two by a separation groove 17 formed on the surface of one, one side is a first fiber alignment groove 15a,
A plurality of (for example, 200) optical fibers 9 as the first optical fibers are fixed. On the other side, a second fiber alignment groove 15b is formed, and the second arm is formed by the movable arm 4a.
An optical fiber 20 as an optical fiber is introduced.

A guide plate 12 is fixed on the surface of the fiber array 11 at a position separated from the separation groove 17 by a predetermined distance from the separation groove 17 to the optical fiber 9 introduction side. The guide plate 12 is formed as a single long plate made of a material such as silicon or ceramics. The fiber alignment grooves 15 are juxtaposed from one side end to the other side end of the fiber array 11. Direction.

Further, a plurality of fixing plates 14 are fixed to the fiber array 11 between the guide plate 12 and the separation groove 17 so as to be adjacent to the guide plate 12. The fixing plate 14 is formed as a plate material from a material such as silicon or ceramics.
Is formed to a length corresponding to four tape fibers 8, that is, sixteen optical fibers 9. Each fixing plate 14 is fixed to the fiber array 11 in a state of contacting the peripheral surface of the optical fiber 9 introduced into each first fiber alignment groove 15a.

Next, a procedure for forming the optical fiber alignment unit 10 by fixing the optical fiber 9 in the first fiber alignment groove 15a using the guide plate 12 and the fixing plate 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. I do.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, on the surface of the fiber array 11, that is, on the first fiber alignment groove 15a,
The guide plate 12 is fixed while extending from one side end of the fiber array 11 to the other side end in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves 15 are juxtaposed. At this time, the guide plate 12
Is located at a predetermined distance from the separation groove 17 on the introduction side of the optical fiber 9, and is located between the edge side surface of the guide plate 12 on the separation groove 17 side and the wall surface of the separation groove 17 on the introduction side of the optical fiber 9. Is approximately the same as the width of the fixed plate 14.

As described above, each of the first fiber alignment grooves 15a
4 is closed by the guide plate 12, and as shown in FIG. 4, the fiber introduction space 16 is created by the back surface 12a of the guide plate 12 and the wall surface 15c of each fiber alignment groove 15a. In addition,
The fixing of the guide plate 12 to the fiber array 11
It comes into contact with the surface of the guide plate 12 and guide plate 1
A guide plate fixing jig (not shown) that presses the fiber 2 against the fiber array 11 is used. When the guide plate 12 having a short overall length is used, a jig for sandwiching the fiber array 11 between both end portions of the guide plate 12 and the guide plate 12 may be used.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the optical fiber 9 stripped from the tip of the tape fiber 8 is introduced into each first fiber alignment groove 15a by using each fiber introduction space 16. At this time, since the optical fiber 9 is guided by the guide plate 12 into each fiber alignment groove 15a, the optical fiber 9 can be accurately introduced into the desired first fiber alignment groove 15a. Fiber introduction space 16
The end face of the optical fiber 9 that has passed through reaches the separation groove 17. In the optical fiber aligning unit 10, one first fiber aligning groove 15a is inserted into the optical fiber alignment groove 15a in order to release the buffer between adjacent tape fibers 8 in consideration of the thickness of the jacket of the tape fiber 8. 9 is an empty groove not to be introduced.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, after the introduction of the optical fibers 9 into each of the first fiber alignment grooves 15a is completed, the respective fixing plates 14 are arranged in a state of being in contact with the peripheral surface of the optical fibers 9. Fixed to the fiber array 11. At this time, each fixing plate 14 contacts only the peripheral surface of the optical fiber 9 and does not contact the top of the first fiber alignment groove 15a or the surface of the fiber array 11 (see FIG. 7). Thereby, the optical fiber 9 can be reliably pressed against the first fiber alignment groove 15a. Each fixed plate 1
4 is fixed to the fiber array 11 using a fixing plate fixing jig (not shown) that contacts the surface of the fixing plate 14 and presses the fixing plate 14 against the fiber array 11.

Further, an adhesive is poured into each of the first fiber alignment grooves 15a from the introduction side of the optical fiber 9, and the adhesive is cured, so that each of the optical fibers 9, the guide plate 12,
Each fixing plate 14 is fixed to the fiber array 11. At this time, the surplus adhesive flows down into the separation groove 17, so that the adhesive does not flow into the second optical fiber alignment groove 15b. After the curing of the adhesive is completed, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the end face of the optical fiber 9, the wall surface of the separation groove 17 on the optical fiber 9 side, and the separation groove 17
The end face on the side is trimmed to be flush with the cutter 19, and the optical fiber alignment unit 10 is completed. In this case, if the guide plate 12 and the fixing plate 14 are formed of a transparent material such as glass, the adhesive used for fixing may be:
It is also possible to use a photocurable resin.

Thus, an optical fiber alignment unit 10 in which the optical fibers 9 are aligned at an accurate arrangement pitch can be configured. Further, in the optical switch 1 including the optical fiber alignment unit 10 in which the optical fibers 9 are aligned at an accurate arrangement pitch, an optical connection error can be reduced.

FIGS. 9 to 14 show an optical fiber alignment unit 1.
5 shows a state in which various guide plates 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> E applicable to the fiber array 11 are arranged in the fiber array 11.

In the guide plate 12A shown in FIG. 9, a guide groove 13 facing the first fiber alignment groove 15a is formed on the back surface 12a. In this case, the guide groove 13
Wall 13a and wall 15c of the first fiber alignment groove 15a
Thus, the fiber introduction space 16 is created (see FIG. 10). Thereby, each first fiber alignment groove 1
Above 5a, the optical fiber 9 is inserted into the first fiber alignment groove 15
Since a space for guiding the optical fiber 9 is created, the optical fiber 9 can be easily and accurately introduced into the first fiber alignment groove 15a. Also, since a very large number of optical fibers are aligned in the fiber array, even when the fiber alignment groove is made shallow, a sufficient space for guiding the optical fiber to the fiber alignment groove is secured above the fiber alignment groove. be able to. Furthermore, since the movement of the optical fiber in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed is regulated by the wall surfaces of the guide grooves, the optical fibers can be reliably held in the desired fiber alignment grooves.

In the guide plate 12A, the arrangement pitch of the guide grooves 13 is at least twice the arrangement pitch of the first fiber alignment grooves 15a, that is, the length is substantially the same as the width of the four first fiber alignment grooves 15a. I'm trying. This allows
Optical fiber 9 stripped from four-core tape fiber 8
Can be accurately introduced into the first fiber alignment groove 15a. When using an 8-core tape fiber,
The arrangement pitch of the guide grooves 12a may be the same as the width of the eight first fiber alignment grooves 15a.

The guide plate 12B shown in FIG. 11 has an arrangement pitch of the first fiber alignment grooves 15 on its back surface 12a.
A guide groove 13 having the same arrangement pitch as a is formed. Also in this case, the optical fiber 9 is accurately positioned with respect to the first fiber alignment groove 15a by using the fiber introduction space 16 created by the wall surface 13a of the guide groove 13 and the wall surface 15c of the first fiber alignment groove 15a. And a single first fiber alignment groove 15a
Can be prevented from being introduced into two optical fibers 9.

In each case of the guide plate 12A shown in FIG. 9 and the guide plate 12B shown in FIG. 11, the partition wall 13b of the guide groove 13 does not allow the optical fiber 9 between the adjacent tape fibers 8 to be introduced. The first fiber alignment groove 15a is in contact with the top, but is not limited to this. That is, like the guide plate 12C shown in FIG. 12, the guide plate 12C may be fixed to the fiber array with the partition 13b of the guide groove 13 in contact with the wall surface 15c of the first fiber alignment groove 15a. Accordingly, when the guide plate 12 is fixed to the fiber array 11, even if the surface of the guide plate 12 is pressed by a guide plate fixing jig (not shown), the height of the partition 13 b of the guide groove 13 is sufficient. The fiber introduction space 16 can be secured above the fiber alignment groove.

The guide plate 12D shown in FIG. 13 is a guide plate 12A shown in FIG. 9 and a guide plate 12 shown in FIG.
Unlike B, the guide groove 13 is formed as a semicircular groove. Although not shown, the guide groove 1
3 may be formed as a V groove similar to the fiber alignment groove 15.

In the guide plate 12E shown in FIG.
Side surface 12b of guide plate 12D on the optical fiber introduction side
Segment 1 projecting toward the introduction side of optical fiber 9 from
8 are provided. In this case, the fiber introduction space 16 is created by the wall surface 18a of the partition piece 18 and the wall surface 15c of the first fiber alignment groove 15a. Thereby, when introducing the optical fiber 9 into the first fiber alignment groove 15a,
Since the optical fiber 9 is guided to the first fiber alignment groove 15a by the partition 13, the optical fiber 9 can be accurately introduced into the desired first fiber alignment groove 15a. In the guide plate 12D, the partition pieces 18 are projected at the same pitch as the arrangement pitch of the first fiber alignment grooves 15a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical fibers 9 between the adjacent tape fibers 8 are not limited thereto. May be extended so as to correspond to the first fiber alignment groove 15a in which the first fiber is not introduced.

[0031]

Since the optical switch and the optical fiber alignment unit according to the present invention are constructed as described above, the following effects can be obtained. That is, since the optical fiber alignment unit is provided with a guide plate different from the fixing plate for fixing the optical fiber to the fiber array, the optical fiber is guided into the fiber alignment groove by the guide plate when the optical fiber is introduced into the fiber alignment groove. Guided, the optical fiber can be accurately introduced into the desired fiber alignment groove. Further, in the optical switch having the optical fiber alignment unit, the optical fibers are aligned at an accurate arrangement pitch, so that an optical connection error can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an optical fiber alignment unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a procedure for fixing an optical fiber in a fiber alignment groove.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a guide plate is fixed to a fiber array.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a procedure for fixing an optical fiber in a fiber alignment groove.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a procedure for fixing an optical fiber in a fiber alignment groove.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a fixing plate is fixed to the fiber array.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a procedure for fixing an optical fiber in a fiber alignment groove.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a guide plate is arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a guide plate is arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where a guide plate is arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a guide plate is arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state where guide plates are arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which a guide plate is arranged on the surface of the fiber array.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical switch, 8 ... Tape core wire, 9 ... Optical fiber (1st optical fiber), 10 ... Optical fiber alignment unit, 11
... Fiber array, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 1
2D, 12E: guide plate, 13: guide groove, 14
... Fixing plate, 15 ... Fiber alignment groove, 15a ... First
Fiber alignment groove, 16: Fiber introduction space, 18: Partition piece.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mitsuaki Tamura 1 Tayacho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Yokohama Works (72) Inventor Norihiro Yokomachi 1 Tayacho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Sumitomo Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Inside the Yokohama Works Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenichi Tomita 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (72) Naoki Nakao 3-192-2, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Sun Inside the Telegraph and Telephone Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masato Kuroiwa 3-19-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Nihon Telegraph and Telephone Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-10-2006697 (JP, A) JP-A JP-A-7-301719 (JP, A) JP-A-6-235840 (JP, A) JP-A-7-318823 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6 / 00 G02B 6/24-6/255 G02B 6/36-6/40 G02B 26/08

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An optical fiber alignment unit in which a plurality of optical fibers are introduced and fixed in a plurality of fiber alignment grooves juxtaposed on a surface of a fiber array, wherein the optical fiber is fixed to the fiber array, and A guide plate that extends in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed on the introduction side and creates a fiber introduction space with the back surface and the wall surfaces of the fiber alignment grooves, and is fixed to the fiber array, and on the end face side of the optical fiber. the extending in the arrangement direction of the fiber alignment groove, and a fixing plate for contact with the peripheral surface of the optical fiber is introduced into the fiber alignment grooves through said fiber inlet space, the rear surface of the guide plate The multiple files
Partition walls are formed to form a plurality of guide grooves facing the alignment grooves.
And a wall of the guide groove and a wall of the fiber alignment groove.
An optical fiber alignment unit , wherein the fiber introduction space portion is created with a surface. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall extends over the fiber alignment groove.
Abutting on the tops on both sides of the fiber alignment groove
2. The optical fiber alignment unit according to claim 1, wherein
To 3. The partition wall is a wall of the fiber alignment groove.
2. The optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is in contact with the optical fiber.
Iva alignment unit. 4. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the partition is located on the back of the guide plate.
A plurality of partition walls, and a part of the plurality of partition walls is
Extending toward the top of the groove for groove alignment
The optical fiber alignment unit according to claim 1.
To 5. The arrangement pitch of the guide groove, the optical fiber aligning unit according to claim 1, wherein the the same as the array pitch of said fiber alignment grooves. The arrangement pitch of wherein said guide groove, the optical fiber aligning unit according to claim 1, wherein a is more than twice the array pitch of said fiber alignment grooves. 7. An optical fiber alignment unit in which a plurality of optical fibers are introduced and fixed in a plurality of fiber alignment grooves arranged side by side on a surface of a fiber array, wherein the optical fiber is fixed to the fiber array, and A guide plate that extends in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed on the introduction side and creates a fiber introduction space with the back surface and the wall surfaces of the fiber alignment grooves, and is fixed to the fiber array, and on the end face side of the optical fiber. the extending in the arrangement direction of the fiber alignment groove, and a fixing plate for contact with the peripheral surface of the optical fiber is introduced into the fiber alignment grooves through said fiber inlet space, said guide plate, said Overhanging toward the introduction side
A partition, and a wall of the partition and the fiber alignment groove.
An optical fiber alignment unit , wherein the fiber introduction space portion is created with a wall of the optical fiber. 8. An optical fiber alignment unit, wherein a plurality of first optical fibers are introduced and fixed in a plurality of fiber alignment grooves provided side by side on a surface of a fiber array, and a second optical fiber is provided in the fiber alignment grooves. And an optical switch for selectively optically connecting the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber alignment unit is fixed to the fiber array, and on the introduction side of the first optical fiber. A guide plate extending in the direction in which the fiber alignment grooves are juxtaposed, and creating a fiber introduction space with a back surface and the wall surfaces of the fiber alignment grooves; fixed to the fiber array and aligning the fibers on the end face side of the optical fiber; extending in arrangement direction of the grooves, through the fiber inlet space fixed flop abutting on the peripheral surface of the first optical fiber is introduced into the fiber alignment grooves A over bets, the said rear surface of said guide plate, said plurality of files
Partition walls are formed to form a plurality of guide grooves facing the alignment grooves.
And a wall of the guide groove and a wall of the fiber alignment groove.
An optical switch , characterized in that the fiber introduction space is created with a surface.