JPH08248331A - Filter moving type optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate the need for optical path switching and to obviate the occurrence of misalignment of optical axes by putting an optical filter in and out between the end faces of optical fibers installed by aligning their optical axes. CONSTITUTION: One stopper 59a is installed in a position where the optical filter 35 emerges from the space between the end faces of the optical fibers 31 as shown in Fig. (A) when the one end of a bar 53 is pressed thereto. Another stopper 59b is installed in a position where the optical filter 35 intrudes between the end faces of the optical fibers 31 as shown in Fig. (B) when the other end of the bar 53 is pressed thereto. This switch is of a system to hold the optical fibers 31 fixed and to move the optical filter 35 by magnetic force in such a manner and, therefore, there is no possibility that the misalignment of the optical axes of the optical fibers 31 arises. In addition, the optical connecting points are decreased and, therefore, the connection with lower loss and the miniaturization are made possible.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch using an optical filter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An optical switch using a conventional optical filter is shown in FIGS. In the figure, reference numeral 11 is an inlet side connector, 13 is an outlet side connector, 15a is a moving side connector for switching an optical path, 15b is a fixed side connector for switching an optical path, 17 is an optical filter, and 19a and 19b are optical fibers for this optical path. , 21a and 21b are optical fibers for bypass optical path, and 23 is a case.

When the moving side connector 15a is in the position shown in FIG. 9, the optical fibers 19a and 19b for the optical path are connected, and an optical signal is transmitted from the inlet side connector 11 to the outlet side connector 1.
3 is directly transmitted. On the other hand, the moving side connector 15a
Is in the position shown in FIG. 10, the optical fiber 19 for the optical path is
a is connected to the bypass optical path optical fiber 21a, and the main optical path optical fiber 19b is connected to the bypass optical path optical fiber 21b, respectively, and the optical signal entering from the inlet side connector 11 is transmitted to the outlet side connector 13 through the optical filter 17. To be done. That is, this optical switch switches between the state of FIG. 9 in which the optical signal is transmitted as it is and the state of FIG. 10 in which only the optical signal passing through the optical filter 17 is transmitted.

[0004]

The conventional optical switch has the following problems. That is, since the connector for switching the optical path is used, the optical axis is likely to be displaced at this portion, and the number of optical connection points is increased. Therefore, it is difficult to realize low loss connection and low loss connection repeatedly. Is. Further, since the bypass optical path is provided separately from the main optical path and the optical filter is installed in the bypass optical path, there is a drawback that a large component storage space is required and the optical switch becomes large.

In the near future, it is clear that in the transmission using the optical fiber, the multiplex transmission represented by the television will become the mainstream. In multiplex transmission, it is effective to carry out by changing the wavelength of the light entering the optical fiber, and accordingly, in terminal equipment that captures multiple wavelengths with one device, it is necessary to change or switch the input wavelength band at any time. Sex comes out. However, in conventional optical switches, when attempting to control a plurality of wavelength bands in one optical path, there is only a method of arranging optical switches in multiple stages, which requires more optical switch storage space, resulting in a large device. There was a drawback that became.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a filter-moving type optical switch which solves the above-mentioned problems, and its basic configuration is an optical switch installed with its optical axes aligned. An optical switch for switching an optical signal by inserting / removing a thin plate-shaped optical filter between the end faces of a fiber, and supporting the optical filter, and reciprocally rotating the optical filter in a direction for inserting / removing the optical filter between the end faces of the optical fiber. It is characterized in that a rotatable support member and magnetic drive means for rotating the rotatable support member back and forth within a range in which the optical filter moves in and out between the end faces of the optical fiber are provided (claim 1). .

A more specific configuration of the present invention is an optical switch for switching an optical signal by inserting / removing a thin plate-shaped optical filter between the end faces of an optical fiber installed so that the optical axes are aligned with each other. A rotary support member that supports a filter and is capable of reciprocating rotation in the direction of inserting and removing the optical filter between the end faces of the optical fiber, and that is partially or wholly magnetized so that a magnetic pole is generated at a position away from the rotation center axis. A magnetic body that abuts on the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support at a position where the optical filter enters between the end faces of the optical fiber when the rotary support rotates in one direction to prevent rotation of the rotary support. When the first positioning member and the rotary support rotate in opposite directions, the optical filter contacts the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support at a position extending from between the end faces of the optical fibers to prevent rotation of the rotary support. Do When magnetizing the second positioning member made of a magnetic material so as to attract the first positioning member to the rotary support, the second positioning member is magnetized to repel the rotary support, and vice versa. An electromagnet for magnetizing the second positioning member so as to attract the second positioning member with the rotary support when the first positioning member is magnetized so as to repel the rotary support. Item 2).

An optical switch according to the present invention has the same structure as that of claim 2 and has two optical filters supported by a rotary support.
When one optical filter is between the end faces of the optical fiber, the other optical filter is coming out from between the end faces of the optical fiber, and when the other optical filter is between the end faces of the optical fiber, one optical filter It is also possible to construct the filter so that the filter extends from between the end faces of the optical fiber (claim 3).

[0009]

In the optical switch according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the optical fiber is fixed and the optical filter is moved by magnetic force, there is no risk of deviation of the optical axis of the optical fiber and the optical connection point. Therefore, low loss connection and downsizing are possible. In addition, since the optical filter is a system in which the optical filter is supported by a rotary support and is rotated, it is possible to prevent the influence of vibration or shock by balancing the rotation center.

The optical switch of claim 2 operates as follows. In the initial state, the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support is in a position in contact with the first positioning member or the second positioning member.
The electromagnet is not energized. If the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support is in contact with the first positioning member, the optical filter is located between the end faces of the optical fiber in this state. Further, in this state, the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support is magnetically moved to the first position.
Since it is attached to the positioning member, it is held by itself.

In this state, a current in one direction is applied to the electromagnet to magnetize the first positioning member so as to repel the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support member and to polarize the second positioning member to the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support member. When it is magnetized to have a polarity that attracts, the rotating support member is rotated by the magnetic force and comes into contact with the second positioning member. With this, the optical filter comes out from between the end faces of the optical fiber. In this state, even if the electric current of the electromagnet is cut off, the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support member is attracted to the second positioning member by the magnetic force, so that it is held by itself.

Next, when a current in the opposite direction to the above is applied to the electromagnet, the first positioning member is magnetized to have a polarity attracting the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support, and the second positioning member is magnetic pole portion of the rotary support. Since the magnets are magnetized to repel each other, the rotating support is rotated in the opposite direction by the magnetic force and
It comes into contact with the positioning member of. With this, the optical filter is placed between the end faces of the optical fiber. That is, it returns to the state of. In this state, even if the electric current of the electromagnet is cut off, the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support member is attracted to the first positioning member by the magnetic force, so that it is held by itself.

In this optical switch, an optical filter is inserted / removed between the end faces of the optical fiber as described above to switch the optical signal. The state in which the optical filter is between the end faces of the optical fiber and the state in which the optical filter is out between the end faces of the optical fiber are self-held by the magnetic force of the rotating support, so the energization of the electromagnet is only switched. Also, it is not affected by power failure.

According to the optical switch of the third aspect, two kinds of optical filters can be inserted and removed between the end faces of the optical fiber by the same operation as described above.

[0015]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 31a and 31b are optical fibers fixed on the substrate 33 by leaving a gap between the end faces and aligning the optical axes, and 35 is an optical filter in the form of a thin plate that is put in and out between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b. is there.

First, the optical axis aligning means for the optical fibers 31a and 31b will be described with reference to FIG. Optical fiber 3
Originally, 1a and 31b are one optical fiber. First, the coating of the middle part of one optical fiber is peeled off, and the optical fiber main body 3
7 is exposed, then that portion is set in the V groove 39 of the substrate 33, and the coating portions on both sides thereof are formed in the concave groove 4 of the substrate 33.
1 and fix it with an adhesive or the like. After that, a slit 43 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 33 in a direction crossing the V groove 39, and the optical fiber main body 37 is cut. As a result, a state in which the optical fibers 31a and 31b are fixed with the gaps between the end faces and the optical axes aligned with each other can be obtained. Slit 4
3 may be formed at a right angle to the V groove 39 or may be formed at a slight angle.

The above-mentioned optical axis adjusting means is an example, and other means can be adopted. For example, the portions of the optical fibers 31a and 31b, which have been separated beforehand, from which the coatings have been removed are placed on the V-shaped groove 39 of the substrate 33, and fixed with an adhesive or the like with a gap between the end faces. Good. Also, after fixing the middle part of the optical fiber to the substrate as described above, instead of making a slit, the substrate is cut together with the optical fiber, the cut surface is polished, and then another member (not shown) is used to leave a gap between the end faces. The structure may be such that it is opened and assembled.

The fixing structure of the optical fibers 31a and 31b is as described above. On the other hand, the optical filter 35 is attached to the rotating member 45 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The rotating member 45 has a stepped shape having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and the small diameter portion is rotatably supported by the bearing 47. A stop ring 49 is attached to the outer end of the small diameter portion.
And the step portion support the bearing 47 so that there is no play in the thrust direction. The rotating member 45 is made of a non-magnetic material, and the permanent magnet 51 polarized in the axial direction is embedded in the center of the end portion on the large diameter portion side. A bar 53 made of a magnetic material is fixed to the end surface of the large diameter portion of the rotating member 45. The center of gravity of the bar 53 is aligned with the central axis of the rotating member 45.

The bearing 47 is fixed on the substrate 33 such that the end surface of the rotating member 45 on the large diameter portion side is located within the width of the slit 43 of the substrate 33. The optical filter 35 is attached to the end surface of the rotary member 45 on the large diameter side so that the rotary member 45 can be moved in an arc shape by rotating the rotary member 45 without contacting the inner surface thereof.

On the other hand, an electromagnet 55 is installed on the side opposite to the end surface on the large diameter side of the rotating member 45 with its iron core oriented in the horizontal direction. Flanges 57a and 57b made of a magnetic material are fixed to both ends of the iron core of the electromagnet 55.
7b is fixed to the substrate 33. Flange 57a, 5
Stoppers 59a and 59b are integrally formed on 7b so as to be located above both ends of the bar 53, respectively. Accordingly, the rotatable range of the rotating member 45 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), one end of the bar 53 has one stopper 5
As shown in FIG. 4 (B), the bar 53
Is limited to a state in which the other end of the abuts against the other stopper 59b.

One stopper 59a is provided on the bar 5a.
When one end of the optical fiber 3 comes into contact with the optical filter 35, the optical filter 35 is installed at a position where it comes out from between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b as shown in FIG.
4b, when the other end of the bar 53 comes into contact therewith, FIG.
As shown in (B), the optical filter 35 has the optical fiber 31a,
It is installed at a position where it enters between the end faces of 31b. Further, the electromagnet 55 has a switching control unit 61 including a DC power supply.
To a lead wire 63.

The above is the configuration of the optical switch of the present embodiment. Next, the operation of this optical switch will be described. Permanent magnet 5
It is assumed that 1 has an S pole on the bar 53 side and an N pole on the opposite side. The initial state is the state shown in FIG. 4 (A) or (B), but here, (A) will be described as the initial state. In the initial state, no current is flowing through the electromagnet 55, and therefore the flanges 57a and 57b and the stopper 5 that is a part thereof
9a and 59b are nonpolar.

On the other hand, since the bar 53 is a magnetic material, it is magnetized so that both ends thereof have the same N pole by the action of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 51. The rotating member 45 is made of a non-magnetic material because the magnetic force on the N pole side of the permanent magnet 51 is the rotating member 45.
This is to prevent the magnetic poles at both ends of the bar 53 from becoming unstable by acting on both ends of the bar 53 via the.

In the initial state, no electric current flows through the electromagnet 55, but since the stoppers 59a and 59b are magnetic bodies, one end of the bar 53 is attracted to the first stopper 59a by magnetic force and is in a self-holding state. is there. In this state, the optical filter 35 is projected from between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b, and the optical signal that does not pass through the optical filter 35 is directly transmitted to the optical fibers 31a and 31b.

In the electromagnet 55, when a current is passed in the direction of the one-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 1, the first stopper 59a side (flange 57a side) is the S pole and the second stopper 59b side is as shown in FIG. 4 (A). (Flange 57b side) is magnetized to the N pole, and conversely, when an electric current is passed in the direction of the chain double-dashed line arrow in FIG. 1, the first stopper 59a side is the N pole and the second stopper 59a side is the second pole as shown in FIG. 4B. The stopper 59b side is magnetized to the S pole.

In the initial state of FIG. 4 (A), when a current is applied to the electromagnet 55 in the direction of the chain double-dashed line arrow of FIG. 1, the first stopper 59a is magnetized to the N pole and sticks to the bar that has been attracted until then. The second stopper 59b is magnetized to the S pole and repels the one end of the bar 53, and attracts the other end of the bar 53. As a result, the rotating member 45 rotates clockwise in FIG. This rotation is performed by the bar 5 as shown in FIG.
It stops when the other end of 3 comes into contact with the second stopper 59b. In this state, the optical filter 35 enters between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b,
The optical signal that has passed through the optical filter 35 is transmitted to 31b. In this state, even if the electromagnet 55 is de-energized, the other end of the bar 53 is attracted to the second stopper 59b by the magnetic force, so that it is held by itself.

Next, in the state of FIG. 4 (B), when a current is passed through the electromagnet 55 in the direction of the one-dot chain line arrow of FIG. 1, the second stopper 59b is magnetized to the N pole and sticks to the bar that has been attracted up to that point. The other end of the bar 53 repels each other, and on the contrary, the first stopper 59a is magnetized to the S pole and attracts the one end of the bar 53. As a result, the rotating member 45 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. This rotation is stopped when one end of the bar 53 comes into contact with the first stopper 59a as shown in FIG. 4 (A). In this state, the optical filter 35 comes out from between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b, and the optical fiber 31
An optical signal that does not pass through the optical filter 35 is directly transmitted to a and 31b. In this state, even if the electromagnet 55 is de-energized, one end of the bar 53 is attracted to the first stopper 59a by the magnetic force, so that it is held by itself. This restores the same state as the initial state.

This optical switch switches the optical signal by repeating the above operation. Switching operation is electromagnet 55
However, since it suffices to supply a current to the electromagnet 55 only during switching, the power consumption can be reduced. In order to obtain a stable operation, it is desirable that the entire member that rotates together with the rotating member 45 has a dynamic balance with respect to the central axis of the rotating member 45. This point is the same in the following examples.

[Second Embodiment] FIGS. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 correspond to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 of the first embodiment, respectively. 5 to 7, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment.

In the optical switch of this embodiment, the optical filter 35 is attached to the end face of the bar 53 made of a magnetic material, and the rotation of the rotating member 45 causes the optical fibers 31a and 31 to be rotated.
It comes and goes between the end faces of b. The permanent magnet 51 is attached to the lower surface of the bar 53 and is polarized so that the magnetic poles at both ends are located on both sides of the rotating member 45. Furthermore, this optical switch has two electromagnets 55a,
55b. The two electromagnets 55a and 55b are
It is supported by a fixed block 65 so as to be located on both sides of an extension of the central axis of the rotating member 45. The fixed block 65 is fixed to the substrate 33. The stoppers 59a and 59b made of a magnetic material are used for the electromagnet 55, respectively.
It is formed integrally with the iron cores a and 55b. Electromagnet 55
a and 55b are connected to the switching control unit 6 by the lead wires 63, respectively.
Connected to 1. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of this optical switch will be described. The initial state is the state shown in FIG. 7 (A) or (B), but here, (A) will be described as the initial state. In the initial state, no current flows in the electromagnets 55a and 55b, and accordingly, the stoppers 59a and 59b have no polarity. Meanwhile, bar 5
Since 3 is a magnetic substance, it is magnetized so that both ends thereof become N pole and S pole by the action of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 51.

In the initial state, no current is flowing through the electromagnets 55a and 55b, but since the stoppers 59a and 59b are magnetic bodies, one end of the bar 53 is firstly magnetized by magnetic force.
It is in a self-holding state by sticking to the stopper 59a.
In this state, the optical filter 35 causes the optical fibers 31a, 3
It comes out between the end faces of 1b.

In the electromagnets 55a and 55b, when a current flows in the direction of the one-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 5, both stoppers 59a and 59b are magnetized to the N pole as shown in FIG. When an electric current is applied in the direction of the dotted line arrow, both stoppers 59a and 59b are S-shaped as shown in FIG. 7B.
It is designed to be magnetized to the poles.

In the initial state of FIG. 7A, the electromagnet 55a,
When an electric current is applied to 55b in the direction of the double-dashed line arrow in FIG. 5, both stoppers 59a and 59b are magnetized to the S pole, so that the first stopper 59a sticks to the bar 5
3, the second stopper 59b attracts the other end of the bar 53. As a result, the rotating member 4
5 rotates clockwise in FIG. 7 (A). This rotation is stopped when the other end of the bar 53 comes into contact with the second stopper 59b as shown in FIG. 7B. In this state, the optical filter 35 enters between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b. In this state, even if the electromagnets 55a and 55b are de-energized, the other end of the bar 53 is magnetically attracted to the second stopper 5 by the magnetic force.
Since it is attached to 9b, it is held by itself.

Next, in the state of FIG. 7B, the electromagnet 55a,
When a current is applied to 55b in the direction of the one-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 5, the second stopper 59b is magnetized to the N pole, so that the second stopper 59b repels the other end of the bar 53 that has been attracted up to that point. And the first stopper 59a is the bar 5
Attract one end of 3. As a result, the rotating member 45 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 7 (B). This rotation is shown in Figure 7.
As shown in (A), one end of the bar 53 has the first stopper 5
It stops when it comes into contact with 9a. In this state, the optical filter 35 comes out from between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b. In this state, even if the electromagnets 55a and 55b are de-energized, one end of the bar 53 is attracted to the first stopper 59a by the magnetic force, so that it is held by itself.
This restores the same state as the initial state. This optical switch switches optical signals by repeating the above operation.

In this embodiment, the magnetic bar 53 is used and the permanent magnet 51 and the optical filter 35 are attached thereto. However, the bar 53 is omitted, and the permanent magnet 51 is directly attached to the end face of the rotating member 45, and the permanent magnet 51 is attached. Even with the structure in which the optical filter 35 is attached to the magnet 51 or the rotating member 45, the same operation as in this embodiment can be obtained.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. 8 (A) and 8 (B) are the same as FIG.
It corresponds to (A) and (B). In FIG. 8, Example 1
The same parts as the respective parts are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

The optical switch of this embodiment includes two types of optical filters 35a and 35b having different passing wavelengths. The two optical filters 35a and 35b are attached to the rotating member 45 so as to have the following relationship. That is, when one end of the bar 53 is in contact with the first stopper 59a as shown in FIG. 8A, one optical filter 35a goes out from between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b, and the other optical filter 35a. The filter 35b is an optical fiber 31a,
When the light enters between the end faces of 31b and the other end of the bar 53 is in contact with the second stopper 59b as shown in FIG.
a between the end faces of a and 31b, and the other optical filter 35b
Are attached so that the relationship between the end faces of the optical fibers 31a and 31b is reached.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment.
The operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, but in the case of this optical switch, switching between a state in which the optical signal passes through one optical filter 35a and a state in which the optical signal passes through the other optical filter 35b is performed. .

In this embodiment, the case where the two optical filters are used in the structure of the first embodiment has been described, but the structure of the second embodiment can be similarly configured to use the two optical filters.

The above are the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, although various components are mounted on the substrate 3 in each of the above-described embodiments, the substrate 3 and other components may be mounted on another base member.

Since the permanent magnet 51 in the first embodiment is to generate magnetic poles having the same polarity at both ends of the bar 53, the permanent magnet 51 has the same polarization direction depending on the strength of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 51. Alternatively, it can be provided on the stop ring 49 side of the rotating member 45. Further, if the permanent magnet 51 is provided on the stop ring 49 side, it is not necessary to change the materials of the rotating member 45 and the bar 53 as in the first embodiment, and both can be manufactured as an integrated body. The cost can be reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, the optical filter 35.
The attachment position of may be the bar 53 instead of the rotating member 45. In each embodiment, the rotary member 45, the permanent magnet 51, and the bar 53 form a rotary support.

In order to prevent reflection on the end face of the optical fiber, a refractive index matching agent such as silicon oil may be inserted between the end faces of the optical fiber. Further, by immersing not only the end face of the optical fiber but also the moving area of the optical filter in the index matching agent, the optical filter can be protected from the impact generated when the optical filter moves. In addition, in order to prevent reflection at the end face of the optical fiber, one method is to tilt the end face of the optical fiber with respect to the optical axis.

[0045]

The optical switch of the present invention is a system in which an optical filter is put in and taken out between the end faces of the optical fibers installed so that the optical axes are aligned with each other. No gaps will occur. Further, it is not necessary to provide a bypass optical path, and the number of parts can be reduced, so that the size can be reduced. Furthermore, since the movement of the optical filter is performed by a rotating operation, by balancing it with respect to the center axis of rotation, the position of the optical filter can be kept stable even if vibration or shock is applied, and high reliability is ensured. can get. In addition, since the state where the optical filter is inserted between the end faces of the optical fiber and the state where it is exposed can be self-maintained, the operation does not become unstable even during a power failure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of an optical switch of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the optical switch shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a fixed state of an optical fiber in the optical switch of FIG.

FIG. 4A shows a state in which an optical filter comes out between end faces of an optical fiber, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which it enters between end faces.
Sectional drawing in the AA line of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the optical switch of the present invention.

6 is a side view of the optical switch of FIG.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which an optical filter comes out between end faces of an optical fiber, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which it enters between end faces.
Sectional drawing in the BB line of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the optical switch of the present invention,
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a state where one optical filter is inserted between the end faces of the optical fiber, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view showing a state where the other optical filter is inserted between the end faces of the optical fiber.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a conventional optical switch in a state where an optical filter is not in an optical path.

10 is a plan view showing a state where the optical filter of the optical switch shown in FIG. 9 is in an optical path.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31a, 31b: Optical fiber 33: Substrate 35: Optical filter 43: Slit 45: Rotating member 47: Bearing 51: Permanent magnet 53: Bar of magnetic material 55, 55a, 55b: Electromagnet 59a, 59b: Stopper 61: Switching control unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Shizuka Yamaguchi 2-6-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Nobuo Tomita 1-1-6 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An optical switch for switching optical signals by inserting and removing an optical filter in the form of a thin plate between the end faces of optical fibers installed so that their optical axes are aligned with each other. A rotary support capable of reciprocally rotating in the direction of moving the optical fiber between the end faces of the optical fiber; and a magnetic drive means for rotating the rotary support back and forth within a range where the optical filter moves in and out between the end faces of the optical fiber. A filter-moving type optical switch characterized in that 2. An optical switch for switching optical signals by inserting / removing a thin plate-shaped optical filter between the end faces of optical fibers installed so that their optical axes are aligned with each other, the optical filter supporting the optical filter. Is reciprocally rotatable in a direction of moving the optical fiber between the end faces of the optical fiber, and a rotary support partly or wholly magnetized so that a magnetic pole is generated at a position away from a rotation center axis; A first positioning member made of a magnetic material that abuts on the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support at a position where the optical filter enters between the end faces of the optical fibers to prevent the rotation of the rotary support when rotated. When the rotary support member rotates in the opposite direction, the optical filter contacts the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support member at a position extending from between the end faces of the optical fibers to prevent the rotation support member from rotating. Positioning The member and the first positioning member are magnetized so as to attract the rotating support, the second positioning member is magnetized so as to repel the rotating support, and conversely, the first positioning member is rotationally supported. A filter-movable optical switch, comprising: an electromagnet that magnetizes the second positioning member so as to attract the second positioning member to the rotary support when magnetized to repel the body. 3. An optical switch for switching optical signals by inserting and removing an optical filter in the form of a thin plate between the end faces of optical fibers installed so that their optical axes are aligned with each other. A rotary support that is reciprocally rotatable in a direction in which the optical filter is inserted into and removed from the end faces of the optical fiber, and that is partially or wholly magnetized so that magnetic poles are generated at positions apart from the rotation center axis, and the rotary support is When rotating in one direction, one optical filter enters between the end faces of the optical fiber, and the other optical filter comes out from between the end faces of the optical fiber, and comes into contact with the magnetic pole portion of the rotary support to support the rotary support. When the first positioning member made of a magnetic material for preventing the rotation of the rotation support member and the rotation support member rotate in opposite directions, one optical filter comes out from between the end faces of the optical fiber, and the other optical filter is At a position entered between the end face of the fiber, to prevent rotation of the rotary support in contact with the magnetic pole portion of the rotating support,
When magnetizing the second positioning member made of a magnetic material so as to attract the first positioning member to the rotary support, the second positioning member is magnetized to repel the rotary support, and conversely, A filter-movable optical switch, comprising: an electromagnet that magnetizes the first positioning member so as to attract the second positioning member to the rotary support when the first positioning member is magnetized to repel the rotary support. .