JPS62222215A - Optical path switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the mounting density of reflectors and to reduce the size of a device by forming a plunger unitedly with a positioning mechanism in a driving device for switching an optical path for incident light beams. CONSTITUTION:The device is provided with the 1st port group 2 for making plural light beams incident upon a prescribed plane, the 2nd port group 3 for emitting the incident light beams, the 3rd port group 4 for maing plural light beams incident from a direction rectangular to the incident light beams from the port group 2 to a prescribed plane, the 4th port group 5 for emitting the incident light beams, plural reflecting bodies 7a-8d to be optionally moved in the vertical direction to reflect the incident light beams from the port groups 2, 4 in the rectangular direction and emit them from the port groups 3, 5, and driving devices 8a-8d for moving the reflecting bodies 7a-7d. The reflecting bodies 7a-7d are individually moved by the movable part of the plunger and stopped with high reproducibility to change the optical path of incident light. The devices 8a-8d are positioned on prescribed positions by positioning means by straight moving their movable parts, and if the movable parts are moved in different directions, they are stopped on prescribed positions by stopping means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an optical path switching device used for switching communication lines, etc. in an optical communication system such as an optical fiber.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, various exchanges have been devised for switching one communication line in a communication system using optical fiber or the like. There are two types of switching equipment: one that converts the signal into an electrical signal and then switches the signal, and another that switches the optical signal as is (optical path switching device).

As such an optical path switching device, a so-called mechanical optical switch has been devised in which an optical fiber is fixed and a reflector such as a reflecting mirror or prism is moved in the optical path to switch the optical path.

An example of this optical path switching device is shown in FIG.
30a and 30b are solenoids consisting of a pair of electromagnets fixed to a case etc.
A pair of leaf springs (parallel springs) 31a and 31b are installed between 3Ob.
A movable table 32 supported by is disposed. This moving table 3z moves in the direction of arrow A by the excitation of solenoids 30a and 30b.
B It is movable by being attracted in either direction.

Therefore, by placing the reflector 34 on the movable table 32, the traveling direction of light from a predetermined direction can be changed by moving the movable table 32. That is, it can be switched in two directions for light from a given direction.

Furthermore, in order to make the optical path switching device smaller, a method has been considered in which one reflector is moved by one solenoid. That is, this uses the three positions in which the slide core of the plunger type solenoid moves linearly for positioning the reflector.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, although this optical path switching device uses parallel springs to improve the reproducibility of the same position, the width of the device increases due to the arrangement of two electromagnets. In other words, since many lines are switched, if they are arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. 7, it takes up a large space and it is not possible to increase the packaging density. However, light propagated through an optical fiber or the like suffers more loss in this switching space. In particular, in optical communication systems, as optical fiber cables become longer distances, it is necessary to suppress the loss of propagating light, and my main concern is how to reduce the loss of light in optical path switching devices. It was one of the

On the other hand, when the reflecting mirror or the like for switching the light is directly moved by the slide core of the plunger and positioned by the three positions of this movement, the slide core rotates and shakes. Therefore, there is a problem in that the positioning of the reflecting mirror etc. is unstable and the reproducibility is poor.

This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to increase the mounting density of the reflector for switching the optical path and to reduce the size of the reflector, as well as to suppress the loss of light in the switching optical path. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical path switching device that can reliably and accurately position a reflector.

[Means for solving the problem] In order to achieve this object, the optical path switching device of the present invention includes a first
a group of ports, and a second group of ports that output the incident light;
a third port group that allows a plurality of lights to enter from a direction perpendicular to the incident light from the first port group within the predetermined plane;

a fourth port group that outputs the incident light; and a vertically movable port that reflects the incident light from the first and third port groups in a right angle direction and outputs it from the second and fourth port groups. An optical path ticket device comprising a plurality of reflectors and a drive device for moving the reflectors, the drive device comprising: a plurality of reflectors; tM has a shape in which side pieces (11) and (12) are erected at both ends, and an outer yoke (10) with the inner side as the polarized surface, and side pieces (14) and (15) are erected at both ends. an inner yoke (13) which has a shape such that the inner side and the outer side of the side pieces (14) and (14) are armature surfaces, and is sized to fit into the outer yoke (10); A permanent magnet (IB) that is located inside the yoke (10) and the inner yoke (13) and generates magnetic flux in a direction perpendicular to these surfaces, and a side piece (IB) of the outer yoke (10). II), the armature surface of (12) and the side piece (14) of the inner yoke (13).

Flanges (21) and (22) whose respective parts facing the armature surface of (15) are armature surfaces, and the flange (21)
, (22) are fixed and the movable slide core (20
); a coil (17) for magnetizing and attracting the movable part (23); and a coil (17) for magnetizing and attracting the movable part (23); Part (2
3) stopping means (24) for stopping the movable part (23) at a predetermined position, and positioning means for positioning the movable part (23) together with the flange (22) on the side piece (12) of the outer yoke (1o) at a predetermined position. The device is characterized by comprising means (26).

[Operation] The optical path switching device of the present invention changes the optical path of incident light by individually moving and stopping the reflectors arranged in a matrix using the movable part of the plunger with good reproducibility.

When moving the reflector, the drive device moves the movable part linearly and is positioned at a predetermined position by the positioning means and held at that position, and when the movable part moves in the other direction, the movable part is held at the predetermined position by the stopping means. It is supposed to stop.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the optical path switching device of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a sectional view taken along the line I--I in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the optical path switching device.

In the figure, 1 is a case, and the upper four sides of this case have a first group of ports 2. A second port group 3, a third port group 4 and a fourth port group 5 are provided. The first port group 2 and the third port group 4 are receptacles 2a+, for making light propagated from an optical fiber or the like enter a predetermined plane,
2a2゜4al, 4a2 are arranged, and the second port group 3 and the fourth port group 5 are receptacles 3a+ for outputting the incident light to, for example, an optical fiber.
, 3 a2. (For example, SELFOC lens: trade name) 6 are respectively disposed. That is, the first port group 2 and the second port group 3, and the third port group 4 and the fourth port group 5 are arranged opposite to each other, and the receptacles 2a+ arranged therein are 3a.

The principal axes of 2a and 3a2, 4&+ and 5a+, and 41L2 and 5a2 are aligned, respectively. In this case, the configuration is one with four people and four outputs, but it is not necessary to limit the number to this number. A reflector (for example, a double-sided mirror, a prism whose negative surface is a mirror, etc.) 7a reflects the light in a predetermined direction, for example, at right angles, at the light difference point incident from these port groups.
, 7b, 7c, and 7d are provided so as to protrude from below as shown in FIG.

Drive devices 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d for vertically moving the reflectors 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d as shown by arrows C in FIG. It has the configuration shown in . In the fourth UgJ (a) and (b), 10 is an outer yoke made of a magnetic material, and this outer yoke 10 has a U-shape with side pieces 11 and 12 erected at both ends. Note that, for example, a predetermined acid screw 1 is attached to this side piece 11.
1a is cut, and the side piece 12 is provided with a predetermined hole 12a. Reference numeral 13 denotes an inner yoke made of a magnetic material, and the inner yoke 13 has a U-shape with side pieces 14 and 15 erected at both ends. Furthermore, the inner yoke 13 has a smaller shape than the outer yoke 10. In addition, approximately semicircular notches 14a and 15a are formed in the side pieces 14.15, respectively.

The inner sides of the outer yoke 10 and the side pieces 11 and 12, the inner sides of the inner yoke 13, and the outer sides of the side pieces 14 and 15 are polarized surfaces. A permanent magnet 16 is provided in contact with the polarized surfaces of the outer yoke 10 and the inner yoke 13. The permanent magnet 16 generates a magnetic flux perpendicular to the outer yoke 10 and the inner yoke 13. For example, the outer yoke 10 side is the north pole and the inner yoke side is the south pole.

Further, the permanent magnet 16 surrounds the coil 17. This coil 17 is attached to a fitting 18 made of an insulating material.
．． 19 is fixed to the outer yoke 10. Further, a slidable slide core 20 is arranged into which the coil 17 is fitted. The slide core 20 is magnetized by passing a current through the coil 17, and is attracted and repelled to move in a straight line. In addition, the slide core 20 has the side pieces 11 and 12.
．． 14. Flange 21 which can be magnetically coupled to the armature surface of 15.
22 is fixed at a predetermined position. This flange 21.
22 and the slide core 20 constitute a movable part 23. Note that the flange 21 has a shape whose rotation is restricted by the attachment A18. Therefore, this also restricts the rotation of the slide core 20. The other flange 22 is formed with an arbitrary notch 22a, for example, a chevron shape.

On the other hand, the side piece 11 is provided with a stopping means 24 for stopping the movement of the movable part 23 at a predetermined position. This stopping means 24 is, for example, a screw 24 located next to the acid screw 11a.
It consists of a. The side piece 12 has a shaped portion 25b that engages with the notch 22a of the flange 22, and a slide core 20.
A determining portion 25 is disposed such that a portion thereof is fitted into the hole 12a, and a bearing portion 25a that guides the bearing portion 25a. The positioning means 2 is formed by the positioning portion 25 and the flange 22.
6 are configured. The stopping position of the slide core 20 by the stopping means 24 can be adjusted with the screw 24a, and the positioning position by the positioning means 26 can be adjusted by changing the position at which the flange 22 is fixed. Further, the shaped portion in which the flange 22 and the positioning portion engage may have other shapes.

Next, the operation of the optical path switching device consisting of one or more configurations will be explained. First, light propagated from an optical fiber or the like is transferred from the first port group 2 and the third port group 4 to the receptacle 2a+.
, 2az, 4a+, and 4a2.

At this time, all the reflectors 7a.

When the driving devices 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d move the slide core 20 so that the optical axes 7b, 7c, and 7d are deviated from the optical axis of the incident light, the incident light goes straight to the second port group 3.
and exits from the fourth port group 5. This slide core 2
The plunger for moving 0 operates as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

In addition, Fig. 5 (a), (b) middle, Fig. 4 (a), (b)
The same parts are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation will be omitted.

First, a current is passed through the coil 17 in the direction of arrow a, then,
The movable part 23 is magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the coil 17, with the flange 21 side being magnetized to the south pole and the flange 22 side being magnetized to the north pole, and the slide core 20 is attracted and moved in the direction of the arrow.

Therefore, the movable part 23 is stopped by the adjusted stopping means 24,
Magnetized side piece 11.15 and flange 21.22
It is held by the lji air circuit shown by the dashed dotted line formed by the contact between the two. After this, the movable part 23 maintains its state even if no current is supplied to the coil 17.

Next, a radio wave is applied to the coil 17 in the direction indicated by the arrow (Fig. 5(b)). Then, the movable part 23 is magnetized in the opposite direction to that shown in Fig. 5(a), and the slide core 20 is moved in the direction of the arrow E. be attracted and move. Therefore, the movable part 23 is positioned by engaging with the flange 22 and the positioning part 25, and the side piece part 12.14
It is held by a magnetic circuit formed by a dash-dotted line formed by the contact between the flange 21 and the flange 21, 22. After this, the movable member 23 maintains its state even if no current is supplied to the coil 17.

Furthermore, the slide core 20 does not rotate due to the flange 21 and the fixture 18, and the mountain shape 22a of the flange 22 reliably engages with the shape of the positioning part 25, so there is no wobbling of the 5 cores and the movable part 23 is always in the same position. Can be positioned. Therefore,
This plunger allows accurate and reliable positioning of the movable part 23, and has extremely good reproducibility of the positioning.

As described above, the drive types 2t8a, 8b, 8c, 8d
For example, when the slide core 20 is sucked downward and held, the incident light is reflected by the reflectors 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d.
It will not be reflected and will go straight.

For example, if only the reflector 7a is driven to the state shown in FIG. Light emitted from the receptacle 4a+ of the port group 5 and incident from the receptacle 4a2 of the third port group 4 travels in the right angle direction by the reflector 7a, and is emitted from the receptacle 3a+ of the second port group 3. in this way,
Drive devices 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d
By driving the receptacle 2 of the first port group 2
a.

The light incident from 2a2 enters the receptacle 3a.

3a2.5a+, emitted from either 5112,
The light incident from the receptacles 3a+, 3a2 of the third port group 4 is transmitted to the receptacles 3a+, 3a, .

It can be emitted from either 5 a + + 5 a 2. That is, the optical path switching bags are driving bags fi8a and fi8b.

By driving 8c and 8d, an optical signal propagated through an optical fiber or the like can be switched to a desired optical fiber or the like (another line).

The drive bags 2t8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d integrate a buttenger and a positioning mechanism, and can be made smaller and can increase the mounting density of the optical path switching device.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the optical path switching device of the present invention, the driving device for switching the optical path of incident light is miniaturized by integrating the plugger and the positioning mechanism, and can be realized with high density. It is possible to implement this method, and also to estimate the optical loss in the Kirikoi optical path. Moreover, according to the present invention, the positioning of the reflector for switching the optical path can be performed reliably and accurately.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical path switching device showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a top view of the optical path switching bag, and FIG. Figures (a) and (b) are a plan view and an exploded perspective view of a drive device that drives the reflector of the optical path switching device, and Figures 5 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the drive device. 6 is a perspective view of a conventional optical path switching device, and FIG. 7 is a layout diagram of a conventional optical path switching device. 2...First boat group, 3...Second port group, 4
...Third port group, 5...Fourth port group, 7a
, 7b, 7c, 7d--reflector, 8a, 8b, 8c,
8d...Kaku! Ii stirrup, 10...outer yoke, 13.
...Inner yoke, 11.12, 14.15...side piece,
16...Permanent magnet, 17...Coil, 20...Slide core. 21.22...2 lunge, 23...movable part, 24.
...Stopping means, 26...Positioning means. Patent Applicant Anri Co., Ltd. Agent for Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation Patent Attorney Norimitsu Nishimura Figure 5 (.) (b)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A first group of ports that allows a plurality of propagated lights to enter a predetermined plane; a second port group that outputs the incident lights; a third port group that allows a plurality of lights to enter from a direction perpendicular to the incident light from the port group; a fourth port group that outputs the incident light; and an input light from the first and third port groups. An optical path switching device comprising: a plurality of vertically movable reflectors that reflect light in a right angle direction and emit the light from the second and fourth port groups; and a drive device that moves the reflectors. , the drive device has side pieces (11) at both ends, (
12), and an outer yoke (10) with the inner side as the polarized surface, and side pieces (14) and (15) at both ends,
and an inner yoke (13) whose inner side and the outer side of the side pieces (14) and (14) are polarized surfaces, and whose size is such that it can be freely fitted into the outer yoke (10); and the outer yoke (10). a permanent magnet (16) that is located inside the inner yoke (13) and generates magnetic flux in a direction perpendicular to these surfaces; and side pieces (11) and (12) of the outer yoke (10). and the side pieces (14) and (1) of the inner yoke (13).
Flanges (21), (22) whose portions facing the armature surfaces of 5) are armature surfaces, and the flanges (21), (22)
a movable part (23) consisting of a fixed and movable slide core (20), a coil (17) for magnetizing and attracting the movable part (23), and the outer yoke (10). Stopping means (24) in the side piece (11) for stopping the movable part (23) at a predetermined position.
and a positioning means (26) located on the side piece (12) of the outer yoke (10) for positioning the movable part (23) together with the flange (22) at a predetermined position. Optical path switching device.