WO2007046175A1

WO2007046175A1 - Case, case assembly method, and optical fiber fixation device

Info

Publication number: WO2007046175A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/314759
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takuya Shirata; Junichiro Asano; Masayuki Togawa
Original assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
Priority date: 2005-10-20
Filing date: 2006-07-26
Publication date: 2007-04-26

Abstract

Moisture resistance characteristics of a case are inexpensively improved. The case (20) has an inner housing (21), an outer housing (22) covering the inner housing (21) and forming an inner space (20a) in cooperation with the inner case (21), and a sealing agent (23) for sealing a gap (20b) between the inner housing (21) and the outer housing (22). The inner housing (21) has an inner housing lid wall (21a) closing the inner space (20a) from the direction of the arrow (20c) and also has an inner housing sidewall (21b) raised from the inner housing lid wall (21a) to surround the inner space (20a) from the direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow (20c). The outer housing (22) has an outer housing lid wall (22a) closing the inner space (20a) from the direction of the arrow (20d) opposite the direction of the arrow (20c) and also has an outer housing sidewall (22b) raised from the outer housing lid wall (22a) to surround the inner housing sidewall (21b), forming the gap (20b) in cooperation with the inner housing sidewall (21b).

Description

CASE, CASE ASSEMBLY METHOD, AND OPTICAL FIBER FIXING DEVICE

Technical field

The present invention relates to a case for storing an optical device or the like, a method for assembling the case, and an optical fiber fixing device. Background art

[0002] As a conventional case of this type, there is known a case including a knocker and a package cover in which the end surface of its own side wall is fixed to the end surface of the side wall of the knocker (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).

[0003] As a method for fixing the end face of the side wall of the package and the end face of the side wall of the package cover, a fixing method using an adhesive is known. When the end face of the package side wall and the end face of the package cover side wall are fixed by an adhesive, the thickness of the side wall of the package or the thickness of the side wall of the package cover is the shortest distance connecting the inside and outside of the case with the adhesive layer. Is almost equal to Moisture outside the case tries to enter the case through an adhesive layer that is easier to pass than others. Therefore, the thinner the side wall of the package or package force bar, the shorter the shortest distance connecting the inside and outside of the case to the adhesive layer, and the structure that allows moisture outside the case to easily enter the inside of the case. Become. Patent Document 1: JP-A-9 69585 (Page 3, Fig. 1)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the conventional case, when the thickness of the side wall of the package or the thickness of the side wall of the package cover is small due to miniaturization or the like, the adhesive layer through which moisture passes when external moisture enters the inside is used. Because the distance is short! There was a trap and a trap problem.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and an object thereof is to improve the moisture resistance of the case.

Means for solving the problem

[0006] The case of the present invention includes an inner casing and an inner space that covers the inner casing and the inner casing. An outer casing formed and an inter-chamber sealant that seals a gap between the inner casing and the outer casing, and the inner casing covers the inner space from a predetermined side. A housing lid wall; and an inner housing side wall surrounding the inner space by standing up the inner housing lid wall force, and the outer housing blocks the inner space from a side opposite to the predetermined side. The outer casing lid wall and the outer casing lid wall force stand up so as to surround the inner casing side wall and to form the gap together with the inner casing side wall. do it! / Speak.

[0007] With this configuration, in the case of the present invention, the distance between the inner casing side wall and the outer casing side wall is such that the distance between the casings through which moisture passes when external moisture enters the internal space. Since it is determined according to the length of the gap between the inner case cover wall side and the outer case cover wall side, it is possible to improve the moisture resistance while suppressing an increase in the thickness of the inner case and the outer case. it can. In addition, the case of the present invention can reduce the thickness of the inner casing and the outer casing as compared with the conventional case even if the moisture resistance performance is the same as the conventional case. The body and the outer casing can be formed, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0008] Further, the inner casing of the case of the present invention has a configuration in which a flange is provided on the side opposite to the inner space side so as to stand on the inner casing side wall and contact the outer casing lid wall. Have.

[0009] With this configuration, the case of the present invention can more reliably suppress the inter-casing sealant from flowing into the internal space.

[0010] Further, the flange of the case of the present invention has a configuration in which the inner casing is positioned with respect to the outer casing by engaging with the side wall of the outer casing.

With this configuration, the case of the present invention can position the inner housing with respect to the outer housing simply by covering the inner housing with the outer housing, so that assembly work can be facilitated.

[0012] Further, the inner casing and the outer casing of the case of the present invention have a configuration made of aluminum having a surface anodized.

[0013] With this configuration, the case of the present invention improves the moisture resistance because the adhesion between the casing and the sealant between the casings is improved by minute irregularities generated on the surface of the casing. Is possible. In addition, when the surface of the housing has been corroded by moisture, the corrosive force of the surface of the housing may increase, and the force that may cause the sealing agent between the housings to peel off from the housing. In the case, the surface of the case is not easily corroded by moisture due to the anodized treatment. It is possible to prevent peeling from the inter-sealant.

[0014] Further, the inner casing lid wall of the case of the present invention is formed with a through-hole for letting an electrode out of the inner space from the inner space, and the outer casing side wall is (the inner casing is In a state where the body and the outer casing are assembled, the structure has a structure that protrudes toward the predetermined side with respect to the inner casing lid wall.

[0015] With this configuration, when the case of the present invention is placed on the substrate disposed on the predetermined side with respect to the case itself, a space is generated between the substrate and the inner casing lid wall. To prevent the melted solder from spreading through the through hole of the body lid wall into the solder through-hole of the substrate, and spreading between the substrate and the inner housing lid wall due to capillary action. Can do. Therefore, in the case of the present invention, for example, the melted solder spreads between the substrate and the inner casing lid wall, so that the other electrodes around the substrate are electrically connected, and the substrate is maintained during maintenance. It is possible to prevent the force from being unable to remove the case.

The case assembling method of the present invention includes an inner casing, an outer casing that covers the inner casing and forms an internal space with the inner casing, the inner casing, and the outer casing. An inner casing lid wall that seals the inner space from a predetermined side, and the inner casing lid wall force is erected. An inner casing side wall surrounding the inner space, and a flange erected from the inner casing side wall on the opposite side to the inner space side, and the outer casing is opposite to the predetermined side. An outer casing side wall that closes the inner space, and an outer casing side wall that stands upright and surrounds the inner casing side wall to form the gap together with the inner casing side wall. A method for assembling the case, comprising: adhering the flange to the outer casing lid wall with an adhesive, and then pouring the inter-chamber sealant into the gap. Consolidate Te constitute a has.

[0017] With this configuration, the case assembled by the assembling method of the present invention has a distance between the inner casing side wall and the outer casing side wall that allows moisture to pass through when moisture from outside enters the internal space. Moisture resistance performance while suppressing increase in the thickness of the inner and outer housings, as it is determined according to the length of the gap between the housing and the inner housing from the inner housing lid wall to the outer housing lid wall Can be improved. Further, the case assembling method of the present invention prevents the sealant between the casings from flowing into the internal space due to the close contact between the outer casing lid wall and the flange. Compared with the case where the inter-chamber sealant is poured into the gap without bonding the flange with the adhesive, the inter-chassis sealant can be more reliably suppressed from flowing into the internal space.

[0018] The case assembling method of the present invention includes an inner casing, an outer casing that covers the inner casing and forms an internal space with the inner casing, the inner casing, and the outer casing. And a through member penetrating the inner casing and the outer casing, and the inner casing closes the inner space from a predetermined side. A housing lid wall; and an inner housing side wall that encloses the inner space by standing upright, and the outer housing closes the inner space from a side opposite to the predetermined side. An outer casing lid wall, and an outer casing side wall that stands from the outer casing lid wall and surrounds the inner casing sidewall and forms the gap together with the inner casing sidewall. The side wall and the outer housing side wall are each a method of assembling a case in which a through hole through which the penetrating member passes is formed. And hole, after insertion of the penetrating member and the through hole of the outer housing side wall has a structure to solidify by poured the housing between the sealing agent into the gap.

[0019] With this configuration, the case that has been stranded by the method for raising the case of the case of the present invention has a distance of the inter-housing sealant through which moisture passes when moisture from the outside enters the internal space. Is determined according to the length of the gap between the inner casing side wall and the outer casing side wall from the inner casing lid wall side to the outer casing lid wall side. Moisture resistance can be improved while suppressing an increase in thickness. Further, the case assembling method of the present invention provides a space between the inner casing side wall and the penetrating member when the gap between the inner casing side wall and the outer casing side wall is sealed with a sealing agent between the casings. Since the space between the outer casing side wall and the penetrating member can be sealed, the moisture resistance of the case can be further improved.

[0020] Further, the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention is an optical fiber fixing device that fixes an optical fiber strand inserted in a protective coating to a case, and is fixed to the case so that the inside and outside of the case An inner pipe into which the optical fiber is inserted, and an inner pipe of the inner pipe into which the optical fiber is inserted to seal the optical fiber element. A pipe sealing agent for fixing a wire; and an outer pipe disposed outside the case to cover the protective coating and the inner pipe from the outer periphery and to which the protective coating and the inner pipe are fixed. Have. With this configuration, in the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention, the space between the inner tube and the optical fiber is sealed with the tube sealing agent, so that the case is interposed between the inner tube and the optical fiber. This external force can also prevent moisture from entering the internal space of the case and improve the moisture resistance performance of the case. In the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention, the optical fiber is fixed to the inner tube, the protective coating is fixed to the outer tube, and the inner tube and the outer tube are fixed. The stretched protective coating can prevent the optical fiber strands from being pressed, and the optical signal transmission failure due to the optical fiber strands being pressed can be prevented.

[0022] Further, the protective coating and the inner tube of the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention are configured to be fixed to the outer tube so as to be separated from each other.

[0023] With this configuration, the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention can prevent the protective coating extending in the longitudinal direction from coming into contact with the inner tube due to a change in ambient temperature or the like, and thereby distorting the protective coating. It is possible to more reliably prevent the optical fiber strands from being pressed, and to more reliably prevent optical signal transmission failures.

[0024] Further, in the optical fiber fixing device of the present invention, the tip of the optical fiber inserted into the inner tube is fixed at a predetermined position inside the case, and the tip of the optical fiber is fixed. The distance between the fixed part end surface on the optical fiber strand side and the inner pipe end surface facing the fixed part of the inner tube at a point is La, and extends between the fixed part end surface and the inner tube end surface. Assuming that the length of the existing optical fiber is Lb, the optical fiber is fixed to the inner tube so as to satisfy the formula: Lb> La.

[0025] According to this configuration, the optical fiber is in a state having a predetermined amount of deflection within the distance La between the respective fixed portions in the case. With this configuration, the optical fiber fixing device according to the present invention has one case that changes due to a change in ambient temperature due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the case and the optical fiber. Even when the thermal expansion deformation is larger than that of the optical fiber, the difference in deformation can be absorbed by the deflection provided in the optical fiber, and tensile stress is applied to the fixed part at the tip of the optical fiber. It is possible to prevent the fixed portion from being damaged. This can more reliably prevent optical signal transmission failures. The invention's effect

The present invention can improve the moisture resistance of the case at a low price.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the vicinity of an electrode of an optical switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the optical fiber fixing device of the optical switch shown in FIG.

[FIG. 4] (a) Appearance perspective view of the inner casing of the optical switch case shown in FIG. 1, (b) Appearance perspective view of the optical switch case shown in FIG.

[FIG. 5] (a) A diagram showing one process in the assembly process of the optical switch shown in FIG. 1, (b) A process after the process shown in FIG. 5 (a) in the assembly process of the optical switch shown in FIG. Figure (c) shows the process after assembly of the optical switch shown in Fig. 1 and (d) shows the process after the process shown in Fig. 5 (b), (d) shows the assembly process of the optical switch shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one process after the process shown in FIG. 5 (c). [FIG. 6] (a) An external perspective view of the inner case of the optical switch case, which is a different form from the optical switch shown in FIG. b) External perspective view of the optical switch case shown in Fig. 6 (a)

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the vicinity of the optical fiber collimator of the optical switch according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0028] 10 optical switch

20 cases

20a Internal space

20b clearance

21 Inner housing

21a Inner housing lid wall

21b Inner housing side wall

21c flange

21d through hole

21e Through hole

22 Outer housing 22a Outer casing lid wall

22b Outer casing side wall

22c Through hole

23 Sealant between housings

30 electrodes

33a, 34a, 35a optical fiber

33b, 34b, 35b Lens section

33al deflection

33bl Rear end of lens

46 Protective coating

50 Optical fiber fixing device

51 Inner pipe (penetrating member)

51a Inner pipe end face

52 Pipe sealant

53 Outer pipe

La Distance between the end face of the fixed location and the end face of the inner pipe

Lb Length of the optical fiber extending between the end face of the fixed location and the end face of the inner tube. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical switch 10 according to the present embodiment is provided on a substrate 90 having eight through-holes 91 for solder (only one is shown in the drawing). It ’s fixed!

The optical switch 10 includes a case 20 and eight electrodes that protrude from the internal space 20 a formed in the case 20 to the outside of the case 20 and are connected to the eight solder through-holes 91 of the substrate 90 and the solder 93. 30 and an electrode support plate 31 for supporting the electrode 30! /.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical switch 10 includes a platform 32 that is disposed in the internal space 20a and mounts various optical components, an optical fiber strand 33a, and a lens portion 33b. 20 (see Fig. 1) is composed of an optical fiber collimator 33 that outputs an optical signal input from the outside to the internal space 20a, an optical fiber strand 34a, and a lens portion 34b. The optical fiber collimator 34 outputs the optical signal input to the internal space 20a and the optical signal input from the internal space 20a. Optical fiber collimator 35 that outputs to 20 outside, branching prisms 36 and 37 that change the traveling direction of part of the light output from optical fiber collimators 33 and 34, and arrow 32a orthogonal to platform 32 The direction indicated by the arrow 32a that is electrically connected to the parallel prism 38 that switches the path of the light output from the optical fiber collimator 33 by the change of its position in the direction and two electrodes 30a of the eight electrodes 30 The optical fiber collimator 35 is configured by changing the traveling direction of the light output from the actuator 39 for moving the parallel prism 38 and the optical fiber collimators 33 and 34. Input right angle prism 40, light receiving elements 41 and 42 for detecting light whose traveling direction has been changed by branching prisms 36 and 37, and electronic circuit board 43 to which electric signals from light receiving elements 41 and 42 are input The four cables 44 electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 43 and the cable of the actuator to the two electrodes 30a of the eight electrodes 30 are electrically connected to the four electrodes 30b. And an electrode printed circuit board 45 for electrically connecting 44. Note that optical fiber collimators 33, 34, and 35, branching prisms 36 and 37, an actuator 39, and a right-angle prism 40 are fixed to the platform 32.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical switch 10 is formed of, for example, a resin such as Hytrel, and a protective coating 46 into which the optical fiber 33a is inserted, and a light inserted into the protective coating 46. An optical fiber fixing device 50 for fixing the fiber strand 33a to the case 20 is provided. Similarly, the optical switch 10 has a protective coating (not shown) in which the optical fiber wires 34a and 35a are inserted, and an optical fiber wire 34a and 35a inserted in the protective coating is not shown in the figure. And an optical fiber fixing device. A protective coating (not shown) in which the optical fiber strands 34a and 35a are inserted, and an optical fiber fixing device (not shown) for fixing the optical fiber strands 34a and 35a inserted in the protective coating to the case 20 Since this is the same as the protective coating 46 and the optical fiber fixing device 50, the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the case 20 includes an inner casing 21, an outer casing 22 that covers the inner casing 21 and forms an internal space 20a together with the inner casing 21, and the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 21. And an inter-housing sealant 23 that seals the gap 20b between the housings 22. Sealing agent 23 between cases is, for example, epoxy-based It is a thermosetting resin.

[0035] The inner casing 21 is erected from an inner casing lid wall 21a that covers the inner space 20a from a predetermined side, that is, a direction indicated by an arrow 20c where the substrate 90 exists, and the inner casing lid wall 21a. The inner casing side wall 21b surrounding the inner space 20a from the direction orthogonal to the direction indicated by the arrow 20c, and the flange 21c erected from the inner casing side wall 21b on the opposite side of the inner space 2Oa side. It is made of aluminum with alumite treatment on the surface. The inner casing lid wall 21a is formed with a through-hole 21d for letting the electrode 30 out of the inner space 20a to the outside of the inner space 20a. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner housing side wall 21b is formed with three through holes 21e through which the optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, 35a (see FIG. 2) are passed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer casing 22 includes an outer casing lid wall 22a that closes the inner space 20a from the direction indicated by the arrow 20d opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 20c, and the outer casing lid. The outer casing side wall 22b is provided with an outer casing side wall 22b that is erected from the wall 22a, surrounds the inner casing side wall 21b, and forms a gap 20b together with the inner casing side wall 21b. . The outer casing lid wall 22a is in contact with the flange 21c of the inner casing 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer casing side wall 22b is formed with three through holes 22c (only one is shown in the drawing) through which the optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, 35a are passed. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner casing 21 protrudes about 0.2 mm in the direction indicated by the arrow 20c from the inner casing lid wall 21a.

[0037] The flange 21c of the inner casing 21 has a shape for positioning the inner casing 21 with respect to the outer casing 22 by engaging with the outer casing side wall 22b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the optical fiber fixing device 50 includes an inner tube 51 into which optical fiber strands 33a are inserted by being inserted into through holes 21e and 22c formed in the case 20, and an optical fiber strand. An inner pipe sealant 52 that seals the inside of the inner pipe 51 into which the 33a is inserted, an outer pipe 53 that is disposed outside the case 20 and into which the protective coating 46 and the inner pipe 51 are inserted, and an inner pipe 51 and an outer pipe An adhesive 54 fixing the tube 53 and an adhesive 55 fixing the protective coating 46 and the outer tube 53 are provided. The inner tube 51 and the outer tube 53 are made of metal such as stainless steel, for example. The in-pipe sealant 52 is, for example, an epoxy-based thermosetting resin or a two-component room-temperature curable resin, and is a material softer than the inter-sealing sealant 23. The protective coating 46 is fixed to the outer tube 53 at a distance 46a from the inner tube 51. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip end portion of the optical fiber 33a is connected to the rear end 33b 1 of the lens portion 33b installed inside the case 20 and fixed to the lens portion 33b. Has been. Here, between the fixing part end surface of the optical fiber 33a with respect to the lens part 33b (the rear end 33bl of the lens part 33b) and the inner pipe end face 5 la facing the fixing part end face of the inner tube 51 fixed to the case 20 And the length of the optical fiber strand 33a extending between the rear end 33bl and the inner tube end face 51a is Lb, the optical fiber strand 33a satisfies the formula: Lb> La. Is fixed to the inner pipe 51. That is, the optical fiber 33a inside the case 20 is fixed to the case 20 with a predetermined amount of deflection. When the optical fiber 33a is fixed to the case 20 so that Lb> La is satisfied, the optical fiber 33a is perpendicular to the optical axis direction between the rear end 33bl of the lens portion 33b and the inner tube 51. Deflection 33al is generated 1S The direction of this deflection 33al may be any of 0 to 360 ° with respect to the optical axis direction.

[0040] For example, in the present embodiment, the case 20 is formed of an aluminum plate and the optical fiber 33a is formed of quartz so that the distance La between the fixings of the optical fiber 33a is 27 mm. When designing, if the ambient temperature is within the range of 25 ° C to 85 ° C (general room temperature force as a guideline, maximum operating temperature), the thermal expansion deformation of the case 20 in the optical axis direction is The difference in the amount of deformation larger than the amount of thermal expansion deformation in the same direction of the line reaches approximately 40 m (approximately 0.15% relative to the distance La). In other words, in this case, when the optical fiber 33a is fixed in an environment having an ambient temperature of 25 ° C, the optical fiber 33a is extended by 40 m through each fixing portion due to a change in the ambient temperature. There is a possibility of receiving a tensile load. Therefore, in this case, the length Lb of the optical fiber 33a is a distance (La + 50 m) in which the deformation is expected in an environment where the ambient temperature is 25 ° C. More specifically, the optical fiber 33a is fixed to the case 20 in an environment where the ambient temperature is 25 ° C and the case 20 is bent by being pushed by an extra 50 m into the case 20. To do.

As described above, the optical fiber fixing device 50 of the present invention is fixed to the case 20 with the optical fiber 33a inside the case 20 having a predetermined amount of deflection, so that the case 20 due to a change in the ambient temperature. The difference in thermal expansion deformation between the fiber and the optical fiber 33a Can be absorbed well. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the portion of the lens part 33b that is fixed to the case 20 without causing tensile stress at the fixing point of the optical fiber 33a, and more reliably prevent optical signal transmission failures. can do.

In the above-described embodiment, the force described in the case where the optical fiber strand 33a is fixed to the case 20 by the optical fiber fixing device 50 of the present invention. When each of the fiber strands 35a is fixed to the case 20, the optical fiber strand 34a and the optical fiber strand 35a are fixed by the optical fiber fixing device 50 of the present invention in the same manner as when the optical fiber strand 33a is fixed to the case 20. Can be fixed to the case 20 respectively. As a result, when the optical fiber strand 34a and the optical fiber strand 35a are each fixed to the case 20, the same effects as when the optical fiber strand 35a is fixed to the case 20 can be obtained.

Next, the operation of the optical switch 10 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical switch 10 converts the amount of light detected by the light receiving elements 41 and 42 into an electric signal via the electronic circuit board 43, the cable 44, the electrode printed board 45, and the electrode 30b. And output to the substrate 90 (see Fig. 1). The electric signal output from the optical switch 10 to the substrate 90 is input to a control device (not shown) that is electrically connected to the substrate 90. When the electrical signal from the optical switch 10 is input, the control device has a power failure that causes a failure in the line constituted by the optical fiber collimator 33 and the line constituted by the optical fiber collimator 34. Is output based on the electrical signal input from the optical switch 10, and an electrical signal for connecting the input optical signal to the circuit constituted by the optical fiber collimator 35 is output to the substrate 90. . The electrical signal which is also output to the board 90 by the control device force is input to the actuator 39 of the optical switch 10 via the electrode 30a and the electrode printed board 45. When the electrical signal from the control device is input, the actuator 39 switches the optical path according to the input electrical signal. Therefore, the optical switch 10 uses the optical fiber collimator 35 to transmit an optical signal to which a line power that has not failed between the line constituted by the optical fiber collimator 33 and the line constituted by the optical fiber collimator 34 is input. Connect to the configured line.

Next, a method for assembling the optical switch 10 will be described. First, the electrode support plate 31 that supports the electrode 30 is housed in the inner casing 21. Here, the inner casing 21 and the electrode support plate 31 are fixed to each other with an adhesive so as to prevent moisture from passing between the inner casing 21 and the electrode support plate 31. The optical fiber collimators 33, 34, and 35, the branching prisms 36 and 37, the coupler 39 that supports the parallel prism 38, and the right-angle prism 40 are supported by the platform 32, and the platform 32 is attached to the inner casing 21. Stored. An electronic circuit board 43 that supports the light receiving elements 41 and 42 is housed in the inner casing 21. Also, the cable 44 is electrically connected at one end to the electronic circuit board 43 and the other end is electrically connected to the electrode printed circuit board 45, and the cable of the actuator 39 is electrically connected to the electrode printed circuit board 45. The electrode printed circuit board 45 is electrically connected to the electrode 30. The optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, and 35a of the optical fiber collimators 33, 34, and 35 are passed through the through hole 21e (see FIG. 4) of the inner casing 21.

Next, the outer casing 22 is positioned while the inner casing 21 is positioned with respect to the outer casing 22 by engaging the flange 21c of the inner casing 21 with the outer casing side wall 22b of the outer casing 22. The inner casing 21 is covered by the above. Here, the optical fiber collimators 33, 34, and 35 of the optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, and 35ai, 05 (a) Passed through 22c.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the inner tube 51 of the optical fiber fixing device 50 is inserted as a through member into the through hole 21e of the inner housing 21 and the through hole 22c of the outer housing 22. Is done.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the inter-housing sealant 23 is poured into the gap 20b between the inner housing 21 and the outer housing 22.

Next, the assembly so far is heated to cure the inter-housing sealant 23 poured into the gap 20b between the inner housing 21 and the outer housing 22.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), after the pipe sealant 52 is poured into the inner pipe 51 in which the optical fiber 33a is inserted, the optical fiber 33a is immediately inserted into the inner pipe 51, for example, As shown in FIG. 7, the pipe sealant 52 is cured while being pushed in the direction of the internal space 20a of the case 20 by 50 μm and kept in a state in which a deflection 33al is generated in the optical fiber 33a. Here, the distance La between the rear end 33bl of the lens portion 33b and the inner tube end surface 51a and the length Lb of the optical fiber 33a extending between the rear end 33bl and the inner tube end surface 51a The optical fiber 33a is fixed to the case 20 so as to satisfy the relational force Lb> La. This fixing method The fiber strand 33a bends 33al in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction between the rear end 33bl of the lens portion 33b and the inner tube end face 51a. The direction of the deflection 33al may be any direction from 0 ° to 360 ° centered on the optical axis.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the pipe sealant 52 is poured into the inner pipe 51 in which the optical fiber 33a is inserted has been described. However, the optical fiber 34a and the optical fiber element have been described. When the pipe sealant 52 is poured into the inner pipe 51 into which each of the wires 35a is inserted, or when the pipe sealant 52 is poured into the inner pipe 51 into which the optical fiber 33a is inserted. Similarly to the above, the pipe sealant 52 can be poured into the inner pipe 51 into which each of the optical fiber 34a and the optical fiber 35a is inserted, and the pipe sealant 52 can be cured. As a result, when the optical fiber 34a and the optical fiber 35a are each fixed to the case 20, the same effects as when the optical fiber 33a is fixed to the case 20 can be obtained.

[0052] Finally, as shown in FIG. 3, after the optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, and 35a are passed through the inside of the protective coating 46 fixed to the outer tube 53 of the optical fiber fixing device 50 by the adhesive 55 The inner pipe 51 and the outer pipe 53 are fixed by an adhesive 54.

Next, a method for connecting the optical switch 10 to the substrate 90 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical switch 10 is fixed to the substrate 90 in a state where the electrode 30 of the optical switch 10 is inserted into the solder through hole 91 of the substrate 90.

Next, the electrode 30 of the optical switch 10 and the solder through hole 91 of the substrate 90 are electrically connected to the substrate 90 by the solder 93 from the side opposite to the optical switch 10 side.

[0056] As described above, the case 20 has the same distance between the inner casing side wall 21b and the outer casing as the distance between the casing sealing agents 23 through which moisture passes when external moisture enters the inner space 20a. The distance between the inner casing lid wall 21a and the outer casing lid wall 22a side of the gap 20b between the side wall 22b and the outer casing lid wall 22a is determined according to the length in the direction indicated by the arrow 20c. Moisture resistance can be improved while suppressing an increase in the thickness of 21 and outer casing 22. In addition, the case 20 can have the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 22 thinner than the conventional case even if the moisture resistance is the same as the conventional case. 21 and the outer casing 22 can be molded, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. [0057] Further, in the case 20, since the inner casing 21 includes the flange 21c, the inter-chamber sealant 23 can be more reliably suppressed from flowing into the inner space 20a.

It should be noted that after the flange 21c is bonded to the outer casing lid wall 22a with an adhesive, the casing sealing agent 23 may be poured into the gap 20b and hardened. This prevents the inter-chassis sealant 23 from flowing into the internal space 20a due to the close contact between the outer casing lid wall 22a and the flange 21c, so that the outer casing lid wall 22a and the flange 21c are bonded together with an adhesive. As compared with the case where the inter-housing sealant 23 is poured into the gap 20b without the flow, the inter-housing sealant 23 can be more reliably suppressed from flowing into the internal space 20a.

[0059] Further, the case 20 has a shape for positioning the inner casing 21 with respect to the outer casing 22 by engaging the flange 21c with the outer casing side wall 22b. The inner casing 21 can be positioned with respect to the outer casing 22 simply by covering with the outer casing 22, and the assembling work can be facilitated.

[0060] Further, the case 20 is formed on the surfaces of the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 22 because the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 22 are made of aluminum with the anodized surface. The minute unevenness improves the adhesion between the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 22 and the inter-chamber sealant 23, so that the moisture resistance can be further improved.

[0061] Further, when the surface of the inner casing 21 or the outer casing 22 is corroded by moisture, the corrosive force of the surface of the inner casing 21 or the outer casing 22 is cracked and the inner casing 21 is advanced. The force that may cause the sealing agent 23 to peel off from the outer casing 22 or the outer casing 22 is not easily corroded by moisture on the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 22 due to anodizing. It is possible to prevent the body 21 and the outer casing 22 from being separated from the casing sealing agent 23.

[0062] When the case 20 is installed on the substrate 90, the outer case side wall 22b protrudes in the direction indicated by the arrow 20c with respect to the inner case lid wall 21a of the inner case 21. Since a space is created between the inner casing lid wall 21a and the electrode 30 coming out of the through hole 21d of the inner casing lid wall 21a when soldering to the solder through hole 91 of the substrate 90 with the solder 93, It is possible to prevent the melted solder 93 from spreading between the substrate 90 and the inner housing lid wall 21a due to capillary action. Accordingly, for example, the case 20 spreads between the melted solder 93 force substrate 90 and the inner housing lid wall 21a, so that the other electrodes 30 around If the case 20 becomes conductive or if the case 20 cannot be removed from the substrate 90 during maintenance, it can be prevented.

[0063] It should be noted that the case 20 does not require the electrode 30 when an electric signal is not input / output to / from an external device, and as shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 21d (see FIG. 4). ) Is also unnecessary.

[0064] In addition, the case 20 includes the inner casing 21 and the outer casing 51 after the inner tube 51 of the optical fiber fixing device 50 is inserted into the through hole 21e of the inner casing 21 and the through hole 22c of the outer casing 22. Since the inter-chamber sealant 23 is poured into the gap 20b between the casings 22 and hardened, the gap 20b between the inner casing side wall 21b and the outer casing side wall 22b is used as the inter-chassis sealing agent. When sealing with 23, it is possible to seal between the inner casing side wall 21b and the inner pipe 51 and between the outer casing side wall 22b and the inner pipe 51, so that the moisture resistance of the case 20 is further improved. be able to.

In the present embodiment, the case 20 may be a force that uses the inner tube 51 of the optical fiber fixing device 50 as a penetrating member. Other than the inner tube 51 of the optical fiber fixing device 50 may be used as the penetrating member. For example, the case 20 does not include the optical fiber fixing device 50, and the optical fiber strands 33a, 34a, and 35a themselves are used as through members to directly penetrate the through holes 21e of the inner casing 21 and the through holes 22c of the outer casing 22. It can be inserted and fixed by the sealant 23 between the casings.

[0066] Further, in the optical fiber fixing device 50, the space between the inner tube 51 and the optical fiber 33a is sealed by the tube sealing agent 52, so that the moisture is applied to the adhesive 54, the adhesive 55, and the protective coating 46. Even when it passes, the external force of the case 20 can also prevent moisture from entering the internal space 20a of the case 20 through the space between the inner tube 51 and the optical fiber 33a, thereby improving the moisture resistance performance of the case 20. Can be improved.

[0067] Further, in the optical fiber fixing device 50, the optical fiber 33a is fixed to the inner tube 51, the protective covering 46 is fixed to the outer tube 53, and the inner tube 51 and the outer tube 53 are fixed. The optical fiber 33a can be prevented from being compressed by the protective coating 46 that has expanded and contracted due to changes in the ambient temperature, etc., and optical signal transmission failure caused by the optical fiber 33a being compressed can be prevented. be able to. In particular, in the optical fiber fixing device 50, since the protective coating 46 is fixed to the outer tube 53 at a distance 46a from the inner tube 51, the protective coating 46 extending in the longitudinal direction due to a change in ambient temperature or the like is applied to the inner tube 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent the optical fiber 33a from being pressed by the protective coating 46. Industrial applicability

As described above, the case of the present invention is used for optical devices other than the force optical switch for optical switches (for example, optical isolators, optical attenuators, optical fiber sensors, etc.), and for MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) devices. It can also be used for electronic parts. In particular, since the optical device requires an internal space in the case for the light passage, the case of the present invention that can prevent moisture from entering the internal space is useful. In addition, since the MEMS device also requires an internal space in the case for the driving part, the case of the present invention that can prevent moisture from entering the internal space is useful.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Between an inner casing, an outer casing that covers the inner casing and forms an internal space with the inner casing, and a casing that seals a gap between the inner casing and the outer casing A sealing agent, and the inner casing includes an inner casing lid wall that blocks the inner space from a predetermined side, and an inner casing side wall that surrounds the inner space with the inner casing lid wall force standing upright. And

The outer casing covers the inner space from the side opposite to the predetermined side; and an outer casing lid wall that stands up from the outer casing lid wall and surrounds the inner casing side wall. A case comprising: an outer casing side wall formed with the gap along with the casing side wall.

2. The inner casing includes a flange that stands on the side wall of the inner casing on a side opposite to the inner space side and contacts the outer casing lid wall. The case described.

3. The case according to claim 2, wherein the flange has a shape for positioning the inner casing with respect to the outer casing by engaging with a side wall of the outer casing.

[4] The case according to claim 1, wherein the inner casing and the outer casing are made of aluminum whose surfaces are anodized.

[5] The inner casing lid wall is formed with a through-hole for bringing an electrode out of the internal space force and the internal space.

The case according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing side wall protrudes toward the predetermined side with respect to the inner casing lid wall.

[6] An inner casing, an outer casing that covers the inner casing and forms an internal space with the inner casing, and a casing that seals a gap between the inner casing and the outer casing A sealing agent, and the inner casing includes an inner casing lid wall that blocks the inner space from a predetermined side, and an inner casing side wall that surrounds the inner space by standing on the inner casing lid wall force. And a flange erected on the side of the inner casing on the side opposite to the inner space side,

The outer casing covers the inner space from the side opposite to the predetermined side; and an outer casing lid wall that stands up from the outer casing lid wall and surrounds the inner casing side wall. A method for assembling a case including an outer casing side wall that forms a gap together with the casing side wall,

A method for assembling a case, comprising: bonding the flange to the outer casing lid wall with an adhesive, and then pouring and sealing the inter-chamber sealing agent into the gap.

[7] An inner casing, an outer casing that covers the inner casing and forms an internal space with the inner casing, and a casing that seals a gap between the inner casing and the outer casing A sealing agent, and a penetrating member penetrating the inner casing and the outer casing,

The inner casing includes an inner casing lid wall that blocks the inner space from a predetermined side, and an inner casing side wall that surrounds the inner space by standing up the inner casing lid wall force,

The outer casing covers the inner space from the side opposite to the predetermined side; and an outer casing lid wall that stands up from the outer casing lid wall and surrounds the inner casing side wall. And an outer casing side wall formed with the gap together with the casing side wall,

The inner casing side wall and the outer casing side wall are assembly methods of cases in which through holes for penetrating the penetrating member are formed, respectively.

The penetration member is inserted into the through hole in the inner housing side wall and the through hole in the outer housing side wall, and then the inter-housing sealant is poured into the gap and hardened. How to assemble the case.

[8] An optical fiber fixing device for fixing an optical fiber inserted in a protective coating to a case,

An inner pipe that is fixed to the case and that connects the inside and outside of the case, and in which the optical fiber is inserted into the pipe;

A sealing agent for sealing the inside of the inner pipe into which the optical fiber is inserted, and fixing the optical fiber to the inner pipe; and

An optical fiber fixing device, comprising: an outer tube disposed outside the case, covering the protective coating and the inner tube from the outer periphery, and fixing the protective coating and the inner tube.

9. The optical fiber fixing device according to claim 8, wherein the protective coating and the inner tube are fixed to the outer tube at a distance from each other.

[10] The tip of the optical fiber inserted into the inner tube is fixed at a predetermined location inside the case, and the optical fiber strand is fixed at the fixed location of the tip of the optical fiber. The distance between the end surface of the portion and the inner tube end surface facing the fixed portion of the inner tube is La, and the optical fiber element extending between the fixed portion end surface and the inner tube end surface 10. The optical fiber according to claim 8, wherein the optical fiber is fixed to the inner tube so as to satisfy the formula: Lb> La, where Lb is the length of the wire. Fixed device.