WO2012150706A1

WO2012150706A1 - Mechanical switch

Info

Publication number: WO2012150706A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/061541
Authority: WO
Inventors: 信介本山; 公夫川本; 直樹吉森; 聡小室
Original assignee: カナレ電気株式会社
Priority date: 2011-05-02
Filing date: 2012-05-01
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: JP5750302B2; JP2012234059A

Abstract

Provided is a contact-type mechanical switch, wherein a signal transmission path can be easily switched among a plurality of ports by merely inserting or removing a connector. A slider moves a moving element (4) that includes a third input/output end (2c), said slider mechanically sliding corresponding to insertion of a connector into a third port (P3), and removal of the connector from the third port (P3). When the moving element (4) is moved, switching is performed between a state, wherein an end surface of the third input/output end (2c) of the moving element (4) faces and is in contact with an end surface of a first input/output end included in a fixed element (3), and a state, wherein the end surface of the third input/output end faces and is in contact with an end surface of a second input/output end included in the fixed element (3). During a time when the moving element (4) is moving, the end surfaces of the input/output ends (2c, 2d) of the moving element (4) and the end surfaces of the input/output ends (2a, 2b) of the fixed element (3) are kept not in contact with each other by means of a slider (6).

Description

Mechanical switch

The present invention relates to a mechanical switch, and in particular, a signal between a plurality of ports by inserting a connector into or pulling out a connector from a port among a plurality of ports for inputting or outputting a signal. The present invention relates to a mechanical switch that can easily switch the transmission path.

A switch is a device that switches a signal transmission path between a plurality of ports for inputting or outputting a signal. Such a switch includes an optical switch using an optical fiber for a transmission path for transmitting an optical signal, and an electric switch using an electric wire for a transmission path for transmitting an electrical signal.

Various devices can be connected to each port of the switch via a connector. As an example, a plurality of ports are provided on one side of the switch, and an output device such as a video monitor is connected to one of the ports, and a video recording device is connected to the other port. . A plurality of ports are also provided on the other side of the switch, and a video recording device is connected to each of the plurality of ports. When there is a switch, a video signal output from a video recording device connected to a port on one side of the switch, such as an HDTV (High-Definition Television) signal, passes through the switch, It is input to an output device connected to the other port on one side of the switch. On the other hand, when the switch is in another state, the video signal output from another video recording device connected to one port on the other side of the switch is passed through the switch to one side of the switch. Is input to an output device connected to another port. In this way, using the switch, the video signal transmission path is connected from, for example, a video recording device connected to one port on one side of the switch to another port on one side of the switch. Selectively switching to one of a path leading to the output device and a path leading from the video recording device connected to the other port of the switch to the output device connected to another port on one side of the switch Can do.

Examples of mechanical light switching devices are Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-32225), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-232390), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-104200), Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-140066) and Patent Document 5 (WO2010 / 091056A1).

The optical switching device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a fixed portion on the light introduction side and a light extraction side, and a rotating portion that is rotatably supported with respect to these fixed portions. The two optical fibers having the fixed portion fixed in a penetrating manner introduce light transmitted through the optical fiber into the end surface portion of the rotating portion through the fixed portion. Two other optical fibers and a right-angle prism are fixed inside the rotating part. Then, by rotating the rotating unit, the light transmission mode is switched between passing through an optical fiber and reflecting by a right-angle prism according to the rotation angle of the rotating unit.

The optical switching device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a base substrate having a diameter-enlarged hole penetrating up and down the base substrate, a disk-type rotating substrate fitted in the diameter-enlarging hole of the base substrate, and a rotating substrate. And a driving device. The base substrate is provided with a plurality of input / output optical passages around the enlarged diameter hole, and the input / output ports of the input / output optical passage are distributed on the inner wall surface of the enlarged diameter hole. The rotating board is provided with a plurality of switching light paths, and the input / output ports of the switching light paths are distributed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating board. Then, the optical path is switched by the rotation of the rotating substrate.

The optical switching device disclosed in Patent Document 3 is a 2 × 2 optical switching device using a set of a plurality of ferrules, and a cylindrical first switching member holding one group therein and And a second switching member comprising a cylindrical inner switching member holding the other group therein, and a cylindrical outer switching member holding the inner switching member rotatably around the center line. . The cylinder holds the first switching member so that the end surfaces of the first switching member and the second switching member face each other so that the first switching member can be retracted and returned. Then, by rotating the outer switching member with respect to the cylinder, the first switching member is retracted and returned, and the other group of ferrules is rotated while the first switching member is retracted to switch the coupling of the optical fibers.

An optical switching device disclosed in Patent Document 4 includes an optical fiber support member formed by arranging a plurality of optical fiber positioning grooves in parallel, a plurality of fixed-side optical fibers, and a moving-side optical fiber. And have. In a standby state where one end of the moving side optical fiber is not pressed against the groove, the moving side optical fiber is supported so as to face the one end at a position higher than one end of the fixed side optical fiber in the shape of an optical fiber support member. One end of the fixed-side optical fiber is moved to one end of the fixed-side optical fiber by moving the one end of the movable-side optical fiber along the arrangement direction of the plurality of grooves by a swing lever and then pressing the end against the groove. The optical path of the optical fiber is switched by selectively butting the end face of the optical fiber.

The optical switch disclosed in Patent Document 5 is an optical fiber jack, and is provided between a plurality of front-side ports, a plurality of back-side ports, and a front-side port and a back-side port. In addition, it has a movable reflector (prism). In the normal mode, an optical signal input from one port on the back side is transmitted to a path from one port on the back side to the other port on the back side. In the interrupt mode in which the optical fiber connector is fitted into one port on the front side, that is, the patch cord connector is inserted, the optical signal input from one port on the back side The data is transmitted along a path from one port to one port on the front side.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-32225 JP-A-5-232390 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-104200 JP 2003-140066 A WO2010 / 091056A1

In the switching device disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the signal path is switched by rotating a part manually or by a driving device. However, this switching device is not configured to be able to fit the connector, and is not configured to switch the signal path in accordance with insertion or withdrawal of the connector.

The switching device disclosed in Patent Document 4 uses a swing lever, a gear train, and a motor for moving the moving side optical fiber. Since the optical path is switched by electric drive, it may be necessary to take measures to avoid the influence of noise from surrounding electric equipment.

The switching device disclosed in Patent Document 5 is configured such that the switching reflector holder moves up and down in accordance with the insertion or withdrawal of the connector from the outside. However, this switch is a non-contact switch that includes an air layer in the path of the light beam, and Fresnel reflection may occur due to the air layer. In addition, since the reflector (prism) is included, the high-precision optical axis alignment in the normal mode and the fixing work of the reflector are troublesome, which may increase the cost. Further, the optical fiber connector connected to the switch is not only configured to be fitted to the port of the switch, but also has a hollow alignment sleeve, and one end of the sleeve is connected to the reflector holder. The other end of the sleeve has a special structure such that the other end of the sleeve is coupled with a lens holder including a lens necessary to guide the light beam from the end face of the optical fiber ferrule to the reflector. Must be.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a contact-type mechanical switching device that solves the above-described problems of the prior art and can easily switch a signal transmission path between a plurality of ports by simply inserting or pulling out a connector. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a fixed element including a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal, a moving element including a third input / output terminal, a first port, A third port configured to mate with the two ports and the connector, the first port, the second port, and the third port, the first input / output end, the second port A plurality of transmission lines connecting the input / output end and the third input / output end respectively, the connector being inserted into the third port, and the connector being pulled out from the third port And a mechanical switch that includes a slider that slides mechanically in response. The slider moves the moving element from a first position to a second position when the connector is inserted into the third port, and when the connector is pulled out of the third port, A moving element is moved from the second position to the first position. The slider holds the moving element in the first position when the connector is not fitted in the third port. In this first position, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element is positioned to face the end face of the second input / output end of the fixed element, and the end faces are in contact with each other. . The slider holds the moving element in the second position when the connector is fitted to the third port. In the second position, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element is positioned to face the end face of the first input / output end of the fixed element, and the end faces are in contact with each other. The slider further includes the input / output of the moving element while the moving element moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. The end face of the end and the end face of the input / output end of the fixing element are kept from contacting each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, the slider moves the moving element from the first position to the second position in response to insertion of the connector, and pulls out the connector. Accordingly, the moving element may be configured to have a pair of walls for guiding the moving element so as to move the moving element from the second position to the first position.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, the mechanical switch has an end surface of the second input / output end and an end surface of the third input / output end at the first position. A presser that configures a butt connection and aligns the input / output end so as to form a butt connection between the end face of the first input / output end and the end face of the third input / output end at the second position. A mechanism, a release mechanism for releasing the pressing by the pressing mechanism when the moving element is between the first position and the second position, and the moving element is between the first position and the second position. The moving element may further include a retracting mechanism for retracting the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element or the end faces of the first and second input / output ends of the fixed element.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first recess and a second recess are formed on one surface of the slider, and the pressing mechanism is on one surface of the slider. A V-groove presser plate elastically supported by a roller that rotates in contact with the spring, and the retraction mechanism is elastic in the axial direction of the third input / output end or the first and second input / output ends. A support member for supporting the structure may be included. When the roller of the pressing mechanism is in the first recess or the second recess, the spring presses the V groove pressing plate to operate the pressing mechanism, and the roller of the pressing mechanism Is on the surface between the first recess and the second recess, the release mechanism is actuated by lifting the V-groove presser plate, and the V-groove presser plate is lifted The retracting mechanism may be operated by pushing the support member.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first transmission line connecting the first port and the third input / output terminal, the second port and the second input / output The second transmission path connecting between the ends and the third transmission path connecting between the third port and the first input / output end are respectively optical fibers, and the connector is an optical fiber connector. Each of the first, second, and third input / output ends may include an optical fiber ferrule that supports one end of the optical fiber.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first transmission line connecting the first port and the third input / output terminal, the second port and the second port The second transmission path connecting between the input / output ends and the third transmission path connecting between the third port and the first input / output end are respectively electric wires, and the connector is an electrical connector. The first, second, and third input / output ends may each include a ferrule that supports one end of the electric wire, or a ferrule that has a terminal connected to one end of the electric wire on the end surface.

The present invention also includes a fixed element including a first input / output terminal and a second input / output terminal, a moving element including a third input / output terminal and a fourth input / output terminal, a first port, a second A third port configured to mate with the connector, a third port configured to mate with the connector, the first port, the second port, and the third port A plurality of transmission lines respectively connecting the first port, the fourth input port, the second input / output port, the third input / output port, and the fourth input / output port; A slider that slides mechanically in response to insertion of a connector into at least one of the third port and the fourth port, and withdrawal of the connector from the third port and the fourth port; A mechanical switching device is provided. The slider moves the moving element from a first position to a second position when the connector is inserted into at least one of the third port and the fourth port, and the connector moves to the third position. The movable element is moved from the second position to the first position when being pulled out from the second port and the fourth port. The slider holds the moving element in the first position when the connector is not fitted to either the third port or the fourth port. In this first position, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element is positioned to face the end face of the second input / output end of the fixed element, and the end faces are in contact with each other. . The slider holds the moving element in the second position when the connector is fitted to the third port or the fourth port. In this second position, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element faces the end face of the first input / output end of the fixed element, and the end face of the fourth input / output end of the moving element. However, they are opposed to the end face of the second input / output end of the fixed element, and are located so that the opposing end faces are in contact with each other. The slider further includes the input / output of the moving element while the moving element moves from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. The end face of the end and the end face of the input / output end of the fixing element are kept from contacting each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, the mechanical switch constitutes a butt connection between the end face of the second input / output end and the end face of the third input / output end at the first position. In the second position, the end face of the first input / output end and the end face of the third input / output end are butt-connected, the end face of the second input / output end, and the fourth input / output end. A pressing mechanism for aligning the input / output ends so as to constitute a butt connection of the end face, and a release for releasing the pressing by the pressing mechanism when the moving element is between the first position and the second position. When the mechanism and the moving element are between the first position and the second position, the end surfaces of the third and fourth input / output ends of the moving element, or the first and second of the fixed element Retraction mechanism for retreating the input / output end face It may be configured to further comprise a.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first recess and a second recess are formed on one surface of the slider, and the pressing mechanism is on one surface of the slider. A V-groove holding plate that is elastically supported by a roller that rotates in contact with the spring and the spring, and the retracting mechanism has the third and fourth input / output ends or the first and second input / output ends as shafts. A support member that elastically supports in the direction, and when the roller of the pressing mechanism is in the first concave portion or the second concave portion, the spring pushes down the V-groove pressing plate to press the pressing mechanism. When the roller of the pressing mechanism is on the surface between the first recess and the second recess, the release mechanism is operated by lifting the V groove pressing plate, By pushing the support member in response to lifting of the serial V-groove holding plate may be configured to actuate the retraction mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first transmission line connecting the first port and the third input / output terminal, the second port and the second input / output A second transmission line connecting between the third port and the first input / output terminal; a third transmission line connecting between the third port and the first input / output terminal; and the fourth port and the fourth input / output terminal. And the fourth input / output ends are respectively connected to the optical fiber. The fourth transmission line connecting the two is an optical fiber, the connector is an optical fiber connector, and the first, second, third, and fourth input / output ends are the optical fiber, respectively. An optical fiber ferrule supporting one end of the optical fiber may be included.

In a preferred embodiment of the mechanical switch according to the present invention, a first transmission line connecting the first port and the third input / output terminal, the second port and the second input / output A second transmission line connecting between the third port and the first input / output terminal; a third transmission line connecting between the third port and the first input / output terminal; and the fourth port and the fourth input / output terminal. The fourth transmission line connecting the two is an electric wire, the connector is an electric connector, and the first, second, third, and fourth input / output ends support one end of the electric wire, respectively. Or a ferrule having a terminal to which one end of an electric wire is connected at its end face.

According to the present invention, the slider that slides mechanically in response to the insertion of the connector into the third port and the withdrawal of the connector from the third port includes the moving element including the third input / output end. Move. Due to the movement of the moving element, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element faces and contacts the end face of the first input / output end included in the fixed element, and the third input / output of the moving element Switching between the state where the end face of the end faces and contacts the end face of the second input / output end included in the fixed element is performed. Therefore, in the contact-type switch, the signal transmission path between the plurality of ports can be easily switched by simply inserting or pulling out the connector. Further, according to the present invention, while the moving element moves, the slider keeps the end face of the input / output end of the moving element and the end face of the input / output end of the fixed element not in contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end faces from being damaged due to friction between the end faces of the input / output ends when switching, and deterioration of transmission characteristics.

The above-described objects and advantages of the present invention as well as other objects and advantages will be understood more clearly through the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to this.

It is a perspective view of an example of the mechanical changer of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of an example of the mechanical switching device of this invention. It is a top view in the state where a connector is not inserted. It is a top view in the state where the connector is inserted. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the slider part of a mechanical switching device, and the part of a fixed element and a movement element. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the slider part of a mechanical switching device, and the part of a fixed element and a movement element. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the slider part of a mechanical switching device, and the part of a fixed element and a movement element. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the slider part of a mechanical switching device, and the part of a fixed element and a movement element. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the slider part of a mechanical switching device, and the part of a fixed element and a movement element.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a mechanical switch according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The mechanical switch according to the present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an optical switch that uses an optical fiber in a transmission path for transmitting an optical signal. An optical fiber connector is fitted to each port of the mechanical switch. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber connector is a detachable plug, and the port of the mechanical switch is a plug insertion port formed in one of the receptacle or the adapter. According to the present invention, the optical fiber connector does not need to be a dedicated optical fiber connector as disclosed in Patent Document 5, but is SC (JIS C 5973, IEC 61754-4), MU (JIS C 5983, It may be an optical connector that conforms to or complies with current standards such as IEC 61754-6) and LC (IEC 61754-20), or an optical connector that conforms or conforms to a similar or similar standard that will be established in the future. Good.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a mechanical switch to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views of the mechanical switch with the top plate removed.
1 to 2, the mechanical switch 1 includes a lower casing 11, a top plate 12, a receptacle 13 provided at one end of the lower casing 11, and a receptacle provided at the other end of the lower casing 11. 14 is included. The receptacle 13 has ports P1 and P2, and each of the ports P1 and P2 is configured to be able to fit an optical fiber connector (for example, an SC type optical fiber connector plug). Input / output terminals (for example, simple SC type ferrules) 22a and 22b are coupled to the receptacle 13 on the opposite side of the ports P1 and P2 corresponding to the ports P1 and P2, respectively. On the other hand, the receptacle 14 has ports P3 and P4, and is combined with a catcher 15 configured to be slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the lower housing 11 to each of the ports P3 and P4 with an optical fiber connector (for example, , SC type optical fiber connector plug). Input / output terminals (for example, simple SC ferrules) 22c and 22d are coupled to the receptacle 14 on the opposite side of the ports P3 and P4, corresponding to the ports P3 and P4, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the input / output ends 22 c and 22 d are provided in the catcher 15.

Inside the lower housing 11, a fixed element 3, a moving element 4,

optical fibers

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and a slider 6 are provided. The fixed element 3 includes an upper element 3a and a lower element 3b fixed to the lower housing 11. Inside the fixed element 3, first and second input / output terminals (for example, a MU ferrule) 2a, 2b is included. The moving element 4 includes third and fourth input / output ends (for example, MU ferrules) 2c and 2d, which are inserted into the support member 18, respectively. The support member 18 elastically supports the third and fourth input / output ends 2c and 2d in the axial direction thereof.

The optical fiber 5a provides a first transmission line that connects the input / output end 22a corresponding to the port P1 and the third input / output end 2c. Similarly, the optical fiber 5b provides a second transmission line connecting the input / output end 22b corresponding to the port P2 and the second input / output end 2b, and the optical fiber 5c is an input / output end corresponding to the port P3. 22c and the first input / output end 2a are provided, and the optical fiber 5d is a fourth light connecting the input / output end 22d corresponding to the port P4 and the fourth input / output end 2d. Provide a transmission line.

The slider 6 responds when the connector is inserted into at least one of the third port P3 and the fourth port P4, and when the connector is pulled out from both the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. Configured to slide mechanically. Specifically, the slider 6 and the catcher 15 are configured to be slidable back and forth in the longitudinal direction in a space defined by the inner side walls, the bottom plate, and the top plate 12 of the lower housing 11. In the present embodiment, a pair of

asymmetric arms

41a and 41b extending to the opposite side of the catcher 15 are formed on both sides of the slider 6, and springs 25 are formed from the tips of these

arms

41a and 41b. A pair of shafts 43a and 43b that support the shaft extend. As shown in the figure, the inner walls of the

arms

41a and 41b form a space that has a constant distance in the width direction but is bent in the middle of the longitudinal direction. The moving element 4 is disposed in this space of the slider 6, and a pair of

rollers

31 a and 31 b provided in the width direction of the moving element 4 rotates in contact with the inner walls of the

arms

41 a and 41 b, thereby moving the moving element 4. 4 moves in the width direction according to the slide of the slider 6 in the longitudinal direction.

Referring to FIG. 3, in FIG. 3, a connector (not shown) is not fitted to any of the ports P3 and P4 of the receptacle 14 provided at the other end of the lower casing 11 of the mechanical switch 1. The structure of the mechanical switching device 1 is shown. At this time, the slider 6 and the catcher 15 are pushed to the ports P3 and P4 by the spring 25, and the moving element 4 is the first in the space formed by the inner walls of the

arms

41a and 41b of the slider 6. Is held in the position. When the moving element 4 is held at the first position, the end face of the third input / output end 2c of the moving element 4 faces the end face of the second input / output end 2b of the fixed element 3, and the end face is They are positioned to touch each other. Therefore, for example, when an optical signal is input from the port P1, the optical signal is transmitted to the path of the optical fiber 5a, the third input / output end 2c, the second input / output end 2b, and the optical fiber 5b. Output from P2. When an optical signal is input from the port P2, the optical signal is transmitted through a path opposite to the above and output from the port P1. Hereinafter, the switching state in which the transmission path of the signal from P1 to P2 or the reverse transmission path is established may be referred to as “loopback connection”.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows that a connector (not shown) is fitted to one or both of ports P3 and P4 of receptacle 14 provided at the other end of lower casing 11 of mechanical switch 1. The structure of the mechanical switch 1 when it is being shown is shown. At this time, the tip of the connector is coupled to the catcher 15 located in front of the receptacle 14 and is fixed in a state where the catcher 15 is pushed in a predetermined distance, whereby the catcher 15 and the slider 6 compress the spring 25. The moving element 4 is held at a second position in the space formed by the inner walls of the

arms

41 a and 41 b of the slider 6. When the moving element 4 is held at the first position, the end face of the third input / output end 2c of the moving element 4 faces the end face of the first input / output end 2a of the fixed element 3, and the end face is The end face of the fourth input / output end 2d of the moving element 4 is positioned so as to be in contact with each other, the end face of the second input / output end 2b of the fixed element 3 is opposed, and the end face is in contact with each other. . Therefore, for example, when an optical signal is input from the port P1, the optical signal is transmitted to the path of the optical fiber 5a, the third input / output end 2c, the first input / output end 2b, and the optical fiber 5c, and the port Output from P3. When an optical signal is input from the port P2, the optical signal is transmitted to the path of the optical fiber 5b, the third input / output end 2a, the fourth input / output end 2d, and the optical fiber 5d, and is transmitted from the port P4. Is output. Hereinafter, the switching state in which the transmission path of the signal from P1 to P3 and the transmission path of the signal from P2 to P4 are established may be referred to as “parallel connection”.

In the present embodiment, the moving element 4 is placed in a space formed by the inner walls of the

arms

41 a and 41 b of the slider 6. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner wall of the slider 6 includes a pair of

walls

7a and 7b extending in an oblique direction so as to face each other. The moving element 4 is moved from the first position to the second position in response to being inserted into the third port P3 or the fourth port P4, and the connectors are the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. The moving element 4 is guided so as to move the moving element 4 from the second position to the first position in response to being pulled out from any of the above.

In the present embodiment, the mechanical switch 1 includes a pressing mechanism that aligns the first to fourth input / output terminals 2a to 2d. In other words, the pressing mechanism forms a butt connection between the end face of the second input / output end 2b and the end face of the third input / output end 2c at the first position, and the first input / output end at the second position. These input / output terminals are configured so as to form a butt connection between the end face of 2a and the end face of the third input / output end 2c, and a butt connection of the end face of the second input / output end 2b and the end face of the fourth input / output end 2d. Align.

More specifically, the pressing mechanism includes a V-groove pressing plate 26 and a plate spring 27 provided on the upper portion thereof. A pair of

rollers

30 a and 30 b are provided at the bottom of both ends in the width direction of the V groove pressing plate 26. The V-groove holding plate 26 is moved in the height direction of the mechanical switch 1 (direction perpendicular to the top plate 12) by a pair of

rollers

30a and 30b that rotate in contact with one surface of the slider 6 and the leaf spring 27. Elastically supported. A first recess 45 and a second recess 46 are formed on one surface of the

arms

41 a and 41 b of the slider 6. When the

rollers

30 a and 30 b are in the first recess 45 or the second recess 46 formed on one surface of the slider 6, the leaf spring 27 pushes down the V groove pressing plate 26 to operate the pressing mechanism.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the mechanical switching device 1 is configured such that when the moving element 4 is between the first position and the second position, that is, the pair of

rollers

31a and 31b of the moving element 4 is a set. A release mechanism for releasing the pressing by the pressing mechanism when the moving element 4 is guided from the first position to the second position or vice versa by rotating and contacting the surfaces of the

walls

7a and 7b. . Further, the mechanical switch 1 has a retraction mechanism for retreating the end surfaces of the third and fourth input / output ends 2c and 2d of the moving element 4 when the moving element 4 is between the first position and the second position. And further including. The configuration and operation of the release mechanism and the reverse mechanism will be described in detail below.

5 to 9 are enlarged sectional views showing the slider 6 portion of the mechanical switch and the fixed element 3 and moving element 4 portions. These enlarged sectional views correspond to the AA portion and the BB portion shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the connector is not fitted to either port P3 or port P4 and moving element 4 is held in the first position, it is provided at the lower portion of V-groove holding plate 26. The pair of

rollers

30 a and 30 b is located at the lowest point of the first recess 45 formed on one surface of the

arms

41 a and 41 b of the slider 6. At this time, the leaf spring 27 pushes down the V-groove holding plate 26 to align the input / output ends. The input / output ends 2a and 2b of the fixed element 3 and the input / output ends 2c and 2d of the moving element 4 are elastically supported via springs 51, respectively. This prevents the influence of external forces such as vibration and keeps stable contact. Here, the moving element 4 includes a support member 18 that is elastically supported via a spring 51, and the support member 18 is formed on a surface in which the V groove pressing plate 26 side of the support member 18 is inclined upward. That the moving element 4 side of the V-groove holding plate 26 is formed on a downwardly inclined surface, the retreat mechanism is constituted by these, and in the state shown in FIG. Note that the inclined surfaces are not in contact with each other.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the operation of inserting the connector into either port P3 or port P4 is started, the slider 6 starts to slide in the direction in which the spring 25 is pushed. The

rollers

30 a and 30 b below the V-groove holding plate 26 leave the lowest point of the first recess 45, contact and rotate on the surface, and move upward. In other words, as the connector is inserted, the slider 6 lifts the V groove pressing plate 26 against the pressing force of the leaf spring 27. In this way, the pressing mechanism is released using the force for inserting the connector, and the pressing by the V-groove pressing plate 26 and the leaf spring 27 is released. On the other hand, when the V-groove pressing plate 26 is lifted, the surface inclined downward of the V-groove pressing plate 26 and the surface inclined upward of the support member 18 are in contact with each other. By being transmitted to the four support members 18, the support member 18 starts to be pushed into the moving element 4. However, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the

rollers

31 a and 31 b of the moving element 4 have not yet come on the surfaces of the pair of

walls

7 a and 7 b that extend in the diagonal direction so as to face each other. Directional movement has not substantially started.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the operation of inserting the connector into either port P3 or port P4 proceeds, the slider 6 further slides in the direction in which the spring 25 is pushed, and the

rollers

30a, 30b below the V-groove retainer plate 26. Reaches the surface between the first recess 45 and the second recess 46 of the slider 6. At this time, the slider 6 lifts the V-groove pressing plate 26 to a higher position against the pressing force of the leaf spring 27, so that the support member 18 is pushed deeper into the moving element 4. In this way, the end faces of the third and fourth input / output ends 2c and 2d of the moving element 4 can be retracted using the force for inserting the connector. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the

rollers

31 a and 31 b of the moving element 4 come on the surfaces of a pair of

walls

7 a and 7 b that extend in an oblique direction opposite to each other, and move according to the slide of the slider 6. The element 4 moves in the width direction. While the moving element 4 moves, the end faces of the input / output ends 2c, 2d of the moving element 4 and the end faces of the input / output ends 2a, 2b of the fixed element 3 are kept in contact with each other by the slider 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the end faces from being damaged due to friction between the end faces of the input / output ends when switching from the loopback connection to the parallel connection, thereby causing deterioration of transmission characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the operation of inserting the connector into either port P3 or port P4 approaches completion, the

rollers

30a and 30b below the V-groove holding plate 26 are moved to the first recess 45 of the slider 6. It moves toward the lowest point of the second recess 45 from the surface between it and the second recess 46. At this time, when the V groove pressing plate 26 is pushed down by the leaf spring 27, the pressing mechanism is actuated again. On the other hand, when the V-groove pressing plate 26 is pushed down, the support member 18 of the moving element 4 is pushed back outward by the spring 51. In the state shown in FIG. 8, the

rollers

31 a and 31 b of the moving element 4 have already passed over the surfaces of the pair of

walls

7 a and 7 b that face each other and extend in an oblique direction. The movement in the width direction is substantially finished.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, when the operation of inserting the connector into either the port P3 or the port P4 is completed (the connector is fitted), a set provided at the lower portion of the V-groove holding plate 26 The

rollers

30a and 30b are positioned at the lowest point of the second recess 45 of the slider 6, and the moving element 4 is held at the second position. At this time, the leaf spring 27 pushes down the V-groove holding plate 26 to align the input / output ends, the input / output ends 2a and 2b of the fixed element 3, and the input / output ends 2c and 2d of the moving element 4 are The stable contact by the springs 51 is the same as when the moving element 4 is held in the first position.

The operation of the release mechanism and the retracting mechanism in the case where the connector is an operation of inserting the connector into either the port P3 or the port P4 has been described above in detail with reference to FIGS. In the operation of pulling out the connector from the port P4, the operation of the release mechanism and the retraction mechanism is performed with the slide direction of the slider 6 and the contact rotation direction of the pair of

rollers

30a and 30b of the V-groove holding plate 26 reversed. Those skilled in the art can easily understand by tracing the movements of the respective parts shown in FIG. 9 to FIG.

In short, the mechanical switching device according to the present embodiment can (1) switch from a loopback connection to a parallel connection by simply inserting or pulling out a connector to the port, and (2) a signal. Since the transmission line is established by butt connection between the end faces of the input and output ends, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of Fresnel reflection by the air layer. (3) The end faces of the input and output ends are rubbed at the time of switching. Since they do not match, there are many advantages such that the end face can be damaged and transmission characteristics can be prevented from deteriorating.

In the present embodiment, the number of ports on the receptacle 14 side may be one or more, and the fourth port P4, the fourth input / output end 2d, and the optical fiber 5d may be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the supporting member 18 is provided on the moving element 4 side to realize the retraction mechanism. Alternatively, a supporting member is provided on the fixed element 3 side instead of the moving element 4 side. The end surfaces of the first and second input / output ends 2a and 2b may be moved backward.

In the present embodiment, the downwardly inclined surface formed on the moving element 4 side of the V-groove holding plate 26 is formed so as to protrude from the V-groove holding plate 26 to the moving element 4 side. Alternatively, by forming a part of the angle of the V-groove holding plate 26 on the moving element 4 side into an inclined concave surface, the downwardly inclined surface protrudes from the V-groove holding plate 26 to the moving element 4 side. A similar retracting mechanism can be realized by such an alternative structure.

Further, in the present embodiment, the entire width direction of the moving element 4 is located in the space formed by the inner walls of the

arms

41a and 41b of the slider 6, but a part of the moving element 4 in the width direction (for example, The moving element 4 may have a lower portion that is narrower than the upper portion, and only the lower portion thereof may be positioned in the space.

Further, in the present specification and claims, “when the connector is pulled out from the third port and the fourth port”, “when the connector is pulled out from the third port and the fourth port” Does not mean that the two connectors respectively fitted to the third port and the fourth port are pulled out at the same time, but the last connector from either the third port or the fourth port It means that the connector is pulled out and no connector is fitted.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an optical switching device that uses an optical fiber in a transmission path for transmitting an optical signal has been described. However, the present invention provides an electric wire in a transmission path for transmitting an electrical signal. It can also be applied to the electrical switch used. In the latter case, a first transmission line that connects the first port and the third input / output terminal, a second transmission line that connects the second port and the second input / output terminal, The third transmission line connecting between the first port and the first input / output terminal and the fourth transmission line connecting between the fourth port and the fourth input / output terminal are respectively electric wires, and the connector Is an electrical connector, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth input / output ends includes a ferrule that supports one end of the electric wire, or a ferrule that has a terminal to which one end of the electric wire is connected on the end face. good.

The mechanical switching device of the present invention can be widely used for switching signal transmission paths in interconnections of broadcasting equipment, audio equipment, video equipment, optical communication equipment, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1

Mechanical switching device

2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Input / output terminal 3 Fixed element 4

Moving element

5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Transmission path 6

Slider

7a, 7b Wall P1, P2, P3, P4 Port 11 Lower housing 12

Top plate

13, 14 Receptacle 15

Catcher

22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Input / output end 25 Spring 26 V groove pressing plate 27

Leaf spring

30a,

30b Roller

31a,

31b Roller

41a, 41b Arm 43a, 43b Shaft 45 First recess 46 Second recess 51 Spring

Claims

A fixed element including a first input / output end and a second input / output end;
A moving element including a third input / output end;
A third port configured to mate with the first port, the second port, and the connector;
A plurality of transmission lines respectively connecting the first port, the second port, and the third port to the first input / output end, the second input / output end, and the third input / output end. When,
A slider that slides mechanically in response to the connector being inserted into the third port and the connector being pulled out of the third port;
With
The slider moves the moving element from a first position to a second position when the connector is inserted into the third port, and when the connector is pulled out of the third port, Moving a moving element from the second position to the first position;
The slider holds the moving element in the first position when the connector is not fitted in the third port, and the third input / output of the moving element in the first position. An end face of the end is positioned so as to face the end face of the second input / output end of the fixed element, and the end faces are in contact with each other;
The slider holds the moving element in the second position when the connector is fitted to the third port, and in the second position, the slider has a third input / output end of the moving element. Are positioned so that the end faces of the fixed element are opposed to the end faces of the first input / output ends, and the end faces are in contact with each other, and the slider is moved from the first position to the first position. The end face of the input / output end of the moving element and the end face of the input / output end of the fixed element are in contact with each other during the movement to the position 2 and during the movement from the second position to the first position. Keep away,
Mechanical switch.
The slider moves the moving element from the first position to the second position in response to insertion of the connector, and moves the moving element from the second position in response to withdrawal of the connector. A set of walls for guiding the moving element to move to a position of 1;
The mechanical switch according to claim 1.
In the first position, a butt connection between the end face of the second input / output end and the end face of the third input / output end is configured, and in the second position, the end face of the first input / output end A holding mechanism for aligning the input / output ends so as to constitute a butt connection of the end faces of the third input / output ends;
A release mechanism for releasing the pressing by the pressing mechanism when the moving element is between the first position and the second position;
When the moving element is between the first position and the second position, the end face of the third input / output end of the moving element or the end face of the first and second input / output ends of the fixed element is retracted. A retraction mechanism
The mechanical switch according to claim 2, further comprising:
A first recess and a second recess are formed on one surface of the slider,
The pressing mechanism includes a V-groove pressing plate elastically supported by a roller and a spring that rotate in contact with one surface of the slider,
The retraction mechanism includes a support member that elastically supports the third input / output end or the first and second input / output ends in the axial direction,
When the roller of the pressing mechanism is in the first concave portion or the second concave portion, the spring actuates the pressing mechanism by pushing down the V groove pressing plate,
When the roller of the pressing mechanism is on the surface between the first recess and the second recess, the release mechanism is operated by lifting the V groove pressing plate, and the V groove pressing Actuating the retracting mechanism by pushing the support member according to the lifting of the plate;
The mechanical switch according to claim 3.
A first transmission line connecting between the first port and the third input / output terminal; a second transmission line connecting between the second port and the second input / output terminal; and Third transmission lines connecting between a third port and the first input / output terminal are optical fibers, respectively.
The connector is an optical fiber connector;
The first, second, and third input / output ends each include an optical fiber ferrule that supports one end of the optical fiber,
The mechanical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A first transmission line connecting between the first port and the third input / output terminal; a second transmission line connecting between the second port and the second input / output terminal; and The third transmission line connecting the third port and the first input / output terminal is an electric wire,
The connector is an electrical connector;
Each of the first, second, and third input / output ends includes a ferrule that supports one end of the electric wire, or a ferrule that has a terminal to which one end of the electric wire is connected on its end surface.
The mechanical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A fixed element including a first input / output end and a second input / output end;
A moving element including a third input / output end and a fourth input / output end;
A first port, a second port, a third port configured to mate with the connector, and a third port configured to mate with the connector;
The first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port, the first input / output end, the second input / output end, the third input / output end, and the fourth input A plurality of transmission lines each connecting between the output ends;
A slider that slides mechanically in response to the connector being inserted into at least one of the third port and the fourth port, and the connector being pulled out from the third port and the fourth port. When,
With
The slider moves the moving element from a first position to a second position when the connector is inserted into at least one of the third port and the fourth port, and the connector moves to the third position. Moving the moving element from the second position to the first position when being pulled out of the second port and the fourth port,
The slider holds the moving element in the first position when the connector is not fitted in any of the third port and the fourth port, and in the first position, the slider An end face of the third input / output end of the element is located opposite to an end face of the second input / output end of the fixed element, and the end faces are in contact with each other;
The slider holds the moving element in the second position when the connector is fitted to the third port or the fourth port, and in the second position, the slider 3 is opposed to the end face of the first input / output end of the fixed element, and the end face of the fourth input / output end of the moving element is the second input / output of the fixed element. The slider is positioned so as to face the end faces of the ends, and the facing end faces are in contact with each other, and the slider is moved while the moving element moves from the first position to the second position, and the second The end face of the input / output end of the moving element and the end face of the input / output end of the fixed element are kept in contact with each other while moving from the position to the first position;
Mechanical switch.
The slider moves the moving element from the first position to the second position in response to insertion of the connector, and moves the moving element from the second position in response to withdrawal of the connector. A set of walls for guiding the moving element to move to a position of 1;
The mechanical switch according to claim 7.
In the first position, a butt connection between the end face of the second input / output end and the end face of the third input / output end is configured, and in the second position, the end face of the first input / output end The input / output ends are aligned so as to form a butt connection of the end face of the third input / output end and a butt connection of the end face of the second input / output end and the end face of the fourth input / output end. A holding mechanism;
A release mechanism for releasing the pressing by the pressing mechanism when the moving element is between the first position and the second position;
When the moving element is between the first position and the second position, end faces of the third and fourth input / output ends of the moving element, or first and second input / output ends of the fixed element A retraction mechanism for retreating the end face of the
The mechanical switch according to claim 8, further comprising:
A first recess and a second recess are formed on one surface of the slider,
The pressing mechanism includes a V-groove pressing plate elastically supported by a roller and a spring that rotate in contact with one surface of the slider,
The retracting mechanism includes a support member that elastically supports the third and fourth input / output ends or the first and second input / output ends in the axial direction,
When the roller of the pressing mechanism is in the first concave portion or the second concave portion, the spring actuates the pressing mechanism by pushing down the V groove pressing plate,
When the roller of the pressing mechanism is on the surface between the first recess and the second recess, the release mechanism is operated by lifting the V groove pressing plate, and the V groove pressing Actuating the retracting mechanism by pushing the support member according to the lifting of the plate;
The mechanical switch according to claim 9.
A first transmission line connecting between the first port and the third input / output terminal; a second transmission line connecting between the second port and the second input / output terminal; A third transmission line connecting between the third port and the first input / output terminal, and a fourth transmission line connecting between the fourth port and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively. Fiber,
The connector is an optical fiber connector;
The first, second, third, and fourth input / output ends each include an optical fiber ferrule that supports one end of the optical fiber,
The mechanical switch according to any one of claims 7 to 10.
A first transmission line connecting between the first port and the third input / output terminal; a second transmission line connecting between the second port and the second input / output terminal; A third transmission line connecting the third port and the first input / output terminal, and a fourth transmission line connecting the fourth port and the fourth input / output terminal, respectively. And
The connector is an electrical connector;
The first, second, third, and fourth input / output ends each include a ferrule that supports one end of the electric wire, or a ferrule that has a terminal to which one end of the electric wire is connected on the end surface.
The mechanical switch according to any one of claims 7 to 10.