JP2015129898A - Optical fiber changeover method and optical fiber changeover device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber changeover method and optical fiber changeover device that can increase the relative positional accuracy between a bent part of an optical fiber as a changeover origin and one end of an optical fiber as a changeover destination, and can reduce the impact when the optical fiber as the changeover origin is bent.SOLUTION: The optical fiber changeover method includes: a first step of arranging one end of a condenser lens 17b optically coupled to an optical fiber F2 and a bent column 11 in parallel; a second step of arranging an optical fiber core F1 between the one end of the condenser lens 17b and the bent column 11 while a bent part P1 of the optical fiber core F1 is in contact with the bent column 11; a third step of pressing up a front part P2 and a rear part P3 of the optical fiber core F1 using a first guide member 12; and a fourth step of transmitting and receiving signal light between a side surface of the bent part P1 of the optical fiber core F1 and one end of the optical fiber F2.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical fiber switching method and an optical fiber switching device.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for switching an optical transmission line. In the technique described in this document, an optical fiber that propagates signal light is bent to an intensity limit in a short time, and light emitted from the bent portion is incident on another optical fiber to switch an optical transmission line.

Yuji Higashi, “Frontier of Optical Fiber Technology Research”, NTT Technology Journal, February 2013, pages 42-45

  In order to quickly repair and recover from a failure or the like in an optical communication network, there is a technique for switching a part of an optical fiber constituting a transmission path to another optical fiber in a short time (so-called short interruption technique). In this optical fiber switching technique, a part of an optical fiber in communication is bent, signal light is extracted from the bent part, and is incident on one end of another optical fiber. At this time, it is desirable to bend the optical fiber in a short time in order to shorten the time during which communication is interrupted as much as possible. Further, high relative position accuracy is required between the bent portion of the switching source optical fiber and one end of the switching destination optical fiber in order to realize stable communication after switching.

  However, it is not easy to maintain a high relative positional accuracy between the bent portion of the switching source optical fiber and one end of the switching destination optical fiber while applying high-speed bending to the optical fiber in a short time. When bending the switching source optical fiber, the point corresponding to the apex of the bent part moves at high speed, but it is possible to accurately control the stop position of such a high-speed moving part. Because it is difficult. Further, even when a refractive index matching agent is desired to be interposed between the bent portion of the switching source optical fiber and one end of the switching destination optical fiber, there is an impact when the bending is applied to the switching source optical fiber. There is a possibility that stable communication after switching may be difficult due to vibration or damage generated in the switching destination optical fiber via the refractive index matching agent.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and improves the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion of the switching source optical fiber and one end of the switching destination optical fiber, and the switching source optical fiber is improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber switching method and an optical fiber switching device that can reduce an impact when bending is applied.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an optical fiber switching method according to the present invention provides a bend to a first optical fiber that propagates signal light so that the side surfaces of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are bent. A method of switching a transmission path of signal light by transmitting and receiving signal light to and from one end, wherein bending is applied to the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber. A first step of arranging the member and one end of the second optical fiber or one end of the optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber in a first direction; and a second step that intersects the first direction. The first optical fiber is disposed between one end of the second optical fiber or the optical component and the bend imparting member while the bend portion of the first optical fiber extending along the direction of is in contact with the bend imparting member. 2 steps and the first A third step of pushing up the front part and the rear part of the first optical fiber, which are respectively located in the propagation direction with respect to the bent part of the fiber, in a direction crossing the second direction using a guide member; And a fourth step for transmitting and receiving signal light between the side surface of the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber.

  The optical fiber switching device according to the present invention also applies bending to the first optical fiber propagating the signal light, and transmits the signal light between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber. Is a device for switching the transmission path of the signal light by transmitting and receiving the first optical fiber in the first direction with respect to one end of the second optical fiber or one end of the optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber. And a bend imparting member that bends the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber, and forward and backward in the propagation direction with respect to the bent portion of the first optical fiber. A first guide member that pushes up a front portion and a rear portion of the first optical fiber positioned in a direction intersecting the second direction, respectively.

  According to the optical fiber switching method and the optical fiber switching device of the present invention, the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion of the switching source optical fiber and one end of the switching destination optical fiber is improved, and the switching source optical fiber is bent. The impact at the time of giving can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the optical fiber switching device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the optical fiber switching device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide member. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second guide member. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the optical fiber switching device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the first and second guide members according to the first modification. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of the first guide member according to the second modification. FIG. 9 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the optical fiber switching device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the optical fiber switching device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical fiber switching device according to a third modification.

[Description of Embodiment of Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described. (1) In the optical fiber switching method according to the present invention, bending is applied to the first optical fiber propagating the signal light, and the signal is transmitted between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber. A method of switching a transmission path of signal light by performing transmission and reception of light, a bend imparting member for imparting a bend to the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber; A first step of arranging one end of the optical fiber or one end of the optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber in the first direction, and along a second direction intersecting the first direction A second step of disposing the first optical fiber between the second optical fiber or one end of the optical component and the bend imparting member while bringing the bent portion of the first optical fiber extending into contact with the bend imparting member; 1 Optical fiber and bending section A third step of pushing up the front part and the rear part of the first optical fiber, which are respectively located in the front and rear in the propagation direction with respect to the position in contact with each other, using a guide member in a direction intersecting the second direction; And a fourth step for transmitting and receiving signal light between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber.

  In the optical fiber switching method, in the third step, the front portion and the rear portion of the first optical fiber (that is, the switching source optical fiber) are pushed up using the guide member. At this time, the bent portion of the first optical fiber is already in contact with the bending imparting member in the second step, and relative movement of the bending portion with respect to the bending imparting member does not occur. In the first step, one end of the second optical fiber (that is, the switching destination optical fiber) (or one end of the optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber) is already positioned with respect to the bending member. . Therefore, according to the optical fiber switching method of the present invention, in the first step and the second step before bending, the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or the optical component) Can be positioned with high accuracy. Further, it is not necessary to move the bent portion of the first optical fiber at high speed. Thereby, the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) can be increased. In addition, since the impact at the time of bending the first optical fiber can be reduced, the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component). Even in the case where it is desired to interpose a refractive index matching agent, vibration and damage generated at one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) can be reduced.

  (2) In the above optical fiber switching method, in the third step, the guide member may be pushed up around the spindle intersecting the first and second directions to push up the front part and the rear part. Alternatively, (3) in the above-described optical fiber switching method, in the third step, the front part and the rear part may be pushed up by moving the guide member in a direction intersecting the second direction. According to any one of these configurations, it is possible to suitably realize the third step of pushing up the first optical fiber and imparting bending.

  (4) In the above optical fiber switching method, in the second step, the first holding unit that holds the first holding position in front of the front portion of the first optical fiber, and the first optical fiber The first optical fiber is held using a second holding portion that holds the second holding position further rearward than the rear portion, and in the third step, the first and second holding portions are moved to the front portion and You may move according to operation | movement of a back part. Thereby, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being generated in the first optical fiber. In this case, it is preferable that (5) the moving directions of the first and second holding portions in the third step coincide with the moving direction of the guide member.

  (6) Further, the optical fiber switching device according to the present invention provides a bend between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber by bending the first optical fiber propagating the signal light. Is a device for switching the transmission path of signal light by transmitting and receiving signal light at the first end of the second optical fiber or one end of the optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber. A bend imparting member that is arranged side by side in one direction and that imparts a bend to the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber that extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction; A first guide member that pushes up the front portion and the rear portion of the first optical fiber, which are respectively positioned in front and rear in the propagation direction with respect to the bent portion of the first optical fiber.

  When the above optical fiber switching device is used, first, the first optical fiber (that is, the switching source optical fiber) is in contact with the bend imparting member, and the second optical fiber or one end of the optical component It arrange | positions between bend | providing members. Next, the guide member pushes up the front portion and the rear portion of the first optical fiber. With the first optical fiber bent in this way, signal light is exchanged between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber.

  In this optical fiber switching device, when the guide member pushes up the front portion and the rear portion of the first optical fiber to apply the bending, the bending portion of the first optical fiber includes the bending applying member and the second optical fiber. Is stationary relative to one end (or one end of the optical component). In addition, the positioning of the bent portion of the first optical fiber and the one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) can be performed with high accuracy before bending the first optical fiber. it can. As described above, according to the optical fiber switching device of the present invention, the bending portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) are positioned before the bending is applied. In addition, it is not necessary to move the bent portion of the first optical fiber at high speed. Therefore, the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) can be increased. In addition, since the impact at the time of bending the first optical fiber can be reduced, the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component). Even in the case where it is desired to interpose a refractive index matching agent, vibration and damage generated at one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) can be reduced.

  (7) In the above optical fiber switching device, the first guide member may include a first member that pushes up the front portion and a second member that pushes up the rear portion. Thereby, the front part and back part in the position which mutually separated can be pushed up suitably, respectively.

  (8) The optical fiber switching device described above further includes a first holding portion that holds the first holding position further forward than the front portion of the first optical fiber and a rear portion of the first optical fiber. A second holding portion that holds the second holding position at the rear, and the first and second holding portions may move in accordance with the operations of the front portion and the rear portion. Thereby, it is possible to prevent excessive tension from being generated in the first optical fiber.

  (9) In the above optical fiber switching device, one end and the other end are fixed to the first and second holding portions, respectively, and are arranged side by side with the first optical fiber. You may further provide the wire to which a bending is provided by pressing on. When bending is applied to the first optical fiber, the guide member pushes up the first optical fiber at a high speed, so that a sudden tensile force is generated in the first optical fiber. By arranging the wire side by side with the first optical fiber in this way, the first and second holding portions are pulled toward each other due to the tension of the wire, so that the tensile force generated in the first optical fiber Can be reduced.

  (10) The optical fiber switching device may further include a second guide member that positions the first optical fiber in a state before the first optical fiber is pushed up. Thereby, the positioning of the bent portion of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber (or one end of the optical component) before the bending is applied to the first optical fiber is performed with higher accuracy. Can do.

  (11) In the above optical fiber switching device, the first guide member may have a groove for accommodating the first optical fiber and positioning the first optical fiber. Thereby, the position shift of the 1st optical fiber in the moment which gives a bending to the 1st optical fiber can be prevented still more effectively.

  (12) The optical fiber switching device further includes another member arranged side by side at both ends of the bending imparting member in the second direction, and the first optical fiber is pushed up when the first optical fiber is pushed up. May contact another member. Thereby, the impact and vibration to the bending | flexion provision member by the movement of a guide member can be relieve | moderated, and the impact and vibration transmitted to the bending part of a 1st optical fiber can be reduced.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
Specific examples of an optical fiber switching method and an optical fiber switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these illustrations, is shown by the claim, and intends that all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claim are included. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

(First embodiment)
1 and 2 are top views showing a schematic configuration of an optical fiber switching device 1A according to the first embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, and shows the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 and the wire 16 provided in the optical fiber switching device 1A and the optical fiber core wire F1 that is the switching source. The positional relationship is shown.

  The optical fiber switching device 1A according to the present embodiment bends the installed optical fiber core F1 (first optical fiber) that propagates signal light to bend the side surface of the optical fiber core F1 and the optical fiber F2. This is a device for switching the transmission path of the signal light to the optical fiber F2 by transmitting / receiving the signal light to / from one end of the (second optical fiber). FIG. 1 shows a state before and after bending, and FIG. 2 shows a state where bending is applied. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the optical fiber switching device 1 </ b> A includes a bending column 11, a first guide member 12, a second guide member 13, optical fiber holders 14 and 15, and a wire 16. (Shown only in FIG. 3) and a light receiving unit 17.

  The bending column 11 is a bending imparting member in the present embodiment. The bending column 11 is fixed in a stationary state on a base member (not shown), and is aligned in the first direction (for example, the X-axis direction) with respect to one end of the condenser lens 17b optically coupled to one end of the optical fiber F2. Is arranged in. The condensing lens 17b is also fixed in a stationary state on a base member (not shown).

  The bending column 11 has a curved surface, and a bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 extending along a second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction is pressed against the curved surface. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the bending portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 is bent. The bent portion P1 is located between a front portion P2 and a rear portion P3, which will be described later, in the axial direction of the optical fiber core wire F1 (that is, the propagation direction of signal light). The curved surface of the bending column 11 is, for example, a cylindrical surface. The bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 is deformed into an arc shape by coming into contact with the curved surface of the bending column 11 as described above. The radius of curvature at this time is determined by the radius of the curved surface of the bending column 11 and is, for example, 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Further, the bending angle θ is, for example, 30 ° or more, and the signal light can be efficiently leaked from the optical fiber core wire F1. Further, the bending angle θ is, for example, 120 ° or less, and the optical fiber core wire F1 can be effectively prevented from being damaged when the bending is applied. In one embodiment, the bending angle θ is 90 °.

  By such bending of the optical fiber core F1 by the bending support 11, the side surface of the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core F1 and the optical fiber F2 are optically coupled via the condenser lens 17b. That is, the signal light propagating through the optical fiber core line F1 enters the optical fiber F2 from the side surface of the bent portion P1 via the condenser lens 17b, and the signal light propagating through the optical fiber F2 is transmitted from the optical fiber F2. The light enters the side surface of the bent portion P1 through the condenser lens 17b.

  The first guide member 12 has a front part P2 and a rear part of the optical fiber core F1 positioned in front and rear in the propagation direction (Y-axis direction in the present embodiment) with respect to the bent part P1 of the optical fiber core F1. P3 is pushed up in a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the second direction (Y-axis direction). The first guide member 12 of the present embodiment includes a first member 12a and a second member 12b. The first member 12a is disposed at a position where the optical fiber core wire F1 is sandwiched between the first support member 11 and the bending support column 11 in front of the bent portion P1, and moves forward at a high speed toward the optical fiber core wire F1. For example, P2 is pushed up in the positive direction of the X-axis (arrow A1 in FIG. 2). Further, the second member 12b is disposed at a position where the optical fiber core wire F1 is sandwiched between the second support member 11 and the bending column 11 at the back of the bent portion P1, and by moving at high speed toward the optical fiber core wire F1, For example, the rear portion P3 is pushed up in the positive direction of the X axis (arrow A2 in FIG. 2). For example, the first and second members 12 a and 12 b may be fixed to a certain member, and the optical fiber core wire F <b> 1 may be pushed up by moving the member relative to the bending column 11. Alternatively, the first and second members 12a and 12b may be integrally formed.

  In one embodiment, the first and second members 12a and 12b are fixed to one linear motor table. The linear motor table pushes up the first and second members 12a and 12b to the optical fiber core F1 by driving the first and second members 12a and 12b. The first and second members 12a and 12b of the present embodiment are, for example, within 100 milliseconds, more preferably after the contact between the first and second members 12a and 12b and the optical fiber core wire F1 is started. In a very short time such as within 50 milliseconds, the apparatus is configured to stop after the predetermined bending is applied.

  The first and second members 12a and 12b of the present embodiment have surfaces 12c and 12d along the front side surface 11a and the rear side surface 11b with respect to the curved surface of the bending column 11, respectively. In one example, when the bending angle by the bending column 11 is θ, the front side surface 11a and the surface 12c are inclined by −θ / 2 with respect to a surface perpendicular to the extending direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the optical fiber core wire F1. ing. Further, the rear side surface 11b and the surface 12d are inclined by θ / 2 with respect to a surface perpendicular to the extending direction of the optical fiber core wire F1. When the first and second members 12a and 12b push up the optical fiber core F1, the front portion P2 of the optical fiber core F1 is sandwiched between the front side surface 11a and the surface 12c, and the rear portion P3 is rear side. It is sandwiched between the side surface 11b and the surface 12d.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the surfaces 12c and 12d and intersecting the extending direction of the optical fiber core wire F1. As shown in FIG. 4, two V grooves 12e and 12f extending in parallel with each other are formed on the surfaces 12c and 12d. The V-groove 12e is a groove for accommodating the optical fiber core F1 and positioning the optical fiber core F1. Further, the V groove 12 f is a groove for accommodating the wire 16 and positioning the wire 16.

  Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 again. The second guide member 13 positions the optical fiber core wire F1 in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fiber core wire F1 before the optical fiber core wire F1 is pushed up. The second guide member 13 of the present embodiment includes a first member 13a and a second member 13b. The first member 13a is disposed on the opposite side of the bending support post 11 with respect to the optical fiber core wire F1 in front of the bending portion P1, and the front portion of the optical fiber core wire F1 before bending is applied. Position P2. In addition, the second member 13b is disposed on the opposite side of the bending support post 11 with respect to the optical fiber core wire F1 behind the bent portion P1, and the optical fiber core wire F1 before bending is applied. The rear portion P3 is positioned. The first and second members 13 a and 13 b are fixed to the base member together with, for example, the bending column 11.

  FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the first and second members 13a and 13b that intersects the extending direction of the optical fiber core wire F1. As shown in FIG. 5, the first and second members 13a and 13b are formed with two V grooves 13e and 13f extending in parallel with each other. The V-groove 13e is a groove for accommodating the optical fiber core F1 and positioning the optical fiber core F1. Further, the V groove 13 f is a groove for accommodating the wire 16 and positioning the wire 16.

  Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 again. The optical fiber holders 14 and 15 are the first and second holding portions of the present embodiment, respectively. The optical fiber holder 14 is held by gripping (clamping) the optical fiber core wire F1 at the first holding position P4 positioned further forward than the front portion P2. The optical fiber holder 15 is held by gripping (clamping) the optical fiber core wire F1 at the second holding position P5 located further rearward than the bent portion P1. Each of the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 is preferably realized, for example, by holding the holding positions P4 and P5 of the optical fiber core wire F1 by a pair of members having mutually facing surfaces.

  Further, the optical fiber holder 14 is interlocked with the first member 12a of the first guide member 12, and at the moment when bending is applied to the optical fiber core wire F1, the X-axis is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the front portion P2. It moves in the positive direction (arrow A3 in FIG. 2). Similarly, the optical fiber holder 15 is interlocked with the second member 12b of the first guide member 12, and at the moment when bending is applied to the optical fiber core wire F1, X is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the rear portion P3. It moves in the axial positive direction (arrow A4 in FIG. 2). These configurations are suitably realized by, for example, fixing the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 on a linear motor table common to the first and second members 12a and 12b.

  Each of the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 is preferably provided on a linear guide so as to be movable along the axial direction of the optical fiber core wire F1 at each of the holding positions P4 and P5. Thus, when the optical fiber core wire F1 is bent, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 follow the movements of the holding positions P4 and P5, respectively, so that no excessive tensile force is generated in the optical fiber core wire F1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the wire 16 is arranged alongside the optical fiber core F <b> 1 and extends along the axial direction of the optical fiber core F <b> 1. The wire 16 is a linear body made of metal, for example. One end of the wire 16 is fixed to the optical fiber holder 14, and the other end of the wire 16 is fixed to the optical fiber holder 15. Moreover, when the bending support | pillar 11 contacts the optical fiber core wire F1 and a bending is provided, the wire 16 contacts the bending support | pillar 11 with the optical fiber core wire F1. As a result, the wire 16 is also bent. At this time, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 are pulled toward the bent portion P1 by the tension of the wire 16, and the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 move. In order to reduce the load applied to the optical fiber core F1, the constituent material and outer diameter of the wire 16 are such that the elastic modulus in the axial direction of the wire 16 is larger than the elastic modulus in the axial direction of the optical fiber core F1. And an outer diameter. In one embodiment, the elastic modulus in the axial direction of the wire 16 is 10 times or more than the elastic modulus in the axial direction of the optical fiber core wire F1.

  Further, FIG. 3 shows tension applying members 18a and 18b. The tension applying members 18a and 18b are members for applying tension to the optical fiber core wire F1 and the wire 16 by urging the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 in directions away from the bent portion P1, respectively. The tension applying members 18a and 18b are preferably configured by an elastic member such as a spring, for example. One end of each of the tension applying members 18a and 18b is fixed to the optical fiber holders 14 and 15, and the other end is fixed to the base member.

  The light receiving unit 17 optically couples one end of the optical fiber F2 to the side surface of the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1. The light receiving unit 17 includes a condensing lens 17b in addition to the optical fiber F2. The condensing lens 17b is an optical component optically coupled to the optical fiber F2, and is preferably configured by, for example, a GRIN lens. One end surface of the condensing lens 17b is arranged side by side in the first direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the curved surface of the bending column 11, and faces the bending portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1. The other end surface of the condenser lens 17b is optically coupled to one end of the optical fiber F2. Thereby, the signal light emitted from the side surface of the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 enters the one end surface of the condenser lens 17b and is guided to the optical fiber F2. The signal light emitted from the optical fiber F2 enters the side surface of the optical fiber core wire F1 from one end face of the condenser lens 17b. The condensing lens 17b may be omitted. In this case, one end of the optical fiber F2 is arranged side by side in the first direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the curved surface of the bending column 11, and the optical fiber core wire F1. It is good to oppose the bending part P1.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the optical fiber switching device 1A of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the optical fiber switching method according to the present embodiment will be described together with the operation of the optical fiber switching device 1A with reference to FIG. In this optical fiber switching method, signal light is exchanged between the side surface of the optical fiber core F1 and one end of the optical fiber F2 by bending the optical fiber core fiber F1 that propagates signal light. This is a method for switching the transmission path of signal light.

  First, as a first step, the bending column 11 and one end face of the condenser lens 17b of the light receiving unit 17 (or one end of the optical fiber F2) are arranged side by side in the first direction (X-axis direction) (step S11). ). At this time, the relative position and interval between the bending column 11 and one end face of the condensing lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2) are adjusted. At this time, one end and the other end of the wire 16 may be fixed to the optical fiber holders 14 and 15, respectively, and tension may be applied to the wire 16.

  Next, as a second step, the optical fiber core wire F1 is disposed between one end face of the condensing lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2) and the bending column 11 (step S12). At this time, the optical fiber core wire F1 is extended along the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 is brought into contact with the bending support column 11. At this time, the optical fiber core wire F1 may be arranged side by side with the wire 16, and the holding positions P4 and P5 of the optical fiber core wire F1 may be held by the optical fiber holders 14 and 15, respectively. In one example, this step S12 is performed by an operator.

  Subsequently, as a third step, the front portion P2 and the rear portion P3 of the optical fiber core wire F1 are moved in the second direction (Y-axis direction) using the guide member 12 (first and second members 12a and 12b). Is bent to the bending portion P1 (step S13). In the present embodiment, the first and second members 12a and 12b of the guide member 12 move in a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the second direction (Y-axis direction), so that the front portion P2 and the rear portion Push up part P3. Further, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 are interlocked with the first and second members 12a and 12b, respectively, and moved in the X-axis direction in accordance with the operations of the front portion P2 and the rear portion P3. In the present embodiment, the moving direction of the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 coincides with the moving direction of the guide member 12 (first and second members 12a and 12b).

  Finally, as a fourth step, the signal light transmission path is switched to the optical fiber F2 by transmitting and receiving the signal light between the side surface of the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the optical fiber F2. (Step S14). Through the above steps S11 to S14, the switching of the transmission path is completed.

  The effects obtained by the optical fiber switching device 1A and the switching method of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the optical fiber switching device 1A and switching method of the present embodiment, the optical fiber core wire F1 is formed by pushing up the front portion P2 and the rear portion P3 of the optical fiber core wire F1 (that is, the switching source optical fiber) using a guide member. Bending is applied to the bent portion P1. At this time, the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 is already in contact with the bending column 11, and one end of the bending column 11 and the condensing lens 17b (when an optical component such as the condensing lens 17b is omitted) It is relatively stationary with respect to one end of F2. The positioning of the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core F1 and one end of the condensing lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2) should be performed with high accuracy before the optical fiber core F1 is bent. Can do. Thus, according to the optical fiber switching device 1A and the switching method of the present embodiment, before bending, the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the condensing lens 17b (or the optical fiber F2) Can be positioned with high accuracy. Moreover, the high-speed movement of the bending part P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the condenser lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2) can be increased. In addition, since the impact at the time of bending the optical fiber core wire F1 can be reduced, the bending portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the condenser lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2). Even when it is desired to interpose a refractive index matching agent between them, vibration and damage generated in the condenser lens 17b (or the optical fiber F2) can be reduced, and scattering of the refractive index matching agent and entrainment of bubbles can be prevented. Can be prevented.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the first guide member 12 moves in a direction (for example, the X-axis direction) intersecting the extending direction (Y-axis direction) of the optical fiber core wire F1, so that the front portion P2 and You may push up back part P3. Thereby, the operation | movement which pushes up the optical fiber core wire F1 and provides bending can be implement | achieved suitably.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, when holding the optical fiber core wire F1 using the optical fiber holders 14 and 15, and bending the optical fiber core wire F1, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 are moved to the front portion P2. And you may move according to operation | movement of the back part P3. Thereby, it can prevent that excessive tension | tensile_strength arises in the optical fiber core wire F1. In this case, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 preferably coincide with the moving direction of the first guide member 12 (X-axis direction in the present embodiment). Thereby, the optical fiber core wire F1 can be pushed up by the first guide member 12 while maintaining an appropriate tension of the optical fiber core wire F1.

  Moreover, the 1st guide member 12 may have the 1st member 12a which pushes up the front part P2, and the 2nd member 12b which pushes up the back part P3 like this embodiment. Thereby, the front part P2 and the rear part P3 which are in a mutually separated position can be suitably pushed up, respectively.

  Moreover, the optical fiber switching device 1 </ b> A may include the wire 16 as in the present embodiment. When bending is applied to the optical fiber core F1, the guide member 12 pushes up the optical fiber core F1 at a high speed, so that a sudden tensile force is generated in the optical fiber core F1. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 are pulled toward each other by the tension of the wire 16 arranged side by side with the optical fiber core F1, so that the tensile force generated in the optical fiber core F1 is reduced. Can be reduced.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the optical fiber switching device 1 </ b> A may include the second guide member 13. Thus, the bending portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the condensing lens 17b (when optical components such as the condensing lens 17b are omitted) before the bending is applied to the optical fiber core wire F1 The positioning with the one end of the fiber F2 can be performed with higher accuracy.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the first guide member 12 may include a V-groove 12e that accommodates the optical fiber core F1 and positions the optical fiber core F1. Thereby, the position shift of the optical fiber core wire F1 at the moment of applying the bending to the optical fiber core wire F1 can be further effectively prevented.

(First modification)
In the optical fiber switching device 1A of the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid interference between the first guide member 12 and the second guide member 13 by various forms. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example for avoiding such interference. FIG. 7A shows a state before and after bending, and FIG. 7B shows a state where bending is applied. In the second guide member 13 shown in FIG. 7, a slit SL is formed in each of the first and second members 13a and 13b. These slits SL penetrate the first and second members 13a and 13b in the moving direction of the first guide member 12 (for example, the X-axis direction), and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the X-axis direction is a light beam. The optical fiber F1 has a rectangular shape with the extending direction (Y-axis direction) as the longitudinal direction. The first member 12a of the first guide member 12 is inserted into the slit SL of the first member 13a so as to be movable in the X-axis direction, and the slit SL of the second member 13b is inserted into the slit SL. The second member 12b of one guide member 12 is inserted in a state that it can move in the X-axis direction.

  When the first and second guide members 12 and 13 have such a configuration, the optical fiber core wire F1 is disposed so as to straddle the opening of the slit SL. Then, before the bending is applied to the optical fiber core F1, the optical fiber core F1 is formed by the V-groove 13e formed on the surface around the slit SL of the first and second members 13a and 13b. Positioned. In addition, at the moment when bending is applied to the optical fiber core F1, the first and second members 12a and 12b protrude from the slit SL to push up the optical fiber core F1, and the first and second members 12a. , 12b, the optical fiber core wire F1 is positioned by the V grooves 12e formed in the surfaces 12c, 12d.

(Second modification)
Moreover, in the optical fiber switching device 1A of the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid interference between the first guide member 12 and the light receiving unit 17 by various forms. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration example for avoiding such interference. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first guide member 12 is formed to be sufficiently smaller than the second guide member 13. As a result, the first member 12 a is disposed between the first member 13 a of the second guide member 13 and the light receiving portion 17, and the second member 12 b is the second member 13 b of the second guide member 13. And the light receiving unit 17. Even in the state before the bending is applied, the interference between the first guide member 12 and the light receiving portion 17 can be avoided.

(Second Embodiment)
9 and 10 are top views showing a schematic configuration of the optical fiber switching device 1B according to the second embodiment. 9 shows a state before and after the bending is applied, and FIG. 10 shows a state where the bending is applied. The main difference between the optical fiber switching device 1B of the present embodiment and the optical fiber switching device 1A of the first embodiment is the configuration of the first guide member. The configurations of the bending column 11, the optical fiber holders 14 and 15, the wire 16, and the light receiving unit 17 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Further, the optical fiber switching method of the present embodiment is preferably realized by replacing the operation of the first guide member in step S13 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 with the following content.

  The optical fiber switching device 1B of this embodiment includes a first guide member 22 instead of the first guide member 12 of the first embodiment. The first guide member 22 includes a first member 22a disposed in front of the bending portion P1 in the propagation direction and a second member 22b disposed rearward in the propagation direction with respect to the bending portion P1. Have. As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second members 22a and 22b are pushed up around a spindle that intersects the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, thereby pushing up the front part P2 and the rear part P3 ( Arrows A5 and A6 in FIG. Here, the fact that the first and second members 22a and 22b are flipped up means that, for example, the first and second members 22a and 22b are within a finite angular range around the support shaft arranged near the bent portion P1. It means to perform the rotational movement at.

  Also in the present embodiment, the optical fiber holder 14 is interlocked with the first member 22a of the first guide member 22, and at the moment when bending is applied to the optical fiber core wire F1, According to the operation, the first member 22a moves around the support shaft (arrow A7 in FIG. 10). Similarly, the optical fiber holder 15 is interlocked with the second member 12b of the first guide member 12, and at the moment when bending is applied to the optical fiber core wire F1, according to the operation of the rear portion P3, It moves around the spindle of the second member 22b (arrow A8 in FIG. 10). These configurations are suitably realized by, for example, fixing the optical fiber holders 14 and 15 on a common table with the first and second members 12a and 12b, respectively.

  According to the optical fiber switching device 1B and the optical fiber switching method of the present embodiment, the bending portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 and one end of the condenser lens 17b (before the bending is applied), as in the first embodiment. When optical components such as the condensing lens 17b are omitted, the optical fiber F2 can be positioned with high accuracy. Moreover, the high-speed movement of the bending part P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the relative positional accuracy between the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core F1 and one end of the condensing lens 17b (or one end of the optical fiber F2) is increased, and the impact when bending the optical fiber core F1 is reduced. can do. Further, as in the present embodiment, the first guide member 22 may push up the front portion P2 and the rear portion P3 by being flipped up around a support shaft that intersects the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the operation | movement which pushes up the optical fiber core wire F1 and provides bending can be implement | achieved suitably.

  Although the second guide member is omitted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the optical fiber switching device 1B of the present embodiment further includes a member corresponding to the second guide member 13 of the first embodiment. Also good. Also in the present embodiment, the first guide member 22 may have a V-groove that accommodates the optical fiber core F1 and positions the optical fiber core F1.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical fiber switching device 1C according to a third modification. The optical fiber switching device 1 </ b> C according to this modification includes a bending column 21 and columns 23 and 24 different from the bending column 21 instead of the bending column 11 of the second embodiment. In addition, the support | pillars 23 and 24 are members different from the bending provision member in this embodiment. The bending column 21 is formed so that the width in the Y-axis direction is narrower than the bending column 11 of the first embodiment. The columns 23 and 24 are arranged side by side at both ends of the bending column 21 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the struts 23 and 24 are arranged at positions sandwiching the bending strut 21 therebetween, and are arranged in the order of the strut 23, the bending strut 21, and the strut 24 from the front to the rear in the propagation direction.

  The bending column 21 has a curved surface that abuts on the optical fiber core wire F1 to provide bending, and a front side surface 21a and a rear side surface 21b with respect to the curved surface. When the bending angle by the bending column 21 is θ, the front side surface 21a is inclined by −θ / 2 with respect to the extending direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the optical fiber core wire F1, and the rear side surface 21b is optical fiber core wire. It is inclined by θ / 2 with respect to the extending direction of F1. And the support | pillar 23 has the surface 23a flush with the front side surface 21a, and the support | pillar 24 has the surface 24a flush with the back side surface 21b. The surface 23a is inclined by −θ / 2 with respect to the extending direction of the optical fiber core F1, and the surface 24a is inclined with θ / 2 with respect to the extending direction of the optical fiber core F1.

  In the present modification, when the first and second members 22a and 22b are flipped up to push up the optical fiber core F1, the optical fiber core wire F1 comes into contact with the columns 23 and 24. That is, the front portion P2 of the optical fiber core wire F1 is sandwiched between the surface 23a of the support column 23 and the first member 22a, and the rear portion P3 is sandwiched between the surface 24a of the support column 24 and the second member 22b. It is.

  According to this modification, it is possible to mitigate the impact and vibration on the bending column 21 caused by the movement of the first guide member 22. Accordingly, the impact and vibration transmitted to the bent portion P1 of the optical fiber core wire F1 can be reduced, and the optical coupling state between the optical fiber core wire F1 and the optical fiber F2 can be stabilized.

  The optical fiber switching method and the optical fiber switching device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the condensing lens 17b is disposed at one end of the second optical fiber. In the present invention, the optical component optically coupled to one end of the second optical fiber is not limited to this, and various other components can be applied. In addition, the first guide member of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the above embodiments and modifications, and various configurations for pushing up the first optical fiber toward the bending member are applied. be able to.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A, 1B, 1C ... Optical fiber switching apparatus, 11, 21 ... Support | pillar, 11a, 21a ... Front side surface, 11b, 21b ... Rear side surface, 12, 22 ... 1st guide member, 12a, 22a ... 1st member, 12b, 22b ... second member, 12e, 12f ... V groove, 13 ... second guide member, 13a ... first member, 13b ... second member, 13e, 13f ... V groove, 14, 15 ... light Fiber holder, 16 ... wire, 17 ... light receiving portion, 17b ... condensing lens, 18a, 18b ... tension applying member, 21 ... support, 22 ... first guide member, 23,24 ... support, F1 ... fiber core (First optical fiber), F2 ... optical fiber (second optical fiber), P1 ... bent part, P2 ... front part, P3 ... rear part, P4 ... first holding position, P5 ... second holding position , SL ... Slit.

Claims (12)

By bending the first optical fiber propagating the signal light and causing the signal light to be exchanged between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber, A method of switching a transmission path of signal light,
A bend imparting member that bends the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber, and an optical element optically coupled to the one end of the second optical fiber or the second optical fiber. A first step of arranging one end of the components side by side in a first direction;
The one end of the second optical fiber or the optical component and the one end of the optical component while contacting a bending portion of the first optical fiber extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction with the bending applying member. A second step of disposing the first optical fiber between a bend imparting member;
The front portion and the rear portion of the first optical fiber, which are respectively positioned in the front and rear in the propagation direction with respect to the bent portion of the first optical fiber, intersect the second direction using a guide member. A third step of pushing up in the direction,
A fourth step of transferring the signal light between a side surface of the bent portion of the first optical fiber and the one end of the second optical fiber;
An optical fiber switching method comprising:   2. The optical fiber switching according to claim 1, wherein, in the third step, the guide member pushes up the front portion and the rear portion by being flipped up around a spindle that intersects the first and second directions. Method.   The optical fiber switching method according to claim 1, wherein, in the third step, the front member and the rear portion are pushed up by moving the guide member in a direction intersecting the second direction. In the second step, a first holding portion that holds a first holding position further forward than the front portion of the first optical fiber, and further rearward than the rear portion of the first optical fiber. Holding the first optical fiber using a second holding unit that holds the second holding position of
The optical fiber switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the third step, the first and second holding portions are moved in accordance with operations of the front portion and the rear portion.   The optical fiber switching method according to claim 4, wherein a moving direction of the first and second holding portions in the third step coincides with a moving direction of the guide member. By bending the first optical fiber propagating the signal light and causing the signal light to be exchanged between the side surface of the first optical fiber and one end of the second optical fiber, A device for switching the transmission path of signal light,
The second optical fiber is arranged side by side in a first direction with respect to the one end of the second optical fiber or one end of an optical component optically coupled to the second optical fiber, and the second optical fiber intersects the first direction. A bend imparting member that imparts a bend to the first optical fiber by being pressed against the first optical fiber extending in a direction;
A first guide that pushes up a front portion and a rear portion of the first optical fiber located in front and rear in a propagation direction with respect to a bent portion of the first optical fiber in a direction intersecting the second direction; Members,
An optical fiber switching device.   The optical fiber switching device according to claim 6, wherein the first guide member includes a first member that pushes up the front portion and a second member that pushes up the rear portion. A first holding portion for holding a first holding position further forward than the front portion of the first optical fiber;
A second holding portion for holding a second holding position further rearward than the rear portion of the first optical fiber;
Further comprising
The optical fiber switching device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second holding portions move in accordance with operations of the front portion and the rear portion.   One end and the other end are fixed to the first and second holding portions, respectively, are arranged side by side with the first optical fiber, and are bent by being pressed against the bending applying member together with the first optical fiber. The optical fiber switching device according to claim 8, further comprising a wire to which is provided.   The optical fiber switching device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a second guide member for positioning the first optical fiber in a state before the first optical fiber is pushed up.   The optical fiber switching device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the first guide member has a groove for accommodating the first optical fiber and positioning the first optical fiber. Further comprising another member arranged alongside both ends of the bend imparting member in the second direction,
The optical fiber switching device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein when the first optical fiber is pushed up, the first optical fiber comes into contact with the another member.

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