Optical microswitch

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical microswitch that can suppress the degradation of the optical signal when it is ON and contribute to suppressing the erroneous transmission of the optical signal when it is OFF. [Solution] An optical microswitch for switching optical signals comprises an operating member 3, an operating force conversion member 7, and an optical path changing movable member 8. The optical path changing movable member 8 swings to switch between a first state (ON state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber 5 and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, and a second state (OFF state) in which they do not face each other. The operating force direction conversion member 7 is equipped with a drive arm capable of applying force to the optical path changing movable member 8. When the operating member 3 is pushed in, the drive arm causes the optical path changing movable member 8 to swing, so that the optical path is in the first or second state, and returns to its original state when the operating member 3 is released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical microswitch.

Background Art

[0002] As a means for switching an optical signal (ON / OFF switching, optical path switching), for example, a space is provided in a part of an internal optical path, and an optical direction conversion means such as a mirror, a reflector, a prism, etc. is disposed in the space, and the angle and position of the optical direction conversion means are changed to control the optical path, thereby switching the optical signal. There is an optical microswitch (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The matters described in each of the above prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference and shall be referred to as necessary. The following analysis is made from the perspective of the present invention. However, since light emitted from an optical fiber into space tends to spread (radiate) in space, in an optical microswitch using an optical direction conversion means, the optical signal input from the input optical fiber through the optical direction conversion means to the output optical fiber that should be turned ON may degrade (connection loss occurs, S / N (Signal / Noise) ratio worsens), or light (part of the radiated light) may enter the optical fiber that should be turned OFF from the input optical fiber through space, potentially causing erroneous transmission of the optical signal.

[0005] One objective of the present invention is to provide an optical microswitch that can contribute to suppressing the degradation of optical signals when ON and to suppressing erroneous transmission of optical signals when OFF. Another objective is to provide an optical microswitch that is extremely small in size to accommodate the miniaturization of devices in recent years and that is easy to wire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, the following optical microswitch is provided. That is, The optical microswitch related to this viewpoint is It has an operating member that can be operated from the outside, and An optical microswitch for switching optical signals, First input / output optical fiber, A second input / output optical fiber, An optical path changing optical fiber configured to swing with an axis on the extension of the first input / output optical fiber as the first axis of rotation in order to change the optical path between the first input / output optical fiber and the second input / output optical fiber, The optical path changing movable member has an engaging portion on its radially outer circumference relative to the first rotation axis for holding the optical path changing optical fiber and for receiving an operating force, The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is A first state (ON state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, A second state (OFF state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, and the end face of the second input / output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber do not face each other, It is configured to pivot about the first rotation axis in a switchable manner between the two states, and is held in the state in which the pivoting is possible via an operating force direction conversion member. The operating force direction changing member comprises a drive arm positioned to apply force to the engagement portion of the optical path changing movable member, and It is configured to swing within a predetermined range around a second rotation axis positioned at an angle approximately perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and is configured to engage with the operating member by an engaging portion provided at the base of the drive arm. Furthermore, the operating member is pressed by an elastic spring in a direction that causes it to face outward. When the operating member is pressed, the operating force direction changing member swings the optical path changing movable member around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned to its original position, the force of the elastic spring returns the movable member for changing the optical path and the operating force direction changing member to their original positions. It is characterized by the following. That is, when the operating member is moved, the operating force direction changing member applies force to an engagement part that receives the operating force of the optical path changing movable member by a drive arm extending from its base, When the optical path changing movable member is swung around the first rotation axis to set the optical path to the first or second state, and the operating member is returned to its original position, the optical path changing movable member and the operating force direction changing member return to their original positions due to the force of the elastic spring located inside.

[0007] Furthermore, from a second perspective, in the optical microswitch described above, The system includes a third input / output optical fiber positioned at a location different from that of the second input / output optical fiber, The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is between the first state and a third state in which an end face of the first input / output optical fiber faces an end face of the optical path changing optical fiber on one side, and an end face of the third input / output optical fiber faces an end face of the optical path changing optical fiber on the other side; and is configured to swing so as to be switchable therebetween.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to each of the above viewpoints, it is possible to provide an optical microswitch that can contribute to suppressing degradation of an optical signal during ON and suppressing mistransmission of an optical signal during OFF.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of an example of an optical microswitch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (a) Perspective view from the left front (b) Perspective view of the bottom surface [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure with the left case removed. (a) Perspective view of the outside of the left case (b) View in which components are mounted on the right case (c) Perspective view of the inside of the left case [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the right case. (a) Perspective view of the inside of the right case (b) Perspective view of the outside of the right case [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the states of each part according to Claim Aspect 1, Claim Aspect 2, and Aspect 3 when the operation unit is not pressed. (a) View showing the internal state with the right case removed (b) View showing the internal state with the left case removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the states of each part according to Aspect 1, Aspect 2, and Aspect 3 when the operation unit is pressed. (a) View showing the internal state with the right case removed (b) View showing the internal state with the left case removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the states of each part according to Aspect 1 and Aspect 2 and Aspect 4 when the operation unit is not pressed. (a) View showing the internal state with the right case removed (b) View showing the internal state with the left case removed. [Figure 7] This is a diagram related to Mode 5 when the operation unit is not pressed. It is an example in which a bearing portion coaxial with the first rotation axis is installed near the end face of the first input / output optical fiber of the movable member for optical path change. (a) A diagram with the right case removed to show the internal state. (b) A diagram with the left case removed to show the internal state. [Figure 8] This is a diagram related to Mode 5 when the operation unit is pressed. (a) A diagram with the right case removed to show the internal state. (b) A diagram with the left case removed to show the internal state. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the state of each part when the operation member is not pressed in a configuration where a torsion spring is added to the operation member. (a) A diagram with the right case removed to show the internal state. (b) A diagram with the left case removed to show the internal state. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the state of each part when the operation unit is pressed in a configuration where a torsion spring is added to the operation member. (a) A diagram with the right case removed to show the internal state. (b) A diagram with the left case removed to show the internal state. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the operation force direction conversion member. (a) Perspective view from the left front. (b) Perspective view from the right rear. (c) Perspective view of the bottom surface [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the movable member for optical path change with the optical fiber for optical path change mounted. (a) Perspective view from the left front. (b) Perspective view from the right rear. [Figure 13] This is an example of the shape of the movable member for optical path change in which a bearing portion coaxial with the first rotation axis is installed near the end face of the first input / output optical fiber. (a) Perspective view from the left front. (b) Perspective view from the right rear. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the operation member when a torsion spring is mounted. (a) Perspective view from the left front of the operation member alone. (b) Perspective view from the right rear of the operation member alone. (c) Perspective view with the torsion spring mounted. (d) Diagram of the torsion spring alone [Figure 15]This is an example of a diagram in which the protective coating on the tip of an input / output optical fiber is removed and a tube made of high-strength material is placed over it. (a) A diagram showing an example of an input / output optical fiber tip and a tube made of high-strength material, and (b) A diagram showing an example of an optical fiber with a tube made of high-strength material placed over it. [Figure 16] This diagram shows an example of using a multicore fiber as an optical fiber for optical path changing, with (a) a diagram where the diameter of the input optical fiber and output optical fiber is t (e.g., 1 mm), and (b) a diagram where the diameter of the input optical fiber and output optical fiber is thinner than t (e.g., 1 mm). [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical ranges in each optical area of ​​(a) the end faces of the input / output optical fibers, (b) one input / output end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, (c) the other input / output end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, and (d) the end faces of the input / output optical fibers, when the diameters of the first and second input / output optical fibers of the optical microswitch are small. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The possible embodiments of this disclosure are outlined below.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure (basic embodiment, embodiment 1), the optical microswitch has the following configuration. An optical microswitch for switching optical signals, It has an operating member that can be operated from the outside, and First input / output optical fiber, A second input / output optical fiber, An optical path changing optical fiber configured to swing with an axis on the extension of the first input / output optical fiber as the first axis of rotation in order to change the optical path between the first input / output optical fiber and the second input / output optical fiber, The system includes a movable optical path changing member that holds the optical optical fiber for changing the optical path and has an engaging portion on its radially outer circumference relative to the first rotation axis for receiving an operating force. The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is A first state (ON state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, A second state (OFF state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, and the end face of the second input / output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber do not face each other, It is configured to pivot around the first rotation axis, allowing switching between the two states, and is held in the pivoting state via an operating force direction conversion member. The operating force direction changing member comprises a drive arm positioned to apply force to the engagement portion of the optical path changing movable member, and It is configured to swing within a predetermined range around a second rotation axis positioned at an angle approximately perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and is configured to engage with the operating member by an engaging portion provided at the base of the drive arm. Furthermore, the operating member is pressed by an elastic spring in a direction that causes it to face outward. When the operating member is pressed, the operating force direction changing member swings the optical path changing movable member around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned to its original position, the force of the elastic spring returns the movable member for changing the optical path and the operating force direction changing member to their original positions. That is, the operating force direction changing member is It is configured to move the optical path changing movable member via the drive arm, and, The drive arm is configured to swing within a predetermined range around a second rotation axis, which is positioned at an angle approximately perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and is configured to engage with the operating member by an engaging portion provided at the base of the drive arm. The operating force direction changing member, in response to the movement of the operating member, causes the optical path changing movable member to swing around the first rotation axis via its drive arm, so that the optical path becomes either the first or second state.

[0012] Furthermore, in embodiment 2, the optical microswitch includes a third input / output optical fiber positioned at a location different from that of the second input / output optical fiber. The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is The first state described above, A third state in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, It is configured to swing between two states in a switchable manner.

[0013] Furthermore, in embodiment 3, The aforementioned force direction changing member includes a return arm in addition to the drive arm, Furthermore, it has an elastic spring positioned between the operating force direction changing member and the case, The elastic spring biases the operating force direction changing member, causing the operating member to protrude from the case. When the operating member is pressed, the movable member for changing the optical path is swung around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned, The structure is such that the return arm of the operating force direction changing member contacts the engaging portion of the optical path changing movable member to return the optical path changing movable member to its original position. That is, when the operating member is pressed in, The aforementioned operating force direction changing member swings the optical path changing movable member around the first rotation axis via its drive arm, thereby switching the optical path to the first or second state. When the operating member is returned, The force of the elastic spring positioned between the operating force direction changing member and the case, A return arm extending from the base of the drive arm contacts the engagement portion of the optical path changing movable member, returning the optical path changing movable member to its original position. The light path returns to its original state.

[0014] Furthermore, in embodiment 4, The movable member for changing the optical path is biased toward the initial position of the oscillation by an elastic spring incorporated into which its first rotation axis is pressurized in the direction in which it receives rotational force. Furthermore, via the drive arm of the operating force direction conversion member, the operating force direction conversion member and the operating member are biased in the direction of the initial position. When the operating member is pressed, the movable member for changing the optical path is swung around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned, The structure is such that the movable member for changing the optical path, the operating force direction changing member, and the operating member are returned to their original positions by the force of an elastic spring that pressurizes the movable member for changing the optical path. That is, after the operating member is pressed and the optical path is switched, When the operating member is returned, An elastic spring biases the optical path changing movable member toward its initial position, returning the optical path changing movable member to its original position, and furthermore, the engaging portion of the optical path changing movable member The system is configured to push the drive arm of the operating force direction changing member, thereby returning the operating force direction changing member and the operating member to their original positions.

[0015] Furthermore, in embodiment 5, In the aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path, a bearing hole coaxial with the first rotation axis is provided near the end face of the input / output optical fiber. The first input / output optical fiber is either covered with a tube made of a high-strength material, or the optical fiber itself is inserted and used as part of the first rotating shaft. In the optical microswitch of the present invention, when the operating member is pressed and the optical path is switched, it is preferable that one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber is coaxial with the end face of the input optical fiber. However, if the first rotation axis is set on the extension of the first input / output optical fiber, the gap between the axis of the first rotation axis and the hole may be amplified by the distance to the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, potentially causing looseness. In this case, the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber may be misaligned with the end face of the input optical fiber, potentially reducing the amount of light and degrading performance. In embodiment 5, since the end face of the first input / output optical fiber coincides with the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, a good optical microswitch with low loss can be obtained. Furthermore, the length from the first input / output optical fiber to the coaxial first rotation axis terminal is also shortened, contributing to miniaturization.

[0016] In embodiment 6, The operating member is equipped with a torsion spring, with a third axis as its pivot point, such that the tip of its arm contacts the engaging portion of the operating force direction changing member. When the operating member is properly pressed in, the system transitions from the first state to the second or third state. If the operating part is pressed too far, the tip of the torsion spring is elastically deformed to prevent excessive load from being applied to each part of the optical microswitch. That is, since the torsion spring arm is incorporated into the operating member which is pushed in from the outside, after the operating member is pushed in and the optical microswitch switches the optical path, If the operating part is pressed too far, the tip of the torsion spring elastically deforms to prevent excessive load from being applied to each part of the optical microswitch.

[0017] Furthermore, in embodiment 7, a multicore fiber with a structure in which many small cores are densely packed together is used as an optical path changing optical fiber that transmits light from the input optical fiber to the output optical fiber. Multicore fibers have low loss even when bent at a small radius, which is advantageous because it allows for a smaller movable member 8 for optical path changing, making them suitable for use in the present invention.

[0018] In these structures, when the movable member for changing the optical path swings, the signal is turned OFF in the input / output optical fiber that is positioned to detach from the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, and the signal is turned ON in the input / output optical fiber that is positioned to coincide with the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber. In the configuration of this disclosure, the movement of the operating unit is directed by the arm of the operating force direction changing member and a predetermined rotation axis, so that the arrangement direction of the optical fiber in the optical microswitch can be set with considerable arbitrariness. This allows the optical microswitch to have a smaller surface area facing the device that uses it, and also simplifies the wiring of rigid optical fibers.

[0019] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment of this disclosure, by making one side of the pivot axis of the movable member for changing the optical path a cylinder made of a high-strength material that covers the optical fiber or the optical fiber itself, the misalignment between the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber and the end face of the input optical fiber is reduced, and the light transmission performance is improved. Furthermore, since the length from the first input / output optical fiber to the coaxial first rotation axis terminal can be shortened, it becomes possible to create an ultra-compact device suitable for installation inside the equipment in which it is used. Furthermore, the orientation of the first input / output (e.g., input) optical fiber and the second input / output (e.g., output) optical fiber can be set in a direction that is not restricted by the direction of movement of the operating part by the operating force direction conversion member, and by devising a way to make the first input / output optical fiber itself part of the rotation axis, ultra-compact size can also be achieved. Therefore, it offers excellent ease of installation when mounted in devices using optical microswitches, and its ultra-compact size expands the range of applicable devices.

[0020] The configurations described above from each perspective make it possible to provide an optical microswitch that can suppress the degradation of the optical signal when it is ON and contribute to suppressing the erroneous transmission of the optical signal when it is OFF. Furthermore, according to the configurations relating to these viewpoints, the first input / output optical fiber (for example) The orientation of the input optical fiber and the second or third input / output optical fiber (e.g., output optical fiber) can be set by the operating force direction conversion member to a direction that is not restricted by the direction in which the operating unit moves.

[0021] Furthermore, the components and features described in each aspect (or part thereof) of this disclosure can be combined with the configurations (or parts thereof) of the embodiments described below, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure and for a predetermined purpose.

[0022] The following describes the examples with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0023] (Example 1) An optical microswitch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of an example of an optical microswitch according to this disclosure, where there are three input / output optical fibers (one input optical fiber and two output optical fibers). The right case 1 and the left case 2 are joined together and assembled, with output optical fibers 5 or 6 fixed to the bottom of each case, and the input optical fiber 4 located approximately at the joint of the cases. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the input and output optical fibers are described as input and output, but the reverse is also possible and should be understood as just one example of input and output optical fibers. Furthermore, although the case with two output optical fibers is described, it can of course be applied to the case with one optical fiber with appropriate modifications and adaptations.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure when there are two output optical fibers. In Figure 2(b), where the components are mounted on the right case, the operating member 3, which has an operating end 3-1 protruding from the case, is held in the case so that it can be pushed (slidably) linearly inward.

[0025] In Figure 2(b), the hole (bearing bore) 7-6(2-1a) on the left side of the operating force direction conversion member 7 receives (supports) the protruding short shaft (second rotation axis) 2-1 shown in the perspective view of the inside of the left case in Figure 2(c) in a relative motion manner, and the hole (bearing bore) 7-6(1-1a) on the right side of the operating force direction conversion member 7 in Figure 4(a) receives (supports) the protruding short shaft (second rotation axis) 1-1 shown in the perspective view of the inside of the right case in Figure 3(a) in a relative motion manner. As a result, the operating force direction conversion member 7 is able to swing about the line connecting them.

[0026] Furthermore, a cylindrical hole (bias spring receiving hole) 7-4 is formed on the lower side of the arm base (or connecting part) 7-3 of the operating force direction conversion member 7, as shown in Figure 11(c). As shown in Figure 4(b), a compression coil spring (bias spring) 10 is interposed between the lower side of the operating force direction conversion member 7 and cases 1 and 2. When the operating end 3-1 of the operating member 3 is not operated, the compression coil spring 10 presses (biases) the operating force direction conversion member 7 in a clockwise direction, causing the engaging part 7-5 formed at the distal end (as viewed from the second rotation axis) of the base 7-3 of the pair of arms to push the bottom surface (corresponding engaging part) 3-2 of the operating member 3 (upward), causing the operating end 3-1 of the operating member 3 to protrude outwards from the case. Each of the pair of arms has a bearing bore (hole) 7-6 (1-1a) for the second rotation axis.

[0027] Next, the movable member 8 for changing the optical path has an axis 8-1 formed at its upper part in Figure 4(a), and is housed in semi-cylindrical grooves formed in the right case 1 and the left case 2, respectively, and is rotatable.

[0028] The movable member 8 for changing the optical path has an arc-shaped groove formed therein, and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9 embedded therein faces the end face of the light guide portion of the input optical fiber 4 located below it, allowing the input light to conduct. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), the movable member 8 for changing the optical path has a radially protruding cylindrical portion (short axis portion) 8-3 formed thereon to receive the force from the operating force direction conversion member 7.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4(a), the cylindrical portion 8-3 is configured to engage with the drive arm 7-2 of the operating force direction conversion member 7 so as to be able to move relative to it. As a result, when the operating end 3-1 is not being operated, the compression coil spring 10 receives force from the return arm 7-8 of the operating force direction conversion member 7, and the optical path changing movable member 8 is pressed (biased) in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, causing one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9 attached to the optical path changing movable member 8 to be opposite the end face of the left output optical fiber 5 (first state).

[0030] Next, when the operating end 3-1 is pressed in, in Figure 5(b), the bottom surface 3-2 of the operating member 3 pushes downward the engaging portion 7-5 located at the upper end of the base of the drive arm of the operating force direction changing member 7 (i.e., the radially distal end from the second rotation axis), and the operating force direction changing member 7 It rotates counterclockwise (against the biasing force of the biasing spring) around the line connecting axis 2-1 (Figure 2(c)) and 1-1 (Figure 3) (the second axis of rotation X-2) (note that in this embodiment, the biasing force of the biasing spring is set upward).

[0031] At that time, as shown in Figure 5(a), the drive arm 7-2 of the operating force direction changing member 7 engages with the cylindrical portion 8-3 of the optical path changing movable member 8, ensuring that the optical path changing movable member 8 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above. One end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9, which is attached to the movable optical path changing member 8, moves to a position opposite the end face of the output optical fiber 6 on the right side (third state), and the optical path is switched.

[0032] Furthermore, when the operating end 3-1 is returned (upwards), As the operating force direction changing member 7 attempts to return to its original position due to the force of the compression coil spring 10, the return arm 7-8 extending from the base of the drive arm 7-2 contacts and presses against the cylindrical portion 8-3 of the optical path changing movable member 8, returning the optical path changing movable member 8 to its original position, and the optical path returns to its original state.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, when the operating terminal 3-1 is left unoperated, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the light from the input optical fiber 4 passes through to the output optical fiber 5 on the left (ON, Figure 4(a)), and the state of the output optical fiber 6 on the right is OFF (Figure 4(b)). When the operating end 3-1 is pushed in, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), light from the input optical fiber 4 passes to the output optical fiber 6 on the right (ON, Figure 5(b)), and the state of the output optical fiber 5 on the left becomes OFF (Figure 5(a)). In this way, it becomes possible to switch from one input optical fiber to either of the two output optical fibers.

[0034] (Example 2) Next, an optical microswitch of another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(a), a compression coil spring 16 is interposed between the cylindrical hole (biasing spring receiving hole) on the side of the optical path changing movable member 8 and the right case 1 shown in Figure 6(b), thereby applying pressure to the optical path changing movable member in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. When the operating end 3-1 is not being operated, one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9 embedded in the optical path changing movable member 8 faces the end face of the light guide portion of the output optical fiber 5 located below it.

[0035] Next, when the operating end 3-1 is pressed in, in Figure 6(a), the driving arm 7-2 of the operating force direction changing member 7 presses against the cylindrical portion 8-3 of the optical path changing movable member 8, causing the optical path changing movable member 8 to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. One end face of the optical fiber 9 used for changing the optical path moves to a position opposite the end face of the output optical fiber 6 on the right (third state), and the optical path is switched. Furthermore, if the operating force to the operating end 3-1 is lost, The compression coil spring 16, which pressurizes the optical path changing movable member 8, returns the optical path changing movable member to its original position, and its cylindrical portion 8-3 presses against the drive arm 7-2, causing the operating force direction changing member 7 and the operating end 3-1 to also return to their original positions.

[0036] (Example 3) Next, an optical microswitch in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The shape of the movable member 8 for changing the optical path in Example 1 and Example 2 is as shown in Figure 12, In Figures 4, 5, and 6, the gap between the first rotating shaft 8-1 protruding from the optical path changing movable member 8 and the hole formed in the case may be amplified by the distance to the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9, potentially causing looseness. In this case, the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9 may become misaligned with the end face of the input optical fiber 4, potentially reducing the amount of light and degrading performance.

[0037] In contrast, in this embodiment, the shape of the movable member 8 for changing the optical path is as shown in Figure 13. An extended portion 8-2 of the main body of the movable member 8 for changing the optical path is provided, and a coaxial bearing hole 8-4 is installed near the end face that is coaxial with the rotation axis 8-1 of the optical fiber 9 for changing the optical path. Furthermore, Figure 15 shows an example in which a high-strength material cylinder 4-1 is placed over the portion 4-2 from which the protective coating has been removed at the tip of the input optical fiber 4, and this enters the bearing hole 8-4 and becomes part of the rotating shaft. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(a), the end face of the optical path changing optical fiber 9 is guided with high precision to near the end face of the input optical fiber 4 by the rotation shaft 8-1 on the upper side of the movable optical path changing member 8 and the rotation shaft hole 8-4 provided in the lower extension end portion 8-2, thereby obtaining a good optical microswitch with low loss.

[0038] Furthermore, in order to reduce the play generated from the rotating shaft using the arrangement of the rotating shaft in Example 1 and Example 2, the rotating shaft 8-1 needs to be made longer, requiring a considerable length in the axial direction of the input optical fiber 4 from near the end face of the input optical fiber 4 to the end of the rotating shaft. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the movable member 8 for changing the optical path is composed of two points, 8-1 at the top and 4-1 at the bottom, as shown in Figure 7(a). This significantly shortens the length in the input optical axis direction, enabling miniaturization.

[0039] (Example 4) Next, an optical microswitch of another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9(b) and 10(b), A torsion spring 14 is incorporated into the operating member with the third shaft X3 (Figure 14(c)) as its central axis. Figure 14(a) shows the shape of the spring mounting operating member 13 when a spring is attached. As shown in Figure 14(d), force is applied between the arm 14-1 and the lower arm 14-3 of the torsion coil spring, in which the tip of one arm is bent at a right angle, to fit the coil portion into the cylindrical part (coil spring mounting sleeve) 13-3 of the spring mounting operating member 13. In Figure 14(c), the upper arm 14-1 of the torsion coil spring is in contact with the flat plate-shaped portion 13-2, and the lower arm end engagement portion 14-3, which is bent at a right angle, is inserted into the round hole portion 13-4 of the spring mounting operating member 13, so that the part that contacts the lower arm 14-2 or 14-3 from below is subjected to pressure. The axis of the coil portion of the torsion coil spring (the third axis) can be positioned on the side of the operating member in a location that does not interfere with other members, for example, parallel to the second axis of rotation.

[0040] In the configurations shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the operating end 13-1 of the spring mounting operating member is not pressed, the lower arm 14-2 of the torsion spring is located near the engaging portion 7-5 of the operating force direction changing member (formed at the base of the first arm 7-1), as shown in Figure 9(b). When the operating end 13-1 of the spring mounting operating member is pushed in, the lower arm 14-2 of the torsion spring 14 pushes the engaging portion 7-5 of the operating force direction changing member 7, causing it to rotate downwards, as shown in Figure 10(b). If the operating end 13-1 of the spring-loaded operating section 13 is pushed in excessively, the tip engagement portion 14-3 of the lower arm 14-2 of the torsion spring 14 can move within the limited range of the engagement hole 13-4 in Figure 14(a). As a result, the lower arm 14-2 undergoes elastic deformation, preventing excessive load from being applied to any part of the optical microswitch.

[0041] In the above Examples 1 to 4, The angles of the input optical fiber 4 and the output optical fibers 5 and 6 are parallel to the direction of the push operation of the operating member 3 or the spring-mounted operating member 13. Regarding this angle, assuming there is no movable member 8 for changing the optical path, the rotation axis of the movable member 8 for changing the optical path is tilted by 90 degrees, and the cylindrical part 8-1 that receives the operating force is The structure is moved by the operating member 3, and the input optical fiber is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the pushing action of the operating member 3, which could become an obstacle when incorporating it into a device that uses an optical microswitch.

[0042] (modified version) In this disclosure, for example, if the movable member 8 for changing the optical path is tilted 30 degrees in the longitudinal direction of the case in Figure 4(a), the angles of the drive arm 7-2 and the return arm 7-8 of the operating force direction changing member 7 should be set to be tilted by the same 30 degrees. The presence of the operating force direction changing member 7 allows the orientation of the input optical fiber 4 and output optical fibers 5 and 6 to be set without being restricted by the operating direction of the operating member 3 or 13. This has the advantage of allowing the orientation to be set without causing concern about the stress on the rigid optical fiber wiring.

[0043] In the above explanation, the optical fiber 9 used for changing the optical path is a multi-core fiber with a structure in which many small cores are densely packed together. This is advantageous because it allows for a smaller movable member 8 for changing the optical path. Furthermore, since multicore fibers are typically designed so that the arrangement of their constituent small cores remains constant from the center of the entire fiber, for example, if the total core diameter t of the optical fiber used for optical path changing is 1 mm, then the input and output optical fibers can be 1 mm, 0.75 mm, or 0.5 mm respectively. This is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17. In other words, if the diameter of the input optical fiber is 0.5 mm, the light is distributed across its entire diameter as shown in Figure 17(a). When this light enters the 1 mm core diameter optical fiber used for changing the optical path on the opposite side, the situation on the entry surface becomes as shown in Figure 17(b), and the light travels through the small-diameter fiber located near the center of the optical fiber used for changing the optical path, resulting in the light distribution shown in Figure 17(c). Furthermore, the situation on the exit surface of the optical fiber used for changing the optical path becomes as shown in Figure 17(d), Most of the light is output through a 0.5mm output optical fiber.

[0044] Furthermore, each disclosure in the above-mentioned patent documents is incorporated into this document by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings), further modifications and adjustments to the embodiments or examples are possible based on the basic technical concept. Also, within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (or non-selection as necessary) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes the full disclosure, including the claims and drawings, and various modifications and alterations that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the technical concept. Furthermore, regarding the numerical values ​​and numerical ranges described in this application, any intermediate values, lower values, and smaller ranges are deemed to be described even if not explicitly stated. Moreover, each disclosure in the above-mentioned cited documents may, as necessary, be used in part or in whole as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, in combination with the matters described in this document, and these may also be considered to be included in (belong to) the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1, 2 cases 2-1 Short-axis shaft (second axis of rotation) 3 Operating Member 3-1 Control end 3-2 Bottom surface (corresponding engagement part) 4. Input optical fiber (input / output optical fiber) 4-1 Axis of rotation (part of the first axis of rotation) 5. Output optical fiber (input / output optical fiber) 6. Output optical fiber (input / output optical fiber) 7. Operating force direction conversion member 7-1 Left side bearing section 7-2 Drive arm 7-3 Arm base (connecting part) 7-4 Hole (Bounce spring receiving hole) 7-5 Engaging part 7-6 Bearing bore (hole) 7-8 Return arm 8. Movable member for changing the optical path 8-1 Axis of rotation (first axis of rotation) 8-2 Extension end part 8-3 Cylindrical section (short axis section) 8-4 Rotating shaft hole (bearing bore) 9 Optical fiber for changing optical path 10. Biasing spring (compression coil spring) 13. Spring mounting operating member 13-1 Control end 13-2 Flat plate shape part 13-3 Cylindrical section (coil spring mounting sleeve) 13-4 Round hole section (engagement hole) 14 Coil springs 14-1 (Coil spring) arm (upper side) 14-2 (Coil spring) arm (lower side) 14-3 Engaging part at the tip of the arm (lower side) X-1 First rotation axis X-2 Second rotation axis X3 Third Axis

Claims

1. An optical microswitch for switching optical signals, It has an operating member that can be operated from the outside, and A first input / output optical fiber, a second input / output optical fiber, and an optical path changing optical fiber configured to swing with an axis on the extension of the first input / output optical fiber as a first axis of rotation to change the optical path between the first input / output optical fiber and the second input / output optical fiber, The optical path changing movable member has an engaging portion on its radially outer circumference with respect to the first rotation axis for holding the optical path changing optical fiber and receiving an operating force, The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is A first state (ON state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, A second state (OFF state) in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, and the end face of the second input / output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber do not face each other, It is configured to pivot about the first rotation axis so that it can be switched between the two states, The oscillating motion is maintained via the force direction conversion member. The operating force direction changing member comprises a drive arm positioned to apply force to the engagement portion of the optical path changing movable member, and It is configured to swing within a predetermined range around a second rotation axis, which is positioned at an angle approximately perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and is configured to engage with the operating member by an engaging portion provided at the base of the drive arm. Furthermore, the operating member is pressed by an elastic spring in a direction that causes it to face outward. When the operating member is pressed, the aforementioned operating force direction changing member swings the optical path changing movable member around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned to its original position, the force of the elastic spring returns the movable member for changing the optical path and the operating force direction changing member to their original positions.

2. The system includes a third input / output optical fiber positioned at a location different from that of the second input / output optical fiber, The aforementioned movable member for changing the optical path is The first state described above, and the third state in which the end face of the first input / output optical fiber and one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber face each other, It is characterized by being configured to swing in a switchable manner between the following: The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned force direction changing member includes a return arm in addition to the drive arm, Furthermore, it has an elastic spring positioned between the operating force direction changing member and the case, The elastic spring biases the operating force direction changing member, causing the operating member to protrude from the case. When the operating member is pressed, the movable member for changing the optical path is swung around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned, The optical microswitch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the return arm of the operating force direction changing member contacts the engaging portion of the optical path changing movable member to return the optical path changing movable member to its original position.

4. The movable member for changing the optical path is biased toward the initial position of the oscillation by an elastic spring incorporated into which its first rotation axis is pressurized in the direction in which it receives rotational force. Furthermore, via the drive arm of the operating force direction conversion member, the operating force direction conversion member and the operating member are biased in the direction of the initial position. When the operating member is pressed, the movable member for changing the optical path is swung around the first rotation axis via the drive arm, so that the optical path becomes the first or second state. Furthermore, when the operating member is returned, The optical microswitch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force of an elastic spring that pressurizes the optical path changing movable member returns the optical path changing movable member, the operating force direction changing member, and the operating member to their original positions.

5. In the movable member for changing the optical path, a bearing hole coaxial with the first rotation axis is provided near the end face of the input / output optical fiber. A tube made of high-strength material is placed over the outside of the first input / output optical fiber, or the optical fiber itself is inserted and made part of the first rotation axis. The optical microswitch according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The operating member is equipped with a torsion spring, with a third axis as its pivot point, such that the tip of the arm of the torsion spring contacts the engaging portion of the operating force direction changing member. When the operating member is properly pressed in, the system transitions from the first state to the second or third state. The optical microswitch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the operating part is pressed too far, the tip of the torsion spring is elastically deformed to prevent excessive load from being applied to each part of the optical microswitch.

7. The optical microswitch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical fiber for changing the optical path is a multicore fiber having a structure in which many small cores are densely packed together.

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