Optical Micro Switch

Abstract

To provide an optical micro-switch that can suppress deterioration of an optical signal at ON time, and can contribute to the suppression of wrong transmission of the optical signal at OFF time.SOLUTION: An optical microswitch includes an optical path change optical fiber for changing the optical path between an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber, and a movable member configured to be able to oscillate while keeping the optical path change optical fiber with a semi-circular shape. The movable member oscillates to be able to switch between an ON state in which an end surface of the input optical fiber, an end surface of the output optical fiber, and both end surfaces of the optical path change optical fiber face each other, and an OFF state in which while the end surface of the input optical fiber and one end surface of the optical path change optical fiber face each other, the end surface of the output optical fiber and the other end surface of the optical path change optical fiber do not face each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As a means for switching optical signals (ON / OFF switching, optical path switching), for example, there is an optical microswitch which provides a space in part of the internal optical path, arranges a light direction conversion means such as a reflecting mirror, a reflecting plate, or a prism in the space, and switches the optical signal by changing the angle or position of the light direction conversion means to control the optical path (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-089727 [Patent Document 2] Jippan No. 62-200230 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 01-195622 [Patent Document 4] Jippan No. 60-59437 [Patent Document 5] Jippan No. 60-12217 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-063830 [Patent Document 7] JP 2006-195078 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The following analysis is provided by the present inventors.

[0005] 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 that passes from the input optical fiber through the optical direction conversion means and is input to the output optical fiber that should be turned ON may deteriorate (causing connection loss and a deterioration in the S / N (Signal / Noise) ratio), or light (part of the emitted light) may pass from the input optical fiber through space and enter the optical fiber that should be turned OFF, resulting in the optical signal being transmitted incorrectly.

[0006] A main object of the present invention is to provide an optical microswitch that can contribute to suppressing degradation of an optical signal when it is ON and suppressing erroneous transmission of an optical signal when it is OFF. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An optical microswitch according to one aspect is an optical microswitch configured to switch an optical signal by an external operation, and includes an input optical fiber arranged at a first position and configured to input an optical signal to the optical microswitch, an output optical fiber arranged at a second position different from the first position and configured to output the optical signal from the optical microswitch, an optical path changing optical fiber arranged to change the optical path between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber, and a movable member that holds the optical path changing optical fiber and is configured to be swingable or rotatable, and the movable member is configured to move between an end face of the input optical fiber and one of the optical path changing optical fibers. and an OFF state in which one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the end face of the output optical fiber faces the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber while the other of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber faces the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, and the center of the one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the end face of the output optical fiber does not face the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, and the center of the one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the end face of the output optical fiber and the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber are arranged coaxially with the central axis of swing or rotation of the movable member. And, The optical microswitch is a holding member configured to hold each end of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber; a case to which the holding member is attached and configured to support the movable member so that the movable member can swing or rotate; an operating member having an operating part that moves the main body linearly when pressed; a compression spring disposed inside the case between the operating member and the case so as to compress the operating member in a direction in which the operating member moves; Equipped with the case is configured to slidably support the operation unit, The operating member and the movable member are configured to be engaged with each other such that, when the operating portion is pushed in, the operating member swings or rotates the movable member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, an optical microswitch is provided that can contribute to suppressing deterioration of an optical signal when it is ON and suppressing erroneous transmission of an optical signal when it is OFF. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are perspective views schematically illustrating the configuration of a holding member in an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, in which (A) is a perspective view when there are two output optical fibers, and (B) is a perspective view when there is one output optical fiber. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views schematically illustrating the operation of an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, in which FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view before switching, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view after switching. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are exploded front views schematically illustrating the operation of a swinging member in an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, in which FIG. 1A is an exploded front view before switching, and FIG. 1B is an exploded front view after switching. [Figure 5] Schematic diagrams showing the operation of a first modified optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, in which (A) is an exploded oblique view before switching, (B) is an exploded oblique view after switching, and (C) is an exploded oblique view in which the operating part has been moved to the operating limit position after switching. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are exploded front views schematically showing the operation of a swing member in a first modified example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, where FIG. 1A is an exploded front view before switching and FIG. 1B is an exploded front view after switching. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are exploded perspective views schematically illustrating the operation of a second modified example of the optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, where FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view before switching, and FIG. [Figure 8] 10A, 10B, and 10C are exploded front views schematically illustrating the operation of a swing member in a second modified example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, respectively showing (A) an exploded front view before switching, (B) an exploded front view during switching, and (C) an exploded front view after switching. [Figure 9]10A, 10B, and 10C are exploded front views schematically illustrating the operation of a swing member in a third modified example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, respectively showing (A) an exploded front view before switching, (B) an exploded front view during switching, and (C) an exploded front view after switching. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that when reference numerals are used in this application, they are intended solely to aid understanding and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0011] [Form 1] An optical microswitch according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a holding member in an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, where (A) there are two output optical fibers and (B) there is one output optical fiber. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the operation of an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, where (A) there is an exploded perspective view before switching and (B) there is an exploded perspective view after switching. FIG. 4 is an exploded front view schematically illustrating the operation of an oscillating member in an example of an optical microswitch according to the present disclosure, where (A) there is an exploded front view before switching and (B) there is an exploded front view after switching.

[0012] In the first embodiment, the side from which the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12 and 13 are drawn in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the back surface, and the side from which the operation unit 51 protrudes will be referred to as the top surface (planar surface), but this does not limit the orientation. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top of the optical microswitch 1. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top of the holding member 10 that holds the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12 and 13. FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top of the holding member 10 that holds the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top of the optical microswitch 1 with the first half case (corresponding to 20a in FIG. 1) removed. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the front of the movable member 70 (a cross section of the case 20). The holding member 10 is omitted in FIG. 4.

[0013] The optical microswitch 1 is a device that switches optical signals (ON / OFF switching in FIG. 1) (see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). The optical microswitch 1 is configured to switch the path of an optical signal using a swinging movable member 70. The optical microswitch 1 includes a holding member 10, a case 20, an optical path changing optical fiber 42, an operating member 50, a compression spring 60, and the movable member 70.

[0014] The holding member 10 is a member that holds the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12, 13 (see Figures 2(A) and 3). The holding member 10 can be, for example, columnar (rectangular in Figure 2(A)). The holding member 10 is detachably held (may be fitted or engaged) in the holding portion 22 of the case 20. The holding member 10 may be integrated with the case 20. The holding member 10 may be screwed or glued to the holding portion 22 of the case 20. The holding member 10 is slidable in the rear-to-front direction within the holding portion 22. The holding member 10 has holding holes 10a, 10b, and 10c that penetrate from the rear to the front. The holding holes 10a, 10b, and 10c are arranged so as to be parallel to one another. The holding holes 10a, 10b, and 10c have a diameter (large diameter) that includes the sheaths (protective layer, coating layer) of the optical fibers 11, 12, and 13 from the back to the middle of the holding member 10, and a diameter (small diameter) that excludes the sheaths of the optical fibers 11, 12, and 13 from the middle to the front of the holding member 10. The holding hole 10a holds the end of the input optical fiber 11. The holding hole 10b holds the end of the output optical fiber 12. The holding hole 10c holds the end of the output optical fiber 13. The holding hole 10a is located to the upper right of the holding hole 10b and to the upper left of the holding hole 10c. The holding hole 10b is located to the left of the holding hole 10c. The distance between the centers of the holding holes 10a and 10b is the same as the distance between the centers of the holding holes 10a and 10c. The center of holding hole 10a is located on the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting the center of holding hole 10b and the center of holding hole 10c. The positions of holding holes 10a and 10b (positions on the front surface of holding member 10) correspond to the positions of both ends of optical path changing optical fiber 42 when optically connecting input optical fiber 11 and output optical fiber 12. The positions of holding holes 10a and 10c (positions on the front surface of holding member 10) correspond to the positions of both ends of optical path changing optical fiber 42 when optically connecting input optical fiber 11 and output optical fiber 13. It is preferable that the end faces of input optical fiber 11 and output optical fibers 12 and 13 are as close as possible to, but not in contact with, the plane including the movable member 70 and both end faces of optical path changing optical fiber 42.The holding member 10 is not limited to the case where there are two output optical fibers 12, 13 as in FIG. 2(A), but may be the case where there is one output optical fiber 12 as in FIG. 2(B).

[0015] The case 20 is a component having an internal space 21 inside (see Figures 1, 3, and 4). The case 20 may be, for example, box-shaped. The case 20 may be an assembly of multiple components (two components, a first half case 20a and a second half case 20b, in Figure 1). The case 20 has a holding portion 22 that opens at the rear side. The holding portion 22 detachably holds (may be fitted or engaged with) the holding member 10. The holding portion 22 is configured so that the holding member 10 can slide in the rear-to-front direction.

[0016] The case 20 has a slide hole 23 that opens in the upper surface portion. The slide hole 23 is a hole that guides the operating portion 51 of the operating member 50 so that the operating portion 51 can slide up and down. The operating member 50 (excluding a part of the operating portion 51) is arranged in the internal space 21 so that it can slide up and down. The case 20 has a spring receiving portion 24 on the bottom surface side of the internal space 21 that receives the other end of the compression spring 60. The spring receiving portion 24 is arranged so as to face the spring receiving portion 54 of the operating member 50. The spring receiving portion 24 has a recess that positions the other end of the compression spring 60. The compression spring 60 is arranged in the internal space 21 between the spring receiving portion 24 and the spring receiving portion 54 of the operating member 50 so that it can compress / expand in the up and down direction.

[0017] A movable member 70 with an optical fiber 42 for changing an optical path is disposed in the internal space 21 so that its lower portion can swing (rotate) left and right. The second case half 20b (or the first case half 20a in FIG. 1) has bearings 27 and 28 on its inner wall surface. The bearings 27 and 28 support the shaft 72 of the movable member 70.

[0018] The optical fiber 42 for optical path changing is an optical fiber used to change the optical path (see FIG. 3 ). The optical fiber 42 for optical path changing is held by a fiber holding portion 71 of the movable member 70. When viewed from the left, the optical fiber 42 for optical path changing is formed in a semicircular shape (U-shaped or C-shaped) along the fiber holding portion 71. The bending radius of the optical fiber 42 for optical path changing is set according to the type of optical fiber used. For example, a single-core plastic fiber can be used for the optical path changing optical fiber 42. Note that a single-core plastic fiber has a large bending radius in actual use because it attenuates transmitted light significantly when bent. However, to reduce the bending radius, for example, a multi-core fiber having a cladding material around multiple thin cores (see, for example, Patent Document 7) can be used for the optical path changing optical fiber 42. Since the bending radius of a multi-core fiber is large relative to the diameter of each core fiber through which light passes, even when the multi-core fiber is bent at a radius significantly smaller than the diameter of the aggregate of core fibers, it is possible to form a small and excellent optical path direction changing section. One end face of the optical fiber 42 for optical path changing always faces (faces parallel to) the end face of the input optical fiber 11 held by the holding member 10, regardless of whether the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are optically connected or the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are optically connected. The other end face of the optical fiber 42 faces (faces parallel to) the end face of the output optical fiber 12 held by the holding member 10 when the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are optically connected, and faces (faces parallel to) the end face of the output optical fiber 13 held by the holding member 10 when the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are optically connected. It is preferable that both end faces of the optical fiber 42 are as close as possible to, and do not contact, the plane including the holding member 10 and the end faces of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12 and 13.

[0019] The operating member 50 is a member that can be moved in a predetermined direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) in the internal space 21 of the case (corresponding to 20 in FIG. 1; including the second case half 20b) by user operation (see FIG. 3). The operating member 50 can move linearly in the vertical direction in the internal space 21 of the case 20. The operating member 50 has an operating portion 51 extending upward from the top surface. The operating portion 51 is slidably inserted into the slide hole 23 of the case 20. The operating portion 51 protrudes outside the case 20 and can move linearly in the vertical direction. The operating member 50 has an engaging portion 53 that engages with the pin portion 73 with some play when moving in the vertical direction. The engaging portion 53 can be a groove portion (or a through hole) that continues in the extension direction of the pin portion 73. The spacing between the vertical wall surfaces of the engaging portion 53 is set to be larger than the thickness (diameter) of the pin portion 73. The engaging portion 53 can be configured so that the spacing between the vertical wall surfaces is narrow at the middle portion and wide at both ends. The upper surface of the main body of the operating member 50 (excluding the operating portion 51) may abut (or be pressed against) the inner surface (which may be a stopper portion) of the case 20 when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12, thereby restricting upward movement of the operating member 50 relative to the case 20. The lower surface of the main body of the operating member 50 may abut (or be pressed against) the inner surface (which may be a stopper portion) of the case 20 when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13, thereby restricting downward movement of the operating member 50 relative to the case 20. In Figure 3, the operating member 50 is of a momentary operation type (self-resetting type) in which the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are optically connected when not pressed down, and the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are optically connected when pressed down, but it may also be equipped with a mechanism (not shown) that makes it an alternate operation type (self-retaining type) in which the OFF state is maintained even if the hand is released after pressing down, and returns to ON when pressed again.

[0020] The compression spring 60 is a spring that receives a compression load (see FIG. 3). The compression spring 60 is disposed in the internal space 21 of the case 20 between the spring receiving portion 24 of the case 20 and the spring receiving portion 54 of the operating member 50 so that the compression / extension direction is the vertical direction.

[0021] The movable member 70 is a member whose lower part can swing (rotate) left and right around an axis part 72 in the internal space 21 of the case 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The movable member 70 has a fiber holding part 71 that holds the optical fiber 42 for changing an optical path. The fiber holding part 71 is formed in a semicircular shape (U-shape or C-shape) when viewed from the left side. The fiber holding part 71 can be a groove part that can hold the optical fiber 42 for changing an optical path, or it may be a through hole. The fiber holding part 71 is formed so that both end faces of the optical fiber 42 for changing an optical path appear at the back surface of the movable member 70. The positions of both ends of the fiber holding portion 71 on the back surface of the movable member 70 (the positions of both ends of the optical path changing optical fiber 42) face the positions of the holding holes 10a and 10b of the holding member 10 (the positions of the ends of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12) when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12, and face the positions of the holding holes 10a and 10c of the holding member 10 (the positions of the ends of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13) when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13. The upper end of the fiber holding portion 71 is always set so as to be coaxial with the center of the input optical fiber 11, regardless of whether the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are optically connected or the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are optically connected. The movable member 70 has a shaft portion 72 that is borne by the bearing portions 27 and 28 of the second case half 20b. The shaft portion 72 protrudes coaxially from each of the front and back wall surfaces of the movable member 70. The axis passing through the center of the shaft portion 72 passes through the center of the upper end of the fiber holding portion 71 and is set to be coaxial with the center of the input optical fiber 11. The movable member 70 has a pin portion 73 protruding from the front wall surface. The pin portion 73 engages with the engaging portion 53 of the operating member 50 with some play. The pin portion 73 is positioned so as not to interfere with the bearing portion 28 of the second case half 20b. The lower part of the movable member 70 is in a state where it swings to the left when the operating member 50 is not pressed down, and in a state where it swings to the right when the operating member 50 is pressed down.The left side of the movable member 70 may be swung until the upper surface of the main body (excluding the operation portion 51) of the operation member 50 abuts (may be pressed against) the inner surface (which may be a stopper portion) of the case 20, or until the movable member 70 abuts (may be pressed against) the stopper portion 80 of the case 20, when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12. The right side of the movable member 70 may be swung until the lower surface of the main body of the operation member 50 abuts (may be pressed against) the inner surface (which may be a stopper portion) of the case 20, or until the movable member 70 abuts (may be pressed against) the stopper portion 81 of the case 20, when optically connecting the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13.

[0022] In the optical microswitch 1 configured as described above, when the operation unit 51 is not pressed as shown in Fig. 3(A), an optical signal is transmitted from the input optical fiber 11 to the output optical fiber 12 via the optical path changing optical fiber 42. When the operation unit 51 is pressed as shown in Fig. 3(B), the operation member 50 presses down the pin portion 73, causing the lower portion of the movable member 70 to swing to the right about the shaft portion 72 as the central axis, and the optical signal is transmitted from the input optical fiber 11 to the output optical fiber 13 via the optical path changing optical fiber 42. When the operation unit 51 is released from being pressed down, the spring force of the compression spring 60 causes the operation member 50 to press up the pin portion 73, causing the lower portion of the movable member 70 to swing to the left about the shaft portion 72 as the central axis, and the optical signal is transmitted from the input optical fiber 11 to the output optical fiber 12 via the optical path changing optical fiber 42, as in Fig. 3(A). This enables switching of the optical path.

[0023] According to form 1, the oscillating movable member 70 can be used to switch between a state in which the end faces of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are opposed to both end faces of the optical path changing optical fiber 42 at close range, and a state in which the end faces of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are opposed to both end faces of the optical path changing optical fiber 42 at close range, thereby contributing to suppressing deterioration of the optical signal when ON (when the optical fiber end faces are opposed), and suppressing erroneous transmission of the optical signal when OFF (when the optical fiber end faces are not opposed). That is, according to form 1, when the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are optically connected, the end faces of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 12 are opposed to both end faces of the optical path changing optical fiber 42 at close range, and when the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are optically connected, the end faces of the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fiber 13 are opposed to both end faces of the optical path changing optical fiber 42 at close range. Therefore, unlike configurations that use light direction conversion means such as reflectors and prisms, the optical path of the optical signal in space is only a small gap between the optical fibers, which reduces attenuation of the optical signal and enables a high S / N ratio.

[0024] Furthermore, according to form 1, a multi-core fiber is used as the optical path changing optical fiber 42, and the optical path changing optical fiber 42 is held in the fiber holding portion 71 of the movable member 70 in a semicircular bent state, which makes it possible to form a semicircular shape with a small radius, thereby enabling the optical microswitch 1 to be miniaturized.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, the optical path can be switched using one optical path changing optical fiber 42, and the optical microswitch 1 can be made smaller.

[0026] Incidentally, optical microswitches that use means other than light direction conversion means such as a reflecting mirror, reflecting plate, or prism include, for example, optical microswitches that provide a gap in the internal optical path, provide interrupting means such as a light blocking member or light blocking plate in the gap, and switch optical signals by moving (pushing in and out, sliding) the interrupting means (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 to 6). Optical microswitches that use interrupting means only switch the optical signal ON / OFF, and cannot switch the optical path by operating the operating unit.

[0027] [Form 2] The optical microswitch according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view (A) before switching, an exploded perspective view (B) after switching, and an exploded perspective view (C) of the state in which the operating unit has been moved to the operating limit position after switching, which are schematic illustrations of the operation of the oscillating member in the first modified optical microswitch according to the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is an exploded front view (A) before switching, and an exploded front view (B) after switching, which are schematic illustrations of the operation of the oscillating member in the first modified optical microswitch according to the present disclosure.

[0028] In the second embodiment, the side from which the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12, 13 are pulled out in Fig. 5 will be described as the back surface, and the side from which the operation unit 51 protrudes will be described as the top surface (flat surface), but this does not limit the directionality. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top surface of a state in which the first half case (corresponding to 20a in Fig. 1) is removed when there is one input optical fiber 11, two output optical fibers 12, 13, and one optical path changing optical fiber 42, and Fig. 6 is a front view showing the front of the movable member 70 (a cross section of the case 20).

[0029] The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which a torsion spring 62 as shown in Fig. 5 is used instead of the pin portion 73 in Fig. 3. Accordingly, the movable member 70 is structured so that the torsion spring 62 can be attached.

[0030] The movable member 70 has a spring holding portion 76 on its left side (or right side) that holds the torsion spring 62. The spring holding portion 76 can be a protrusion that is inserted into the coil portion of the torsion spring 62 to hold the torsion spring 62. The movable member 70 has spring receiving portions 74, 75 that receive the arm portions at both ends of the torsion spring 62 held by the spring holding portion 76. The spring receiving portion 74 receives the torsional force of the arm portion at one end of the spring 62 (the reaction force of the torsional force of the arm portion at the other end). The spring receiving portion 75 receives the torsional force of the arm portion at the other end of the spring 62 (the reaction force of the torsional force of the arm portion at one end). The rest of the configuration of the movable member 70 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0031] The torsion spring 62 is a spring that has elastic force in the torsional direction. The torsion spring 62 is held by the movable member 70 by inserting a spring holder 76 of the movable member 70 inside the coil portion between the arm portions at both ends. When the arm portion at the other end of the torsion spring 62 is not pressed down by the engagement portion 53 of the operating member 50 as shown in FIG. 5(A), the torsion spring 62 is held by the movable member 70 in a state twisted a predetermined amount from the free state (a state twisted so that the distance between the tips of the arm portions at both ends is reduced), and the torsional force of the arm portion at one end is received by the spring receiver 74, and the torsional force of the arm portion at the other end is received by the spring receiver 75. The arm portion at the other end of the torsion spring 62 extends to the engagement portion 53 of the operating member 50 and engages with the engagement portion 53 with some play. When the arm portion at the other end of the torsion spring 62 is pushed down by the engaging portion 53 of the operating member 50, the lower portion of the movable member 70 swings to the right as shown in Figure 5(B) and is received by the spring receiving portion 75 until the movable member 70 abuts against the stopper portion 81 (which may be the inner surface) of the case 20, and when it is further pushed down by the engaging portion 53 of the operating member 50, it separates from the spring receiving portion 75 and elastically deforms as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0032] The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0033] According to the second embodiment, as with the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the optical signal when the switch is ON, and also to contribute to suppressing the erroneous transmission of the optical signal when the switch is OFF. Furthermore, even if the operating part 51 is pressed down excessively, the torsion spring 62 elastically deforms, thereby maintaining the positional relationship between the movable member 70 and the holding member 10, and it is possible to tolerate an error in the mounting position.

[0034] Furthermore, according to form 2, excessive depression of operating portion 51 is absorbed by the coil portion of torsion spring 62, so even if the elastic force of torsion spring 62 is strengthened, it is possible to prevent the optical microswitch 1 from becoming larger. Note that when a leaf spring is used instead of torsion spring 62, increasing the elastic force will make the leaf spring thicker, reducing the tolerance for mounting position error, and if the leaf spring is made longer to avoid this, the optical microswitch will become larger.

[0035] [Form 3] The optical microswitch according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view (A) before switching and an exploded perspective view (B) after switching, which schematically shows the operation of a second modified optical microswitch according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is an exploded front view (A) before switching, (B) during switching, and (C) after switching, which schematically shows the operation of the oscillating member in the second modified optical microswitch according to the present disclosure.

[0036] In the third embodiment, the side from which the input optical fiber 11 and the output optical fibers 12, 13 are pulled out in Fig. 7 will be described as the back surface, and the side from which the operation unit 51 protrudes will be described as the top surface (flat surface), but this does not limit the directionality. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the front, left side, and top surface of a state in which the first half case (corresponding to 20a in Fig. 1) is removed when there is one input optical fiber 11, two output optical fibers 12, 13, and one optical path changing optical fiber 42, and Fig. 8 is a front view showing the front of the movable member 70 (a cross section of the case 20).

[0037] The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, in which a spring hook portion 29, a spring hook portion 77, and a tension spring 63 are added.

[0038] The second case half 20b (or the first case half 20a in FIG. 1) has a spring hook 29 that protrudes to the left from the wall of the internal space 21. The spring hook 29 is disposed in the section between the bearing portion 28 and the operating member 50. The spring hook 29 is disposed above the shaft portion 72. A hook at one end of a tension spring 63 is hooked onto the spring hook 29. The rest of the configuration of the case (including the second case half 20b) is the same as in the second embodiment.

[0039] The movable member 70 has a spring hook portion 77 that protrudes from the front wall surface toward the front side. The spring hook portion 77 extends to the section between the bearing portion 28 and the operating member 50. The spring hook portion 77 is disposed below the shaft portion 72. A hook at the other end of the tension spring 63 is hooked onto the spring hook portion 77. The remaining configuration of the movable member 70 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0040] The tension spring 63 is a spring that has elastic force in a direction that draws both ends closer together. The tension spring 63 is disposed in the section between the bearing portion 28 and the operating member 50. A hook at one end of the tension spring 63 is hooked onto the spring hook portion 29 to prevent it from shifting position. A hook at the other end of the tension spring 63 is hooked onto the spring hook portion 77 to prevent it from shifting position. The hooks at both ends of the tension spring 63 are hooked onto the spring hook portions 29, 77 while the coil portion in the middle of the tension spring 63 is tensioned from its free state. The tension spring 63 stretches most when the line segment connecting the center of the spring hook portion 29 and the center of the spring hook portion 77 intersects with the central axis of the shaft portion 72, and contracts as the line segment connecting the center of the spring hook portion 29 and the center of the spring hook portion 77 moves away from the central axis of the shaft portion 72. As a result, when the lower part of the movable member 70 is swung to the right with the shaft 72 as the central axis, the lower surface of the main body of the operating member 50 can be maintained in contact with the inner surface (or the stopper portion) of the case 20. On the other hand, when the lower part of the movable member 70 is swung to the left with the shaft 72 as the central axis, the arm at the other end of the torsion spring 62 held by the movable member 70 can be maintained in contact with the wall surface of the engagement portion 53 of the operating member 50.

[0041] The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0042] According to the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the optical signal when the switch is ON, and also to contribute to suppressing the erroneous transmission of the optical signal when the switch is OFF. In addition, since the elastic force of the tension spring 63 biases the movable member 70 to oscillate around the shaft portion 72 as the central axis, even if an unnecessary external force is applied, such as when an external vibration is applied or the operating portion 51 is slightly pressed, the oscillation angle of the movable member 70 can be maintained, and the switching state can be stabilized.

[0043] Furthermore, according to form 3, the tension spring 63 stretches most when the line segment connecting the center of the spring hook portion 29 and the center of the spring hook portion 77 intersects with the central axis of the shaft portion 72, and contracts as the line segment connecting the center of the spring hook portion 29 and the center of the spring hook portion 77 moves away from the central axis of the shaft portion 72. Therefore, a clicking sensation can be given when the operating portion 51 is pressed and released, improving operability.

[0044] [Form 4] The optical microswitch according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 9 is an exploded front view (A) before switching, (B) during switching, and (C) after switching, which schematically show the operation of the oscillating member in a third modified example of the optical microswitch according to the present disclosure.

[0045] The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and is similar to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3) except that spring hook portion 29, spring hook portion 77, and tension spring 63, which have the same configuration and mechanism as the third embodiment (see FIG. 7), are added. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0046] According to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the optical signal when the switch is ON, and also to contribute to suppressing the erroneous transmission of the optical signal when the switch is OFF. In addition, since the elastic force of the tension spring 63 biases the movable member 70 to oscillate around the shaft portion 72 as the central axis, even if an unnecessary external force is applied, such as when an external vibration is applied or the operating portion 51 is slightly pressed, the oscillation angle of the movable member 70 can be maintained, and the switching state can be stabilized.

[0047] Some or all of the above aspects may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0048] [Appendix 1] An optical microswitch configured to switch an optical signal by an external operation, an input optical fiber disposed at a first position and configured to input an optical signal to the optical microswitch; an output optical fiber disposed at a second position different from the first position and configured to output the optical signal from the optical microswitch; an optical path changing optical fiber configured to change an optical path between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber; a movable member that holds the optical fiber for changing the optical path and is configured to be swingable or rotatable; Equipped with The movable member is an ON state in which an end face of the input optical fiber faces one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing, and an end face of the output optical fiber faces the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing; an OFF state in which one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber remains opposed to the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber, and the other of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber does not face the other end face of the optical path changing optical fiber; The device is configured to be able to swing or rotate switchably between It is configured as follows: a center of one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber, and a center of the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber are arranged coaxially with a central axis of swing or rotation of the movable member; Optical microswitch. [Appendix 2] another output optical fiber that is disposed at a third position different from the first position and the second position and configured to output the optical signal from the optical microswitch; The movable member is a state in which an end face of the input optical fiber and the one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, an end face of the output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, and an end face of the other output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are not opposed to each other; a state in which the end face of the input optical fiber and the one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, the end face of the output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are not opposed to each other, and the end face of the other output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other; The swing or rotation is switchably configured between 1. An optical microswitch as described in Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] a holding member configured to hold each end of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber; a case to which the holding member is attached and configured to support the movable member so that the movable member can swing or rotate; an operating member having an operating part that moves the main body linearly when pressed; a compression spring disposed inside the case between the operating member and the case so as to compress the operating member in a direction in which the operating member moves; Equipped with the case is configured to slidably support the operation unit, The operating member and the movable member are configured to be engaged with each other so that the operating member swings or rotates the movable member when the operating portion is pushed in. An optical microswitch as described in Appendix 2. [Appendix 4] The movable member has a pin portion, The operating member is configured to engage with the pin portion, and when the operating member is pushed in, the pin portion is pushed in, causing the movable member to swing or rotate. Attachment 3: Optical microswitch. [Appendix 5] a torsion spring held by the movable member; the movable member is configured to receive a reaction force of the torsional force of the pair of arm portions of the torsion spring, the operating member is configured to engage with one of the pair of arm portions of the torsion spring, and when the operating member is pushed in, pushes in the one arm portion to cause the movable member to swing or rotate, The torsion spring is configured to be elastically deformed when the operating portion is further pressed in a state in which the movable member swings or rotates and abuts against the case. Attachment 3: Optical microswitch. [Appendix 6] A tension spring is provided, the case has a spring hook portion to which one end of the tension spring is hooked, the movable member has a spring hook portion to which the other end of the tension spring is hooked, The tension spring is configured to be most extended when a line segment connecting the spring hook portion of the case and the spring hook portion of the movable member intersects with the central axis of swing or rotation of the movable member, and to be contracted as the line segment moves away from the central axis. 6. The optical microswitch according to claim 4 or 5. [Appendix 7] The case has a stopper portion inside the case that restricts the range in which the movable member can swing or rotate. 7. An optical microswitch according to any one of claims 3 to 6. [Appendix 8] the optical path changing optical fiber is a multi-core fiber having a clad material around a plurality of cores; 8. An optical microswitch according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0049] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings), and further based on the basic technical concept thereof. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (or non-selections, as necessary) of the various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concept, including the claims and drawings. Furthermore, with regard to the numerical values ​​and numerical ranges described in this application, any intermediate values, lower values, and smaller ranges are deemed to be included, even if not explicitly stated. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, are also deemed to be included in (belong to) the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Optical microswitch 10. Retaining member 10a, 10b, 10c retaining holes 11 Input optical fiber 12, 13 Output optical fiber 20 cases 20a 1st and 1 / 2 Case 20b Second and half case 21 Interior Space 22 Holding part 23 Slide hole 24 Spring bearing part 27, 28 Bearing section 29 Spring hook 42 Optical fiber for changing optical path 50 Operating member 51 Operation section 53 Engagement part 54 Spring bearing part 60 compression spring 62 Torsion spring 63 Tension Spring 70 Movable parts 71 Fiber holder 72 Shaft 73 Pin section 74, 75 Spring bearing part 76 Spring holder 77 Spring hook 80, 81 Stopper part

Claims

1. An optical microswitch configured to switch an optical signal by an external operation, an input optical fiber disposed at a first position and configured to input an optical signal to the optical microswitch; an output optical fiber disposed at a second position different from the first position and configured to output the optical signal from the optical microswitch; an optical path changing optical fiber configured to change an optical path between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber; a movable member that holds the optical fiber for changing the optical path and is configured to be swingable or rotatable; Equipped with The movable member is an ON state in which an end face of the input optical fiber faces one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing, and an end face of the output optical fiber faces the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing; an OFF state in which one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber remains opposed to the one end face of the optical fiber for changing the optical path, while the other of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber does not face the other end face of the optical fiber for changing the optical path; The device is configured to be able to swing or rotate switchably between a center of one of the end faces of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber, and a center of the one end face of the optical path changing optical fiber are arranged coaxially with a central axis of swing or rotation of the movable member, The optical microswitch is a holding member configured to hold each end of the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber; a case to which the holding member is attached and configured to support the movable member so that the movable member can swing or rotate; an operating member having an operating part that moves the main body linearly when pressed; a compression spring disposed inside the case between the operating member and the case so as to compress the operating member in a direction in which the operating member moves; Equipped with the case is configured to slidably support the operation unit, The operating member and the movable member are configured to be engaged with each other so that the operating member swings or rotates the movable member when the operating portion is pushed in. Optical microswitch.

2. another output optical fiber that is disposed at a third position different from the first position and the second position and is configured to output the optical signal from the optical microswitch; The movable member is a state in which an end face of the input optical fiber and the one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, an end face of the output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, and an end face of the other output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are not opposed to each other; a state in which the end face of the input optical fiber and the one end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other, the end face of the output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are not opposed to each other, and the end face of the other output optical fiber and the other end face of the optical fiber for optical path changing are opposed to each other; The swing or rotation is switchably configured between 2. The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

3. The movable member has a pin portion, The operating member is configured to engage with the pin portion, and when the operating member is pushed in, the pin portion is pushed in, causing the movable member to swing or rotate.

2. The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

4. a torsion spring held by the movable member; the movable member is configured to receive a reaction force of the torsional force of the pair of arm portions of the torsion spring, the operating member is configured to engage with one of the pair of arm portions of the torsion spring, and when the operating member is pushed in, pushes in the one arm portion to cause the movable member to swing or rotate, The torsion spring is configured to be elastically deformed when the operating portion is further pressed in a state in which the movable member swings or rotates and abuts against the case.

2. The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

5. A tension spring is provided, the case has a spring hook portion to which one end of the tension spring is hooked, the movable member has a spring hook portion to which the other end of the tension spring is hooked, The tension spring is configured to be most extended when a line segment connecting the spring hook portion of the case and the spring hook portion of the movable member intersects with the central axis of swing or rotation of the movable member, and to be contracted as the line segment moves away from the central axis.

5. The optical microswitch according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The case has a stopper portion inside the case that restricts the range in which the movable member can swing or rotate.

5. The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

7. the optical path changing optical fiber is a multi-core fiber having a clad material around a plurality of cores; 5. The optical microswitch according to claim 1.

Images