JP4062182B2 - Optical device, optical signal wiring using the same, and optical signal extraction method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical device applied to switching of an optical path of an optical signal, an optical signal wiring using the optical device, and an optical signal extraction method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional technique of this type, there is an optical switch using a movable mirror (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such an optical switch includes a mirror that moves forward and backward with respect to the intersection of two optical paths that intersect each other, and an optical signal that travels on one optical path with the mirror retracted from the intersection is positioned on the intersection. It reflects on the other optical path.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-222215
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the optical switch as described above, a drive source for moving the mirror back and forth is necessary, and the structure becomes extremely complicated.
[0005]
In recent years, optical communication using a communication terminal such as a personal computer has become widespread, and the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line laid under the floor or the like is connected to the communication terminal. There is a need for effective technology for switching to branch lines.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an optical device that can easily extract at least a part of an optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line to an optical signal branch line, and the use thereof. It is an object to provide an optical signal wiring and an optical signal extraction method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an optical device according to the present invention is an optical device that extracts at least a part of an optical signal transmitted through an optical signal main line to an optical signal branch line, and is movable forward and backward with respect to the optical signal main line. There is a branch-side optical waveguide that forms at least a part of the optical signal branch line, and the branch-side optical waveguide is positioned on the optical signal main line when the branch-side optical waveguide advances with respect to the optical signal main line. And an optical signal introducing portion for guiding at least a part of the optical signal into the branch side optical waveguide.
[0008]
In this optical device, when the branch side optical waveguide forming at least a part of the optical signal branch line moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line, the optical signal introducing portion provided in the branch side optical waveguide is positioned on the optical signal main line. Will do. As a result, at least a part of the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line is guided into the branch line side optical waveguide by the optical signal introducing section. Therefore, according to this optical device, at least a part of the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line can be easily taken out to the optical signal branch line.
[0009]
The branch line side optical waveguide can be connected to an external optical fiber forming the optical signal branch line, and the optical signal introduction portion is positioned on the optical signal main line when the branch line side optical waveguide and the external optical fiber are connected. It is preferable to do.
[0010]
Thereby, in a state where the branch line side optical waveguide and the external optical fiber are connected, at least a part of the optical signal can be taken out to the optical signal branch line, and the branch side optical waveguide and the external optical fiber are not connected. In the state, the optical signal can be transmitted as it is on the optical signal main line.
[0011]
The branch line side optical waveguide is a branch line side optical fiber, and the branch line side ferrule that holds the branch line side optical fiber, a ferrule guide member that slidably guides the branch line side ferrule, and the optical signal main line retreats. Urging means for urging the branch-side optical fiber in the direction, and the branch-side optical fiber is light that resists the urging force of the urging means when the branch-side optical fiber and the external optical fiber are connected. It is preferable that the optical signal introducing section moves forward with respect to the main signal line and is positioned on the main optical signal line when the branch line side optical fiber and the external optical fiber are connected.
[0012]
By adopting such a configuration, when the branch line side optical fiber and the external optical fiber are connected, the optical signal introduction part is located on the optical signal main line and at least a part of the optical signal can be taken out to the optical signal branch line. Then, when the connection between the branch line side optical fiber and the external optical fiber is released, the optical signal introducing unit can be retracted from the optical signal main line and the optical signal can be transmitted on the optical signal main line. That is, the optical path of the optical signal can be switched only by the operation of connecting and releasing the branch side optical fiber and the external optical fiber.
[0013]
Moreover, it is preferable to provide an optical fiber guide member provided with a guide hole for slidably guiding a portion of the branch side optical fiber that protrudes from the branch side ferrule toward the optical signal main line.
[0014]
By providing such an optical fiber guide member, when the branch line side optical fiber moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line, the optical signal introducing portion can be accurately positioned on the optical signal main line. Furthermore, even if vibration or impact occurs in the optical device, it is possible to prevent the optical signal introducing portion from being displaced from the optical signal main line.
[0015]
Also, a first main-side optical waveguide connected at one end to the upstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line, and a second main-side optical waveguide connected at one end to the downstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line. The branch line side optical waveguide can be configured to advance and retract between the other end of the first main line side optical waveguide and the other end of the second main line side optical waveguide.
[0016]
Thus, by providing the first and second main line side optical waveguides connected to the optical fiber forming the optical signal main line, for example, each optical fiber forming the optical signal path is made detachable from the optical device. Thus, the ease of handling of the optical device can be improved.
[0017]
Further, a predetermined gap is provided between the end of the upstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line and the end of the downstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line to hold the upstream and downstream optical fibers. A holding member is provided, and the branch line side optical waveguide can be configured to advance and retract between the end of the upstream optical fiber and the end of the downstream optical fiber.
[0018]
In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the branch-side optical waveguide advances and retracts between the end of the upstream optical fiber and the end of the downstream optical fiber that form the optical signal main line, the number of parts of the optical device is reduced. Thus, the cost of the optical device can be reduced.
[0019]
The holding member that holds each optical fiber that forms an optical signal has an upstream optical fiber so that a predetermined gap is formed between the end of the upstream optical fiber and the end of the downstream optical fiber. It is preferable to have a ferrule stopper that abuts the ferrule and the ferrule of the downstream optical fiber.
[0020]
Accordingly, a predetermined gap can be easily and reliably formed between the end portion of the upstream optical fiber and the end portion of the downstream optical fiber.
[0021]
Moreover, it is preferable that an optical signal introducing | transducing part reflects at least one part of an optical signal in a branch line side optical waveguide.
[0022]
Thereby, at least a part of the optical signal can be easily and reliably guided into the branch line side optical waveguide.
[0023]
The optical signal wiring according to the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the optical devices is disposed on an optical signal main line for transmitting an optical signal.
[0024]
In this optical signal wiring, since the optical device can be arranged at an arbitrary position on the optical signal main line, at least a part of the optical signal can be easily taken out at an arbitrary position on the optical signal main line. Furthermore, if a plurality of optical devices are arranged at predetermined intervals with respect to one optical signal main line, for example, an optical signal branch line is formed according to the installation position of the communication terminal connected to the optical signal branch side. An optical device capable of shortening the optical fiber length can be appropriately selected. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent complication of handling of the optical fiber forming the optical signal branch line.
[0025]
An optical signal extraction method according to the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of an optical signal transmitted through an optical signal main line is extracted to an optical signal branch line using the optical device.
[0026]
According to this optical signal extraction method, since the optical device is used, at least a part of the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line can be easily extracted to the optical signal branch line.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
[0028]
[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical signal wiring 1 includes an optical signal main line 2 capable of communicating with the optical communication network N, and a plurality of optical devices 3 arranged at predetermined intervals with respect to one optical signal main line 2, An optical signal branch line 4 connecting the optical signal main line 2 and the communication terminal P via the optical device 3 is provided. The communication terminal P is a personal computer or the like installed indoors. The main optical signal line 2 is stretched under the floor. The optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 are configured by a single-core GI optical fiber.
[0029]
Next, the configuration of the above-described optical device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical device 3 includes a main line side body 6 where the optical signal main line 2 is formed and a branch line side body 7 where the optical signal branch line 4 is formed.
[0030]
A cylindrical holding member 11 that holds the first and second main line side optical fibers (main line side optical waveguides) 8 and 9, which are GI type optical fibers, is fixed in the main line side body 6. Yes. In the holding member 11, the first main-line side optical fiber 8 and the second main-line side optical fiber 9 are opposed to each other through a groove 12 formed in the holding member 11 in a state of being aligned on the same axis. is doing. The outer end faces 8a and 9a of the main line side optical fibers 8 and 9 coincide with the both end faces of the holding member 11, respectively, and the inner end faces 8b and 9b of the main line side optical fibers 8 and 9 are It corresponds to each of both side surfaces of the groove 12. The holding member 11 is fixed to the main line body 6 so that the groove 12 opens to the branch line body 7 side.
[0031]
First and second main line side sleeves 13 and 14 are attached to both ends of the holding member 11. A ferrule 17 a of an upstream optical fiber 16 a that forms the optical signal main line 2 is fitted into the first main line side sleeve 13, and the upstream optical fiber 16 a is connected to the end face 8 a of the first main line side optical fiber 8. . Further, the ferrule 17b of the downstream optical fiber 16b forming the optical signal main line 2 is fitted into the second main line side sleeve 14, and the downstream side optical fiber 16b is connected to the end surface 9a of the second main line side optical fiber 9. Is done. Here, the upstream side means the optical communication network N side with respect to the optical device 3, and the downstream side means the opposite side of the optical communication network N with respect to the optical device 3.
[0032]
As a result, the optical signal transmitted from the optical communication network N side travels from the upstream optical fiber 16a to the first main line side optical fiber 8, and further from the second main line side optical fiber 9 to the downstream side optical fiber. It will progress to 16b. At this time, since the GI type optical fiber is used for each of the optical fibers 8, 9, 16a, 16b, it is between the first main line side optical fiber 8 and the second main line side optical fiber 9 (that is, in the groove 12). ) Propagation loss of the optical signal can be kept low. For example, if the width of the groove 12 is 200 μm or less, the propagation loss can be suppressed to 0.05 dB or less.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, both side surfaces of the groove 12 are formed at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the direction orthogonal to the optical signal main line 2, and the end surfaces of the main-side optical fibers 8 and 9 are respectively formed on both side surfaces. It is preferable to match 8b and 9b. Thereby, when an optical signal is transmitted through the optical signal main line 2, it is possible to prevent a part of the optical signal reflected by the end faces 8b and 9b from returning to the optical signal main line 2 as return light. .
[0034]
Returning to FIG. 2, the branch line side body 7 described above has a recess 18 that opens on the main line side body 6 side, and the main line side body 6 is configured such that the recess 18 is blocked by the stopper surface 6 a of the main line side body 6. Is attached. A branch-side sleeve (ferrule guide member) 23 into which the ferrule 22 of the external optical fiber 21 forming the optical signal branch line 4 is fitted is attached to a portion of the branch-side body 7 that faces the stopper surface 6a. In this branch line side sleeve 23, a branch line side ferrule 25 holding a branch line side optical fiber (branch line side optical waveguide) 24, which is a GI type optical fiber, is slidably disposed. The sleeve 23 guides in a direction orthogonal to the optical signal main line 2.
[0035]
A cylindrical stopper member 26 located in the recess 18 is fixed to the end of the branch side ferrule 25 on the optical signal main line 2 side. The stopper member 26 is formed with a flange portion 27 that can come into contact with the bottom surface 18 a of the recess 18. When the flange portion 27 is in contact with the bottom surface 18 a, the end surface of the stopper member 26 on the optical signal main line 2 side. A predetermined gap is formed between 26a and the stopper surface 6a. Further, a spring (biasing means) 28 is disposed in a compressed state between the flange portion 27 and the stopper surface 6a.
[0036]
Accordingly, the branch line side optical fiber 24 and the branch line side ferrule 25 are urged by the spring 28 and are held in a state where the flange portion 27 is in contact with the bottom surface 18 a of the recess 18. However, when the ferrule 22 of the external optical fiber 21 is fitted into the branch line side sleeve 23, the branch line side ferrule 25 is pushed by the ferrule 22, and the branch line side optical fiber 24 and the branch line side ferrule 25 are subjected to the biasing force of the spring 28. It moves against the optical signal main line 2 side. This movement stops when the end surface 26a of the stopper member 26 abuts against the stopper surface 6a, and the external optical fiber 21 and the branch line side optical fiber 24 are connected in this state. When the ferrule 22 of the external optical fiber 21 is removed from the branch line side sleeve 23, the flange side 27 of the branch line side optical fiber 24 and the branch line side ferrule 25 are moved to the bottom surface 18 a of the recess 18 by the biasing force of the spring 28. Return to contact.
[0037]
The main line side body 6 having the stopper surface 6a is preferably made of a hard and durable material such as precision molding resin containing glass or zirconia ceramics. This is because the stopper member 26 can repeatedly come into contact with the stopper surface 6a.
[0038]
Further, the branch line side optical fiber 24 protrudes from the branch line side ferrule 25 to the optical signal main line 2 side and extends into the groove 12 of the holding member 11 through the guide hole 29 formed in the main line side body 6. . As shown in FIG. 4, a mirror part (optical signal introducing part) 31, which is a metal deposition film, is formed at the end 24 a of the branch line side optical fiber 24 arranged in the groove 12. The mirror portion 31 is positioned away from the optical signal main line 2 toward the guide hole 29 in a state where the flange portion 27 is in contact with the bottom surface 18 a of the recess 18 (see FIG. 4A), and the end surface of the stopper member 26. 26a is located on the optical signal main line 2 in a state where it abuts against the stopper surface 6a (see FIG. 4B). Here, the main line body 6 functions as an optical fiber guide member. Further, the central axis L1 of the first and second main-side optical fibers 8 and 9 and the central axis L2 of the branch-side optical fiber 24 are orthogonal to each other.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 5, the mirror portion 31 is formed as a metal deposition film on the end surface 24b formed at the end portion 24a of the branch side optical fiber 24 at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to both the central axes L1 and L2. Has been. Thereby, when the mirror part 31 is located on the central axis L1 (that is, on the optical signal main line 2), the optical signal traveling toward the mirror part 31 in the first main line side optical fiber 8 is branched. Reflected into the core 24 c of the side optical fiber 24. On the other hand, the mirror unit 31 reflects the optical signal traveling toward the mirror unit 31 in the core 24 c of the branch line side optical fiber 24 into the first main line side optical fiber 8.
[0040]
The operation of the optical device 3 configured as described above will be described. When the external optical fiber 21 is not connected to the optical device 3, the branch side optical fiber 24 and the branch side ferrule 25 are urged by the spring 28 in a direction retreating with respect to the optical signal main line 2, and the flange portion 27 is recessed. 18 is held in contact with the bottom surface 18a. Accordingly, the mirror unit 31 is positioned away from the optical signal main line 2 toward the guide hole 29, and the optical signal transmitted from the optical communication network N side is transmitted from the first main optical fiber 8 to the second main line. It proceeds on the optical signal main line 2 to the side optical fiber 9.
[0041]
However, when the external optical fiber 21 is connected to the optical device 3, the branch side ferrule 25 is pushed by the ferrule 22 of the external optical fiber 21, and the branch side optical fiber 24 and the branch side are resisted against the biasing force of the spring 28. The ferrule 25 moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line 2 and is held in a state where the end surface 26a of the stopper member 26 is in contact with the stopper surface 6a. Accordingly, the mirror unit 31 is positioned on the optical signal main line 2, and the optical signal transmitted from the optical communication network N side changes the optical path from the first main line side optical fiber 8 to the branch side optical fiber 24, The light travels on the optical signal branch line 4 and is transmitted to the communication terminal P connected to the external optical fiber 21. At this time, the optical signal transmitted from the communication terminal P travels from the branch line side optical fiber 24 to the first main line side optical fiber 8 because the mirror unit 31 is located on the optical signal main line 2, and the optical communication network. It is transmitted to the N side.
[0042]
When the external optical fiber 21 is removed from the optical device 3, the branch-side optical fiber 24 and the branch-side ferrule 25 are retracted from the optical signal main line 2 by the biasing force of the spring 28, and the flange portion 27 is The state returns to the state of contact with the bottom surface 18a. Accordingly, the mirror unit 31 is positioned away from the optical signal main line 2 toward the guide hole 29, and the optical signal transmitted from the optical communication network N side is again transmitted from the first main optical fiber 8 to the second line. The optical signal main line 2 travels to the main line side optical fiber 9.
[0043]
As described above, according to the optical device 3, the optical signal main line 2 can be connected to the optical device 3 only by attaching / detaching the external optical fiber 21 to / from the optical device 3, that is, by connecting and releasing the branch side optical fiber 24 and the external optical fiber 21. The transmitted optical signal can be easily taken out to the optical signal branch line 4. Therefore, in the optical signal wiring 1, it is possible to establish communication between the communication terminal P and the optical communication network N using any optical device 3 provided on the optical signal main line 2. At this time, if the optical device 3 capable of shortening the length of the external optical fiber 21 forming the optical signal branch line 4 is appropriately selected according to the installation position of the communication terminal P in the room, the external optical fiber 21 can be routed. Can be prevented from becoming complicated.
[0044]
In the optical device 3, since the branch line side optical fiber 24 is slidably guided by the guide hole 29, the external optical fiber 21 is connected to the optical device 3 and the branch line side optical fiber 24 is connected to the optical signal main line 2. On the other hand, when moving forward, the mirror unit 31 can be accurately positioned on the optical signal main line 2. Even if vibration or impact occurs in the optical device 3, it is possible to prevent the mirror unit 31 from being displaced from the optical signal main line. Therefore, communication between the communication terminal P and the optical communication network N can be performed reliably, and the communication can be maintained in a stable state.
[0045]
Furthermore, in the optical device 3, since not only the external optical fiber 21 that forms the optical signal branch line 4, but also the first and second main line side optical fibers 8 and 9 that form the optical signal main line 2 are detachable, The optical device 3 is extremely easy to handle. Accordingly, the optical device 3 can be easily installed at an arbitrary position on the optical signal main line 2 in the optical signal wiring 1.
[0046]
[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the configuration in the main line side body 6 of the optical device 3 is different from that in the first embodiment. Since the other structure of the optical device 3 and the structure of the optical signal wiring 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 6, a cylindrical holding member 35 is fixed in the main line body 6, and the holding members 35 are end portions of the upstream and downstream optical fibers 36 and 37 that form the optical signal main line 2. (The portion exposed from the core wire coating 38) is held in a built-in state. In the holding member 35, the upstream optical fiber 36 and the downstream optical fiber 37 are opposed to each other via the groove 12 formed in the holding member 35 in a state of being aligned on the same axis. The holding member 35 is fixed to the main line body 6 so that the groove 12 opens to the branch line body 7 side.
[0048]
End faces 36a, 37a on the inner sides of the optical fibers 36, 37 coincide with both side faces of the groove 12, respectively. Further, at both end portions of the holding member 35, the end portions of the core wire covering 38 that covers the optical fibers 36 and 37 are held in the holding member 35. This is to prevent the optical fibers 36 and 37 from being damaged at the both ends of the holding member 35 if they are not bent.
[0049]
As described above, in this optical device 3, the branch side optical fiber 24 advances and retreats between the end portion 36 a of the upstream optical fiber 36 and the end portion 37 a of the downstream optical fiber 37. When the branch side optical fiber 24 moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line 2, the mirror portion 31 is positioned on the optical signal main line 2, and when the branch line side optical fiber 24 moves backward with respect to the optical signal main line 2. The mirror portion 31 is positioned away from the optical signal main line 2 toward the guide hole 29. Therefore, the optical device 3 of the second embodiment has the same operations and effects as the optical device 3 of the first embodiment.
[0050]
Further, in the optical device 3 of the second embodiment, the holding member 35 directly holds the ends of the upstream and downstream optical fibers 36 and 37 forming the optical signal main line 2, so that the optical device of the first embodiment is used. The first and second main line side sleeves 13 and 14 applied to No. 3 are not required. Therefore, according to the optical device 3 of the second embodiment, the number of components can be reduced to simplify the structure of the optical device 3, and thus reduce the cost of the optical device 3.
[0051]
[Third Embodiment]
Also in the third embodiment, the configuration in the main line side body 6 of the optical device 3 is different from that in the first embodiment. Since the other configuration of the optical device 3 and the configuration of the optical signal wiring 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 7, a cylindrical holding member 41 having a function as a sleeve is attached in the main line side body 6. A ferrule 17a of the upstream optical fiber 16a that forms the optical signal main line 2 and a ferrule 17b of the downstream optical fiber 16b that forms the optical signal main line 2 are fitted into the holding member 41 from both sides. Each ferrule 17a, 17b is held in contact with a ferrule stopper 42 formed in the holding member 41 so as to divide the internal space of the holding member 41 into an upstream space and a downstream space.
[0053]
The ferrule stopper 42 is formed with a through hole 43 that communicates the upstream space and the downstream space in the holding member 41 along the central axis of the holding member 41. Accordingly, the end of the upstream optical fiber 16a and the end of the downstream optical fiber 16b face each other with a predetermined gap on the same axis. The holding member 41 is formed with an opening 44 that communicates the guide hole 29 and the through hole 43 of the ferrule stopper 42 along the central axis of the branch line side optical fiber 24. Thereby, the end 24 a of the branch line side optical fiber 24 can extend into the through hole 43 of the ferrule stopper 42 through the guide hole 29 and the opening 44.
[0054]
As described above, in this optical device 3, the branch side optical fiber 24 advances and retreats between the end of the upstream optical fiber 16a and the end of the downstream optical fiber 16b. When the branch side optical fiber 24 moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line 2, the mirror portion 31 is positioned on the optical signal main line 2, and when the branch line side optical fiber 24 moves backward with respect to the optical signal main line 2. The mirror portion 31 is positioned away from the optical signal main line 2 toward the guide hole 29. Therefore, the optical device 3 of the third embodiment has the same operations and effects as the optical device 3 of the first embodiment.
[0055]
Furthermore, in the optical device 3 of the third embodiment, since the ferrule stopper 42 that can advance and retract the branch side optical fiber 24 between the ends of the optical fibers 16a and 16b that form the optical signal main line 2 is employed, The ferrules 17a and 17b of the optical fibers 16a and 16b can be directly held. Therefore, according to the optical device 3 of the third embodiment, the first and second main line side sleeves 13 and 14 applied to the optical device 3 of the first embodiment become unnecessary, and the number of components is reduced to reduce the number of components. 3 can be simplified, and the cost of the optical device 3 can be reduced.
[0056]
Moreover, in the optical device 3, not only the external optical fiber 21 that forms the optical signal branch line 4, but also the upstream and downstream optical fibers 16a and 16b that form the optical signal main line 2 are detachable. The ease of handling can be improved.
[0057]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, each of the above embodiments is a case where the optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 are configured using a single-core GI type optical fiber, but the optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 are configured as a multi-core configuration. It is also possible to do. Specific examples of the multi-core configuration include the following.
[0058]
That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the optical device 3 is configured in a state in which two optical signal main lines 2 and two optical signal branch lines 4 are arranged in parallel, and two single optical fiber core wires 51 are arranged in parallel. The optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 can have a multi-core configuration by fitting the ferrules 22 of the pair of external optical fibers 21 in the core optical connector 52 into the pair of branch line side sleeves 23. .
[0059]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the two branch line side optical fibers 24 are held by the branch line side ferrule 25, and as shown in FIG. 10, the two first main line side optical fibers 8 and the two second main lines. By configuring the optical device 3 by holding the side optical fiber 9 on the holding member 11, the optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 can have a multi-core configuration. As shown in FIG. 9, the branch-side ferrule 25 has fitting pins (not shown) so that the respective axes are aligned between the two external optical fibers 22 and the two branch-side optical fibers 24. ) Is inserted, a pair of fitting holes 53 are provided.
[0060]
With these multi-core configurations, one system of the optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 is used for transmission of an optical signal from the optical communication network N to the communication terminal P, and other optical signal main lines 2 and other optical signal branch lines 4 are used. One system can be used to transmit an optical signal from the communication terminal P to the optical communication network N.
[0061]
Further, the optical signal main line 2 and the optical signal branch line 4 are not limited to the GI type optical fiber but can also be configured by an SM type optical fiber or the like. Even in such a case, an optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line 2 can be easily taken out to the optical signal branch line 4 by the same principle as that of each of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the optical device 3 can be configured by applying a planar waveguide instead of the branch line side optical fiber 24 and the first and second main line side optical fibers 8 and 9.
[0062]
Moreover, although each said embodiment was a case where the mirror part 31 which is a metal vapor deposition film was applied as an optical signal introducing | transducing part, a mirror, a prism, etc. separate from the branch line side optical fiber 24 are used as an optical signal introducing | transducing part. It may be attached to the branch line side optical fiber 24. Furthermore, although the mirror part 31 guide | induces all the optical signals transmitted through the optical signal main line 2 to the optical signal branch line 4, this invention is not limited to this. For example, by applying a half mirror as the optical signal introducing unit, a part of the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line 2 is reflected into the branch side optical fiber 24 and the remaining part of the optical signal is converted into the optical signal main line 2. Can be transmitted as is. Further, by performing wavelength division multiplexing communication on the optical signal main line 2 and applying an optical filter or the like that transmits an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength as an optical signal introducing unit, the optical signal having a predetermined wavelength among the optical signals transmitted through the optical signal main line 2 is used. The optical signal can be guided into the branch line side optical fiber 24.
[0063]
Moreover, although each said embodiment was a case where the branch side optical fiber 24 advances / retreats with respect to the optical signal main line 2 so that it may orthogonally cross with the optical signal main line 2, the branch side optical fiber 24 in this invention is an optical signal. What is necessary is just to advance / retreat with respect to the optical signal main line 2 so as to cross the main line 2.
[0064]
Moreover, although 1st and 2nd embodiment was a case where the edge part 24a of the branch line side optical fiber 24 advances / retreats in the groove | channel 12 formed in the holding members 11 and 35, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a pair of optical fibers forming the optical signal main line 2 are opposed to each other through a recess formed in the holding members 11 and 35, and the end 24a of the branch line side optical fiber 24 advances and retreats in the recess. Good.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, at least a part of the optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line can be easily extracted to the optical signal branch line.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an optical signal wiring according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical device of the first embodiment.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the holding member of the optical device shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the branch line body side.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the optical device shown in FIG. 2, in which (a) shows a state in which a branch side optical fiber is retracted from an optical signal main line, and (b) shows a state in which the branch side optical fiber is In this state, the optical signal main line is advanced.
5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the optical device shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an optical device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical device enabling a multi-core configuration.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a branch line side optical fiber and a branch line side ferrule of another optical device enabling a multi-core configuration.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a holding member and main line side optical fiber of another optical device capable of a multi-core configuration.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical signal wiring, 2 ... Optical signal main line, 3 ... Optical device, 4 ... Optical signal branch line, 6 ... Main line side body (optical fiber guide member), 8 ... 1st main line side optical fiber (1st main line side) Optical waveguide), 9 ... second main line side optical fiber (second main line side optical waveguide), 11, 35, 41 ... holding member, 16a, 36 ... upstream optical fiber, 16b, 37 ... downstream optical fiber, 17a, 17b ... Ferrule, 21 ... External optical fiber, 23 ... Branch line side sleeve (ferrule guide member), 24 ... Branch line side optical fiber (branch line side optical waveguide), 25 ... Branch line side ferrule, 28 ... Spring (biasing means) , 29 ... guide holes, 31 ... mirror part (optical signal introducing part), 42 ... ferrule stopper.

Claims (8)

An optical device that extracts at least part of an optical signal transmitted through an optical signal main line to an optical signal branch line,
A branch-side optical waveguide that is movable relative to the optical signal main line, forms at least a part of the optical signal branch line, and is a branch-side optical fiber connectable to an external optical fiber that forms the optical signal branch line ;
The branch line side optical waveguide is disposed on the optical signal main line when the branch side optical waveguide advances with respect to the optical signal main line, and at least a part of the optical signal is provided on the branch side optical waveguide. An optical signal introduction section leading into the inside ,
A branch-side ferrule holding the branch-side optical fiber;
A ferrule guide member for slidably guiding the branch line side ferrule;
Urging means for urging the branch-side optical fiber in a direction retreating with respect to the optical signal main line,
The branch line side optical fiber moves forward with respect to the optical signal main line against the biasing force of the biasing means when the branch line side optical fiber and the external optical fiber are connected,
The optical device, wherein the optical signal introducing section is located on the optical signal main line when the branch line side optical fiber and the external optical fiber are connected . Light according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an optical fiber guide member guide hole is provided for guiding slidably the portion protruding into the optical signal main line side from the branch ferrule in said branch line optical fiber device. A first main-side optical waveguide having one end connected to an upstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line;
A downstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line and a second main optical waveguide to which one end is connected;
3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the branch line side optical waveguide advances and retreats between the other end of the first main line side optical waveguide and the other end of the second main line side optical waveguide. . A predetermined gap is provided between the end of the upstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line and the end of the downstream optical fiber forming the optical signal main line, and the upstream and downstream optical fibers are connected to each other. A holding member for holding,
Wherein the branch line optical waveguide according to claim 1 or 2 optical device, wherein the advancing and retracting between the end of the end portion of the upstream-side optical fiber the downstream optical fiber. The holding member includes a ferrule of the upstream optical fiber and the downstream optical fiber so that the predetermined gap is formed between an end of the upstream optical fiber and an end of the downstream optical fiber. 5. The optical device according to claim 4, further comprising a ferrule stopper for contacting the ferrule. The optical signal introduction portion, an optical device of any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that reflecting at least a portion of said optical signal to said branch side optical waveguide. An optical signal wiring, wherein at least one optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is disposed on an optical signal main line for transmitting an optical signal. An optical signal extraction method comprising: extracting at least a part of an optical signal transmitted through the optical signal main line to an optical signal branch line using the optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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