JP2003307630A - Mounting method for optical component and package for mounting the optical component - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely store an optical fiber and optical components at a low cost and to easily replace the components. <P>SOLUTION: In the mounting method for the plurality of optical components by which the optical components connected by the optical fiber are stored into a package, a flat optical component storage base 23 having a cut part 22 at its edge part is connected by a plurality of bendable connection parts, the optical components are stored in the optical component storage base 23 so that the optical fiber 2 mutually connecting the optical components run through the cut part 22 formed at the edge part of the optical component storage base 23, and the optical component storage base is stacked in stages by being folded at the connection parts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical information communication system, and more particularly to an optical component mounting method and an optical component mounting package for a transmission system using an optical fiber amplifier.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Most of optical components for optical transmission systems using optical fiber amplifiers are fiber processed components or optical components with fibers, for example, fiber fusion type couplers, fiber fusion type WDM couplers, fiber pigtails. Type isolator, pigtail circulator, fiber grating (hereinafter referred to as FBG), pigtail fiber with one end connector, erbium-doped fiber amplifier (hereinafter referred to as EDFA), laser diode module with fiber (hereinafter referred to as LDM), with fiber Pin photodiode module (hereinafter referred to as PDM),
It is composed of a variable optical attenuator with a fiber (hereinafter referred to as VOF) and the like, and these optical parts are combined to amplify an optical signal.

FIG. 9 shows a mounting example of a conventional EDFA module.

As shown in the figure, in the conventional optical component mounting package 71, various optical components are housed in a box-shaped casing 72 from the left side in the figure to an isolator 73, a branch coupler 74, and an LDM 7.
5, PDM76, PDM77, branch coupler 78, WDM
The coupler 79 and the WDM coupler 80 are arranged and housed in this order. An erbium-doped fiber (EDF) 81 is arranged so as to surround the various optical components. These optical components are sequentially connected by an optical fiber 86. In the figure, reference numeral 82 denotes an input side optical connector, and 83 denotes an output side optical connector.

The housing 72 is, for example, 10 cm * 10 cm *
It is formed to have a size of 1 cm, and in order to accommodate the optical fiber in the housing 72 without breaking the optical fiber, the allowable bending diameter of the optical fiber is 30 mm or more and the pigtail fiber is routed. The optical fibers are assembled by fusion splicing. In order to fusion splice the optical fibers, at least a fiber length of about 30 cm is required for setting in the apparatus, and the pigtail fiber length is about 50 cm to 100 cm including the extra length.

The housing 72 is made of metal, and has therein a groove 84 and a partition plate 85 for arranging various optical components. A lid (not shown) is attached to the opening of the housing 72 after various optical components are stored.

[0007]

By the way, for example, when a plurality of EDFA modules are mounted on a rack of an optical repeater, a package 71 containing optical components is provided with a circuit for driving the LDM 75 and the PDMs 76, 77. The printed circuit board is fixed on a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is used in a high-density mounting manner on the rack. Therefore, it is desired that the package size be as small as possible.

Specifically, in the case of high-density mounting, the distance between the printed circuit boards is 12.5 mm, so that the package height must be 12.5 mm or less. Since it is desirable that the width and the depth are as compact as possible, and the size of the optical component is also present, the package size is 10 cm * 10 cm * 1 cm as described above.

In the conventional mounting of optical components, many fibers are laid and extra lengths are stored, and since they are stored in the small casing 72 as described above, workability is extremely poor and mounting time is long. However, there is a problem in that it causes a cost increase.

Specifically, since the order in which the optical components are stored is determined, the optical fibers 86 must be spliced and connected according to the order. However, due to the size of the storage space, the optical fiber
6 will be stored while overlapping each other, but due to the rigidity of the optical fiber 86, the optical fiber 86 rises from the groove 84. Therefore, the floating optical fiber 86
It is necessary to connect while temporarily fixing.

Furthermore, when replacing the previously stored optical component, all of the optical fiber 84 and each optical component must be disassembled, which requires a great deal of work time and is a major factor in cost increase. Was becoming.

Further, the package 71 itself has grooves 84 formed intricately according to the shape of each optical component, and the partition plate 8
Since 5 is provided, the mold is difficult to manufacture, and the structure is not suitable for mass production, so that it is very expensive.

Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to store optical fibers and optical parts inexpensively, easily and reliably, and to replace parts. An object is to provide an optical component mounting method and an optical component mounting package that can be easily performed.

[0014]

[Means for Solving the Problems] To solve the above problems,
The invention of claim 1 is an optical component mounting method for accommodating a plurality of optical components connected by an optical fiber in a package,
A cutout portion provided at the edge of the optical component storage base by connecting a plurality of flat optical component storage bases having a cutout portion at the edge portion by a bendable connection portion, and an optical fiber connecting the optical components to each other. The optical component mounting base is characterized in that the optical component is accommodated in the optical component storage base so as to pass through, and the optical component storage base is stacked in layers by bending at the connecting portion.

According to the above method, since the plurality of optical components are separately stored in the plurality of optical component storage bases, and the optical component storage bases are bent at the connecting portion and stacked in layers, the optical components and the optical components are stored. It is possible to mount the fiber in a wide space with the optical component storage base expanded, and it is possible to perform the work easily and surely. Further, the parts can be replaced by unfolding the optical part storage base, so that the work can be easily performed without unwinding the optical fiber or the optical part. Furthermore, since the optical fiber passes through the notch provided in the edge of the optical component storage base, the optical fiber can be smoothly handled.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical component mounting package for accommodating a plurality of optical components connected by an optical fiber, wherein the package is a flat optical component accommodating for accommodating at least one optical component. A plurality of bases are provided, and the plurality of optical component storage bases are connected by a bendable connecting portion, and are bent at the connecting portions so that they can be stacked one above the other. Is a package for mounting an optical component, which is provided with a notch for passing an optical fiber connecting the optical components.

According to the above construction, in addition to the function and effect obtained by the invention of claim 1, since the structure of the optical component storage base is simple, mass production is possible and cost reduction can be achieved. Can also be obtained.

A third aspect of the present invention is the optical component mounting package according to the second aspect, wherein the cutout portion is provided at an edge portion of the optical component storage base on the side where the connecting portion is formed. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a brim portion for preventing the optical fiber stored in the optical component storage base in a loop form from protruding from the optical component storage base, and the cutout portion are formed. The optical component mounting package according to claim 2, which is provided on an edge of the optical component storage base on the non-existing side.

The invention of claim 5 is the optical component mounting package according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the optical component storage base has a thickness within a range of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the optical component storage base according to any one of the second to fifth aspects is characterized in that the optical component storage base is made of metal or plastic or a bonding material of metal and plastic. Is.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a development view showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective plane showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a block diagram of an EDFA module composed of optical components, and FIG. 5 is FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a stacked state of optical component storage bases of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

First, the structure of the optical component mounting package will be described.

E using an erbium-doped fiber amplifier
As shown in FIG. 4, the DFA module includes a branch coupler 3, an isolator 4, a WDM coupler 5, an erbium-doped fiber (EDF) 6, an isolator 7, a branch coupler 8 and an output from an input side optical connector 1 through an optical fiber 2. The side optical connectors 9 are connected in this order.

From the branching coupler 3, a PD module (PDM) 11 for monitoring the signal light is branched and connected.
An LD module (LDM) 12 is branched and connected from the DM coupler 5, and a PDM 14 for monitoring signal light is branched and connected from the branch coupler 8. In addition, a pigtail fiber is used as the optical fiber 2, and
Reference numeral 5 denotes a fusion splicing portion between the optical fibers (pig tail fibers) 2.

Λ = 1.55 μm in the input side optical connector 1
Signal light is input and the amplified signal light is output from the output side optical connector 9. At this time, the signal light passing through the EDF 6 is amplified by several tens of dB by being pumped from the LDM 12 for pumping λ = 980 nm (or 1480 nm) via the WDM coupler 5.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical component mounting package 21 according to the present invention has a cutout 2 at the edge.
A plurality of flat optical component storage bases 23 having 2 are formed,
The plurality of optical component storage bases 23 are arranged so that the cutout portions 22 of adjacent optical component storage bases 23 face each other, and the plurality of optical component storage bases 23 are divided into the plurality of optical components described above. Each of them is housed and the optical component housing bases 23 are stacked and configured.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the optical component storage bases 23 are constructed so as to be stacked in an accordion shape as shown in FIG.

The optical component storage base 23 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, a plastic, or a bonding material of metal and plastic. The optical component storage base has a thin thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm, and has a film shape, a sheet shape, or a plate shape. The accommodating base 23 is formed in a substantially square flat shape, and rectangular cutouts 22 for passing the optical fiber 2 connecting the optical components are formed on two opposing sides thereof.

The optical component storage bases 23 arranged in a line so that the cutout portions 22 of the adjacent optical component storage bases 23 face each other are connected by a connecting tape 24. Connecting tape 24 provided at this connecting portion
Uses a polyimide tape having excellent heat resistance and bending resistance. The connecting tape 24 has a tape thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm (0.0 mm in the present embodiment).
It is thin (5 mm) and rich in flexibility, and is excellent in folding and unfolding. The material of the connecting tape 24 is not limited to the polyimide tape, and may be Teflon (registered trademark) tape or aluminum laminated tape.

In this embodiment, since there are 11 optical components, 11 optical component storage bases 23 are also formed, and one optical component is stored in each optical component storage base 23. From the housing base 23 at one end, the input side optical connector 1, the branch coupler 3, the PDM 11, the isolator 4, W
DM coupler 5, LDM 12, erbium-doped fiber (EDF) 6, isolator 7, branch coupler 8, PDM
14 and the output side optical connector 9 are housed in this order.

The fixation of each optical component and the optical fiber 2 to the optical component storage base 23 is performed by a polyimide tape or a Teflon (registered trademark) type tape which is also used as the connecting tape 24. An adhesive may be used together with the tape.

The optical component storage base 23 is preliminarily marked with a laser so that the mounting position of each optical component can be seen. By fixing each optical component at that position, as shown in FIG. When the optical component storage bases 23 are superposed, the optical components are arranged in a plane without overlapping each other (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical component storage base 23
Optical component storage base attachment fixing holes 25 are formed at the four corners of the. In the folded state, the WDM coupler 5, the isolator 7, the LDM 12, and the
The branch coupler 8, the PDM 11, the PDM 14, the isolator 4, and the branch coupler 3 are arranged and housed in this order. Then, the erbium-doped fiber 6 is arranged around each optical component.

At this time, each optical component storage base 23, as shown in FIG. 3, is bent between the optical components to serve as a partition plate for partitioning adjacent optical components. Note that, in FIG. 3, the optical component storage base 23 is schematically illustrated. In reality, the optical component storage base 23 is bent along the shape of the optical component, and each optical component is substantially horizontal. It is arranged.

Next, a method of mounting an optical component according to the present invention,
The operation of the optical component mounting package 21 having the above configuration will be described.

In mounting each optical component, first, a flat optical component storage base 2 having a cutout portion 22 at the edge thereof.
3 are formed, and the plurality of optical component storage bases 23 are arranged so that the cutout portions 22 of the adjacent optical component storage bases 23 face each other, and the adjacent optical component storage bases 23 are connected by the connecting tape 24. Connect so that it can be bent freely.

Next, the optical component storage base 23 is unfolded, and the input side optical connector 1, the branch coupler 3, the PDM 11, the isolator 4, and the WD from the storage base 23 at the end thereof.
M coupler 5, LDM 12, erbium-doped fiber (E
DF) 6, isolator 7, branch coupler 8, PDM1
4, the optical connector 9 in the order of the output side optical connector 9 and the EDF 6
Is jointly used with a connecting tape 24 and an adhesive, and is divided into optical component storage bases 23 and stored one by one (see FIG. 1).

The LDM 12 and the PDMs 11 and 14 are fixed using an adhesive metal tape made of Cu, Al or the like in order to enhance the heat radiation effect.

At this time, each optical component is fixed along the layout marked on each optical component storage base 23.

Then, the pigtail fibers 2 connected to the respective optical parts are fused by the same diameter connection method to connect the respective optical parts.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, each optical component storage base 23 is sequentially folded and fixed as shown in FIG. Then, the optical component mounting base mounting fixing holes 25 at the four corners of the optical component mounting package 21 are passed through screws or the like to be fixed on the printed circuit board, and the optical component mounting operation is completed.

According to the present invention, a plurality of optical components are separately stored in a plurality of optical component storage bases 23, and the optical component storage bases 23 are stacked to form one package 21. Since it is mounted, it is possible to mount the optical component and the optical fiber in a wide space, and it is possible to perform the work easily and surely without causing a work error.

When the optical component storage base 23 is made of a thin sheet (or film), each optical component is arranged and fixed in accordance with the layout marked on the optical component storage base 23. When the base 23 is folded and stacked, the optical components do not overlap on a plane and are appropriately arranged. As a result, the optical components are arranged substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, so that the thickness of the optical component mounting package 21 can be reduced and the optical component can be stored in a compact size.

Further, by forming the cutout portion 22, the fusion splicing portion 15 between the pigtail fibers 2 is formed.
However, it is opened at the notch portion 22, does not overlap in the height direction, and the thickness of the optical component mounting package 21 does not become thick.

Further, even when the optical components are stored alternately on the front side and the back side of the optical component storage base 23, the notch 2 is formed.
Since the optical fiber 2 is provided with the cutout 2
It is possible to wire both the front and back sides of the optical fiber 2 and to prevent the optical fiber 2 from being broken without applying an excessive bending force.

On the other hand, the replacement of parts is performed by the optical parts storage base 2
Even if the component to be replaced is located at the bottom of the optical component mounting package 21 by unfolding 3 and performing the work, without unwinding the optical fiber or the optical component on the upper part,
It can be easily deployed and replacement work can be performed. Also,
Since a large space for replacement work can be taken, a simple and highly reliable replacement work can be performed.

The optical component storage base 23 has a thickness of 0.
Since the length is from 05 mm to 2.0 mm, the die molding can be easily performed, which enables mass production and achieves a significant cost reduction. In addition, the optical component storage base 23 is made thin, so that the weight of the optical component mounting package 21 is reduced, and at the time of stacking the optical component storage base 23, the optical component storage base 23 conforms to the shape of each optical component. Is bent, the optical components are arranged horizontally, and the miniaturization of the optical component mounting package 21 is also achieved.

Further, since the optical component storage base 23 is made of metal or plastic, the LMD 12
With respect to the PMDs 11 and 14, the optical component storage base 23 can serve as a magnetic shield that reduces electrical noise.

The optical component storage base 23 may be of a laminated type in which metal and plastic are bonded together. According to this, the insulating part and the non-insulating part can be separated, and the LMD 12 and the PMD 1 can be separated.
It is possible to make 1, 14 electrode terminals.

In this embodiment, the LDM 12 and the PDM 1 are
Since the optical components storage bases 1 and 14 are also stored in the single optical component storage base 23, it is possible to efficiently mount lead wires and electrode terminals for drawing out the LDM 12 and the PDMs 11 and 14 to the outside. At this time, each pigtail fiber 2 must be connected to an optical component housed in a separate optical component housing base 23, but since the connected optical component housing bases 23 can be easily deployed, the pigtail fiber 2 2 can be passed through another optical component storage base 23 and easily connected to a desired optical component.

As the connecting tape 24 for connecting the optical component storage base 23, in this embodiment, the thickness is 0.0
A 5 mm polyimide tape was used, and its bending resistance is 150 times or more. Even when the measurement for characteristic evaluation is performed during the mounting of the optical component, there is no problem because the number of folding and unfolding is about 10 times.

In this embodiment, since the optical fiber 2 is fused by the same diameter splicing method, the size of the fusion splicing portion 15 is equal to the outer diameter φ0.25 mm of the optical fiber 2. Since the space for routing is small, the optical component mounting package 21 can be further downsized.

In the present embodiment, the optical component storage base 23 is integrally connected in advance and the optical components are stored in order from the end, but the optical component storage base 23 is not integrally connected, It is also possible to divide into several pieces and connect them, and divide the divided optical component storage bases 23 to store the optical components, and then connect the intermediate portions thereof. According to this, since the storage work is divided, a highly efficient and quick work is achieved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the optical component storage bases 23 are connected in a straight line, but when folded, if they can be stacked on one optical component storage base 23, they are connected in four directions. Good.

Further, in the present embodiment, one optical component is stored in one optical component storage base 23. However, when the number of optical components is large, one optical component storage is performed. A plurality of optical components may be housed in the base 23.

In the present embodiment, the optical component storage base 23 is made of metal, plastic, or a bonding material of metal and plastic, but the metal and transparent plastic material are bonded together. It may be a package structure. According to this structure, when the optical component storage bases 23 are stacked, the inside of the optical component storage bases 23 can be visually recognized, so that a work error can be prevented and the work efficiency is improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the connecting tape 24
Although the cutouts 22 are provided on both edges of the optical component storage base 23 on the side where the connection is provided, the cutouts 22 are provided on the edges of the optical component storage base 23 on the side where the connecting tape 24 is not provided. Good.

FIG. 6 is a development view showing a second preferred embodiment of the optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the optical component storage base 23
The brim portions 31 are formed on the two sides on both sides where the cutout portions 22 are not formed. This brim portion 31 is
The directions are alternately formed, and when the optical component storage base 23 is sequentially folded, the upper brim portion 31 is sequentially arranged inside the lower brim portion 31. The optical components are mounted alternately on the front and back of the optical component storage base 23 so that the optical components are stored on the surface of the optical component storage base 23 on the side facing the brim portion 31.

According to this structure, the brim portion 31 can prevent the optical fiber 2 from protruding from the optical component storage base 23. As a result, the optical fiber 2 can be easily routed and the optical fiber 2
Can also be protected.

FIG. 7 is a development view showing a preferred third embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, the optical component storage base 23b corresponding to the lowermost portion is formed to have a slightly thick plate and the brim portion 32 is formed. The brim portion 32 is formed only on the two sides on both sides where the cutout portion 22 of the optical component storage base 23b corresponding to the lowermost portion is not formed,
No brim portion is formed on the other optical component storage base 23. The brim portion 32 has the same thickness as the optical component storage base 23b.

Of the other optical component storage bases 23,
The optical component storage base 23c for storing a relatively large optical component such as the LMD 12 is formed to have a slightly thick plate thickness.

As a result, each optical component storage base 23
Since the brim portion 32 is stable when b and 23 are stacked, folding work is easy.

Further, the optical component storage base 23c of a relatively large optical component can be easily accommodated by increasing the plate thickness, and the stability of the optical component mounting package 21 as a whole can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a development view showing a fourth preferred embodiment of the optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, the optical component storage base 23d corresponding to the lowermost portion and the optical component storage base 23e corresponding to the uppermost portion are formed to have a slightly thicker plate thickness. Split sleeves 33 extending upward are provided at the four corners of the lowermost optical component storage base 23d, and fitting pins 34 that fit into the split sleeve 33 are provided at the four corners of the uppermost optical component storage base 23e. ing.

Screw holes (not shown) for inserting screws when the optical component mounting package 21 is attached to the printed board are provided at the four corners of the lowermost optical component storage base 23d.
Are formed.

According to the above construction, the lowermost optical component storage base 23d and the uppermost optical component storage base 23e are thickly formed and fixed to each other by the split sleeve 33 and the fitting pin 34. The strength of the component mounting package 21 is improved.

[0072]

In summary, according to the present invention, a plurality of optical components are separately stored in a plurality of optical component storage bases, and the optical component storage bases are bent at the connecting portions to be stacked one by one. Since it is mounted in one package, it is possible to mount optical components and optical fibers in a wide space with the optical component storage base expanded, and it is easy and reliable to work. Be effective.

Further, the parts can be replaced by unfolding the optical part storage base, so that the work can be easily performed without unraveling the optical fiber or the optical part.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a development view showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a block diagram of an EDFA module composed of optical components.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a stacked state of optical component storage bases of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a development view showing a preferred second embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a development view showing a preferred third embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a development view showing a preferred fourth embodiment of an optical component mounting package according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a conventional optical component mounting package.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 optical fiber 21 Optical component mounting package 22 Notch 23 Optical parts storage base 31 Head part 32 brim

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tatsuya Kumagai             1-6-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Standing Wire Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Norifumi Kobayashi             1-6-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Standing Wire Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H038 CA33 CA37                 5F072 AB09 AK06 JJ01 JJ09 PP07                       RR01 YY17

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method of mounting an optical component in which a plurality of optical components connected by an optical fiber are accommodated in a package, wherein a plurality of flat optical component storage bases having a notch at an edge are formed by a bendable connecting portion. The optical components that are connected to each other and connect the optical components are stored in the optical component storage base such that the optical fibers pass through the notch provided in the edge portion of the optical component storage base, and at the connection portion. A method of mounting an optical component, which comprises bending and stacking the optical component storage bases. 2. An optical component mounting package for accommodating a plurality of optical components connected by an optical fiber, said package comprising a plurality of flat optical component accommodating bases accommodating at least one optical component, The plurality of optical component storage bases are connected to each other by a bendable connecting portion and are configured to be bent at the connecting portions so that they can be stacked one upon another. The optical components are connected to each other at an edge portion of the optical component storing base. A package for mounting an optical component, which is provided with a cutout portion for passing an optical fiber. 3. The optical component mounting package according to claim 2, wherein the cutout portion is provided at an edge portion of the optical component storage base on the side where the connecting portion is formed. 4. The optical component on the side where the cutout portion is not formed is a brim portion for preventing the optical fiber stored in the optical component storage base in a loop shape from protruding from the optical component storage base. The optical component mounting package according to claim 2, which is provided on an edge portion of the storage base. 5. The optical component storage base is 0.05 mm
The optical component mounting package according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which has a thickness within a range of to 2.0 mm. 6. The optical component mounting package according to claim 2, wherein the optical component storage base is made of metal or plastic or a bonding material of metal and plastic.