CA1137343A - Fiber optic switch - Google Patents
Fiber optic switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1137343A CA1137343A CA000352818A CA352818A CA1137343A CA 1137343 A CA1137343 A CA 1137343A CA 000352818 A CA000352818 A CA 000352818A CA 352818 A CA352818 A CA 352818A CA 1137343 A CA1137343 A CA 1137343A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fiber optic
- fiber
- switch
- bundles
- optic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3502—Optical coupling means having switching means involving direct waveguide displacement, e.g. cantilever type waveguide displacement involving waveguide bending, or displacing an interposed waveguide between stationary waveguides
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
- G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
- G02B6/3548—1xN switch, i.e. one input and a selectable single output of N possible outputs
- G02B6/355—1x2 switch, i.e. one input and a selectable single output of two possible outputs
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
Abstract
FIBER OPTIC SWITCH
Abstract A fiber optic switch for switching light energy between a plurality of fiber optic bundles, including a plurality of fiber optic bundles having one end of each bundle disposed at locations describing an arc.
A switching fiber optic bundle has one end fixed and the other end movable along the arcuately located ends of the plurality of bundles, whereby the movable end of the switching bundle can be selectively aligned with the ends of the stationary bundles, to transfer light energy.
Abstract A fiber optic switch for switching light energy between a plurality of fiber optic bundles, including a plurality of fiber optic bundles having one end of each bundle disposed at locations describing an arc.
A switching fiber optic bundle has one end fixed and the other end movable along the arcuately located ends of the plurality of bundles, whereby the movable end of the switching bundle can be selectively aligned with the ends of the stationary bundles, to transfer light energy.
Description
FIBER OPTIC SWITCH
Background of the Invention (1) Field of the Invention . This invention relates to fiber optic devices and particularly to a fiber optic switch for transferring light energy from one fiber optic bundle to another. More particularly, the invention relates to a fiber optic switch in which a free end of a flexible fiber optic bundle is selectively aligned in a facing relation with the ends of one or more stationary fiber optic bundles.
Background of the Invention (1) Field of the Invention . This invention relates to fiber optic devices and particularly to a fiber optic switch for transferring light energy from one fiber optic bundle to another. More particularly, the invention relates to a fiber optic switch in which a free end of a flexible fiber optic bundle is selectively aligned in a facing relation with the ends of one or more stationary fiber optic bundles.
(2) Description of the Prior Art Fiber optic switches of the mechanical variety are known in the prior art, as exemplified by U.S. Patents 4,057,719; 4,082,435; and 4,088,387.
However, none of the prior art teaches a fiber optic switch of the type herein disclosed, in which a flexible fiber optic switching bundle is arranged to have its free end relatively movable to a plurality of positions describing an arc, and having one or more stationa~y fiber optic bundles, arranged to have one end thereof also locate~ on the arcuate pa~h of the free end ~k -` 1137343 1 of the flexible bundle, whereby light energy may be transferred between the switching bundle and a related one of the stationary bundles.
Summary of the Invention It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved diber optic switch.
one aspect of the invention provides a fiber optic switch comprising, in combination, a first optic fiber having a fixed end and a movable end, said movable end being movable from a first position to at least one second position, a second optic fiber having a first fixed end which is in juxtaposition with the free end of said moable fiber when said movable fiber is in one of its positions, and means for moving the movable end of said first fiber.
In another aspect briefly described, the present invention comprises a fiber optic switch in which there is provided a base plate or body, having a plurality of V-shaped grooves or other cut-away depressions in the surface of the plate, adapted to receive and constrain a plurality of fiber optic bundles. As used herein, the term fiber optic bundles is defined to means not only an assembly of parallel fiber optic threads or filaments collectively taken together in a bundle, but also includes single optical elements which transmit light and arc sometimes defined as light pipes or light guides. A flexible switching fiber is provided, 1137343 `
retained in one of the grooves in the base plate, and having a free end which can be moved in an-arcuate path. One or more fiber optic bundles are provided having one end of each bundle located at selected positions along the arcuate path, so that the free end of the switching bundle can be selectively aligned with the end of one of the fixed bundles. Any suitable means may be used for moving the free end of the switching bundle to a selected one of several positions.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more paxticular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a plan view of a fiber optic switch structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the switch structure shown in FIG. l.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in both of the views.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, there is shown a fiber optic switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. A base element or plate 1 is providedr having mounted thereon a switch body element
However, none of the prior art teaches a fiber optic switch of the type herein disclosed, in which a flexible fiber optic switching bundle is arranged to have its free end relatively movable to a plurality of positions describing an arc, and having one or more stationa~y fiber optic bundles, arranged to have one end thereof also locate~ on the arcuate pa~h of the free end ~k -` 1137343 1 of the flexible bundle, whereby light energy may be transferred between the switching bundle and a related one of the stationary bundles.
Summary of the Invention It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved diber optic switch.
one aspect of the invention provides a fiber optic switch comprising, in combination, a first optic fiber having a fixed end and a movable end, said movable end being movable from a first position to at least one second position, a second optic fiber having a first fixed end which is in juxtaposition with the free end of said moable fiber when said movable fiber is in one of its positions, and means for moving the movable end of said first fiber.
In another aspect briefly described, the present invention comprises a fiber optic switch in which there is provided a base plate or body, having a plurality of V-shaped grooves or other cut-away depressions in the surface of the plate, adapted to receive and constrain a plurality of fiber optic bundles. As used herein, the term fiber optic bundles is defined to means not only an assembly of parallel fiber optic threads or filaments collectively taken together in a bundle, but also includes single optical elements which transmit light and arc sometimes defined as light pipes or light guides. A flexible switching fiber is provided, 1137343 `
retained in one of the grooves in the base plate, and having a free end which can be moved in an-arcuate path. One or more fiber optic bundles are provided having one end of each bundle located at selected positions along the arcuate path, so that the free end of the switching bundle can be selectively aligned with the end of one of the fixed bundles. Any suitable means may be used for moving the free end of the switching bundle to a selected one of several positions.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more paxticular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a plan view of a fiber optic switch structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the switch structure shown in FIG. l.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in both of the views.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, there is shown a fiber optic switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. A base element or plate 1 is providedr having mounted thereon a switch body element
3. Switch body 3 serves as a carrier and positioning or alignment guide for the switch optical fibers, by having formed therein, as by machining, a plurality of V-shaped grooves dimensicried to receive the optical fibers used in the switch. Grooves ~1 and 6 are pro-vided for the stationary fibers 5 and 7 and groove 8 1~37343 , receives an optic fiber 9 having a movable end portion.
The.fibers extend beyond the ends of their jacket material, with fibers 5 and 7 having their ends disposed at selected locations around the circum-S ference of a circular opening ll in the switch bodyelement 3.
Disposed within the circular opening ll is a close fitting circular switch rotor element 13, which may be mounted on the end of a concentric operating shaft 15, which is carried in an opening 17 in base plate l, so that rotor 13 may be selectively rotated to different angular positions with respect to the opening ll.
Rotor 13 has a slot l9 cut or machined in the surface thereof, extending from the center of the rotor radially outward to the circumference of the rotor.
In the opposite direction from slot l9, a segment 21 of rotor 13 is cut away as shown to provide clearance for.the movable end of the fiber 9 received in groove 8.
Rotor 13 is providéd with a radial lug or projection 23 which engages one or the other of two adjustable stop screws 25 and 27 mounted in the switch body at one side of the circular opening ll. The limits of rotation of rotor 13 are determined by the setting of screws 25 and 27, and are set so that in each extreme position, the end of the movable fiber 9, contalned in slot l9 is exactly aligned radially with the end of either fiber 5 or fiber 7. It is apparent that light energy can be transferred between fiber 5 and 9 or between 7 and 9, depending upon the position of rotor 13. Cover plates 29, 31, and 33 are fastened, as.by the machine screws shown, to hold the optic fibers in place, and may be provided with V-grooves to match those in the body element 3. Rotor 13 also has a cover plate 35 which retains the end of the movable fiber 9 in position.
.
Any suitable operating mechanism may be used to rotate shaft 15, such as a manually operated knob or crank, a rotary solenoid, or other similar devices.
It is also apparent that the switch can be designed to have more than two positions, utilizing suitable detenting for each position.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The.fibers extend beyond the ends of their jacket material, with fibers 5 and 7 having their ends disposed at selected locations around the circum-S ference of a circular opening ll in the switch bodyelement 3.
Disposed within the circular opening ll is a close fitting circular switch rotor element 13, which may be mounted on the end of a concentric operating shaft 15, which is carried in an opening 17 in base plate l, so that rotor 13 may be selectively rotated to different angular positions with respect to the opening ll.
Rotor 13 has a slot l9 cut or machined in the surface thereof, extending from the center of the rotor radially outward to the circumference of the rotor.
In the opposite direction from slot l9, a segment 21 of rotor 13 is cut away as shown to provide clearance for.the movable end of the fiber 9 received in groove 8.
Rotor 13 is providéd with a radial lug or projection 23 which engages one or the other of two adjustable stop screws 25 and 27 mounted in the switch body at one side of the circular opening ll. The limits of rotation of rotor 13 are determined by the setting of screws 25 and 27, and are set so that in each extreme position, the end of the movable fiber 9, contalned in slot l9 is exactly aligned radially with the end of either fiber 5 or fiber 7. It is apparent that light energy can be transferred between fiber 5 and 9 or between 7 and 9, depending upon the position of rotor 13. Cover plates 29, 31, and 33 are fastened, as.by the machine screws shown, to hold the optic fibers in place, and may be provided with V-grooves to match those in the body element 3. Rotor 13 also has a cover plate 35 which retains the end of the movable fiber 9 in position.
.
Any suitable operating mechanism may be used to rotate shaft 15, such as a manually operated knob or crank, a rotary solenoid, or other similar devices.
It is also apparent that the switch can be designed to have more than two positions, utilizing suitable detenting for each position.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (2)
1. A fiber optic switch comprising, in combination, at least one first optic fiber having one end fixed and the other end movable in an arc in a plane containing the fiber, a rotor for engaging and moving the movable end of said fiber through said arc, and a plurality of second optic fibers are arranged and retained in grooves of a switch body element radially along said arc, whereby the movable end of said first fiber can be positioned in confronting relation-ship with any one of said plurality of second optic fibers at predetermined positions of the movable end of said first fiber.
2. A fiber optic switch as claimed in claim 1 further including a plurality of cover plates attached to said switch body element for retaining said fiber optic bundles in their respective grooves.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4840779A | 1979-06-14 | 1979-06-14 | |
| US048,407 | 1979-06-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1137343A true CA1137343A (en) | 1982-12-14 |
Family
ID=21954397
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000352818A Expired CA1137343A (en) | 1979-06-14 | 1980-05-27 | Fiber optic switch |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0020874A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS561904A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1137343A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1209217B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2120780A (en) * | 1982-05-10 | 1983-12-07 | Castell Safety Technology Ltd | Switch |
| US4878729A (en) * | 1985-10-28 | 1989-11-07 | Square D Company | Optical switch |
| FR2607265B1 (en) * | 1986-11-20 | 1989-08-11 | Boscher Daniel | OPTICAL BYPASS DEVICE AND INSTALLATION INCLUDING APPLICATION |
| FR2717581A1 (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 1995-09-22 | Sea N Optic Sa | Displacement detection device by deflection of light beam from optical fiber. |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2016498A1 (en) * | 1970-04-07 | 1971-10-28 | Siemens Ag | Device for a fiber optic lighting device |
| US4023887A (en) * | 1972-10-30 | 1977-05-17 | General Optimation, Inc. | Optical communication, switching and control apparatus and systems and modular electro-optical logic circuits, and applications thereof |
| JPS5433476B2 (en) * | 1973-06-19 | 1979-10-20 | ||
| JPS53112762A (en) * | 1977-03-14 | 1978-10-02 | Fujitsu Ltd | Photo switching element |
-
1980
- 1980-03-06 JP JP2746080A patent/JPS561904A/en active Pending
- 1980-03-27 EP EP80101630A patent/EP0020874A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1980-05-09 IT IT8021910A patent/IT1209217B/en active
- 1980-05-27 CA CA000352818A patent/CA1137343A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0020874A1 (en) | 1981-01-07 |
| JPS561904A (en) | 1981-01-10 |
| IT8021910A0 (en) | 1980-05-09 |
| IT1209217B (en) | 1989-07-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |