JPS60501030A - rotary optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] This invention relates to an optical switch device, especially a fiber-cleaning connection for sending optical signals in two directions. The present invention relates to a rotary optical switch used subsequently.

Background of the invention With the increasing use of optical fibers, the use of a single optical fiber A reliable, low-cost optical switch that can be connected together has been developed. There is. Optical switches in the prior art include, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,2 No. 17, No. 4,239,331, there are two switch positions. The switch positions are limited, such as the position , U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,460, the components are complicated and the cost is high; Accurate positioning is required for assembly.

Summary of the invention The inventor has proposed that the first optical fiber be connected to a second optical fiber (multiple optical fibers) arranged around the rotation axis. Developed a low-crit optical switch that selectively connects to one of the following! ,,. First Light from the end of the optical fiber enters parallel to one of the paths radiating from the rotation axis. shoot The light from the first radial path is deflected and rotated by the first light deflection means. Enter a path parallel to the axis. Such an axial light path connects the first light deflection means and the second light the second light deflection means deflects the light into a second radial light path; Ru.

, the second radial optical path is alternatively connected to the second optical fiber by rotation of the second optical deflection means. and a second radial optical path is associated with a second optical fiber. Second radial light The path is in sync with each of the second optical fibers, so that the second optical fiber It is optically connected to one optical fiber and two-way transmission of optical signals is performed. 2nd light beam A lens is provided in close proximity to each of the second eyebars. i′ from the radial bus The light is focused on each of the second optical fibers and the light emitted from the optical fibers. enter the second radial path as parallel rays.

The term “light” used in the specification and claims shall be understood in its universal sense. The term is not limited to only the visible spectrum, e.g. incandescent lamps Infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions generated by various means such as , light emitting diodes, and lasers. defined as electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, including all areas such as It is.

Brief description of the surface Fig. 1 is a sectional view of the rotary optical switch, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary optical switch. The perspective view, FIG. 3, is a perspective view of the second means of rotation of light deflection fixed to the shaft.

Brief description of the preferred embodiment Referring to the drawing, the rotary optical switch has the following four main components. the first optical deflection means; the second optical deflection means; the first optical element; It has a second optical element. The first optical deflection used in the embodiment of Fig. 1 The means is an inclined mirror 10; this mirror connects the first radial light path 12 and the second radial light path. It is located between the radial light path 14 and reflects and deflects light. First radial light path 12 is located between the first optical elements 1 to 16 and the mirror 100. First optical element 16 consists of a first optical fiber 18 and a lens 20; The light beam D from the light beam enters the first radial light path 12 in the form of parallel rays. Lens 2 0 also conversely directs the light passing through the first radial light path 12 to the end of the first optical fiber 18. The axial optical path 14 is focused on the mirror 10 and the 22nd* deflection means. In the embodiment of FIG. 1.31, the second optical deflection means is located between the prism It consists of 22 parts. The 7'1 μm 22 is fixed to a shaft 24 and rotates. . 7 Jl Husum 22 is...! The light from the axial path 14 parallel to 1124 is Deflect into a radial optical bus 26, which is described as a radial optical path.　Multiple second Optical elements 1 to 28 are arranged around the shaft 24 with □ spaces and depths, and the shaft 2 4 and the rotation of the prism 22, the second radial light path 26 is aligned with the optical element 28. They are designed to match each other. As shown in Figure 1.2, the second optical Each of the lenses h28 includes a housing 30 that supports a lens 32, and to focus the light from the second radial path 26 onto the end of the second optical fiber 34. I will do it. Align the second radial optical path with each of the second optical elements 28 Rotation of the shaft 24 causes the first optical fiber 18 to connect with either of the second optical fibers 34. Can be optically connected. Even if the second sword-shaped optical path 26 rotates around the axis 24, , prism 22 remains in optical communication with the axial light path 14 and provides the first radiation. optically connected to the shaped optical path 12. Similar to lens 20, lens 32 is an optical fiber. It is also necessary that the light from the end of the fiber 34 enters the path 26 as a parallel beam. In short, it is remotely possible.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the rotary optical switch is housed in a housing 36. It is. A knob 38 is attached to one end of the shaft 24, and the shaft 24 and the prism 22 Manual rotation is now easier. In the drawing, for the rotation of the axis, Although only the knob 38 is shown, the rotation of the shaft can be remotely controlled by an electric motor or other means. It is also possible to do so. ,,@24+, supported by Beary/G40 , Pu1IJXmu22! 110 and connects these two optical deflection means with an axial path. is positioned correctly on the screen. At the bottom of the shaft 24, there is a rotation stopper 1lffl14. 2 is fixed, and the prism is properly aligned with each of the second optical elements 28. It is designed to be held in one direction and two directions. The second optical element 28 is a support It is slidably attached to the body 44. The optical fiber 34 is connected by a baffle 46 It is held in place so that it does not interfere with the second radial light path 26.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the prism 22 that functions as a rotating means for deflecting light. . This prism has the shape of a right triangle and has three cut surfaces.

A cut plane 48 perpendicular to the axis 24 is located within the axial optical path 14 and 50 is inclined at 45° to form a reflective surface, and a cut surface 52 parallel to the axis is a second radiation It is located within the radial light path 26. These three cut surfaces are Although shown as planar, lenses can be formed on any of these cut surfaces. 7 to converge the light of the second radial light path 26 onto the first optical element 28. Occurrence means may also be provided. Furthermore, in the examples in Figures 1 and 3, the cut The top surface 50 is inclined at 45°, which makes the radial path 26 perpendicular to @. However, by increasing or decreasing the inclination angle of this cut surface, the optical path 2 6 can also be made to extend radially from the axis 24 at an angle other than 90°. . Roughly speaking, in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rotating light deflection means is a right triangular prism. prism 22, but prisms of other shapes can be used, and reflective mirror surfaces can also be used. can be used as a light deflection means. The first radial light bus 12 is connected to the shaft 24 However, it is also possible to take an angle other than 906. The optical fiber connector 54 is , installed in the housing 30 for easy connection of multi-fiber cables. It is configured. There are many types of connectors like this on the market. , the connector elements are configured to mate in a single direction.

The cable connects to a remote light source and light sensor.

This invention is intended for use in switching machines in explosive environments where electrical equipment is a safety hazard. It can also be used to provide functionality. Fiber optic cables are explosive Can be connected to electrical equipment outside the area.

international search report 1 Sekisho Go-501030 (4)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. first means for deflecting/directing light from the first radial path into an axial path; rotating to deflect the light moving along the axial path into a second radial light path; In a second means, the first and second radial light paths are responsive to rotation of the second light deflection means of said rotation. A second rotation means for optically connecting the second radial light path as the second radial light path moves: a first optical element optically connected to the first radial optical bus; a second optical element 1- rotating relative to the second deflection means; The first optical element and the second optical lumen 1 to 1 are optically connected to the second radial light path. An optical switch consisting of a second optical element 1 through which an optical signal is transmitted between. 3. A rotating shaft having a second light deflection means, the shaft passing through the first light deflection means by 1 no. The beam is rotated relative to this means, and the light passing between the deflecting means is directed to a column having a common axis with the said axis. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical switch passes through a minute. 4. At least one of the first and second radial nodules is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The optical switch according to claim 2. 5. Claim 2, wherein both the first and second radial paths are perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. optical switch. 6. The optical switch according to claim 5, wherein the second optical deflection means comprises a prism. 7. The prism has a right triangular surface shape, and one cut surface is connected to the axial optical bus. the optical switch of claim 1, wherein the optical switch is vertical and the other cut plane is perpendicular to the first radial optical bus. Tch. 8. Optical system according to claim 0, wherein the second light deflecting means is a mirror. 9. The second optical element a second radial beam with a lens and a lens that focuses on the end of the optical fiber; 6. The optical switch of claim 5, comprising an optical fiber that is aligned with the path. 10 The first optical element includes a lens and a lens that focuses on the end of the optical fiber. 10. The optical fiber of claim 9 comprising an optical fiber mated to a first radial optical bus having a lens. academic switch. 11. 10. The optical switch according to claim 9, wherein the second optical deflection means comprises a prism. 12. The prism includes a lens that focuses light on the first optical element. 12. The optical switch according to claim 11, wherein the optical switch has two cup faces. 13 Each of the plurality of first optical elements has a first optical element aligned with the second radial optical path. 2 optically connected to the second optical element 1 through rotation of the optical deflection means; Box 3 optical switch. 14 positioning the rotating shaft to move each of the second optical elements into the second The optical switch according to claim 13, further comprising a rotation stop mechanism that aligns the optical switch with the radial optical path. blood. 15. The optical switch of claim 13, further comprising means for rotating said shaft. 16. The optical switch according to claim 15, wherein the means for rotating the shaft is an electric motor. . 17. A mirror for deflecting light from the first radial path to an axial path; a rotating prism that deflects light moving along the axial path into a second radial optical path; The second radial light path is parallel to the axis of rotation of this prism and The light from the first radial light path is transferred to the second radial light path. Scientifically coupled rotating prism; a member in the first radial optical path and optically connected to the mirror for transmitting an optical signal; The first optical element consists of a lens and an optical fiber. A configuration aligned with the first radial light path with a lens focusing on the end of the optical fiber. a first optical element; a second optical element in which the prism crosses a second optical element; Optically connects to the prism when in position to align with the prong-shaped optical path, and Each of the second optical elements 1- receives light from the lens and the second radial optical path. a second optical element consisting of an optical fiber with a lens that focuses the area on the Point: a shaft comprising said prism and rotating with said prism, said shaft passing through said mirror; pass through the mirror and rotate relative to this, and the path in the axial direction between the mirror and the prism An axis through which the light passing is in a column parallel to said axis: Holding said axis, said radiation means for aligning the shaped optical bus with one of the second optical elements; Means for rotating said shaft: Optical switch with