WO1992005460A1 - Commutateur de fibre optique - Google Patents

Commutateur de fibre optique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992005460A1
WO1992005460A1 PCT/US1991/006749 US9106749W WO9205460A1 WO 1992005460 A1 WO1992005460 A1 WO 1992005460A1 US 9106749 W US9106749 W US 9106749W WO 9205460 A1 WO9205460 A1 WO 9205460A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fiber
optical fiber
groove
disposed
switch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1991/006749
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jerald Dana Lee
Original Assignee
Bt&D Technologies Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bt&D Technologies Ltd. filed Critical Bt&D Technologies Ltd.
Priority to JP3516061A priority Critical patent/JPH06501572A/ja
Publication of WO1992005460A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992005460A1/fr

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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
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
    • G02B6/3834—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule
    • G02B6/3838—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides
    • G02B6/3839—Means for centering or aligning the light guide within the ferrule using grooves for light guides for a plurality of light guides
    • 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
    • G02B6/3546—NxM switch, i.e. a regular array of switches elements of matrix type constellation
    • 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
    • G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
    • G02B6/3582—Housing means or package or arranging details of the switching elements, e.g. for thermal isolation

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a switch for switching an optical fiber from a first to a second groove in response to a switching force and, in particular, to a switch in which the switching force is imposed directly on the fiber.
  • Switches permit optical paths within the network to be changed to allow for the information to be directed to a particular unit or units or even to bypass a particular unit. Switches for such uses must exhibit a high degree of reliability over many switch cycles, low insertion loss, low crosstalk, and short switch times.
  • United States Patent 4,407,562 (Young) optical fibers are secured in grooves disposed on the exterior surface of a movable housing. Displacement of the housing brings the faces of the fibers into and out of alignment with other arrays of fibers thereby to cause the switching action. Alignment of the movable housing with the casing in which it is disposed is effected using alignment grooves.
  • United States Patent 4,896,937 (Kraetsch et al.) provides two V-grooves, one in the cover and another in the base of a housing. The switching action is accomplished by moving a ferromagnetic strip to which a f ber is attached into position in one of the V-grooves.
  • United States Patent 4,759,597 mounts an optical fiber to a magnetic rocker arm.
  • the pivotal motion of the rocker arm moves the fiber between corresponding fibers secured in grooves respectively provided in an upper and a lower support slab.
  • an optical fiber switch having a repeatably low insertion loss, a relatively short switching time in which the switching action is accomplished by moving (in addition to the mass of the actuating element) only the relatively minimal mass of the fiber.
  • the present invention relates to an optical fiber switch comprising a base having a block portion thereon.
  • the block has a surface in which at least a first and a second groove are formed.
  • An optical fiber has a first predetermined portion of its length adjacent to its end face received in one of the grooves.
  • the axis of the fiber in this first predetermined portion thereof defines a predetermined positive angle with respect to the axis of the groove.
  • the fiber is biased by a biasing force acting on the optical fiber in a direction which urges the first predetermined portion of the fiber toward the bottom of the groove.
  • a second predetermined portion of the fiber spaced behind the first portion is mounted over an inclined ramp, thereby bending the portion of the fiber forwardly thereof.
  • the biasing force is generated by the bending of the fiber.
  • the surface of the ramp defines an angle with respect to the base that lies in a range from five (5) to fifteen (15) degr yees.
  • the ramp may be grooved, if desired.
  • a switching member is reciprocally movable with respect to the base from a first to a second position.
  • the motion of the switching member is generally transverse to the direction of the biasing force.
  • the switching member engages operatively against the fiber thereby to move the first predetermined portion thereof against the biasing force out of the one groove and into the other groove.
  • the biasing force acts thereupon to urge the first predetermined portion of the fiber toward the bottom of that other groove.
  • the switching member takes the form of a yoke connected via a rocker arrangement to an actuating solenoid. The yoke engages operatively against an intermediate portion of the fiber disposed between the ramp and grooved block.
  • a switch embodying the teachings of the present invention may be used in any one of several switching environments, such as a one-by-two switch, a two-by-two switch, or a crossover switch.
  • Figure 1A is a stylized perspective view of the elements of an optical fiber switch in accordance with the present invention from which the principles of operation thereof may be understood, the switching member being illustrated in a D first position and the fiber being illustrated as resident in a first groove:
  • Figure IB is a view similar to Figure 1A with the switching member being illustrated in a second position and the fiber being illustrated as resident in a second groove;
  • Figure 1C is a plan view of the switch shown in Figures 1A and IB, with the fiber being removed therefrom for clarity of illustration;
  • Figure ID is a side elevation view of the switch shown in Figure 1A with a portion thereof broken away, while Figure IE is an enlarged view of a portion Figure ID;
  • Figure IF is an elevation view taken along lines 1F-1F in Figure 1A;
  • Figure 2A is a view generally similar to Figure 1A of a portion of the switch there shown illustrating the extension of the principles of the switch in accordance with the present invention to an environment for switching multiple optical fibers, the switch being shown with the switching member in a first position and the movable fibers shown as each occupying a first groove, while Figure 2B is a view similar to Figure 2A with the switching member in a second position and the movable fibers each being switched into a second groove;
  • Figures 3A and 3B are views respectively similar to Figures 2A and 2B that illustrate the further extension of the principles of the switch in accordance with the present invention to a crossover switch arrangement for switching multiple optical fibers;
  • Figures 4A through 4C are diagrammatic views that illustrate the minimum spacing required between the arms of the yoke of the switching member for a two fiber switch as illustrated in Figure 2; and
  • Figures 5A through 5C are, respectively, a perspective, plan and side sectional views of the structure of a practical implementation of a switch in accordance with this invention.
  • Figures 1A through IF are highly stylized diagrammatic views of the basic elements of a switch 10 in accordance with the present invention. Although more detailed drawings of the structure of the switch 10 are presented hereinafter, the various views comprising Figure 1 are useful in clearly indicating the basic structure and operation of the switch 10.
  • the switch 10 is operative to switch at least one optical fiber 12 from a first position to at least a second position.
  • the fiber 12 may be arranged to optically communicate with a fixed optical fiber Fi or F2, as will be developed.
  • the movable fiber 12 may be either a single or a multimod ⁇ optical fiber and is typically fabricated of fused silica or plastic.
  • the fiber 12 has a predetermined diameter D.
  • the fiber 12 is illustrated in Figures 1A, IB, ID, IE and IF with the jacket thereof removed. Accordingly the diameter D represents the diameter of the fiber core plus its surrounding cladding. This diameter D, for a single mode fiber, is typically on the order of one hundred twenty five (125) micrometers.
  • the switch 10 includes a base 14 and a corresponding cover 16.
  • the cover 16 illustrated only schematically in
  • Figure ID is arranged in any convenient fashion for conjointure with the base 14.
  • the cover When joined to the base 14 the cover serves to enclose and thereby protect the elements of the switch 10.
  • the base 14 includes a block portion 18 located at a forward portion thereof.
  • the block 18 may be mounted on and secured to the base 14, or may be formed integrally therewith, as shown.
  • the block 18 has a top surface 18T, a front surface 18F, and a rear surface 18R.
  • the axial length of the block 18 is indicated by the reference character 18L ( Figure ID).
  • the top surface 18T has at least a respective first and a second open groove 20, 22, respectively, formed therein.
  • the grooves 20, 22 interrupt at least the rear surface 18R of the block 18 and extend axially along the block 18 for some predetermined axial distance. In most instances the grooves 20, 22 extend across the entire axial length 18L of the block 18 and thus also interrupt the front surface 18F thereof.
  • a planar median 18M may be defined between the adjacent grooves 20, 22, if desired.
  • the grooves 20, 22 are each generally V-shaped, with the sidewalk 20W ⁇ , 2OW2 and 22W ⁇ , 22 W2, as the case may be, of each groove tapering toward a pointed bottom 20B, 22B, respectively.
  • the grooves 20, 22 each have an axis 20A, 22A, respectively, extending therethrough.
  • the respective axis 20A, 22 A of each groove 20, 22 is collinear with the bottom thereof. 7
  • one sidewall of the groove adjacent each lateral extremity of the switch 10 extends a greater distance above the sidewalls of the grooves defined intermediate therebetween.
  • the precise location of the fiber 12 when the same is in each respective groove thereof is accomplished by the interaction of the fiber with the groove.
  • a V- shaped groove at least two point contact must be defined between the sidewalls of the grooves and the fiber for precise alignment of the fiber.
  • the bottoms 20B, 22B of the grooves 20, 22 each extend at least a predetermined depth into the block 18.
  • the grooves 20, 22 must extend to a depth so that the fiber is precisely aligned as a result of at least two point contact with the sidewalls of the grooves.
  • the grooves should extend into the block for a distance approximately equal to the radius of the fiber 12.
  • the depth 30 ( Figure IF) may be on the order of the fiber diameter D. Although it is not required, in practice, the depth dimension should be the same for all the grooves.
  • the fiber 12 has an end face 12E ( Figure IE), preferably defined by cleaving the fiber 12.
  • a suitable anti- reflection coating such as a one-quarter wavelength thick layer of magnesium flouride, is provided on the end face 12E.
  • the fiber 12 has a first predetermined portion 12F (perhaps best seen in Figures ID and IE) defined adjacent to the end face 12E thereof while a second predetermined portion 12R (perhaps best seen in Figure ID) is defined a predetermined distance rearwardly from the first portion 12F.
  • the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 may be viewed as that ponion of the fiber 12 extending between the rear surface 18R of the block 18 and the end face 12E.
  • the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 has a central axis 12A ( Figure IE) extending therethrough .
  • two stationary optical fibers F] , F2 are fixed in a manner such that they remain in place in a respective V-grooves 20, 22.
  • the stationary fibers Fi, F 2 may be secured to another block 30 (indicated in dot-dash lines in Figure ID) using a ultraviolet light curable resin such as that sold by Dymax Corporation,
  • the portion of the fixed fibers extending into the grooves 20, 22 is also secured into the block 18, with care being exercised to prevent the adhesive from reaching the region of the grooves into which the movable fibers are disposed.
  • the block 30 may be mounted on or formed integrally with the base 14.
  • the cleaved end faces of the fibers Fi , F2 may be provided with anti-reflection coatings, such as that discussed above.
  • one of the fixed fibers Fi or F2 may be omitted.
  • a first switch position ( Figure 1A) the first predetermined portion 12F of the fiber 12 is received within a first one of the grooves 20, 22, as the case may be.
  • the second switch position the same predetermined portion 12F of the fiber 12 is received within the other of the grooves 20, 22.
  • the end face 12E of the movable fiber 12 lies within a predetermined close distance 34 ( Figure IE) of the end face of the fixed fiber Fi , F2 (as the case may be) disposed in that groove.
  • the first portion 12F of each movable fiber 12 has an axial dimension such that, when the fiber is in any switch position, the end face 12E of the fiber lies within a groove, intermediate the surfaces 18F and 18R of the block 18.
  • the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 has an axial length typically between 0.25 millimeters and 0.40 millimeters when the axial length 18L of the block is on the order of 1.5 millimeters.
  • the gap 34 is on the order of approximately sixty-five (65) micrometers.
  • the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 may have an axial length such that, when the fiber is in either switch position, the end face 12E of the fiber 12 and some region of the first portion 12F projects from the groove in which it is disposed beyond the face 18F of the / block 18.
  • the projecting end 12E of the fiber 12 may be placed in optical communication with either another fiber or with any active or passive opto-elect ⁇ onic device.
  • the hypothetical fiber or the hypothetical opto-electronic device is suitably supported by any convenient expedient.
  • the support arrangement for the fiber or the device may be attached to or made integral with the base 14.
  • the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 may have an axial length such that, when the fiber is in either switch position, the end face 12E of the fiber lies coplanar with the surface 18F of the block 18.
  • either the hypothetical optical fiber or the hypothetical opto-electronic device may be secured to the surface 18F of the block 18, either directly or by a suitable mounting arrangement.
  • the support pedestal 38 Secured to the base 14 a predetermined distance 36 (Figure ID) from the block 18 is a support pedestal 38.
  • the support pedestal 38 may be mounted on and secured to the base 14 or may be formed integrally therewith, as is illustrated.
  • the support pedestal 38 has a generally inclined ramp surface 40R and a frontal surface 40F thereon.
  • the ramp surface 40R serves to develop a biasing force in the fiber 12. This function is best served if the ramp surface 40S is inclined at a predetermined angle 42, measured as shown in Figure ID. In practice the angle 42 lies in the range from five (5) to fifteen (15) degrees.
  • the second predetermined portion 12R of the movable fiber 12 extends over the ramp surface 40S.
  • the ramp surface 40S may be provided with a groove 44 in which the second portion 12R of the fiber 12 is received.
  • the contact point at which the fiber 12 last touches the frontal surface 40F of the pedestal 38 is indicated by the reference character 46.
  • the portion of the fiber 12 extending past the contact point 46 to the end face 12E is termed the "free length" of the fiber.
  • the fiber 12 is secured in the groove 44 (or on die ramp surface 40S of the pedestal) at least in the vicinity of the contact point 46. Any suitable expedient, such as one of the adhesives mentioned earlier, may be used.
  • the adhesive is indicated by the reference character 48 ( Figures 1A and IB).
  • the contact point 46 lies a predetermined offset distance 50 above the bottom of the grooves 20, 22.
  • the axis 12A of the portion 12F of the fiber 12 defines a . predetermined angle 52 ( Figure IE) with respect to the axis 20A, 22A (as appropriate) of the groove 20, 22.
  • the angle 52 must be positive (i.e., above a reference plane P that is disposed parallel to the surface of the base 14 and includes the axis of the groove) and is related to the clearance distance 36, the offset distance 50 and the pedestal angle 42 in accordance with the small angle approximation (in radians):
  • the angle 52 is on the order of one (1) degree.
  • the axes of the fixed fibers Fi, F2 are arranged parallel to the axis of the groove in which they are disposed. However, it should be understood that the axes of the fixed fibers Fi, F2 may also be inclined with respect to the axis of the grooves, similar to the inclination of the movable fiber 12. This condition is suggested in Figure IE. To this end, it may be desirable to slightly incline the block 30 ( Figure ID) in order to cause a bending in the fibers and thereby to obtain a biasing force thereon similar to the biasing force 56 imposed on the movable fibers, as will be discussed. This alternative arrangement eliminates the adhesive attachment of the fixed fibers in the grooves of the block 18.
  • the fiber 12 bends throughout its free length with the curvature being largest closer to the pedestal 38. This bending of the fiber 12 serves to impose a biasing force acting on the first portion 12F thereof.
  • the biasing force acts in a direction 56 urging the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 toward the bottom of the respective groove in which it is disposed.
  • the biasing force thus acts in a direction 56 that is oriented generally perpendicularly to the top surface 18T of the block 18.
  • a switching member diagrammatically indicated by the reference character 62, is operatively connected ( Figure IB) to an actuator 64 for reciprocating movement with respect to the base 14 in opposed directions 66A, 66B.
  • the reciprocating motion of the switching member 62 in the directions 66A, 66B is in a direction generally transverse to the direction 56 of the biasing force and to the axis of the grooves 20, 22.
  • the switching member 62 is disposed in the clearance space 36 provided between the block 18 and the pedestal 38, preferably as close to the rear surface 18R of the block 18 as possible. Structural details of the preferred form of the switching member 62 and the actuator 64 are set forth hereinafter.
  • the switching member 62 takes the form of a yoke having a crossbar 70 and a first and a second arm 72A, 72B thereon.
  • the arms 72A, 72B are spaced apart a distance 74 sufficient to accept and to act against a portion of the intermediate region 121 of the fiber 12, that is, the region of the fiber intermediate the pedestal 38 and the block 18.
  • the spacing 74 is such that the arms 72A, 72B do not contact the fiber, other than when imparting a switching force thereto.
  • a more precise definition of the spacing 74 between the arms 72A, 72B as well as a discussion of the the distance of travel of the switching yoke 62 is given hereinafter.
  • the motion of the switching yoke 62 is limited by a suitable abutment arrangement, also to be described, diagrammatically illustrated in Figure IB by the reference character 76.
  • the abutment arrangement 76 needs to be only coarsely aligned inasmuch as it is not responsible for precise alignment of the optical fiber. As noted, precise alignment of the fiber is accomplished by the V- grooves.
  • the switching action of the switch 10 of the present invention may be more fully understood.
  • the switching member 62 With the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 disposed in the first groove 20, the switching member 62 is displaced by the actuator 64 in an initial direction 66A.
  • the arm 72A is thus brought into engagement with the portion of the intermediate region 121 of the fiber 12 lying close to the block 18. The switching force is thus transferred by the arm 72A to the fiber 12.
  • the camming reaction between the sidewall 20W2 of the groove 20 and the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 causes the same to be lifted out of the first groove 20.
  • the lifting motion is indicated by the character 78 and occurs against the action of the biasing force 56.
  • Continued motion of the switching member 62 in the direction 66A causes the fiber 12 to transverse the median 18M (if provided) and brings the first portion 12F of the fiber 12 into the mouth of the other groove 22.
  • the biasing force acting in the direction 56 urges the portion 12F of the fiber 12 toward the bottom 22B of the other groove 22. This motion is indicated by the character 80.
  • the end 12E of the fiber 12 thereby travels along a generally semicircular path from its position of repose in the first groove 20 (Figure 1A) to its position of repose in the second groove 22 ( Figure IB).
  • the ratcheting motion caused by the re-seating of the biased fiber 12 into the bottom of the adjacent groove as the fiber 12 is traversed across the block 18 provides a detent action that positively places the fiber into a succeeding groove.
  • the switching force is transmitted by the switching member 62 directly to the fiber 12.
  • This circumstance is to be distinguished from the mechanical switch arrangements of the prior art in which the switching force is applied to the member on which the fiber is attached. Since only the mass of the actuator and the relatively less massive fiber is being displaced, the switching action in accordance with the present invention may be effected with relatively high switching speed, on the order of about two milliseconds.
  • the angle 42 of the ramp surface 40S, and the offset distance 50 must be sized to provide sufficient force to overcome friction between the fused silica optical fiber and the material of the block 18 without breaking or cracking the optical fiber under bending stress. In the preferred embodiment it has been found that if the free length is about 1.4 centimeters, the offset distance 50 should be about 0.066 centimeters above the V-groove when the angle 42 of the ramp is about ten (10) degrees.
  • the block 18 has three V-shaped grooves 20, 22, and 24 provided therein.
  • the axes of the grooves 20, 22 and 22 are each spaced apart a distance 32 that is on the order of the diameter D of the movable fibers 12, 12'.
  • Two stationary optical fibers Fi , F2 are again fixed so as to remain in place in two of the V-grooves 20, 22.
  • Two movable optical fibers 12, 12' are mounted on the ramp surface 40S of the support pedestal 38 (not shown in Figure 2B) in respective grooves 44, 44' thereon.
  • the fibers 12, 12' are thus each bent and, in the manner discussed in connection with Figure 1, a biasing force 56, 56' is thereby generated urging the first portion 12F, 12F of each of the fibers 12, 12' into the respective first V-grooves 20, 22.
  • the end faces 12E, 12E' of the fibers 12, 12' lie aligned with each other and are also positioned in confrontational relationship with the cleaved ends of the fixed fibers Fi , F2.
  • the actuator 64 is asserted, and the arm 72A of the switching member 62 engages the fiber 12. Since the grooves are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the diameter D of the movable fibers 12, 12', as the fiber 12 begins a semicircular movement (Figure IF, Figure 4) similar to that discussed above the first portion 12F of the first fiber 12 abuts against the second fiber 12' (see, Figure 4 A, 4B). This abutting action transmits the switching force to the second fiber 12' and causes the same to begins its semicircular motion. In this manner each fiber 12, 12' is moved into an adjacent groove. The displacement of the switching member 62 is again limited by the abutment arrangement 76 ( Figure 2B). Again it is noted that the abutment arrangement 76 needs to be only coarsely aligned inasmuch as precise alignment of the respective movable and fixed fibers is accomplished by the V- grooves.
  • Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a yet further modification to the embodiment of Figures 1A and IB.
  • the block 18 has four grooves 20, 22, 24, and 26.
  • An additional crossover fiber 90 is disposed in a crossover switch configuration.
  • a crossover switch configuration is useful to bypass an inoperative node in a network.
  • One end 90E ⁇ of the fiber 90 is secured into the groove 26, as by mounting the same to the block 30, such that the cleaved end face 90E ⁇ thereof is in alignment with the end faces of the other stationary fibers F_, F2.
  • the cleaved end face 90E ⁇ may have an anti-reflection coating thereon.
  • the fiber 90 is looped and inclines over the ramp surface 40S, thereby imparting a bend thereto and generating a biasing force imposed on the end 90E 2 th Iereof.
  • a groove 44" may be provided on the ramp surface 40S to receive the fiber 90.
  • the portion of the fiber 90 near to the end 90E2 thereof, the fiber 12, and the fiber 12' move as a group from groove to groove, in a manner directly analagous to that plural movable fiber embodiment already discussed in connection with Figure 2.
  • the disposition of the group of fibers when moved to a switched state is illustrated in Figure 3B.
  • FIGS. 4A through 4C shown are diagrammatic illustrations of the considerations attendent upon the spacing 74 between the arms 72A, 72B of the yoke 62 and the distance of travel thereof.
  • two movable fibers 12, 12' each having a diameter D, arranged in a two fiber switching arrangement ( Figures 2A and 2B).
  • Tin practice the fiber 12 must be pushed past the top of the adjacent groove by an amount E so that it will slide down the incline of the sidewall of the adjacent groove against friction. Adding all the length segments, it is clear that the minimum practical spacing 74 of the yoke 62 is given by the relationship:
  • the displacement distance of the yoke is indicated in Figure 4.
  • the starting and ending positions of the yoke are selected for reliable switching operation.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the manner in which a switch 10 in accordance herewith may be implemented in an on-off configuration or in a 1x2 configuration.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the implementation of the switch of the present invention in a 2x2 configuration.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a crossover bypass switch configuration. Extensions to other switch configurations should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C shown are perspective, plan and side sectional views of a practical implementation of a switch in accordance with the invention.
  • the above-discussed elements of the switch 10 are molded integrally within a housing generally indicated by the character 110 from a polyester engineering thermoplastic resin material such as that manufactured and sold by E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and sold under the trademark "Rynite".
  • the housing 110 has an upstanding sidewall 112 that surrounds and encloses the base 14.
  • the top of the sidewall 112 has a groove
  • the cover 16 (not shown) is configured to close all open areas of the switch housing 110 shown in Figure 5A, and thereby protects the interior of the switch.
  • the cover is glued in place, using any suitable adhesive, such as the adhesive sold by Loctite Corporation, sold as product number 404.
  • the blocks 18 and 30, the pedestal 38 and the other of the elements above described are integrally formed with the base 14. 5
  • the sidewall 112 is interrupted at opposed ends thereof by a first and a second fiber support shelf 116, 118, respectively.
  • Each shelf is grooved, as at 116G, 118G, and respectively defines a support platform whereby the movable - 1 0 fibers 12, 12' and the fixed fibers Fi , F 2 may enter the switch housing 110.
  • the fibers are glued to the shelves 116, 118 (e. g., using the last-mentioned adhesive) and a strain relief heat shrink tubing used thereover.
  • transition pedestal 120 is disposed • adjacent to the pedestal 38.
  • the transition pedestal 120 is grooved, as at 122G, with the grooves bending toward the inlets -of the grooves 44 on the ramp surface 40S.
  • transition pedestal 120 is to provide a space within the body of the switch 10 wherein the stripped fibers 12, 12' may be arranged prior to their introduction onto the ramp surface 40S. Since the fixed fibers Fi, F2 also enter the housing with their jackets in place, a transition pedestal 122 adjacent to the
  • support plate 118 serves a similar function for these fibers.
  • a gap 124 is defined between the block 30 and the block 18. This gap 124 prevents epoxy adhesive from flooding the grooved surface of the block 18. 3 0
  • a pocket 130 is formed on the interior of the housing 110.
  • the actuator 64 ( Figures 5B, 5C) is received in the pocket 130.
  • the actuator 64 is preferably implemented using a solenoid actuator such as that manufactured by Aromat
  • the actuator 64 includes a bar 132 that is pivotally mounted on a rod 134. Energization of the coils of the actuator causes motion of the bar 132 in the opposed directions 134A, 134B.
  • Attached to the bar 132 is a generally L-shaped bracket 136.
  • the long side 136L of the bracket 136 is attached to the bar 132 by any suitable means of attachment.
  • the short leg 136S of the bracket 136 has a cutout that serves to define the yoke shaped switching member 62 illustrated in the other drawing Figures.
  • the opposed reciprocating motions 134A, 134B of the bar 132 when transmitted to the bracket 136, impart the generally transverse switching motions 66A, 66B of the switching member 62.
  • the abutment arrangement 76 limiting the motion of the switching member 62 is defined by a pair of locating screws 140A, MOB.
  • the screws 140A, HOB are threaded through the sidewall 112 of the housing 110, and act against the surface of the long arm 136L of the bracket 136.
  • the adjustable screws 140A, 140B are provided to accommodate tolerances introduced during the manufacture of the switch. With tighter manufacturing control it may be possible to use fixed surfaces on theinterior ofthe housing as the abutments surfaces.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Commutateur (10) de fibre optique dans lequel la force de commutation est appliquée directement à la fibre (12). Une force de sollicitation, générée par une courbure de la fibre (12), est exercée sur la fibre (12) dans une direction tendant à pousser ladite fibre vers le fond (20 B) d'une première rainure (20). La force de commutation est appliquée transversalement par rapport à la direction de la force de sollicitation et fait sortir la fibre (12) de la première rainure (20) pour la faire passer dans une seconde rainure adjacente. Lorsque la fibre est dans la seconde rainure (22), la force de sollicitation exercée sur la fibre pousse ladite fibre vers le fond (22 B) de la seconde rainure (22).
PCT/US1991/006749 1990-09-24 1991-09-24 Commutateur de fibre optique WO1992005460A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP3516061A JPH06501572A (ja) 1990-09-24 1991-09-24 光ファイバスイッチ

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US58682290A 1990-09-24 1990-09-24
US586,822 1990-09-24

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WO1992005460A1 true WO1992005460A1 (fr) 1992-04-02

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PCT/US1991/006749 WO1992005460A1 (fr) 1990-09-24 1991-09-24 Commutateur de fibre optique

Country Status (5)

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EP (1) EP0550593A4 (fr)
JP (1) JPH06501572A (fr)
AU (1) AU8630391A (fr)
CA (1) CA2091466A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1992005460A1 (fr)

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EP0569981A1 (fr) * 1992-05-15 1993-11-18 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Limited Commutateur optique, dispositif de distribution de fibres optiques et procédé du dispositif de distribution de fibres optiques
EP0595338A2 (fr) * 1992-10-29 1994-05-04 Hughes Aircraft Company Système d'éclairage réparti à commandes sur les fibres optiques
EP0640857A1 (fr) * 1993-08-25 1995-03-01 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Commutateur optique
FR2713166A1 (fr) * 1993-12-03 1995-06-09 Bosch Gmbh Robert Instrallation d'éclairage de véhicule automobile dont l'unité de distribution de la lumière produit un éclairage accentué dans la direction de circulation.
CN114415299A (zh) * 2022-03-30 2022-04-29 深圳市埃尔法光电科技有限公司 一种光纤信号直导式光模块

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US4911520A (en) * 1988-10-20 1990-03-27 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Fiber optic switch and method of making same
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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0569981A1 (fr) * 1992-05-15 1993-11-18 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Limited Commutateur optique, dispositif de distribution de fibres optiques et procédé du dispositif de distribution de fibres optiques
US5446810A (en) * 1992-05-15 1995-08-29 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Optical switch, optical fiber arranging member and method of manufacturing the optical fiber arranging member
EP0595338A2 (fr) * 1992-10-29 1994-05-04 Hughes Aircraft Company Système d'éclairage réparti à commandes sur les fibres optiques
EP0595338A3 (fr) * 1992-10-29 1995-02-01 Hughes Aircraft Co Système d'éclairage réparti à commandes sur les fibres optiques.
US5434756A (en) * 1992-10-29 1995-07-18 Hughes Aircraft Company Distributed lighting system with fiber optic controls
EP0640857A1 (fr) * 1993-08-25 1995-03-01 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Commutateur optique
US5483608A (en) * 1993-08-25 1996-01-09 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Optical switch for switching plural optical fibers
FR2713166A1 (fr) * 1993-12-03 1995-06-09 Bosch Gmbh Robert Instrallation d'éclairage de véhicule automobile dont l'unité de distribution de la lumière produit un éclairage accentué dans la direction de circulation.
CN114415299A (zh) * 2022-03-30 2022-04-29 深圳市埃尔法光电科技有限公司 一种光纤信号直导式光模块

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH06501572A (ja) 1994-02-17
AU8630391A (en) 1992-04-15
EP0550593A1 (fr) 1993-07-14
CA2091466A1 (fr) 1992-03-25
EP0550593A4 (en) 1993-07-28

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