WO2008023049A1

WO2008023049A1 - Optical damping device

Info

Publication number: WO2008023049A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/058780
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georg Osterholt
Original assignee: Continental Automotive Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-08-25
Filing date: 2007-08-23
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: DE102006039959A1

Abstract

An optical damping device comprises along a predetermined extension direction stamps (6) disposed opposite and offset from each other, wherein two or more fiber- or cable-shaped optical fibers (2) can be disposed between said stamps along the predetermined extension direction.

Description

description

Optical damping device

The invention relates to an optical attenuation device, which is designed to generate an optical attenuation of light which can be guided in an optical waveguide.

There is a need for such an optical attenuation device, for example, for reducing a light intensity at a light receiver to prevent overmodulation of the light receiver or for checking an optical system for its functionality with increased attenuation.

US Pat. No. 7,035,523 B2 discloses a damping device for round-section fiber optic cables. The Dämp ^¬ tion device has a number of damping structures, which are arranged side by side. Each damper structure is configured to bend the fiber optic cable so that a signal carried in the fiber optic cable is attenuated. Furthermore, the damping structures are individually accessible and movable for setting a desired damping.

The object of the invention is to provide an optical Dämpfungsvor ^¬ direction, which is simple and can be generated by the attenuation in two or more light guides.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

The invention is characterized by an optical Dämp ^¬ tion device along a predetermined extension direction opposite each other and mutually offset stamps. Between the punches, two or more fiber or kabeiförmige optical fibers can be arranged side by side along the predetermined extension direction. The arrangement of the two or more optical fibers next to each other is to be understood here that they are arranged in an unbent state in a plane next to each other and parallel to each other. The invention is based on the finding that with strong curvature of the two or more light guides, a loss of light and thus an attenuation of light is produced, which can be guided in the respective light guide. This damping is generally undesirable. However, in the optical attenuation device, this property of optical fibers is used to selectively generate the attenuation. By the optical damping device, this damping is generated selectively by the stamp by generating a predetermined curvature of the two or more optical fibers. By the stamps are arranged offset from one another and the two or more optical fibers can be arranged with respect to their longitudinal direction in the predetermined direction of extension between the opposing punches, the optical damping device is designed for curving the optical fibers. For this purpose, a distance of the opposing stamp must be reduced so far that the two or more optical fibers are pressed by the mutually offset stamps transversely to its longitudinal direction and thereby curved.

The advantage is that such an optical Dämpfungsvorrich ^¬ tion is simple. The optical damping device is thereby formed in particular, tape-shaped cable, for ^{example, ¬} with a substantially rectangular cross-section, in which the two or more optical fibers are arranged side by side to record and to produce in each of the two or more optical fibers attenuation. A further advantage is that the optical damping device can be mounted or dismounted during operation of the two or more optical fibers. Separating an existing optical connection of the two or more optical fibers is thus not required for mounting or dismounting the optical attenuation device. This can be avoided ver ^¬ undesirable coupling losses such as those at an intermediate switching of a dampening tion element can arise in an optical path and also are not reproducible when the attenuator is repeatedly connected or disconnected. The attenuation producible by the optical attenuation device has an improved reproducibility. The damping can be easily reversed by dismantling the optical damping device.

The optical attenuator device is particularly suited to examining optical systems easy and reliable to their Leistungsfä ^¬ ability, that is, for example, by Überprü ^¬ fen the functioning of the optical system in the ge ^¬ genüber elevated normal operation damping. Furthermore, the optical attenuation device can be used to prevent overmodulation of a light receiver. This enables reliable signal transmission in the two or more optical fibers. Furthermore, the optical damping ^¬ device is very easy to install and disassembled by changing the distance of the opposing stamp. The damping is very easily predetermined by different degrees of curvature of the two or more light guides depending on a number of stamps and their distance from one another.

In an advantageous embodiment of the optical damping device, this comprises a first and a second body. The first and the second body are arranged opposite to each other and are arranged with respect to their distance to ^¬ each other movable. The first and second bodies each have one side, the other the other

Body facing, the respective stamp on. The advantage is that the optical damping device is characterized particularly simple and is particularly simple and ^{kostengüns ¬} tig produced and easy to handle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical damping device, the punches each comprise a curvature region, which faces the respective other body and which is curved along the predetermined extension direction in a predetermined radius. The advantage is that the two or more light guides are very easily bendable depending on the given radius and the damping is accordingly dependent on the given radius.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical damping device of the respective curvature region of the stamp is formed as a lateral surface of a cylinder longitudinal section which is so wide that the two or more ^juxtaposed light guide together in the respective curvature region of the stamp in a same radius depending on the given radius are bendable. This has the advantage that essentially the same attenuation can be generated in the two or more optical fibers.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical damping device, the number of punches on the first and on the second body is at least three. The punches are spaced from one another and parallel to one another in the predetermined extension direction at a predetermined interval. As a result, the punches on the two bodies are arranged offset from each other so that between each two punches of the one body, a punch of the other body is arranged. The predetermined interval is preferably set so that the stamp of the first and the second body adjacent to each other when the distance of the first and second body to one another ^¬ is minimal. The advantage is that the two or more optical fibers are curved in a wave-like manner when they are introduced along the predetermined extension direction between the punches of the first body and the punches of the second body. The respective light guide is there ^¬ deformed by depending on the number of stamp. This reliably achieves high attenuation values.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the optical damping device, the optical attenuation device comprises tion at least one coupling device for coupling the first and the second body. The at least one coupler ^¬ averaging device is formed for setting a presence of the stamp to the two or more light guides or the distance of the body pressure force to each other. The advantage is that since ^¬ is easily reproduced by the damping. The damping is dependent on the pressing force or the distance of the Kör ^¬ per mutually variable.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the schematic drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows an optical system,

FIG. 2 shows a light transmission diagram of a light guide,

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an optical damping device in an opened state,

Figure 4 is a side view of the optical damping device in a closed state and

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a ribbon with four optical fibers and a front view of the optical

Damping device in the open state.

Elements of the same construction or function are provided across the figures with the same reference numerals.

An optical system comprises a light source 1, a light ^¬ conductor 2 and a light receiver 3 (Figure 1). The light source 1 is arranged at a first end of the light guide 2 and the light receiver 3 is arranged at a second end of the light guide 2 opposite the first end.

Light emitted by the light source 1 couples into the light guide 2 at the first end. The coupled-in light is guided in the light guide 2 by total reflection at an ner ner surface of the light guide 2. The coupled light propagates in the light guide 2 from towards the second end. At the second end, the light is coupled out of the light guide 2 and is received by the light receiver 3. However, it is also possible that the light source 1 and the light receiver 3 are arranged together at the first end of the light guide 2 and at the second End of the light ^¬ conductor 2, a mirror element is provided for reflecting back the light toward the first end.

Figure 2 shows a light transmission diagram in which a light transmittance A of the light guide 2 is shown for in the light ^¬ conductor 2 feasible light depending on a bending or curvature of the light guide 2. With decreasing radius of curvature, that is with increasing curvature of the

Light guide 2, an attenuation of the achievable in the light guide 2 light increases by increasing loss of total reflection on the lateral surface of the light guide 2. The Lichtdurchlässig ^¬ ability A decreases accordingly.

This property of light guide 2 is used to Erzeu ^¬ gene of the damping by mounting an optical damping device, also referred to as a damping teaching ^¬ the can at which show an optical waveguide 2, or at a plurality of light guides 2. Figures 3 and 4 are Side view of the optical attenuation device and Figure 5 shows a front view of the optical attenuation device.

The optical attenuation device comprises a first body 4 and a second body 5. The first body 4 and the second body 5 are arranged opposite to each other. A distance D between the first body 4 and the second body 5 is adjustable. The first and second bodies 4,

5 each comprise on one side, which faces the respective other body, at least one stamp 6. The stamp

6 are arranged transversely to a predetermined extension direction of the optical damping device to the respective body. Preferably, the punches 6 are each on the first Body 4 and on the second body 5 at a predetermined interval spaced apart from each other and arranged parallel to each other. Further, the punch 6 at the ers ^¬ th body 4 along the predetermined direction of extension are overall genüber the punches 6 is arranged offset to the second body 5, so that in each case arranged a plunger 6 of the first body 4 between two punches 6 of the second body 5 ,

The punches 6 each comprise a curvature region, which faces the respective other body and which is curved in a predetermined radius R along the predetermined extent direction of the optical damping device. Preferably, the respective curvature region of the punches 6 is formed as a lateral surface of a cylinder longitudinal section with a width B. The width B is selected such that two or more juxtaposed light guides 2 are jointly in the respective curvature region in a same radius depending on the predetermined radius R bendable. The punches 6 may, for example, also have a groove 9 or another recess formed for receiving

Light guides 2. The respective curvature region is then formed in the groove 9, which has a width B '. The mush ^¬ te B 'is then selected accordingly so that the two or more juxtaposed light guide 2 together in the respective curvature region in an equal radius depending on the predetermined radius R are bendable.

The light guide 2 is formed, for example, fibrous. However, the light guide 2 may also be designed, for example, planar. Preferably, two or more optical fibers 2 are embedded in an enclosure 8. For example, four light guides 2 are embedded together in the enclosure 8 (Figure 5). However, it is also possible for more or less optical fibers 2 to be embedded together in the enclosure 8. For example, the light guides 2 in the envelope 8 form a band 7 with a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, you can also form a cable with a round cross-section, for example. Furthermore, however, the optical fiber 2 without the Enclosure 8 may be provided. The respective light guide 2 can be introduced in its longitudinal direction along the predetermined extension direction of the optical damping device between the first body 4 and the second body 5 and its stamper 6. Preferably, the respective light guide 2 can be introduced into the optical damping device without interrupting any optical connection that may exist thereon.

FIG. 3 shows the optical damping device in an opened state. In the opened state, the light guide 2 or the two or more light guides 2 are very easily introduced into the optical damping device. The distance D between the first body 4 and the second body 5 is reduced after the introduction of the optical fibers 2.

FIG. 4 shows the optical damping device in a closed state. In the closed state, the punches 6 press on the respective light guide 2 and deform them depending on the predetermined radius R of the respective one

Stamp 6, the predetermined interval of the punch 6 and from ^¬ dependent of the distance D of the first body 4 and the second body 5 to each other. Due to the staggered arrangement of the punches 6 relative to one another, in the closed state of the optical damping device the respective light guide 2 is curved in a wave-like manner.

The smaller the predetermined radius R of the punch 6, the stronger the curvature of the respective light guide 2 and the lower the light transmission A of the respective light guide 2 and thus the greater the attenuation of the light in the respective light guide 2 (FIG 2). Further, the damping is greater, the longer a distance of the deformation of the respective light guide 2, that is, the attenuation is greater, the more punch 6 has the op ^¬ table damping device. Further, the attenuation can be increased by reducing the distance D of the first body 4 and the second body 5 from each other or through Increasing a pressing force F of the ram 6 to the respective optical fiber 2. It should be noted that a mechanical strength of the respective light guide 2 is not exceeded ^¬ th. Preferably, the pressing force F, the distance D and the predetermined radius R are set and adjusted so that the respective light guide 2 is not damaged and the damping by opening the optical damping device is completely reversible. In particular, the predetermined radius R must not be too small to prevent damage to the respective optical fiber 2.

Due to a high pressure force F, a deformation of a cross section of the respective optical waveguide 2 can optionally be generated in addition to the curvature of the respective optical waveguide 2. This deformation of the cross section can result in an additional attenuation of the light which can be guided in the respective light guide. However, the pressing force F is preferably chosen so that the deformation of the cross section is completely reversible and the respective light guide 2 is not damaged.

Preferably, a coupling device is provided on the optical damping device, which is not shown for clarity. The coupling device is configured for coupling the first body 4 and the second body 5 and for adjusting the pressing force F or the ex ^¬ stands D. The coupling device may be formed by a clamp that holds together the first body 4 and the second body 5 and this fixed. The coupling device can also, for example, comprise one or more spacers which are arranged, for example, between the first body 4 and the second body 5 and the distance D Zvi ^¬ limit this rule. However, the coupling device may also be formed by a screwing device, for example, in which the distance D is variable by turning a screw and the desired distance D or the desired pressing force F can be adjusted thereby. A ^further possibility is to use the coupling device as to form a lever device, so that the optical damping device can be converted by operating the lever device in its open state or in its closed state and the desired distance D or ge ^¬ desired pressure force F is adjustable. However, the ^{Kopplungsvor ¬} direction can also be designed differently.

Claims

claims

1. Optical damping device with along a predetermined direction of extension opposite each other and mutually offset stamps (6), between which two or more fiber or kabeiförmige light guide (2) along the predetermined extension direction can be arranged side by side.

2. An optical damping device according to claim 1, comprising a first and a second body (4, 5), which are arranged opposite to each other and with respect to their distance (D) are mutually movable ^¬ Lich arranged and - each on one side, which faces the respective other body, the respective stamp (6).

3. Optical damping device according to claim 2, wherein the punch (6) each have a curvature region umfas ^¬ sen, which faces the respective other body and along the predetermined direction of extension in a predetermined radius (R) is curved.

4. An optical damping device according to claim 3, wherein the respective curvature region of the punches (6) is formed as a lateral surface of a cylinder longitudinal section which is so wide that the two or more ^juxtaposed light guide (2) together in the respective curvature region of Stamp (6) in an equal radius depending on the predetermined radius (R) are bendable.

5. Optical damping device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the number of punches (6) on the ers ^¬ th and on the second body (4, 5) is at least three and the punch (6) in the predetermined Extending direction are arranged spaced apart in a predetermined interval.

6. An optical damping device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising at least one coupling device for coupling the first and the second body (4, 5), which is designed to set a pressure force (F) of the punches (6). to the two or more optical fibers (2) or the distance (D) of the body to each other.