Matrix switch

Details Matrix switch Matrix switch

1999-09-29

2001-07-03

Ben, Loha (Department: 2873)

Optical waveguides

With optical coupler

Switch

C385S016000, C385S025000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06256429

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a matrix switch for optical fibers.
For connecting optical fiber conductors, matrix switches are known with which N optical input channels can be switched at will to M optical output channels. The number of the glass fibers to be switched depends on the particular field of application. In the field of telecommunications, matrix switches with a multiplicity of input and output channels are used.
Mechanical matrix switches are known in which mirrors or prisms are moved with great precision. Switches based on arrangements of mirrors or prisms require a very stable, precise construction. In particular an accurate movement of the microoptical components is necessary. The precision required for acceptable optical attenuation values is generally associated with high technological costs.
In a known system for switching optical glass fiber conductors, the fibers are aligned with each other whereby XYZ manipulators connect single or multiple plugs with each other. While an effective and stable connection between the glass fibers is thereby established, the joining of glass fibers via plugs makes a large mechanical expense and expensive control mechanisms necessary in order to ensure exactness of adjustment for the plug insertion procedure.
The known thermooptical matrix switches make sense only for small N×M arrangements since the losses are great and production is expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to create a matrix switch for optical fibers which has a relatively simple and compact construction and allows switching of the optical fibers with high precision and relatively short switch times.
The solution of this object takes place according to the invention with the features of the appended claims.
The following assignment of the concepts “input” and “output” serves only to describe the geometrical arrangement. Each optical fiber is able to transport an input signal and/or (bi-directional) an output signal. Also the terms “rows” and “columns” are to be understood such that the input and output slides are arranged exactly at right angles to each other. The sole decisive factor is that the slides on their tracks cross each other.
The slides which can be displaced in the direction of the row and columns, preferably have an elongated shape and can, for example, be configured as bars or rods.
For positioning the slides to which the input and output optical fibers are fastened, an arrangement of stops is provided in the rows and columns. This positioning arrangement allows the advance path of the slides on the output side to be limited so that they are fastened precisely in the position in which the input optical fibers can be connected to the optical fibers of the output slides.
In addition, the input and/or output slides have stops which are arranged such that the input or output slides are fastened in the position in which the input optical connector is precisely aligned with the output optical fiber.
According to the specifications of a certain switching procedure through the positioning arrangement, the optical fibers can be switched through the output slides being advanced to the stops of the positioning arrangement. To this end the positioning arrangement is advantageously arranged in the end range of the output slides. In this may, the coupling position is precisely fixed. Step motors or the like with which a certain advance path can be specified are not necessary.
However, it is also conceivable for the positioning arrangement not to be arranged in the end range but rather below the output slides, for example in the area where the coupling of the optical fibers takes place. For this purpose, the output slides advantageously have additional stops which project into the plane of the stops of the positioning arrangement, by which means the advance of these slides can be limited.
In a preferred embodiment, the stops of the input or output slides are configured as stop elements with complementary partial contours which serve for the fine adjustment of the slides. Since the partial contours of the stops mesh, the matrix switch is largely insensitive to jarring. Even if the input slides should not be precisely aligned with the output slides the latter are brought through the partial contours, even if they are offset to one side, into a position in which the input optical fibers are aligned precisely with the output optical fibers.
The stop elements of the input slides preferably have a U- or V-shaped contour and the stop elements of the output slides have a corresponding U- or V-shaped groove. For stop elements of the input slides, circular or semicircular contours are also conceivable which fit into corresponding U-shaped grooves. The side flanks of the groove form guide surfaces for the stop elements of the input slides.
In a further preferred embodiment form, the ends of the input and output optical fibers are arranged in fiber holders with the same exterior contour whereby the fiber holders of the output optical fibers are arranged in channel-shaped depressions of stops projecting into the plane of the input slides. The fiber holders of the output optical fibers are arranged in the channel-shaped depressions of the stops such that the section of the groove which projects into the plane of the input slides, receives the fiber holders of the input optical fibers. Since both the input optical fibers and the output optical fibers are positioned by the same groove structure, the glass fibers are aligned with each other optimally.
Preferably the stops are a one-piece component of the slides. Thus, for example, projections which receive the optical fibers can be configured on the slides. The stops, however, can also be formed by the fiber holders themselves.
In an advantageous configuration, the stops of the input and/or output slides are spring-mounted to the slides to dampen the impact on coupling. In the static condition, the force of these springs between slides and stop is equal to the force with which the input slide presses against the output slide.
As a result of the stops spring-mounted to the slides, the stops can yield to the centering forces acting transversely to the advance direction of the slides. A simple centering is also possible, however, if the slides themselves have a certain flexibility or are moved in such manner that slight lateral movements are possible.
The positioning arrangement advantageously has electromagnetic, thermoelectrical, piezoelectric, or pneumatic drive elements for activation of the stops. With the drive elements, the stops can be switched back and forth between two bistable positions, i.e., overlapping into the advance path of the slides or out of the advance path. Here the precision of movement is of no significance for the switching performance of the matrix. Bolts, pins, plates, or the like can be used, by way of example, as stops.
The number of drive elements which are required for activating the slide is advantageously reduced in that the slides are spring-loaded in the switch position. The spring elements have the advantage that the slides interlock with a defined initial tension. In this advantageous embodiment form, selectable drive elements need be provided only for withdrawal of the slide into the starting position.
If the slides are spring-loaded, in theory only one input and one output drive element are necessary whereby the two drive elements activate all input and output slides. The two drive elements for the input and the output side can, for example, be configured as comb-like rakes or cylinders which catch corresponding engagement elements such as hooks or teeth on the tracks. While this embodiment form has a particularly simple design, it is disadvantageous however, that all connections must be undone for reconfiguration.
If only the coupling regions which are to be switched are to be loosened, the contact elements can be configured such that they can be switched between a position in which they are engaged with the drive elements and a positio

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