optical switch

Abstract

The present application discloses an optical switch, which includes: multiple layers of collimators, each layer of collimators including first to fourth collimators, wherein in each layer of collimators, the first collimator and the third collimator, and the second collimator and the fourth collimator are respectively arranged opposite each other; an optical path switching element, wherein the optical path switching element has a corresponding stop position in each layer of collimators, and the optical path switching element can be selectively located at the stop position of one of the collimators of the layer. When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of the layer, the first collimator and the second collimator, and the third collimator and the fourth collimator of the collimator of the layer are respectively optically coupled; when the optical path switching element is not located at the stop position of the collimator of the layer, the first collimator and the third collimator, and the second collimator and the fourth collimator of the collimator of the layer are respectively optically coupled. The optical switch of the present application has the advantages of small size, good switching synchronization characteristics, fast switching speed, low energy consumption and low transmission loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical switch. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the optical communication industry, optical communications have evolved from single-wavelength to multi-wavelength, and from single-channel to multi-channel. Consequently, optical path switching has become increasingly complex. In particular, optical path transceivers, including optical transmission modules, are increasingly inclined to transmit and switch multiple optical paths simultaneously, requiring the use of multiple optical switches to switch optical paths simultaneously.

[0003] Among existing optical switches, mechanical optical switches dominate the market due to their low price, high switching channel count, and mature application. Mechanical optical switches are categorized by channel switching method, typically in 1×1, 1×2, and 2×2 configurations. Other optical switches with multi-channel switching capabilities utilize stacked, cascaded, or combined optical switches from these configurations to enable simultaneous switching of optical paths across multiple optical switches. While this stacked, cascaded, or combined configuration can achieve the desired optical switching functionality across multiple optical switches, it inevitably introduces drawbacks and limitations, such as bulky structure, poor synchronization, slow switching speed, high power consumption, and high transmission loss, making it unable to meet market demand. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an optical switch, including a multi-layer collimator and an optical path switching element, which overcomes the shortcomings of existing optical switches that realize simultaneous optical switching of multiple optical path channels, such as large size, poor synchronization characteristics, slow switching speed, high power consumption, and large transmission loss.

[0005] The purpose of this application is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0006] An optical switch comprises: a multilayer collimator, each layer of collimators comprising first to fourth collimators, wherein in each layer of collimators, the first collimator is arranged opposite to the third collimator, and the second collimator is arranged opposite to the fourth collimator; an optical path switching element, wherein the optical path switching element has a corresponding stop position in each layer of collimators and the optical path switching element can be selectively located at the stop position of one of the collimators of the layer; when the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of the layer, the first and second collimators of the collimator of the layer are optically coupled, and the third and fourth collimators of the collimator of the layer are optically coupled; when the optical path switching element is not located at the stop position of the collimator of the layer, the first and third collimators of the collimator of the layer are optically coupled, and the second and fourth collimators of the collimator of the layer are optically coupled.

[0007] Preferably, in each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the first collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator, and the optical axis of the third collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator; or, in each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the first collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the second collimator, and the optical axis of the third collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fourth collimator.

[0008] Preferably, each layer of collimators further includes the fifth to eighth collimators, the fifth collimator is arranged opposite to the seventh collimator, and the sixth collimator is arranged opposite to the eighth collimator; when the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator and the sixth collimator of the collimator of this layer are optically coupled, and the seventh collimator and the eighth collimator are optically coupled; when the optical path switching element is not located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator of the collimator of this layer are optically coupled, and the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator are optically coupled.

[0009] Preferably, in each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the fifth collimator coincides with the optical axis of the seventh collimator, and the optical axis of the sixth collimator coincides with the optical axis of the eighth collimator; the optical axis of the first collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator, the optical axis of the third collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the fifth collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the sixth collimator, and the optical axis of the seventh collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the eighth collimator; the optical axis of the first collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fifth collimator; the first to eighth collimators in the multi-layer collimator have the same setting method.

[0010] Preferably, when the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the optical path switching element is located between the first collimator and the third collimator of the collimator of this layer, between the second collimator and the fourth collimator, between the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator, and between the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator.

[0011] Preferably, when the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the first collimator and the third collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the second collimator and the fourth collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element.

[0012] Preferably, the optical switch further comprises a shell, the shell having a accommodating cavity and opposite first and third side walls, opposite second and fourth side walls, the first collimator and the second collimator are arranged at the mounting hole of the first side wall of the shell, the fifth and sixth collimators are arranged at the mounting hole of the second side wall of the shell, the third and fourth collimators are arranged at the mounting hole of the third side wall of the shell, the seventh and eighth collimators are arranged at the mounting hole of the fourth side wall of the shell, and the optical path switching element is arranged in a liftable manner in the accommodating cavity of the shell.

[0013] Preferably, when the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, after the light beam undergoes one or two vertical total reflections, the first collimator and the second collimator of the collimator of this layer realize optical path coupling, the third collimator and the fourth collimator realize optical path coupling, the fifth collimator and the sixth collimator realize optical path coupling, and the seventh collimator and the eighth collimator realize optical path coupling.

[0014] Preferably, the optical path switching element is a combined multi-faceted reflective mirror or a combined multi-faceted reflective prism.

[0015] Preferably, the optical path switching element is a combined multi-faceted reflecting prism, and the optical switch also includes an optical path compensation element, which is arranged on the upper surface and lower surface in the moving direction of the optical path switching element and can be selectively located at the stop position of one layer of collimators. When the optical path compensation element or the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator layer, the light beam passing through has the same equivalent optical path.

[0016] Preferably, the optical path compensation element is a glass brick.

[0017] Preferably, the optical switch further comprises a lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism is used to drive the optical path switching element to selectively move to a stop position of one layer of collimators.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a relay and a connecting rod, the optical path switching element is arranged on the connecting rod, and the relay drives the end of the connecting rod where the optical path switching element is arranged to rise and fall.

[0019] Preferably, the optical switch comprises two layers of collimators.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application include at least:

[0021] The present application discloses an optical switch including a multi-layer collimator and an optical path switching element, which can realize the switching of the optical path channels of the multi-layer collimator through the optical path switching element. The above-mentioned optical switch has the beneficial effects of small size, good switching synchronization characteristics, fast switching speed, low energy consumption and low transmission loss during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of an optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of an optical switch in another working state;

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of another optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of an optical switch in another working state;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a double-layer structure of an optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of another optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of an optical switch in another working state;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of another optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a single-layer structure of an optical switch in another working state;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of another optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Diagram:

[0034] 1. Multi-layer collimator; 11. First collimator; 12. Second collimator; 13. Third collimator; 14. Fourth collimator; 15. Fifth collimator; 16. Sixth collimator; 17. Seventh collimator; 18. Eighth collimator; 2. Optical path switching element; 3. Housing; 31. Accommodating cavity; 4. Lifting mechanism; 41. Relay; 42. Connecting rod; 5. Optical path compensation element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Below, the present application is further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. It should be noted that, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0036] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical switch, comprising: a multilayer collimator 1 and an optical path switching element 2.

[0037] Each layer of collimators includes a first collimator 11 to a fourth collimator 14 . In each layer of collimators, the first collimator 11 is disposed opposite to the third collimator 13 , and the second collimator 12 is disposed opposite to the fourth collimator 14 .

[0038] The optical path switching element 2 has a corresponding stop position in each layer of collimators, and the optical path switching element 2 can be selectively located at the stop position of one layer of collimators. When the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 of the collimator of this layer realize optical path coupling, and the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 realize optical path coupling; when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 of the collimator of this layer realize optical path coupling, and the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 realize optical path coupling.

[0039] Thus, the optical path channels of the multi-layer collimator 1 can be switched through a single optical path switching element 2. The optical switch of this embodiment is simple in structure and much smaller in size than other conventional optical switches that use stacking or cascading. Because there is no need for stacking or cascading between multiple optical switches, the switching synchronization characteristics of each optical path channel are good and the switching speed is fast. The energy consumption of the optical switch is low during use, and the light beam transmission loss through the optical switch is small.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, it can be configured such that, in each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator 11 coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator 13, the optical axis of the second collimator 12 coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14, the optical axis of the first collimator 11 is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator 12, and the optical axis of the third collimator 13 is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14. The coincidence of the optical axes between the collimators reduces the loss of the light beam transmitted through the collimators. When the optical axes of the collimators are arranged in parallel, the optical path switching element 2 of the optical switch can use a simple multi-faceted reflective optical element such as a multi-faceted reflective mirror, further reducing the size of the optical switch.

[0041] Or, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator 11 coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator 13, the optical axis of the second collimator 12 coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14, the optical axis of the first collimator 11 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the second collimator 12, and the optical axis of the third collimator 13 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14. The coincidence of the optical axes between the collimators reduces the loss of the light beam transmitted through the collimators. When the collimators are arranged perpendicularly, the optical path switching element 2 of the optical switch can use a simple multi-faceted reflective optical element such as a double-sided reflective mirror, further reducing the size of the optical switch.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a specific application, the current layer adopts a 2×2 collimator optical switch, wherein the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 are arranged opposite to each other, and the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 1 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the stop position of the 2×2 collimator, the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 can be achieved, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 is achieved, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the second collimator 12.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the 2×2 collimator, the light beam undergoes two vertical total reflections, and then the optical paths of the first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 are coupled, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; after the light beam undergoes two vertical total reflections, the optical paths of the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 are coupled, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the third collimator 13. Similarly, due to the reversibility of the optical path, the light beam can also be transmitted in the reverse direction through the second collimator 12 to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14, and in the reverse direction through the third collimator 13 to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in a specific application, the current layer adopts a 2-1×1 collimator optical switch, wherein the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 are arranged opposite to each other, and the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 3 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the stop position of the 2-1×1 collimator, the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 can be achieved, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 is achieved, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the second collimator 12.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the 2-1×1 collimator, the light beam undergoes one vertical total internal reflection, and then the optical paths of the first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 are coupled, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; after the light beam undergoes one vertical total internal reflection, the optical paths of the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 are coupled, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the third collimator 13. Similarly, due to the reversibility of the optical path, the light beam can also be transmitted in the reverse direction through the second collimator 12 to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14, and in the reverse direction through the third collimator 13 to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14.

[0046] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, each layer of collimators in the multi-layer collimator 1 may further include the fifth collimator 15 to the eighth collimator 18, wherein the fifth collimator 15 is arranged opposite to the seventh collimator 17, and the sixth collimator 16 is arranged opposite to the eighth collimator 18. When the optical path switching element 2 is located at the rest position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator 15 and the sixth collimator 16 of the collimator of this layer are optically coupled, and the seventh collimator 17 and the eighth collimator 18 are optically coupled; when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the rest position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 of the collimator of this layer are optically coupled, and the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 are optically coupled. Thus, by configuring the fifth collimator 15 to the eighth collimator 18, more optical path channels can be controlled to switch simultaneously without increasing the volume of the optical path switching element 2 or increasing energy consumption.

[0047] Specifically, in each layer of collimators in the optical switch, the optical axis of the first collimator 11 coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator 13, the optical axis of the second collimator 12 coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14, the optical axis of the fifth collimator 15 coincides with the optical axis of the seventh collimator 17, and the optical axis of the sixth collimator 16 coincides with the optical axis of the eighth collimator 18. The optical axis of the first collimator 11 is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator 12, the optical axis of the third collimator 13 is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator 14, the optical axis of the fifth collimator 15 is parallel to the optical axis of the sixth collimator 16, and the optical axis of the seventh collimator 17 is parallel to the optical axis of the eighth collimator 18. The optical axis of the first collimator 11 is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fifth collimator 15. The first to eighth collimators 11 to 18 in the multi-layer collimator 1 are arranged in the same manner.

[0048] As a result, the optical axes of the collimators coincide, resulting in low light beam loss transmitted through the collimators. When the collimators are arranged parallel or perpendicular to each other, the optical path switching element 2 of the optical switch can use a simple multi-faceted reflective optical element such as a multi-faceted reflective mirror, further reducing the size of the optical switch.

[0049] Specifically, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the rest position of the collimator layer, the optical path switching element 2 can be located between the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 of the collimator layer, between the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14, between the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17, and between the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18. Therefore, when the optical path switching element 2 is located between the collimators, the space of the optical switch is well utilized, and the volume of the optical switch can be reduced.

[0050] Specifically, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the rest position of the collimator layer, the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element 2; the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element 2; the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element 2; and the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 can be symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element 2. Thus, when the collimators are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element 2, the optical path difference caused by the optical switch simultaneously switching multiple optical path channels can be reduced.

[0051] Specifically, if Figure 10As shown, the optical switch may further include a shell 3, the shell 3 having a accommodating cavity 31 and opposite first and third side walls, and opposite second and fourth side walls. The first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 are arranged at the mounting hole of the first side wall of the shell 3, the fifth collimator 15 and the sixth collimator 16 are arranged at the mounting hole of the second side wall of the shell 3, the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 are arranged at the mounting hole of the third side wall of the shell 3, the seventh collimator 17 and the eighth collimator 18 are arranged at the mounting hole of the fourth side wall of the shell 3, and the optical path switching element 2 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 31 of the shell 3 in a liftable manner.

[0052] Therefore, by providing the housing 3 in the optical switch, the influence of the external environment on the optical components inside the optical switch can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the optical switch in use.

[0053] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in a specific application, the current layer adopts a 2-2×2 collimator optical switch, wherein the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 are arranged opposite to each other, the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 are arranged opposite to each other, the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 are arranged opposite to each other, and the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 6 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the stop position of the 2-2×2 collimator, the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 can be realized, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; the optical path coupling of the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the seventh collimator 17 is transmitted to the fifth collimator 15; the optical path coupling of the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the sixth collimator 16 is transmitted to the eighth collimator 18.

[0054] like Figure 7As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the 2-2×2 collimator, the light beam undergoes two vertical total reflections, and the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 can be realized, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; the optical path coupling of the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the fifth collimator 15 and the sixth collimator 16 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the sixth collimator 16 is transmitted to the fifth collimator 15; the optical path coupling of the seventh collimator 17 and the eighth collimator 18 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the seventh collimator 17 is transmitted to the eighth collimator 18. Similarly, since the optical path is reversible, the light beam can also be transmitted in reverse to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14 through the second collimator 12, in reverse to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14 through the third collimator 13, in reverse to the sixth collimator 16 or the seventh collimator 17 through the fifth collimator 15, and in reverse to the sixth collimator 16 or the seventh collimator 17 through the eighth collimator 18.

[0055] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in a specific application, the current layer adopts a 2-2×2 collimator optical switch, wherein the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 are arranged opposite to each other, the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 are arranged opposite to each other, the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 are arranged opposite to each other, and the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 7 As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is not located at the stop position of the 2-2×2 collimator, the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the third collimator 13 can be realized, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the second collimator 12 and the fourth collimator 14 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; the optical path coupling of the fifth collimator 15 and the seventh collimator 17 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the seventh collimator 17 is transmitted to the fifth collimator 15; the optical path coupling of the sixth collimator 16 and the eighth collimator 18 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the sixth collimator 16 is transmitted to the eighth collimator 18.

[0056] like Figure 9As shown, when the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the 2-2×2 collimator, the light beam undergoes one vertical total reflection, and the optical path coupling of the first collimator 11 and the second collimator 12 can be realized, so that the light beam passing through the first collimator 11 is transmitted to the second collimator 12; the optical path coupling of the third collimator 13 and the fourth collimator 14 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the fourth collimator 14 is transmitted to the third collimator 13; the optical path coupling of the fifth collimator 15 and the sixth collimator 16 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the sixth collimator 16 is transmitted to the fifth collimator 15; the optical path coupling of the seventh collimator 17 and the eighth collimator 18 is realized, so that the light beam passing through the seventh collimator 17 is transmitted to the eighth collimator 18. Similarly, since the optical path is reversible, the light beam can also be transmitted in reverse to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14 through the second collimator 12, in reverse to the first collimator 11 or the fourth collimator 14 through the third collimator 13, in reverse to the sixth collimator 16 or the seventh collimator 17 through the fifth collimator 15, and in reverse to the sixth collimator 16 or the seventh collimator 17 through the eighth collimator 18.

[0057] In some embodiments, the optical path switching element 2 may be a combination of multi-faceted reflective mirrors or a combination of multi-faceted reflective prisms. Using a combination of multi-faceted reflective mirrors or a combination of multi-faceted reflective prisms, the optical path switching element 2 can switch the optical path channels of multiple groups of collimators in the same layer of collimators through the multiple faces of the optical path switching element 2.

[0058] Specifically, if Figure 10As shown, the optical path switching element 2 can be a combined multifaceted reflecting prism, and the optical switch can also include an optical path compensation element 5. The optical path compensation element 5 is arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the optical path switching element 2 in the direction of movement and can be selectively located at the stop position of one layer of collimators. That is, in the direction of movement, the multifaceted reflecting prism, the optical path switching element 2, and the multifaceted reflecting prism are stacked together. When the optical path compensation element 5 or the optical path switching element 2 is located at the stop position of the collimator layer, the light beam passing through has the same equivalent optical path. When the optical path compensation element 5 and the optical path switching element 2 are the same size, the optical path compensation element 5 and the multifaceted reflecting prism have the same refractive index, so that the optical path of the input light beam does not change before and after the movement of the optical path switching element 2. When the optical path compensation element 5 and the optical path switching element 2 are different sizes, an optical path compensation element 5 with a different refractive index than the optical path switching element 2 can be used to achieve optical path compensation, so that the optical path of the input light beam does not change before and after the movement of the optical path switching element 2. The optical path compensation element 5 can be made of a material such as a glass brick or an optical plastic brick, with the same refractive index as the multi-faceted reflective prism. This, when combined with the optical path compensation structure, can reduce the optical path difference before and after the optical path of the optical switch is switched. Preferably, the optical path compensation element 5 is a glass brick. When glass bricks are used as optical path compensation components, the optical path element exhibits improved transparency and uniformity, more stable chemical properties, and more precise optical constants.

[0059] like Figure 10 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the optical switch may further include a lifting mechanism 4, which is used to drive the optical path switching element 2 to selectively move to a rest position of one layer of collimators. The lifting mechanism 4 can smoothly move the optical path switching element 2 between the multiple layers of collimators 1.

[0060] Specifically, the lifting mechanism 4 may include a relay 41 and a connecting rod 42. The optical path switching element 2 is disposed on the connecting rod 42, and the relay 41 drives the connecting rod 42 to raise and lower one end of the optical path switching element 2. The lifting mechanism 4 may be composed of an electromagnetically driven relay 41 and connecting rod 42, or may be a pneumatically driven structure. The end of the connecting rod 42 for connecting to the optical path switching element 2 may have a generally L-shaped structure. The optical path switching element 2 is placed flat on one end of the connecting rod 42. The connecting rod 42 is driven by controlling the on and off of the relay 41 to drive the movement of the optical path switching element 2. This has the advantages of low cost, low failure rates, and small space occupation.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, the optical switch includes two layers of collimators. When the optical switch includes two layers of collimators, the optical switch can achieve synchronous switching of the optical path channels of the two layers of collimators. In other embodiments of the present application, the optical switch can include collimators of different layers, such as three layers of collimators and five layers of collimators, as required. As an example, in the moving direction, the optical path switching element 2 can include multiple reflective prisms and multiple optical path switching elements 2, and the reflective prisms and the optical path switching elements 2 are alternately stacked to achieve simultaneous switching of multiple optical path channels through a single optical path switching element 2. Compared with stacking and cascading multiple optical switches to achieve simultaneous switching of the optical path channels of multiple optical switches, the optical switch has good synchronization characteristics and fast switching speed. The optical switch consumes less energy during use and the light beam transmission loss through the optical switch is small.

[0062] An embodiment of the present application provides an optical switch including a multilayer collimator 1 and an optical path switching element 2, and the optical path switching element 2 can be used to switch the optical path channels of the multilayer collimator 1. The above-mentioned optical switch has the beneficial effects of good synchronization characteristics, fast switching speed, low energy consumption during use, and low light beam transmission loss through the optical switch.

[0063] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like (if any) in the specification and claims of this application and in the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequential sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, e.g., a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0064] This application is explained from the perspectives of purpose of use, effectiveness, progress and novelty. The practical progress it has is in line with the functional enhancement and use requirements emphasized by the Patent Law. The above description and drawings of this application are only preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Therefore, all structures, devices, features, etc. that are similar or identical to those of this application, that is, all equivalent replacements or modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application of this application, should fall within the scope of protection of the patent application of this application.

Claims

1. An optical switch, characterized in that: include: A multi-layer collimator, each layer of collimators including first to fourth collimators, wherein in each layer of collimators, the first collimator is arranged opposite to the third collimator, and the second collimator is arranged opposite to the fourth collimator; an optical path switching element, wherein the optical path switching element has a corresponding stop position in each layer of collimators, and the optical path switching element can be selectively located at the stop position of one layer of collimators. When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator layer, the first collimator and the second collimator of the collimator layer are optically coupled, and the third collimator and the fourth collimator of the collimator layer are optically coupled; when the optical path switching element is not located at the stop position of the collimator layer, the first collimator and the third collimator of the collimator layer are optically coupled, and the second collimator and the fourth collimator of the collimator layer are optically coupled; The optical path switching element is a combined multi-faceted reflective mirror or a combined multi-faceted reflective prism; The optical switch further includes a lifting mechanism, which is used to drive the optical path switching element to selectively move to a stop position of one layer of collimators.

2. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein: In each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the first collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator, and the optical axis of the third collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator; or, In each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the first collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the second collimator, and the optical axis of the third collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fourth collimator.

3. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein: Each layer of collimators further includes a fifth collimator to an eighth collimator, wherein the fifth collimator is arranged opposite to the seventh collimator, and the sixth collimator is arranged opposite to the eighth collimator; When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator and the sixth collimator of this layer of collimators realize optical path coupling, and the seventh collimator and the eighth collimator realize optical path coupling; when the optical path switching element is not located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator of this layer of collimators realize optical path coupling, and the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator realize optical path coupling.

4. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein: In each layer of collimators, the optical axis of the first collimator coincides with the optical axis of the third collimator, the optical axis of the second collimator coincides with the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the fifth collimator coincides with the optical axis of the seventh collimator, and the optical axis of the sixth collimator coincides with the optical axis of the eighth collimator; The optical axis of the first collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the second collimator, the optical axis of the third collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the fourth collimator, the optical axis of the fifth collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the sixth collimator, and the optical axis of the seventh collimator is parallel to the optical axis of the eighth collimator; The optical axis of the first collimator is perpendicular to the optical axis of the fifth collimator; The first to eighth collimators in the multi-layer collimator have the same arrangement.

5. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein: When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the optical path switching element is located between the first collimator and the third collimator of this layer, between the second collimator and the fourth collimator, between the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator, and between the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator.

6. The optical switch according to claim 5, wherein: When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator of this layer, the first collimator and the third collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the second collimator and the fourth collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the fifth collimator and the seventh collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element; the sixth collimator and the eighth collimator are symmetrically arranged relative to the optical path switching element.

7. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein: The optical switch also includes a housing having a housing cavity and opposing first and third side walls, and opposing second and fourth side walls. The first and second collimators are disposed at mounting holes in the first side wall of the housing, the fifth and sixth collimators are disposed at mounting holes in the second side wall of the housing, the third and fourth collimators are disposed at mounting holes in the third side wall of the housing, and the seventh and eighth collimators are disposed at mounting holes in the fourth side wall of the housing. The optical path switching element is movably disposed within the housing cavity of the housing.

8. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein: When the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of this layer of collimators, after the light beam undergoes one or two vertical total reflections, the first collimator and the second collimator of this layer of collimators realize optical path coupling, the third collimator and the fourth collimator realize optical path coupling, the fifth collimator and the sixth collimator realize optical path coupling, and the seventh collimator and the eighth collimator realize optical path coupling.

9. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein: The optical path switching element is a combined multi-faceted reflecting prism, and the optical switch also includes an optical path compensation element. The optical path compensation element is arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface in the moving direction of the optical path switching element and can be selectively located at the stop position of one layer of collimators. When the optical path compensation element or the optical path switching element is located at the stop position of the collimator layer, the light beams passing through have the same equivalent optical path.

10. The optical switch according to claim 9, wherein: The optical path compensation element is a glass brick.

11. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism includes a relay and a connecting rod. The optical path switching element is arranged on the connecting rod. The relay drives the connecting rod to lift and lower one end of the connecting rod where the optical path switching element is arranged.

12. The optical switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The optical switch includes two layers of collimators.

Images