Optical fiber pull-cord switch

Abstract

The utility model discloses an optical fiber pull-cord switch. The optical fiber pull-cord switch comprises a housing (10); the optical fiber sensor (20) is connected in the shell (10) and is configured to convert external mechanical actions into optical signals; the driving shaft assembly (30) comprises a driving shaft (31), and the driving shaft (31) is connected to the shell (10) in a pivoted mode; the contact pushing assembly (40) comprises a swing rod (41) which is fixedly connected to a first end side (311) of the driving shaft (31), and the optical fiber sensor (20) is arranged on a swing path of the swing rod (41); and the limiting assembly (50) is connected to the driving shaft (31) and is configured to be used for limiting the position of the driving shaft (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of switchgear technology, and in particular to an optical fiber pull cord switch. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated protection systems play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and stable operation of industrial equipment such as belt conveyors. These systems integrate various sensors and switches to achieve real-time monitoring of equipment operating status. Among the numerous sensors, the pull-cord switch is a key safety device, its function being to quickly cut off the power supply when an abnormality occurs in the belt conveyor, preventing further escalation of the accident. However, traditional power-on switches have revealed many shortcomings in practical applications, such as complex system structure, poor stability, and susceptibility to environmental interference. Therefore, this invention proposes a fiber optic pull-cord switch based on a ratchet mechanism, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and thereby improve the safety performance and reliability of industrial equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This solution addresses the problems and needs raised above by proposing a fiber optic pull cord switch. Due to the adoption of the following technical features, it can achieve the above technical objectives and bring about several other technical benefits.

[0004] This utility model proposes an optical fiber pull cord switch, comprising:

[0005] case;

[0006] An optical fiber sensor, connected inside the housing, is configured to convert external mechanical actions into optical signals;

[0007] A drive shaft assembly includes: a drive shaft pivotally connected to the housing;

[0008] A contact actuation assembly includes: a rocker arm fixedly connected to a first end of the drive shaft, and the fiber optic sensor disposed on the swing path of the rocker arm; and

[0009] A limiting component, connected to the drive shaft, is configured to limit the position of the drive shaft.

[0010] In this technical solution, during the mechanical operation of the fiber optic pull-cord switch, the drive shaft drives the contacts to rotate the swing arm of the component. The swing arm triggers the fiber optic sensor, and the limiting component simultaneously limits the position of the drive shaft. This allows the fiber optic sensor to convert the mechanical action signal into an optical signal, which is then transmitted to the fiber optic pull-cord switch, realizing the switch's signal output. This design eliminates the need for external power supply during use, effectively avoiding potential failures of the electric components. Thanks to its purely mechanical structure, the switch can respond quickly and achieve its action, demonstrating strong environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities.

[0011] In addition, the fiber optic pull cord switch according to this utility model may also have the following technical features:

[0012] In one example of this utility model, the fiber optic sensor includes:

[0013] shell;

[0014] A trigger lever is retractably connected to the housing;

[0015] The Bragg fiber, disposed opposite to the trigger rod, is configured to deform by the extension and retraction movement of the trigger rod, thereby changing the grating pitch of the Bragg fiber.

[0016] In one example of this utility model, the fiber optic sensor further includes:

[0017] A leaf spring is arranged perpendicularly to the trigger rod, with one end fixedly connected to the housing, and the other end extending to a position that allows the vertical projection of the trigger rod to lie on the leaf spring.

[0018] The Bragg fiber is arranged along the extension direction of the leaf spring. When the trigger rod abuts against the leaf spring, the leaf spring can deform to change the grid pitch of the Bragg fiber.

[0019] In one example of this utility model,

[0020] The socket is formed on the outer casing, and the socket has a plug hole;

[0021] One end of the leaf spring has a bent deformation section, which is connected to the insertion hole through deformation.

[0022] In one example of this utility model, the insertion hole includes a first hole portion and a second hole portion sequentially opened along the extension direction, wherein the inner diameter of the first hole portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole portion.

[0023] In one example of this utility model, the fiber optic sensor further includes:

[0024] A first elastic element, connected between the trigger rod and the housing, is configured to give the trigger rod an elastic force that returns it to its initial position.

[0025] In one example of this invention, the drive shaft assembly further includes:

[0026] A pull rod is arranged perpendicular to the drive shaft and is fixedly connected to the second end side of the drive shaft.

[0027] In one example of this utility model, the contact actuation component further includes:

[0028] A roller is pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm, and when the swing arm swings under the action of an external force, the roller abuts against the fiber optic sensor.

[0029] In one example of this utility model, the limiting component includes:

[0030] A ratchet is fixedly connected to the drive shaft;

[0031] The second elastic element is sleeved on the drive shaft, with one end connected to the ratchet and the other end connected to the housing. It is configured to generate an elastic force from the return spring when the ratchet rotates in the forward direction, causing the ratchet to return to its reverse direction.

[0032] A pawl, one end of which is pivotally connected to the housing, is connected to a third elastic element, and under the action of the third elastic element, the other end of the pawl is always in line contact with the teeth of the ratchet.

[0033] In one example of this utility model, the limiting component further includes:

[0034] A reset lever, which is fixedly connected to the pawl, is configured to drive the pawl to rotate in the opposite direction and disengage from the line contact with the ratchet, so that the ratchet returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the second elastic element.

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to facilitate an understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical fiber pull cord switch according to an embodiment of the present invention in one direction;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fiber optic pull cord switch according to an embodiment of the present invention from another direction (rear housing is hidden);

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic pull cord switch according to another embodiment of the present invention (housing is hidden);

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the fiber optic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0042] Fiber optic pull cord switch 100;

[0043] Casing 10;

[0044] Front housing 11;

[0045] Rear housing 12;

[0046] Fiber optic sensor 20;

[0047] Outer shell 21;

[0048] Connection hole 211;

[0049] Trigger lever 22;

[0050] Protrusion 221;

[0051] Prague Fiber Optics 23;

[0052] Leaf spring 24;

[0053] Bending deformation section 241;

[0054] Socket 25;

[0055] Socket 251;

[0056] First hole 2511;

[0057] Second hole 2512;

[0058] First elastic element 26;

[0059] Contact plate 27;

[0060] Drive shaft assembly 30;

[0061] Drive shaft 31;

[0062] First end side 311;

[0063] Second end side 312;

[0064] Pull rod 32;

[0065] Pull ring 33;

[0066] Contact actuation component 40;

[0067] 41-inch lever;

[0068] 42 rollers;

[0069] Limiting component 50;

[0070] Ratchet 51;

[0071] Second elastic element 52;

[0072] 53 pawls;

[0073] Reset lever 54;

[0074] Third elastic element 55. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0077] According to the present invention, a fiber optic pull cord switch 100 is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes:

[0078] Housing 10; for example, housing 10 includes a front housing 11 having an open end and a rear housing 12 covering the open end;

[0079] An optical fiber sensor 20 is connected inside the housing 10 and is configured to convert external mechanical actions into optical signals.

[0080] The drive shaft assembly 30 includes a drive shaft 31, which is pivotally connected to the housing 10.

[0081] The contact actuation assembly 40 includes: a rocker arm 41 fixedly connected to the first end 311 of the drive shaft 31, and the fiber optic sensor 20 disposed on the swing path of the rocker arm 41; and

[0082] A limiting component 50 is connected to the drive shaft 31 and configured to limit the position of the drive shaft 31.

[0083] During the mechanical operation of the fiber optic pull cord switch 100, the drive shaft 31 drives the contacts to rotate the swing arm 41 of the component 40. The swing arm 41 triggers the fiber optic sensor 20, while the limiting component 50 limits the position of the drive shaft 31. This causes the fiber optic sensor 20 to convert the mechanical action signal into an optical signal, which is then transmitted out of the fiber optic pull cord switch 100, realizing the switch's signal output. This design eliminates the need for external power supply during use, effectively avoiding potential failures of electric components. Thanks to its purely mechanical structure, the switch can respond quickly and achieve its action, demonstrating strong environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities.

[0084] In one example of this utility model, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the fiber optic sensor 20 includes:

[0085] Outer shell 21;

[0086] The trigger rod 22 is retractably connected to the housing 21;

[0087] The Bragg fiber 23 is disposed opposite to the trigger rod 22 and is configured to cause deformation of the Bragg fiber 23 by the extension and retraction movement of the trigger rod 22, thereby changing the grating pitch of the Bragg fiber 23.

[0088] In other words, the housing 21 has a mounting hole, the trigger rod 22 is telescopically mounted in the mounting hole, and the Bragg fiber 23 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the trigger rod 22. So when the trigger rod 22 moves telescopically, it will stop against the Bragg fiber 23, thereby causing the Bragg fiber 23 to deform and change the grid pitch of the Bragg fiber 23.

[0089] In one example of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fiber optic sensor 20 further includes:

[0090] The leaf spring 24 is arranged perpendicularly to the trigger rod 22, and one end of it is fixedly connected to the housing 21. The other end extends to a position that allows the projection of the trigger rod 22 in the vertical direction to be located on the leaf spring 24.

[0091] The Bragg fiber 23 is arranged along the extension direction of the leaf spring 24. When the trigger rod 22 abuts against the leaf spring 24, the leaf spring 24 can deform to change the grid pitch of the Bragg fiber 23.

[0092] Specifically, the leaf spring 24 is an elastic element that deforms when subjected to the force of the trigger rod 22, and generates an elastic force to return to its initial position. After the trigger rod 22 loses its external force, the leaf spring 24 returns to its initial position under the action of its own elastic force. For example, the leaf spring 24 is fixedly connected to the housing 21 of the fiber optic sensor 20 in the form of a cantilever beam, the Bragg fiber 23 is arranged along the extension direction of the leaf spring 24, and the free end of the leaf spring 24 bears the force of the trigger rod 22.

[0093] One end of the leaf spring 24 is fixedly connected to the housing 21, while one end of the trigger rod 22 extends out of the sensor housing 21. The leaf spring 24 enhances the flexibility of the entire switch and allows the pawl 53 to smoothly engage with the ratchet 51. When the trigger rod 22 moves axially, it pushes the other end of the leaf spring 24, causing the leaf spring 24 to deform. The triggering action of the trigger rod 22 causes the leaf spring 24 to deform, thereby changing the grating pitch of the Bragg fiber 23, resulting in a shift in the wavelength of the refracted signal. The downstream optical modulator / demodulator can detect this wavelength change and demodulate the signal; the demodulated signal can be used for subsequent control.

[0094] In short, when the trigger rod 22 extends or retracts, it will stop against the leaf spring 24, thereby causing the leaf spring 24 to deform and further changing the grid pitch of the Bragg fiber 23.

[0095] In one example of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown,

[0096] The socket 25 is formed on the outer casing 21, and the socket 25 has a socket 251.

[0097] One end of the leaf spring 24 has a bending deformation section 241, which is connected to the insertion hole 251 by deformation.

[0098] In other words, when the leaf spring 24 is installed into the socket 251, the bending deformation section 241 of the leaf spring 24 is deformed due to the size limitation of the socket 251. As the leaf spring 24 is inserted into the socket 251, the position of the leaf spring 24 in the socket 251 is fixed, thereby effectively fixing one end of the leaf spring 24.

[0099] In one example of this utility model, the insertion hole 251 includes a first hole portion 2511 and a second hole portion 2512 sequentially opened along the extending direction, wherein the inner diameter of the first hole portion 2511 is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole portion 2512.

[0100] In other words, the part closer to the outer end is the second hole 2512, and the part closer to the inner end is the first hole 2511. During the process of the bending deformation section 241 adapting to the insertion hole 251, the bending deformation section 241 adapts to the second hole 2512 first. During the adaptation process, it deforms itself. As the bending deformation section 241 gradually extends into the first hole 2511, the bending deformation section 241 expands. At this time, the bending deformation section 241 is confined within the first hole 2511 by the second hole 2512. This can prevent the leaf spring 24 from falling out of the insertion hole 251 and greatly improve the reliability of the leaf spring 24 installation.

[0101] In one example of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fiber optic sensor 20 further includes:

[0102] A first elastic element 26 is connected between the trigger rod 22 and the housing 21 and is configured to give the trigger rod 22 an elastic force to return it to its initial position.

[0103] For example, the first elastic element 26 is a compression spring, which is sleeved on the trigger rod 22, with one end abutting against the outer shell 21 and the other end abutting against the end of the trigger rod 22. Thus, when the trigger rod 22 is subjected to the force of the swing rod 41, the trigger rod 22 is driven to move toward the inside of the outer shell 21. During this process, the trigger rod 22 compresses the compression spring so that it has the elastic force to return to the initial position.

[0104] Of course, this utility model is not limited to this. The first elastic element 26 can also be a tension spring, a spring sheet, or a rubber component, as long as it can achieve the elastic force that allows the trigger rod 22 to return to its initial position. It is understood that when the first elastic element 26 is a tension spring, it is installed inside the outer casing 21.

[0105] Preferably, in order to increase the contact area between the trigger rod 22 and the swing rod 41 and to define the position of the first elastic member 26, a contact plate 27 is provided at the end of the trigger rod 22 that contacts the swing rod 41.

[0106] It is understood that the outer casing 21 has a connection hole 211, and the trigger rod 22 is telescopically connected to the outer casing 21 through the connection hole 211. Furthermore, the trigger rod 22 is also provided with a protrusion 221, and the outer diameter of the protrusion 221 is larger than the inner diameter of the connection hole, thereby confining the trigger rod 22 within the connection hole 211 and preventing the trigger rod 22 from falling out of the connection hole under the elastic force of the first elastic member 26.

[0107] In one example of this utility model, the drive shaft assembly 30 further includes:

[0108] The pull rod 32 is arranged perpendicularly to the drive shaft 31 and is fixedly connected to the second end side 312 of the drive shaft 31;

[0109] A pull ring 33 is connected to the pull rod 32;

[0110] For example, there are two pull rings 33, which are respectively connected to both ends of the pull rod 32;

[0111] When driving the drive shaft 31, manually pull the pull ring 33, which drives the pull rod 32 to rotate around the drive shaft 31, thereby causing the drive shaft 31 to rotate synchronously with it; the pull rod 32 and pull ring 33 are designed to facilitate manual operation by the operator.

[0112] In one example of this utility model, the contact actuation component 40 further includes:

[0113] Roller 42 is pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm 41. When the swing arm 41 swings under the action of an external force, the roller 42 abuts against the fiber optic sensor 20.

[0114] By setting rollers 42 in the degree of freedom of the swing arm 41, the sliding friction between the swing arm 41 and the fiber optic sensor 20 can be transformed into rolling friction between the rollers 42 and the fiber optic sensor 20, thereby protecting the trigger rod 22 of the fiber optic sensor 20.

[0115] In one example of this utility model, the limiting component 50 includes:

[0116] Ratchet 51 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 31; for example, by a key connection.

[0117] The second elastic element 52 is sleeved on the drive shaft 31, with one end connected to the ratchet 51 and the other end connected to the housing 10. It is configured to generate an elastic force in the return spring that causes the ratchet 51 to return to its original position when the ratchet 51 rotates in the forward direction; for example, the second elastic element 52 is a torsion spring.

[0118] A pawl 53, one end of which is pivotally connected to the housing 10, is connected to a third elastic element 55, and under the action of the third elastic element 55, the other end of the pawl 53 is always in line contact with the teeth of the ratchet 51; for example, the third elastic element 55 is a torsion spring or a tension spring; when it is a torsion spring, it is sleeved on the pivot shaft of the pawl 53; when it is a tension spring, one end is connected to the pawl 53 and the other end is connected to the housing.

[0119] During the mechanical operation of the fiber optic pull-cord switch 100, the drive shaft 31 drives the contacts to rotate the lever 41 of the component 40 and the ratchet 51. The lever 41 triggers the fiber optic sensor 20. During this process, the pawl 53 is always in linear contact with the ratchet 51. At the same time, the second elastic element 52 generates an elastic force that causes the ratchet 51 to reset in the reverse direction. When the drive shaft 31 rotates to the designated position, the pawl 53 engages with the ratchet 51, thereby limiting the position of the drive shaft 31. This further enables the fiber optic sensor 20 to convert the mechanical action signal into an optical signal, which is then transmitted out of the fiber optic pull-cord switch 100, realizing the switch's signal output. This design eliminates the need for external power supply during use, effectively avoiding potential failures of the electric components. Thanks to its purely mechanical structure, the switch can respond quickly and achieve action, demonstrating strong environmental adaptability and anti-interference capabilities.

[0120] In one example of this utility model, the limiting component 50 further includes:

[0121] The reset lever 54 is fixedly connected to the pawl 53 and is configured to drive the pawl 53 to rotate in the opposite direction and disengage from the line contact with the ratchet 51 so that the ratchet 51 returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the second elastic member 52.

[0122] When it is necessary to disengage the ratchet 51 from the pawl 53, the reset lever 54 is driven to rotate counterclockwise. During this process, the pawl 53 overcomes the elastic force of the third elastic element 55, thereby causing the pawl 53 to disengage from the linear contact between it and the ratchet 51. The ratchet 51 returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the second elastic element 52. The reset lever 54 facilitates the operation of the limit assembly 50.

[0123] After the system fault is cleared, pull the reset lever 54. The reset lever drives the pawl 53 to swing counterclockwise. The pawl 53 loses contact with the ratchet 51, and the ratchet 51 is reset under the action of the second elastic element 52. At the same time, the trigger lever 22 is also reset under the action of the first elastic element 26.

[0124] The exemplary embodiments of the fiber optic pull cord switch 100 proposed by this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above specific embodiments without departing from the concept of this utility model, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed by this utility model without exceeding the protection scope of this utility model, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fiber optic pull cord switch, characterized in that, include: Shell (10); An optical fiber sensor (20) is connected inside the housing (10) and configured to convert external mechanical actions into optical signals; The drive shaft assembly (30) includes: a drive shaft (31) pivotally connected to the housing (10); The contact actuation assembly (40) includes: a rocker arm (41) fixedly connected to a first end (311) of the drive shaft (31), and the fiber optic sensor (20) disposed on the swing path of the rocker arm (41); and A limiting component (50), connected to the drive shaft (31), is configured to limit the position of the drive shaft (31).

2. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic sensor (20) includes: Outer shell (21); A trigger rod (22) is telescopically connected to the housing (21); The Bragg fiber (23) is disposed opposite to the trigger rod (22) and configured to cause deformation of the Bragg fiber (23) by the extension and retraction movement of the trigger rod (22) to change the grating pitch of the Bragg fiber (23).

3. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fiber optic sensor (20) also includes: A leaf spring (24) is set perpendicular to the trigger rod (22), and one end of it is fixedly connected to the housing (21), while the other end extends to a position that allows the projection of the trigger rod (22) in the vertical direction to be located on the leaf spring (24). The Bragg fiber (23) is arranged along the extension direction of the leaf spring (24). When the trigger rod (22) abuts against the leaf spring (24), the leaf spring (24) can deform to change the grid pitch of the Bragg fiber (23).

4. The fiber optic pull-cord switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, A socket (25) is formed on the outer casing (21), and a socket (251) is provided on the socket (25); One end of the leaf spring (24) has a bending deformation section (241) formed thereon, and the bending deformation section (241) is connected to the insertion hole (251) by deformation.

5. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insertion hole (251) includes a first hole (2511) and a second hole (2512) sequentially opened along the extension direction, wherein the inner diameter of the first hole (2511) is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole (2512).

6. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fiber optic sensor (20) also includes: A first elastic element (26), connected between the trigger rod (22) and the housing (21), is configured to give the trigger rod (22) an elastic force to return it to its initial position.

7. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive shaft assembly (30) also includes: A pull rod (32) is arranged perpendicularly to the drive shaft (31) and is fixedly connected to the second end side (312) of the drive shaft (31).

8. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact actuation assembly (40) further includes: A roller (42) is pivotally connected to the free end of the swing arm (41). When the swing arm (41) swings under the action of an external force, the roller (42) abuts against the fiber optic sensor (20).

9. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component (50) includes: A ratchet (51) is fixedly connected to the drive shaft (31); The second elastic element (52) is sleeved on the drive shaft (31), with one end connected to the ratchet (51) and the other end connected to the housing (10). It is configured to generate an elastic force that causes the ratchet (51) to reset in the reverse direction when the ratchet (51) rotates in the forward direction. A pawl (53) is pivotally connected at one end to the housing (10). A third elastic element (55) is connected to the pawl (53), and under the action of the third elastic element (55), the other end of the pawl (53) is always in line contact with the teeth of the ratchet (51).

10. The fiber optic pull cord switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting component (50) further includes: a reset rod (54), which is fixedly connected to the pawl (53) and configured to drive the pawl (53) to rotate in the opposite direction and disengage from the line contact with the ratchet (51) so that the ratchet (51) returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the second elastic element (52).

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