Multichannel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber-optic bundles, and arrangement transmitting light or similar radiation

Abstract

The invention relates to a multichannel switching arrangement (1000) for mechanically switching fiber-optic bundles, having a first input-side and a number of second output-side fiber-optic bundles (10, 20A, 20B, 20C), wherein - the input-side and output-side fiber-optic bundles are held on a movable input-side fiber carrier (10FT) and a movable output-side fiber carrier (20FT), respectively, the positioning of said carriers relative to one another being laterally changeable in the event of a switch such that fiber cross sections of one of the input-side fiber-optic bundles (10) and one of the output-side fiber-optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) are positioned opposite one another in beam-coupling fashion for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation (S) between said bundles, wherein - each of the input-side and output-side fiber-optic bundles (10, 20A, 20B, 20C) is separated in terms of fibers into a number (a), in particular the same number, of individual fibers (EF), and - the individual fiber cross sections of the individual fibers (10.1, …, 20A.7) of a selected input-side fiber-optic bundle (10) and a selected output-side fiber-optic bundle (20A) are positioned in radiation-coupling fashion opposite one another for the transmission of the radiation between said selected bundles, in such a way that radiation (S) is transmittable between the separated individual fibers (10.1, …, 20A.7).

Description

[0001] Multi-channel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles and light or similar radiation transmitting arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to a multi-channel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles. The invention also relates to a light or similar radiation-transmitting arrangement and a cascade comprising the multi-channel switching arrangement. Such a multi-channel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles is previously unknown.

[0003] The multi-channel switching arrangement should connect a first fiber optic bundle on the input side and a number of second fiber optic bundles on the output side. Using suitable connectors, corresponding fiber optic bundle cables should then be connected to these fiber optic bundles.

[0004] In the aforementioned desirable multi-channel switching arrangement, the input and output fiber optic bundles should each be held on a movable input and output fiber carrier, which can be laterally adjusted relative to each other during switching such that, for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles, their fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite each other in a beam-coupling manner. A fiber optic switch for the relative positioning of optical fibers (individual fibers) is generally known; for example, a product from Piezosystem is described at the product link https: / / www.piezosystem.com / de / product / faserschalter / .Optical switches of this type, controlled by a piezo actuator, achieve switching times in the range of milliseconds and position the fiber cross-sections of the optical fibers relative to each other with an accuracy in the range of micrometers. This positioning accuracy enables fiber-to-fiber transmission of over 80%, and typical switching speeds are below one millisecond.

[0005] Such direct fiber optic switches are often preferred over optical or fiber optic switching arrangements realized via free-space or optical components such as lenses or prisms, since the latter are often limited by wavelength and cannot be designed to be arbitrarily robust for installation in complex systems.

[0006] The principle of such fiber optic switches can in principle also be used to switch optical fibers (single fibers) of relatively great thickness, i.e. for switching so-called thick-core or multimode fibers. However, this does have a certain disadvantage in that, on the one hand, with a thick-core or multimode fiber with a fiber cross-section of up to 600 pm or a possibly even larger cross-section, the transmittance from fiber to fiber drops significantly. On the other hand, during the transmission of high power, the fiber itself can be damaged if the optical losses are reflected in the form of heat input. In particular, however, with an increasing cross-section and an increasing number of channels in a multi-channel switching arrangement, the switching speed decreases; this can then be as low as 10 ms, for example with cross-sections in the fiber core of 600 pm or more.

[0007] These aspects can only be partially remedied by a clever selection of lateral relative movement amplitudes of input and output fiber carriers; the latter is partly known, for example, from the products of LEONI – described in the product catalog on page 8; presented under the product link: https: / / pdf.directindustry.de / pdf / leoni-aa / faseroptische-schalter / 14158-77750.html .

[0008] Fiber bundles with a plurality of individual fibers are now sought after as a technical solution when high-intensity fiber-optic light or similar radiation is to be transmitted, requiring a large cross-section of light-guiding surface. However, the high mechanical flexibility of many thinner individual fiber bundles or even individual fibers is to be utilized. However, optical fiber bundles and a multi-channel switching arrangement with the lowest possible loss for them are not known based on the principles known to date, or have not been implemented in a sufficiently practical manner. Switches for individual fibers, as described in principle in DE 26 51 776 A1, have far too high transmission losses when applying the switching principle described above.

[0009] The principle of a piezomechanical actuator for the relative positioning of two individual fibers (not fiber bundles) is described in EP 0 476 241 A2, for example. However, other implementation options for the laterally variable positioning of carriers for individual optical fibers are also possible, so the previously explained arrangement should be understood only as an example. The variant shown here is not suitable, particularly with regard to a multi-channel switching arrangement for the mechanical switching of fiber optic bundles with a first input-side and a number of output-side fiber optic bundles.

[0010] This is where the invention comes in, and its object is to provide a multi-channel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles of the type mentioned at the outset and an arrangement transmitting light or similar radiation with a multi-channel switching arrangement, by means of which the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation via a first input-side and a second output-side fiber optic bundle is to take place in an advantageous manner, i.e. in particular by utilizing the flexibility of the individual fibers of the fiber optic bundles or, if appropriate, of individual fiber optic bundles, but in particular individual fibers. In particular, this should be made possible while avoiding or at least significantly reducing the transmission losses of the electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted, in particular light.

[0011] The object relating to a multi-channel switching arrangement is achieved by the invention with a multi-channel switching arrangement according to claim 1.

[0012] The invention is based on a multi-channel switching arrangement for the mechanical switching of fiber optic bundles, with a first input-side and a number of second output-side fiber optic bundles, wherein - the input-side and output-side fiber optic bundles are each held on a movable input-side and output-side fiber carrier, which can be laterally variably positioned relative to one another during switching such that for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation between one of the input-side fiber optic bundles and one of the output-side fiber optic bundles, their fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite one another in a beam-coupling manner.

[0013] According to the invention it is further provided that

[0014] - each of the input and output fiber optic bundles is separated into a, in particular identical, number of individual fibers, and

[0015] - for the transmission of radiation between a selected input-side fiber optic bundle and a selected output-side fiber optic bundle, the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers.

[0016] The invention is based on the consideration that the principle mentioned above is fundamentally applicable to the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation between an input- and output-side fiber optic bundle, whose fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite beam couplers. The invention is further based on the consideration that, although this principle has proven successful for use with individual fiber optic fibers, problems increasingly arise when the cross-section of the individual fiber increases and thus its flexibility decreases, or when the cross-section of an individual fiber bundle increases and thus the transmission losses increase when switching a fiber bundle. This principle therefore still requires improvement, particularly with regard to achieving the lowest possible loss-free transmission.

[0017] Based on this, the invention has further recognized that for the transmission of radiation between a selected input-side fiber optic bundle and a selected output-side fiber optic bundle, it is possible to position the individual fiber cross-sections of their individual fibers opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers.

[0018] The invention thus utilizes the advantage of the proven special principle of radiation-coupling, in particular light-coupling, relative positioning of individual fibers for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation (in particular in the UV, VIS, NIR and IR ranges). The invention makes this possible in a surprising way by separating larger fiber optic bundles on the input and output sides into individual fibers. This measure is surprising in that, although it results in greater complexity in the fiber guidance, it also provides disproportionately greater advantages in the transmission process for the electromagnetic radiation. The invention also takes into account, in an equally surprising way, the finding that the fiber bundles can also be guided by means of their individual fibers. In particular, this can be advantageously supported by advantageous and sufficient fixation of an individual fiber orif necessary, individual fiber bundles so that they can be positioned sufficiently precisely opposite one another.

[0019] This surprisingly efficient approach achieves the goal of ensuring that, even with relative positioning for radiation coupling of the individual fibers, losses still occur; however, the sum of these losses is significantly lower than if an input and output fiber optic bundle were positioned relative to each other. The insight of the invention has proven itself in this respect and is also reflected in the innovative approach to implementing mechanical switching on the one hand and the routing of the individual fibers on the other.

[0020] The invention thus achieves that --as an alternative to thick-core or similar multi-mode fibers - fiber bundles can be used with their inherent high photon yield and at the same time the possibility of guiding light or similar radiation of high intensity via a very flexible guidance of the individual fibers or, if necessary, individual fiber bundles as a genuine part of these input and output fiber bundles.

[0021] The invention thus surprisingly utilizes the finding that the separation of the fiber optic bundles not only has advantages with regard to fiber guidance, but also with regard to the transmission of radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles when these are positioned opposite one another with their individual fiber cross sections in a light-coupling manner.

[0022] The transmission of light or similar radiation between the separated individual fibers is thus also possible in applications with complex system arrangements, since the individual fibers, if necessary in individual fiber bundles, can be laid or guided quite flexibly in the complex arrangement and, on the other hand, the transmission losses are significantly reduced compared to the coupling of fiber optic bundles as a whole bundle.

[0023] To achieve this objective, the invention also provides a cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements according to the concept of the invention. The cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements is designed such that a number of multi-channel switching arrangements are arranged in a multi-stage cascaded sequence. This specifically means that a second input-side fiber optic bundle of a second stage of the cascade is connected to a first output-side fiber optic bundle of a first stage of the cascade in a radiation-coupled manner with respect to the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers, and can be laterally variably positioned relative to one another.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cascade is designed with a number of up to three or four stages, with a multi-channel switching arrangement having three or four channels. This advantageously allows the generation of a signal count that is a third or even a fourth power of the number of channels in a multi-channel switching arrangement. In other words, the output-side fiber optic bundles of the cascade offer transmission options for a signal count of up to ax nCH. A s, where s is the number of stages.

[0025] With nCH=4 channels and s=2 stages, this is 16 signals; with s=3 stages, this is 64 signals.

[0026] The multi-channel switching arrangements can also be realized with more than one input-side fiber optic bundle.

[0027] To achieve the object, the invention also leads to an arrangement transmitting light or similar radiation, comprising the multi-channel switching arrangement according to the concept of the invention, as well as a radiation source coupled to an input-side fiber optic bundle in a radiation-transmitting manner, and a radiation sensor or a radiation tool or similar radiation application coupled to an output-side fiber optic bundle in a radiation-receiving manner, in particular via fiber optic bundle lines connected to these fiber optic bundles by means of suitable plug connections.

[0028] Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, which further develop the concept of the invention with regard to advantageous features within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

[0029] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the end faces of the individual fibers, with their individual fiber cross-sections, are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner, wherein the opposite end faces maintain a distance in the range of 70 pm to 200 pm. This distance range generally allows sufficient radiation coupling, i.e., to transmit light or similar electromagnetic radiation (possibly varying depending on its wavelength) between the end faces of the input and output-side individual fibers. At the same time, it is ensured that the individual fibers do not come too close to one another with their end faces; snagging or similar interference is thus largely excluded.Based on the above consideration, the invention has recognized that it is nevertheless possible to maintain the aforementioned proven principle and to make this possible by separating each of the input and output fiber optic bundles, ideally into a (particularly identical) number of individual fibers, but if necessary also in a varied further development, separating them into individual fiber bundles. A single fiber bundle can comprise a very small number of, if necessary, up to three individual fibers. The advantages with regard to fiber guidance are then retained in any case (if the individual fiber is not too thick, or depending on this), and the advantages with regard to the transmission of radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles are also retained if these are positioned opposite one another with their individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fiber bundles in a light-coupling manner.The concept of the invention can therefore best be implemented by separating the fiber bundles into individual fibers with the aforementioned advantages, possibly also to a certain extent by separating them into individual fiber bundles with a small number of individual fibers of up to three. Within the scope of the particularly preferred development, it is therefore provided that the individual fiber bundle of an input- and / or output-side fiber optic bundle consists of a single fiber or a partial number of individual fibers, wherein the partial number represents a true fraction of the number of individual fibers in the fiber optic bundle.

[0030] Within the scope of a particularly preferred further development, it is provided that the single fiber bundle of an input and / or output fiber optic bundle consists of a single individual fiber.

[0031] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the number of fibers in individual fiber bundles, in particular individual fibers, is the same for the input and output fiber optic bundles, in particular the number of fibers a is between a=3 and a=19, in particular between 3 and 9. Preferably, a fiber bundle contains a=3 or ? or 9 individual fibers. Under certain circumstances, a fiber number a of a=19 is also possible. The individual fibers in the fiber bundle are advantageously distributed across the cross-section of the bundle in a densely packed configuration.

[0032] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the input-side fiber optic bundles consist of a single input-side fiber optic bundle. In other words, the multi-channel switching arrangement has only a single fiber optic bundle at the input. Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the output-side fiber optic bundles comprise a number of channels of output-side fiber optic bundles, wherein each individual output-side fiber optic bundle is assigned to one of the number of channels of output-side channels, in particular with a channel number nCH between nCH=2 and nCH=9, preferably 3 or 4.

[0033] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that each of the input- and output-side fiber optic bundles is separated into a finger structure with the, in particular identical, number of individual fibers, wherein the finger structure on the side of the input-side fiber optic bundle engages the finger structure on the side of the output-side fiber optic bundle in a radiation-coupled manner, in particular such that an actuatable lateral distance is provided between the fingers of the finger structure. The distance corresponds to an actuatable lateral switching distance (pitch), in particular a multiple thereof according to the number of channels. It has been shown that for switching, a lateral movement amplitude (a pitch) is best used between the first individual fibers of the fiber bundles, between the second individual fibers of the fiber bundles, between the third individual fibers of the fiber bundles, etc.up to, for example, the seventh individual fibers of the fiber bundles --i.e. between the nth individual fibers of the fiber bundles-- is given.

[0034] This has the advantage that a lateral movement amplitude (one pitch) is comparatively small for a specific actuator, especially a piezo actuator. Such an arrangement also offers other advantages; for example, "fiber crosstalk" is avoided during switching, since only the cross-sections of associated fibers are guided past each other. Depending on its length, a piezo actuator can achieve a lateral movement amplitude (a value of one pitch) of up to 600 pm; in exceptional cases, more. Another advantage is that shorter switching distances also allow for faster switching times.

[0035] The number of output-side fiber optic bundles is preferably 3 or 4. In this respect, a preferred development relates to a multi-channel switching arrangement from 1 to 3 or 4 fiber bundles (1x3 or 1x4 multi-channel switching arrangement) with a number of a=7 individual fibers in a fiber bundle.

[0036] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the output-side fiber optic bundles are arranged together on a movable output-side fiber carrier, so that these output-side fiber optic bundles are jointly laterally movable with a movement of the output-side bundle carrier.

[0037] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, the output-side fiber optic bundles offer transmission options for a signal count (ax nCH) of up to ax nCH, i.e., with a fiber count (a) of individual fiber bundles, in particular individual fibers, for a channel count (nCH) of output-side channels, but at least a signal count a corresponding to the output-side channels or a signal count a corresponding to the fiber count. In the above-mentioned development, the signal count ax nCH is preferably 7x3 or 7x4.

[0038] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that the input-side and output-side fiber carrier each has a lateral movement amplitude which is designed in relation to a relative switching distance (pitch) of the individual fiber bundles, in particular individual fibers, wherein an output-side switching distance is twice as large as an input-side switching distance, in particular wherein

[0039] - the input-side fiber carrier has a lateral movement amplitude of a switching distance of two or three pitches, and

[0040] - the output fiber carrier has a lateral movement amplitude of a switching distance equal to one pitch.

[0041] The concept of the invention has proven particularly useful for fiber bundle cross-sections of fiber optic bundles that are at least above 200 pm, 400 pm, 500 pm, 600 pm, or above 1 mm, preferably with fiber bundle cross-sections greater than 1 cm, in particular greater than 4 cm or more. Fiber bundles with, for example, 400 pm cross-sections of the individual fibers are certainly conceivable; with a number of 7 in a fiber bundle, this results in a fiber bundle cross-section approximately above 1.3 mm, possibly above 2.8 mm, or above 5 mm, with dense packing.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the number of individual fibers or the individual fibers are fixed in a groove, in particular a V-groove, of the carrier. Fixing in a groove has proven particularly effective in ensuring relative positioning of the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fiber bundles, in particular the individual fibers, despite the relative dynamics during switching.

[0043] Within the scope of a particularly preferred development, it is provided that for switching purposes the input and output-side fiber carriers can be positioned laterally in a variable manner relative to one another by means of a piezo-mechanical actuator, wherein an amplitude limitation of the piezo-mechanical actuator is realized by means of a stop means in such a way that the fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite one another in a light-coupling manner.

[0044] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings in comparison to the prior art, some of which is also shown. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, where useful for explanation, the drawings are schematic and / or slightly distorted. With regard to additions to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that many modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without departing from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings, and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below, nor is it limited to an object that would be limited compared to the object claimed in the claims. In the case of specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values ​​and can be used and claimed as desired.

[0045] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing, which shows:

[0046] FIG. 1: a purely schematic representation in which input and output-side individual fibers (one to the second of four) are positioned opposite one another in a light-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers, ie to explain the switching principle between a single input-side individual fiber and a number of output-side individual fibers; these can each be regarded as a separate part of corresponding input- and output-side fiber optic bundles; FIG. 2: a layout diagram of a preferred embodiment of a multi-channel

[0047] Switching arrangement with input and output fiber optic bundles, in which the separated fiber number of individual fibers is recognizable, whereby for each individual fiber the transmission of the radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles is enabled separately;

[0048] FIG. 3: a flow chart to explain the procedure for transmitting

[0049] Radiation between input and output fiber optic bundles with a multi-channel switching arrangement according to the design scheme of a preferred embodiment of FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 4: a light or similar radiation transmitting arrangement with a multi-channel switching arrangement according to the concept of the invention;

[0051] FIG. 5: a light or similar radiation transmitting arrangement with a

[0052] Cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements according to the concept of the invention.

[0053] The problem with essentially advantageous thick-core / multimode fibers is that, while they deliver high photon yield and high intensity, they are difficult to install in applications with complex system configurations because they have little or only limited flexibility. The core fibers can easily have a core diameter of 600 pm.

[0054] Compared to thick-core fiber switches, i.e. for large fiber optic cross-sections, whose fibers are naturally rather inflexible, the fiber bundle switch can be used to lay the inputs and outputs much more flexibly with the same fiber optic cross-section and also allows a flexible, dynamic laying of the fiber connections, which would not be possible with thick-core fibers.

[0055] Fiber bundles therefore have system-technical advantages, especially in device integration, automation technology, or similar applications - however, the transmission for fiber bundles in switching arrangements such as those for thick-core / multimode fibers decreases considerably.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows --as a detail of the concept of the invention, to explain the multi-channel switching arrangement for the mechanical switching of fiber optic bundles--by way of example the principle of a switching arrangement 100.1, to which further reference is made in FIG. 2. The switching arrangement 100.1 can be understood as part of a multi-channel switching arrangement for the mechanical switching of individual fiber optic fibers EF, wherein in the present case an input-side individual fiber 1E and four output-side fibers 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A can be seen. For the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation S from an input side IN to an output side OUT --i.e. between the input and output-side individual fibers EF, 1E orEF, 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A-- it is provided that the fiber cross-section of the input-side single fiber EF, 1 E is positioned in a beam-coupling manner relative to the cross-section of the output-side fiber EF, --in this case the single fiber 2A--, to be coupled.

[0057] The fixation of the single input-side single fiber EF, 1E on a fiber carrier is ensured in this case by inserting it into a groove N, in this case a V-groove (not shown in detail). The input-side fiber carrier 10FT can now be positioned with an input-side movement amplitude A_EIN in relation to a relative switching distance (pitch) of the individual fibers—specifically, relative to the arrangement of the output-side single fibers EF, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A.

[0058] In this case, the input-side fiber carrier 10 FT has a lateral movement amplitude A_EIN of two pitches; it can be positioned laterally once on the second output-side single fiber EF, 2A and once on the fourth output-side single fiber EF, 4A.

[0059] Accordingly, the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT can have a lateral output-side movement amplitude A_AUS of one pitch; in the position of the input-side fiber carrier 10 FT relative to the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT shown in FIG. 1, the single input fiber EF, 1 E and the second output-side individual fiber EF, 2A are radiation-coupled by positioning their cross-sections opposite one another; starting from this position, the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT can be laterally variably positioned with a lateral output-side movement amplitude A_AUS of one pitch. This means that, starting from the position shown in FIG. 1, the first or third output-side individual fiber EF, 1A or EF, 3A can also be radiation-coupled to the single input-side individual fiber EF, 1 E.During switching, the individual fiber carriers 10 FT, 20 FT (each with an input-side movement amplitude A_ON of 2 pitches or an output-side movement amplitude A_OFF of one pitch) can be laterally repositioned relative to one another during switching such that the input and output-side fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers EF are positioned opposite one another in a beam-coupling manner - in FIG. 1, this is the second output-side individual fiber EF, 2A to the only input-side individual fiber EF, 1 E. FIG. 2 now shows a multi-channel switching arrangement 100 according to the concept of the invention for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C, ie with a first input-side fiber optic bundle 10 and a number of second output-side fiber optic bundles 20A, 20B, 20C. The input-side fiber optic bundle 10 is the only fiber optic bundle 10 assigned to an input channel IN.

[0060] The three output-side fiber optic bundles 20A, 20B, 20C shown here as examples are each assigned to output channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3; ​​the corresponding fiber bundle cross-sections QB of the aforementioned fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C are also shown schematically in FIG. 2. In these, as well as in the detailed representations of the individual fibers of the aforementioned fiber optic bundles, the individual fibers can be seen.

[0061] The input-side fiber optic bundle 10 consists of seven individual fibers, which are designated 10.1 to 10.7 here. For reasons of clarity, the specific analogous designation for the output-side fiber optic bundles 20A, 20B, and 20C in FIG. 2 is omitted; these individual fibers are designated accordingly as 20A.1 ... 20A.7 or 20B.1 ... 20B.7 or 20C.1 ... 20C.7.

[0062] In the present case, the fiber optic bundles and output-side individual fibers of the output side OUT assigned to the different channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3 are shown in a color coding blue, green or yellow (corresponding to the bar coding solid, dashed or dash-dotted) - the input-side individual fibers 10.1..10.7 of the fiber optic bundle 10 on the input side IN are shown in a color coding black.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 1, for the light-coupling relative arrangement of a single fiber EF of the single input-side fiber optic bundle 10, for example as shown in FIG. 2, the first single fiber EF can be understood as "here designated 10.1" (with the blue color coding on the input side IN) - this would correspond to the single fiber EF, 1 E in FIG. 1. A number of first fibers of the three output-side bundles 20A, 20B, 20C (assigned to the channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3) - i.e. in this case the fibers with the designation for a single fiber 20A.1, 20B.1, 20C.1 - are shown as one of the output-side single fibers 1A, 2A, 3A in FIG. 1.

[0064] In other words, with reference to the multi-channel switching arrangement 100 of FIG. 2, the first individual fiber on the input side IN, ie the individual fiber 10.1 of the input-side fiber bundle 10, can be switched by means of the input-side movement amplitude A_IN to one of the output-side individual fibers corresponding to the channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, ie one of the individual fibers designated 20A.1, 20B.1, 20C.1 of the output-side fiber bundles 20A, 20B, 20C.

[0065] According to the concept of the invention, it is further ensured that each of the input and output fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C is separated into an identical number of fibers a = 7 individual fibers as previously designated, ie on the input side IN, individual fibers 10.1 to 10.7 are part of the multi-channel switching arrangement 100, and on the output side OUT, individual fibers 20A.1 to 20A.7 or 20B.1 to 20B.7 or 20C.1 to 20C.7 are part of the multi-channel switching arrangement 100.

[0066] The individual fibers are laid by separating the fiber optic bundles 10 or 20A, 20B, 20C. The spacing of the individual fibers is selected such that when a fiber carrier 10 FT or 20 FT is positioned, the first individual fiber EF of the input-side fiber bundle 10 --i.e., the individual fiber 10.1 -- is assigned in a radiation-coupled manner opposite the first individual fiber of the first output-side fiber bundle 20A, and thus to the first channel Ch1, i.e., the individual fiber 20A.1.

[0067] The individual fibers 10.1, 20A.1 are positioned opposite one another so that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers 10.1, 20A.1.

[0068] Furthermore, this is ensured for the second to seventh individual fibers 10.2 to 10.7 of the input-side fiber bundle or for the output-side fibers 20A.2 to 20A.7 of the fiber bundle 20A assigned to the first channel Ch1 (blue color coding).

[0069] In other words, the individual fibers 10.1 to 10.7 of the input side EIN are positioned with their individual fiber cross sections opposite the individual fibers 20A.1 to 20A.7 in a radiation-coupling manner, so that radiation between the separated individual fibers of the input side is transmittable to the individual fibers of the first channel Ch1, ie the first output-side fiber bundle 20A.

[0070] This requirement is clearly given for the switching position of the input-side fiber carrier 10 FT relative to the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT shown in FIG. 2. The distances in units of a pitch are now all the same on the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT; namely, such that either the input-side fiber carrier 10 FT and / or the second output-side fiber carrier 20 FG can be switched relative to each other using a relative movement amplitude A_ON or A_OFF. For example, a second switching position results (not shown in FIG. 2, but easily imagined) such that the input-side fiber carrier 10 FT switches all input-side individual fibers EF, 10.1 to 10.7 of the input-side fiber bundle 10 to the third output-side fiber bundle 20C, which is assigned to the third channel Ch3, via an input-side movement amplitude A_EIN of two pitches. This meansIn this case, all individual fibers of the input-side fiber bundle 10 and the third output-side fiber bundle 20C are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmissible between the separated individual fibers 10.1 ... 10.7 of the input-side fiber bundle 10 and the separated individual fibers 20C.1 ... 20.7 of the third output-side fiber bundle 20C. In other words, the individual fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite one another when the input-side fiber carrier 10FT switches with a movement amplitude A_EIN of two pitches—in the downward direction shown in FIG. 2—and the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers 10.1 ... 10.7 are then positioned opposite the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers 20C.1 to 20C.7.

[0071] If, in a third switching position, the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT then switches downwards by an output-side movement amplitude A_OFF from one pitch in the direction shown in FIG. 2, the corresponding situation arises for the input-side fiber bundle 10 in a radiation-coupling manner with respect to the second output-side fiber bundle 20B, which is assigned to the second channel Ch2.

[0072] A fiber bundle cross-section of the fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C with the present number of a=7 individual fibers EF can be greater than 50 pm in total, in particular greater than 200 pm, 400 pm, 500 pm, or 600 pm. The fixation of the individual fibers 10.1 to 10.7 or 20A.1 to 20A.7 or 20B.1 to 20B.7 or 20C.1 to 20C.7 is ensured in this case by securing the individual fibers EF in a V-groove of the carrier 10FT or 20FT.

[0073] A piezo-mechanical actuation of each of the fiber carriers 10 FT, 20 FT is performed with a corresponding trigger force, whereby each carrier 10 FT, 20 FT is then limited in its amplitude by a suitably adjusted mechanical stop device. This achieves an extremely precise relative positioning of the aforementioned type for all individual fibers 10.1 to 10.7 of the input-side fiber bundle 10 relative to the individual fibers of each of the output-side fiber bundles 20A, 20B, 20C. The transmission losses are extremely low, at least lower than if each of the bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C were left as such and switched bundle by bundle, so to speak. The stop-based switching of an individual fiber EF of an input-side fiber array—namely the individual fibers 10.1 ... 10—provided according to the subject matter of the application.7 of the input-side fiber bundle 10 on the input-side fiber carrier 10FT- to an output-side fiber array of individual fibers EF - namely, depending on the switching position of the fiber carriers 10FT, 20FT, the individual fibers 20A.1 ...20A.7 of the first output-side fiber bundle 20A, the individual fibers 20B.1 ...20B.7 of the second output-side fiber bundle 20B or the individual fibers 20C.1 ...20C.7 of the third output-side fiber bundle 20C on the output-side fiber carrier 20FT- offers the aforementioned advantages.

[0074] The switching positions of the 10 FT and 20 FT fiber carriers could therefore be (in terms of channels for the input side / output side) "1 to 1" and "1 to 3" for a 2-pitch switching operation of the 10 FT input-side fiber carrier; starting from the "1 to 3" switching position, this could also be the "1 to 2" switching position for a 1-pitch switching operation of the 10 FT output-side fiber carrier. This "1 to 2" switching position could also be achieved (in terms of channels for the input side / output side) for a "1-pitch" switching operation of the 10 FT output-side fiber carrier (starting from the "1 to 1" switching positions of the 10 FT and 20 FT fiber carriers shown in FIG. 2).

[0075] The switching principle can be extended to any number of channels - for example 4 channels as shown in FIG. 1.

[0076] In short, using the same switching principle, it would then be possible to switch individual fibers EF, 10.1 ...10.7 laid in a V-pit on the input side IN with a double pitch (2 pitches) to individual fibers EF, 20A.1 ...20A.7, 20B.1 ...20B.7, 20C.1 ...20C.7, 20D.1 ...20D.7 laid in a V-pit on the output side OUT with a single pitch for 4 channels (instead of 3 as in FIG. 2). Thus, if the double-pitch switching of the input fibers of the input array on the input side IN is located, for example, at position 2 and position 4, the single-pitch switching of the output fibers of the output array on the output side OUT of the fiber array can be used to switch between two adjacent fibers, thus serving all four transmission channels.

[0077] Part of the invention for creating a fiber bundle switch is therefore to switch the individual fibers 10.1 ... 10.7 of the input bundle 10 individually, thus keeping the losses in the switch only as high as for a single fiber EF. The individual fibers are arranged in such a way that all fibers on the input side are grouped together in a sensible, mechanically precise arrangement, and all fibers of the fibers to be switched at the output OUT (i.e., the individual fibers 20A.1 ... 20C.7 of the output bundles 20A, 20B, 20C) are arranged in a suitable manner, so that all fibers of the respectively addressed output channel can be coupled in an orderly manner with a single switching stage.

[0078] Therefore, the individual fibers are addressed here, as shown in FIG. 2—namely, a=7 fibers of an input-side fiber optic bundle—and the entire bundle is switched according to the principle described above. However, the entire array is moved. This means that the left input side has a pitch of, for example, 2, and the right side with channels 1, 2, and 3 has a pitch of 1 for switching between adjacent fibers, so that all individual fibers can be switched via this, not separately, but in the matrix, so to speak.

[0079] The circuit arrangement thus involves splitting the input IN into seven different, flexible individual fibers and collecting them on the right side of the switch for the individual channels, namely into fiber bundles for channels Ch1, Ch2, and Ch3. This achieves a high photon yield and, at the same time, allows the thin fibers of the fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, and 20C to be bent in a complex object.

[0080] The principle of the present invention is illustrated in its operation in a flow chart in FIG. 3.

[0081] Starting from a single channel (Single Channel IN) on the input side, the input-side fiber bundle 10 is separated into a number of fibers a=7, consisting of individual fibers 10.1 to 10.7 of the input-side fiber bundle 10; this represents the first step V1 in the design of the arrangement. This step V1 may optionally also include the input side IN comprising not only a single fiber bundle 10, but also multiple fiber bundles, such as 10.A, 10.B, or 10.C (not shown) - thus, the input side IN does not have to be a single channel, but can also be designed as a multi-channel.

[0082] In a second step V2, the input-side fiber carrier 10FT on the input side IN is provided to move to a corresponding switching position (approximately as shown in FIG. 2, to the "1 to 1" switching position) with an amplitude A_IN of two pitches. Accordingly, to achieve this "1 to 1" switching position, the fiber carrier moves to a switching position according to the "Off-Pitch" value.

[0083] In such or another possible switching position, for the transmission of radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles 10 or 20A or 20B or 20C, the individual fiber cross sections of the individual fibers are all positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers, namely for at least one of the channels Ch1 or Ch2 or Ch3.

[0084] For the channel then switched in this way (Ch1 in FIG. 2), the signals for the number a of fibers are then combined into that very channel—for example, channel Ch1 as in FIG. 2—selected from a number nCh of channels. The illustration in FIG. 2 shows an example in which three channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3 are available. Depending on the design of the output-side fiber carrier 20 FT on the output side AUS, four channels Ch1 to Ch4 can therefore also be served, for example, with the existing pitch amplitude selection, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0085] An output can therefore be switched to a multi-channel, as symbolically illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0086] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a light or similar radiation transmitting arrangement 1000 with the multi-channel switching arrangement 100 as described herein.

[0087] The multi-channel switching arrangement 100 is in this case coupled in a radiation-transmitting manner to an input-side fiber optic bundle 10, which in turn can be connected by means of a suitable plug connection to a fiber optic bundle line 10L, for example to a radiation source 10Q.

[0088] On an output side OUT, for example, for each of the channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, an output-side fiber optic bundle 20A or 20B or 20C - depending on the switching position of the multi-channel switching arrangement 100 as previously explained - an application 20S for each of the channels Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, for example a suitable sensor system, can be connected via a connected output-side fiber optic bundle line 20L.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows a light or similar radiation transmitting arrangement 2000 with a cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements in s=3 stages in the present case.

[0090] In other words, in the present case, a first multi-channel switching arrangement 100 is provided in a first stage, namely according to the concept of the invention as specifically explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0091] In a second stage, three multi-channel switching arrangements 200.1, 200.2, 200.3 of this

[0092] Type arranged in a two-stage cascaded sequence such that - as shown in the switchover position of FIG. 5 - a second input-side fiber-optic bundle - here 200.1 - of the second stage of the cascade is connected in a beam-coupled manner to the first, output-side fiber-optic bundle 100 of the first stage of the cascade and can be laterally variably positioned relative to one another. This is also to be understood accordingly that each of the input and output fiber optic bundles is separated into a, in particular identical, number a=7 of individual fibers EF (in this case the blue channel of the output fiber optic bundle 100 in the first stage), and for the transmission of radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles 100, 200.1, the individual fiber cross sections of the individual fibers EF are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers.At the exit of the second stage there are then 3. A s so 3 A 2=9 output fiber bundles.

[0093] In a third stage, nine multi-channel switching arrangements 300.1, 300.2, 300.3 ... 300.9 of this type are then arranged in a three-stage cascaded sequence in such a way that - as shown in the switching position of FIG. 5 - a second input-side fiber-optic bundle - here 300.1 - of the third stage of the cascade is connected in a beam-coupled manner to the first, output-side fiber-optic bundle 200.1 of the second stage of the cascade and can be laterally variably positioned relative to one another. Here, too, this is to be understood in such a way that each of the input and output fiber optic bundles is separated into a, in particular identical, number a=7 of individual fibers EF (in this case the blue channel of the output fiber optic bundle 200.1 in the second stage), and for the transmission of the radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles 200.1, 300.1 The individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers are positioned opposite each other in a radiation-coupling manner so that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fibers. At the output of the third stage, there are thus 3. A s so 3 A 3=27 output fiber bundles.

[0094] In the case of 4 channels (schematically shown in FIG. 1), with an analog cascade at the output of the second stage, 4 A s so 4 A 2=16 output fiber bundles can be realized and at the output of the third stage 4 A s so 4 A 3=64 output-side fiber bundles are realized for the variable switching of a number of signals corresponding to the multiplication with the number of fibers a of in this case a=7.

[0095] In summary, according to the concept of the invention, a multi-channel switching arrangement for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles, with a first input-side and a number of second output-side fiber optic bundles, is described here, wherein - the input-side and output-side fiber optic bundles are each held on a movable input-side and output-side fiber carrier, which can be positioned laterally variably relative to one another during switching.

[0096] It is provided that for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles, their fiber cross sections are positioned opposite each other in a beam-coupling manner.

[0097] It is also planned that

[0098] - each of the input and output fiber optic bundles is separated into a, in particular identical, number (a) of individual fiber bundles, in particular individual fibers, and

[0099] - for the transmission of radiation between the input and output fiber optic bundles, the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fiber bundles, in particular of the individual fibers, are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation is transmittable between the separated individual fiber bundles, in particular individual fibers.

[0100] Specifically, it is planned that

[0101] - each of the input and output fiber optic bundles 10, 20A, 20B, 20C is separated into a, in particular identical, number a of individual fibers EF, and

[0102] - for the transmission of radiation between a selected input-side fiber optic bundle 10 and a selected output-side fiber optic bundle 20A, the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers 10.1, ...20A.7 are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation S is transmittable between the separated individual fibers 10.1, ...20A.7.

[0103] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (PART OF THE DESCRIPTION)

[0104] 100 multi-channel switching arrangement

[0105] 100.1 Switching arrangement

[0106] 200.1 , 200.2, 200.3 Multi-channel switching arrangement of the second stage in a cascade

[0107] 300.1 ...300.9 Multi-channel switching arrangement of the third stage in a cascade

[0108] EF single fiber

[0109] 10 FT input fiber carrier

[0110] 20 FT output fiber carrier

[0111] 1 E input-side single fiber

[0112] 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A four output fibers

[0113] S radiation s level, number of levels

[0114] A_EIN, A_AUS input and output lateral movement amplitude,

[0115] 1-pitch / 2-pitch

[0116] 100 multi-channel switching arrangement

[0117] 10 input-side fiber optic bundle

[0118] 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D output fiber optic bundles

[0119] ONE input channel

[0120] OFF Output side

[0121] CH1, CH2, CH3 output channels

[0122] QB fiber bundle cross-sections

[0123] 10.1 - 10.7 seven individual fibers of the input side

[0124] 20A.1 ...20A.7 seven individual fibers of the output side

[0125] 20B.1 .. 20B.7 seven individual fibers of the output side

[0126] 20C.1 .. 20C.7 seven single fibers of the output side 10 FT, 20 FT fiber carrier

[0127] A_ON or A_OFF relative movement amplitude

[0128] V1 first step

[0129] V2 second step nCh number of channels

[0130] 1000 radiation-transmitting arrangement

[0131] 2000 cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements

[0132] 10L bundled cable

[0133] 10Q, 10S radiation source, radiation application a fiber count

[0134] Pitch switching distance

Claims

Patent claims 1. Multi-channel switching arrangement (1000) for mechanically switching fiber optic bundles, with a first input-side and a number of second output-side fiber optic bundles (10, 20A, 20B, 20C), wherein - the input-side and output-side fiber optic bundles are each held on a movable input-side and output-side fiber carrier (10FT, 20FT), which can be positioned laterally in a variable manner relative to one another during switching such that for the transmission of light or similar electromagnetic radiation (S) between one of the input-side fiber optic bundles (10) and one of the output-side fiber optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) their fiber cross-sections are positioned opposite one another in a beam-coupling manner, wherein - each of the input and output fiber optic bundles (10, 20A, 20B, 20C) is separated into a, in particular identical, number (a) of individual fibers (EF), and - for the transmission of radiation between a selected input-side fiber optic bundle (10) and a selected output-side fiber optic bundle (20A), the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers (10.1, ...20A.7) are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner such that radiation (S) is transmittable between the separated individual fibers (10.1, ...20A.7).

2. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the end faces of the individual fibers with their individual fiber cross sections (10.1, ...20A.7) are positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner, the end faces maintaining a distance in a range of 70 pm to 200 pm.

3. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the single fiber (EF) is part of a single fiber bundle of up to a small number of up to three single fibers (EF), in particular in the multi-channel switching arrangement the single fiber bundle of an input and / or output-side fiber optic bundle consists of a single single fiber (10.1, ...20C.7).

4. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of fibers (a) of individual fibers is the same in the input and output side fiber optic bundle, in particular the number of fibers (a) between 3 and 9, in particular 3, 7 or 9 in the input-side fiber optic bundle(s) (10) and the output-side fiber optic bundle(s) (20A, 20B, 20C).

5. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input-side fiber optic bundle (10) is a single input-side fiber optic bundle.

6. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output-side fiber optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) comprise a channel number (nCH) of output-side fiber optic bundles, wherein each individual output-side fiber optic bundle is assigned to one of the output-side channels (CH1 ... CH3 ... CHn) of the channel number (nCH), in particular with a channel number (nCH) between 2 and 9, preferably 3 or 4.

7. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the input-side and output-side fiber optic bundles is separated into a finger structure with the, in particular identical, number (a) of individual fibers (10.1 ... 20C.7), wherein the finger structure on the side of the input-side fiber optic bundle engages the finger structure on the side of the output-side fiber optic bundle in a radiation-coupling manner, in particular in such a way that an actuatable lateral switching distance (pitch), in particular a multiple thereof according to the number of channels (nCH), is provided between the fingers of the finger structure.

8. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output-side fiber optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) are arranged together on a movable output-side fiber carrier (20 FT), so that these output-side fiber optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) are jointly laterally movable with a movement of the output-side bundle carrier (20 FT).

9. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output-side fiber optic bundles (20A, 20B, 20C) offer transmission options for a number of signals up to ax nCH, ie with a fiber number (a) of individual fibers for a channel number (nCH) of output-side channels (CH1 ...CH3...CHn), but at least a signal number corresponding to the output-side channels (CH1 ...CH3...CHn) or a signal number corresponding to the fiber number (a).

10. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input-side and output-side fiber carrier each has a lateral movement amplitude which is designed with respect to a relative switching distance (pitch) of the individual fibers, wherein an output-side switching distance is twice as large as an input-side switching distance, in particular wherein - the input-side fiber carrier has a lateral movement amplitude of a switching distance equal to two pitches, and - the output fiber carrier has a lateral movement amplitude of a switching distance equal to one pitch.

11. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fiber bundle cross-section of the fiber optic bundles with the individual fibers (EF) is overall greater than 50 pm, in particular greater than 200 pm, 400 pm, 500 pm, 600 pm or 1 mm, preferably greater than 1 cm, in particular greater than 4 cm or more.

12. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual fibers or the individual fiber is fixed in a groove, in particular a V-groove, of the fiber carrier (10 FT, 20 FT).

13. Multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for switching the input and output side fiber carriers can be positioned laterally variably relative to each other by means of a piezo-mechanical actuator, wherein an amplitude limitation of the piezo-mechanical actuator, in particular to the switching distance in the value of one pitch or two pitches, is realized by means of a stop means such that the fiber cross-sections can be positioned opposite one another in a radiation-coupling manner.

14. Cascade of multi-channel switching arrangements according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a number of multi-channel switching arrangements are arranged in a multi-stage cascaded sequence, in particular such that a second input-side fiber-optic bundle of a second stage of the cascade is connected to a first, output-side fiber-optic bundle of a first stage of the cascade in a radiation-coupled manner with respect to the individual fiber cross-sections of the individual fibers and can be laterally variably positioned relative to one another.

15. Cascade according to claim 14 with a number (s) of three or four stages, wherein a multi-channel switching arrangement has a channel number (nCH) of three or four channels.

16. An arrangement transmitting light or similar radiation, comprising a multi-channel switching arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13 or a cascade according to claim 14 or 15, and an interface to a radiation source (10Q) which can be coupled to an input-side fiber optic bundle (10) in a radiation-transmitting manner, and an interface to a radiation sensor or a radiation tool or similar radiation application (10S) which can be coupled to an output-side fiber optic bundle (10A, 20B, 20C) in a radiation-receiving manner.

Images