EP0000857B1 - Photoelectric control device - Google Patents

Photoelectric control device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0000857B1
EP0000857B1 EP19780810008 EP78810008A EP0000857B1 EP 0000857 B1 EP0000857 B1 EP 0000857B1 EP 19780810008 EP19780810008 EP 19780810008 EP 78810008 A EP78810008 A EP 78810008A EP 0000857 B1 EP0000857 B1 EP 0000857B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
source
prism
fibre
photodetector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19780810008
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0000857A1 (en
Inventor
Alan Lewis Harmer
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Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Publication of EP0000857A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000857A1/en
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Publication of EP0000857B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000857B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/965—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch
    • H03K17/968—Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using opto-electronic devices

Definitions

  • DE-OS 2516171 It has certainly already been proposed in DE-OS 2516171 to use a reflecting surface secured to a movable control member between two positions to direct the light emitted by a light source towards a photo-detector in one of the two positions of the control unit.
  • this solution does not illuminate a display means in the other position of the control member.
  • the use of the light source intended to actuate the photo-detector for the lighting of the display is also described in patent GB 1418 318.
  • the reflecting surface used to direct the light from the source to the photo-detector is that of the user's finger placed in front of the light exiting from an optical fiber conducting the light emitted by the light source. It is obvious that the light reflected by a finger cannot be compared to that reflected by a mirror. The contrast of such a device is therefore low and the safety margin between lit and unlit state is extremely reduced.
  • the object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • the subject of the present invention is a photoelectric control device, comprising a light source, a photo-detector, an electric switch actuated by the photo-detector as a function of the light intensity received and a device for control integral with a reflective element and capable of being brought into two limit positions, in one of which the light from said source is directed towards the photo-detector, characterized in that this device comprises display means arranged to receive light from said source when said control member occupies the other of said limit positions.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show two embodiments of single-stable control devices;
  • Figures 3 to 5 show three other embodiments of bistable control devices;
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the bistable control device with two light sources;
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit associated with the control devices of FIGS. 1 to 6.
  • control pusher is shown in the rest position, that is to say in the position in which the light from the source is used for display.
  • FIG. 1 represents an embodiment in which the control member is constituted by a transparent push button 1 in a stable position, constantly returned to this position by an elastic return member 2.
  • This push button 1 is slidably mounted in an aluminum block 3 having a housing 4 intended to receive the head 1 a of the push button 1 retained against the pressure of the return member 2 by a stop screw 5 engaged in a clearance 6 of the head 1a.
  • This button 1 also includes a guide part 1b engaged in a bore 7 formed in the bottom of the housing 4.
  • the push button ends in a prism whose end face 1c is preferably metallized and constitutes a reflective element.
  • An optical fiber 8 connected to a light source constituted by a light-emitting diode LED is housed in the aluminum block 3 and opens near the prism 1c.
  • This optical fiber 8 is arranged relative to the reflecting face of the prism, so that the light which it sends against this reflecting face is returned against the external face of the push button, thus producing the display.
  • a second optical fiber 9 is disposed in the block 3, on the side of the metallized face of the prism 1 C. It extends in the extension of the fiber 8 and leads to a photo-detector (not shown).
  • the reflecting face of the prism 1c is adjacent to two parallel transparent faces 1d and 1e, so that when the push button is pressed at the bottom of its housing 4, these two transparent parallel faces are located respectively opposite the ends of the fibers optics 8 and 9. Consequently, the light rays leaving the fiber 8 and coming from the LED source pass through the faces 1d and the and penetrate into the fiber 9 which leads them to the photo-detector.
  • the display does not constitute an indication of the state of the switch or of the switch controlled by the device described, but rather a simple means of lighting the button.
  • the embodiment of Figure 2 differs only slightly from that of Figure 1.
  • the push button 11 of this embodiment has two reflective faces 11 C 1 and 1102 arranged at 90 ° from each other and at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the push button 11.
  • Two fibers 12 and 13 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pusher 11 terminate near the longitudinal face 11 e of the pusher opposite the reflecting faces 11C 1 and 11 C 2 , the fiber 12 being located opposite the face 11C 1 and the fiber 13 facing the face 11c 2 .
  • the other end of the fiber 12 is connected to the light source constituted by the LED photo-diode, while the fiber 13 leads to the photo-detector.
  • An opaque screen 14 is formed along the longitudinal face 11e of the pusher. This screen 14 is placed so as to be in front of the end of the fiber 13 in the rest position of the push button 11.
  • the reflecting face 11C 1 extends over the entire width of the pusher 11, while the face 11C 2 extends only over approximately half of this width.
  • the optical fiber 12 is located opposite the portion of the reflecting face 11 C 1 adjacent to the end of the push button 11.
  • the light rays emerging from the fiber 12 and reflected by the face 11C 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pusher 11 exit through the external face or indicated from the head of this button.
  • the screen 14 moves away from the fiber 13, the reflecting face 11ci also moves, so that the light which it receives is returned against the reflecting face 11c 2 and directs it towards the fiber 13 to activate the photo-detector.
  • FIG. 3 The form of execution illustrated in FIG. 3 relates to a control device, in which the push button 21 is capable of alternately occupying two stable positions.
  • the mechanism for placing the push button 21 in these two positions is well known. It is shown here schematically and by way of example, it being understood that it can be replaced by any other mechanism of the same kind.
  • This mechanism comprises two pairs of pins 25a, 25b secured to a cylindrical rod 21d of the push button 21 and a double cam 26 rotatably mounted around the rod 21 d.
  • This cam 26 has two ratchet teeth 26a, 26b of four teeth each offset angularly.
  • the teeth 26b have two diametrically opposite axial grooves 26c intended to define one of the two axial positions of the push button 21.
  • a projection 27 integral with the rod 21d and engaged in a groove 28 prevents any angular displacement of the push button 21.
  • the lugs 25a come into engagement with the teeth 26a and rotate the cam 26 by a sufficient angle so that, by releasing the push button, then subjected to the action of a spring of reminder 29, the pins 25b meet the next tooth of the cam 26b and continue to rotate the cam 90 °.
  • the pins 25b come into engagement with the teeth which end in one of the axial grooves 26c.
  • the internal end of this push button has a reflective face 21c inclined at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the push button and the external face of which is preferably metallized.
  • two optical fibers 22 and 23 open opposite each other in a housing 24 receiving the inner end of the push button 21.
  • the light transmission from the fiber 22 supplied by the source to the fiber 23 leading to the photo-detector does not take place through two parallel faces adjacent to the reflecting face 21 c, but directly through the housing 24, l end of the push button being moved away from the path joining these two fibers 22 and 23.
  • the reflecting face 21c c is interposed in the path connecting the fibers 22 and 23, directing the light coming out of the fiber 22 against the external face of the button 21 in order to illuminate it.
  • the external face of the button 21 is only lit in one of the two stable positions of this button, thus indicating the "on” or “off” or “on””off” state. 'light switch.
  • the metallized reflecting face 21c is disposed between the optical fibers 22, 23 and the outside, therefore preventing ambient light from interfering with that from the photoelectric diode.
  • This same reflecting face 21c also prevents any light from reaching the photo-detector in the other position of the push button, by coming to be placed in front of the end of the fiber 23 opening into the housing 24.
  • the control device makes it possible to separate the control itself from the switch or from the switch, thereby guaranteeing total isolation between the manually actuated control and the electric switch well said.
  • a fiber optic transmission element connecting the "control" part to the "switch” part such a device is also suitable for remote control.
  • remote control it is however required to use very low loss optical fibers in order to maintain a sufficient light intensity for the excitation of the photo-detector.
  • These fibers are relatively expensive; therefore it is interesting in this case to consider a solution in which the same fiber conducts light from the light source to the control push button and brings this light back to the photo-detector according to the position of the push button.
  • FIG. 4 Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the push button 31 has a first reflecting surface 31ci available at 45 ° relative to the axis of the fiber 32 and at 45 ° relative to the external surface of the push button used for display as in the case of the other embodiments described.
  • a second reflecting surface 31c 2 perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber 32 is arranged in the extension of the interior end of the push button 31.
  • This push button is in two stable positions like that of the previous embodiment.
  • the reflecting surfaces 31C 1 , 31c 2 are placed alternately in front of the end of the fiber 32, so that the light coming from the photoelectric diode is sometimes directed against the external face of the push button 31, sometimes returned into the fiber 32.
  • the other end of this fiber has a Y connection to separate the light emitted by the LED diode from that transmitted to the photo-detector PD.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment for transmitting light in two directions using a single fiber.
  • a bistable push button 41 of the type described in connection with FIG. 3 is used.
  • the end of the push button has a double reflecting surface 41C 1 , 41c 2 each forming an angle of 45 "with the axis. of the push button and a 90 "angle between them.
  • the common optical fiber 42 ends in a loop 43 interrupted by the housing 44 of the push button 41.
  • the two branches of this loop 43 cut by the housing 44 are, in the pressed position of the push button 41, opposite the reflecting surfaces 41ci, 41c 2 which direct the light towards the external face of the push button.
  • the light from the source passes from one side to the other of the housing 44 and returns via the optical fiber 42 as in the previous embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a variant in which two LED sources, and LED 2 supply a common optical fiber 52.
  • the push button 51 carries a selectively reflecting mirror 51 intended to be interposed between the end of output of the fiber 52 and the reflecting face 51c of the push button in one of the two stable positions of the button 51.
  • the two sources emit light of specific wavelength.
  • the LED source 1 can emit in the infrared and the mirror 51a only reflect this wavelength.
  • the other LED source 2 then emits visible light which is not reflected by the mirror.
  • the mirror 51a filtering one of the two wavelengths emitted by the diodes LED 1 and LED 2 in an axial position of the button 51, thus displaying one color and reflecting the other towards the photo-detector.
  • the two wavelengths are sent against the external face of the button and the display changes color.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, an electronic circuit intended to be associated with the control devices described above, in particular with bistable devices.
  • This circuit includes a supply line LA to which two multivibrators M1 and M2 are connected.
  • the multivibrator M1 is connected to the light source constituted by the photo-diode LED and to the photo-detector PD both connected to the control device by an optical fiber or by a common optical fiber.
  • the multivibrator M1 emits very short pulses with a relatively low repetition frequency, chosen so that the light emitted by the LED diode is practically not visible to the eye, but is detectable by the photo-detector PD
  • This photo-detector is connected to the input of a bistable switch CB, another input of which is connected to the multivibrator M2.
  • the two outputs of this switch are connected to the LED and to the selection channel, in the case of a television set for example.
  • the bistable switch CB When the push button is pressed, a change in signal level is recorded by the photodetector PD which actuates the bistable switch CB. This then connects the multivibrator M2 to the LED diode which emits a power signal which makes the light from the diode visible to the eye. Simultaneously, the bistable switch CB send a control signal to the selection channel.

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  • Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Il existe de nombreuses applications dans lesquels les interrupteurs ou commutateurs électro-mécaniques ou électroniques (du type capacitif ou résistif) n'offrent pas une sécurité suffisante ou une bonne fiabilité de fonctionnement. C'est notamment le cas d'appareils travaillant avec des circuits haute tension, comme les circuits associés aux tubes cathodiques des appareils de télévision.There are many applications in which electro-mechanical or electronic switches or switches (of the capacitive or resistive type) do not offer sufficient safety or good operating reliability. This is particularly the case for devices working with high voltage circuits, such as the circuits associated with cathode ray tubes of television sets.

Il est comme de remédier à ces inconvénients en utilisant des systèmes électro-optiques dans lesquels la lumière émise par une source de lumière est dirigée sélectivement sur un photo-détecteur servant à commander un interrupteur, suivant qu'il reçoit ou non une certaine quantité de lumière. Accessoirement on a également proposé d'utiliser la lumière de cette même source en tant que témoin lumineux ou moyen d'affichage. Les solutions proposées en vue d'utiliser la lumière de la source pour actionner un photo-détecteur ou pour éclairer les moyens d'affichage, ont recours à une surface semi-réfléchissante pour dévier une portion de la lumière dirigée contre la surface d'affichage vers le photo-détecteur. L'inconvénient de ces solutions réside essentiellement dans le fait qu'une portion importante de la lumière émise par la source est perdue aussi bien pour l'affichage que pour actionner le photo-détecteur. Etant donné que la lumière de la source est généralement de faible intensité, provenant d'une photo-diode et transmise par une fibre optique, il est important, pour la qualité de l'affichage et pour la fiabilité de fonctionnement du photo-détecteur, de réduire ces pertes à un minimum.It is like overcoming these drawbacks by using electro-optical systems in which the light emitted by a light source is selectively directed onto a photo-detector used to control a switch, depending on whether or not it receives a certain amount of light. Incidentally, it has also been proposed to use the light from this same source as a light indicator or display means. The solutions proposed with a view to using the light from the source to activate a photo-detector or to illuminate the display means use a semi- reflecting surface to deflect a portion of the light directed against the surface of display towards the photo-detector. The drawback of these solutions lies essentially in the fact that a large portion of the light emitted by the source is lost both for display and for actuating the photo-detector. Since the light of the source is generally of low intensity, coming from a photo-diode and transmitted by an optical fiber, it is important, for the quality of the display and for the reliability of operation of the photo-detector, reduce these losses to a minimum.

On a certes déjà proposé dans le DE-OS 2516171 d'utiliser une surface réfléchissante solidaire d'un organe de commande mobile entre deux positions pour diriger la lumière émise par une source lumineuse vers un photo-détecteur dans l'une des deux positions de l'organe de commande. Toutefois, cette solution ne permet pas d'éclairer un moyen d'affichage dans l'autre position de l'organe de commande. L'utilisation de la source lumineuse destinée à actionner le photo-détecteur pour l'éclairage de l'affichage est par ailleurs décrite dans le brevet GB 1418 318. Toutefois, dans cette solution sans organe mobile, la surface réfléchissante utilisée pour diriger la lumière de la source vers le photo-détecteur est celle du doigt de l'utilisateur placé en face de la lumière sortant d'une fibre optique conduisant la lumière émise par la source lumineuse. Il est évident que la lumière réfléchie par un doigt ne saurait être compaiable à celle réfléchie par un miroir. Le contraste d'un tel dispositif est donc faible et la marge de sécurité entre état éclairé et non éclairé est extrêmement réduite.It has certainly already been proposed in DE-OS 2516171 to use a reflecting surface secured to a movable control member between two positions to direct the light emitted by a light source towards a photo-detector in one of the two positions of the control unit. However, this solution does not illuminate a display means in the other position of the control member. The use of the light source intended to actuate the photo-detector for the lighting of the display is also described in patent GB 1418 318. However, in this solution without movable member, the reflecting surface used to direct the light from the source to the photo-detector is that of the user's finger placed in front of the light exiting from an optical fiber conducting the light emitted by the light source. It is obvious that the light reflected by a finger cannot be compared to that reflected by a mirror. The contrast of such a device is therefore low and the safety margin between lit and unlit state is extremely reduced.

Le but de la présente invention est de remédier au moins partiellement aux inconvénients susmentionnés.The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un dispositif de commande photo-électrique, comprenant une source de lumière, un photo-détecteur, un interrupteur électrique actionné par le photo-détecteur en fonction de l'intensité lumineuse reçue et un organe de commande solidaire d'un élément réflecteur et susceptible d'être amené dans deux positions limites, dans l'une desquelles la lumière de ladite source est dirigée vers le photo-détecteur, caractérisé par le fait que ce dispositif comporte des moyens d'affichage disposés pour recevoir la lumière de ladite source lorsque ledit organe de commande occupe l'autre desdites positions limites.To this end, the subject of the present invention is a photoelectric control device, comprising a light source, a photo-detector, an electric switch actuated by the photo-detector as a function of the light intensity received and a device for control integral with a reflective element and capable of being brought into two limit positions, in one of which the light from said source is directed towards the photo-detector, characterized in that this device comprises display means arranged to receive light from said source when said control member occupies the other of said limit positions.

Les dessins annexés illustrent, schématiquement et à titre d'exemple, quelques formes d'exécution du dispositif objet de la présente invention.The accompanying drawings illustrate, schematically and by way of example, some embodiments of the device which is the subject of the present invention.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent deux formes d'exécution de dispositifs de commande mono- stables; les figures 3 à 5 représentent trois autres formes d'exécution de dispositifs de commande bistables; la figure 6 illustre une variante du dispositif de commande bistable avec deux sources lumineuses; la figure 7 est un schéma-bloc du circuit électronique associé aux dispositifs de commandes des figures 1 à 6.Figures 1 and 2 show two embodiments of single-stable control devices; Figures 3 to 5 show three other embodiments of bistable control devices; FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the bistable control device with two light sources; FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit associated with the control devices of FIGS. 1 to 6.

Dans le cas des deux formes d'exécution des figures 1 et 2 se rapportant à un dispositif de commande monostable, le poussoir de commande est représenté en position de repos, c'est-à-dire dans la position dans laquelle la lumière de la source est utilisée pour l'affichage.In the case of the two embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 relating to a monostable control device, the control pusher is shown in the rest position, that is to say in the position in which the light from the source is used for display.

La figure 1 représente une forme d'exécution dans laquelle l'organe de commande est constitué par un bouton poussoir 1 transparent à une position stable, constamment rappelé dans cette position par un organe de rappel élastique 2. Ce bouton poussoir 1 est monté coulissant dans un bloc d'aluminium 3 présentant un logement 4 destiné à recevoir la tête 1 a du bouton poussoir 1 retenue à l'encontre de la pression de l'organe de rappel 2 par une vis de butée 5 engagée dans un dégagement 6 de la tête 1a. Ce bouton 1 comporte encore une partie de guidage 1b engagée dans un alésage 7 ménagé dans le fond du logement 4. Le bouton poussoir se termine par un prisme dont la face d'extrémité 1c est de préférence métallisée et constitue un élément réflecteur.FIG. 1 represents an embodiment in which the control member is constituted by a transparent push button 1 in a stable position, constantly returned to this position by an elastic return member 2. This push button 1 is slidably mounted in an aluminum block 3 having a housing 4 intended to receive the head 1 a of the push button 1 retained against the pressure of the return member 2 by a stop screw 5 engaged in a clearance 6 of the head 1a. This button 1 also includes a guide part 1b engaged in a bore 7 formed in the bottom of the housing 4. The push button ends in a prism whose end face 1c is preferably metallized and constitutes a reflective element.

Une fibre optique 8 reliée à une source de lumière constituée par une diode électroluminescente LED est logée dans le bloc d'aluminium 3 et débouche à proximité du prisme 1c. Cette fibre optique 8 est disposée par rapport à la face réfléchissante du prisme, de manière que la lumière qu'elle envoie contre cette face réfléchissante soit renvoyée contre la face externe du bouton poussoir, réalisant ainsi l'affichage.An optical fiber 8 connected to a light source constituted by a light-emitting diode LED is housed in the aluminum block 3 and opens near the prism 1c. This optical fiber 8 is arranged relative to the reflecting face of the prism, so that the light which it sends against this reflecting face is returned against the external face of the push button, thus producing the display.

Une seconde fibre optique 9 est disposée dans le bloc 3, du côté de la face métallisée du prisme 1c. Elle s'étend dans le prolongement de la fibre 8 et conduit à un photo-détecteur (non représenté). La face réfléchissante du prisme 1c est adjacente à deux faces transparentes parallèles 1d et 1e, de sorte que lorsque le bouton poussoir est pressé au fond de son logement 4, ces deux faces parallèles transparentes se trouvent respectivement vis-à-vis des extrémités des fibres optiques 8 et 9. Par conséquent, les rayons lumineux sortant de la fibre 8 et provenant de la source LED traversent les faces 1d et le et pénètrent dans la fibre 9 qui les conduits jusqu'au photo-détecteur. Dès que la pression sur le bouton poussoir 1 est relachée, il est ramené en arrière par l'organe de rappel 2 et la lumière issue de la fibre 8 rencontre 1a face réfléchissante 1c du prisme qui la renvoie contre la face externe de la tête la du bouton poussoir. Dans ce cas l'affichage ne constitue pas une indication de l'état de l'interrupteur ou du commutateur commandé par le dispositif décrit, mais plutôt un simple moyen d'éclairage du bouton.A second optical fiber 9 is disposed in the block 3, on the side of the metallized face of the prism 1 C. It extends in the extension of the fiber 8 and leads to a photo-detector (not shown). The reflecting face of the prism 1c is adjacent to two parallel transparent faces 1d and 1e, so that when the push button is pressed at the bottom of its housing 4, these two transparent parallel faces are located respectively opposite the ends of the fibers optics 8 and 9. Consequently, the light rays leaving the fiber 8 and coming from the LED source pass through the faces 1d and the and penetrate into the fiber 9 which leads them to the photo-detector. As soon as the pressure on the push button 1 is released, it is brought back by the return member 2 and the light coming from the fiber 8 meets the reflective face 1c of the prism which returns it against the external face of the head. of the push button. In this case, the display does not constitute an indication of the state of the switch or of the switch controlled by the device described, but rather a simple means of lighting the button.

La forme d'exécution de la figure 2 ne diffère que légèrement de celle de la figure 1. Le bouton poussoir 11 de cette forme d'exécution comporte deux faces réfléchissantes 11 C1 et 1102 disposées à 90° l'une de l'autre et à 45° par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du bouton poussoir 11. Deux fibres 12 et 13 parallèles l'une à l'autre et perpendiculaires à l'axe longitudinal du poussoir 11 aboutissent à proximité de la face longitudinale 11 e du poussoir opposée aux faces réfléchissantes 11C1 et 11 C2, la fibre 12 se trouvant vis-à-vis de la face 11C1 et la fibre 13, vis-à-vis de la face 11c2. L'autre extrémité de la fibre 12 est reliée à la source lumineuse constituée par la photo-diode LED, tandis que la fibre 13 aboutit au photo-détecteur. Un écran opaque 14 est ménagé le long de la face longitudinale 11e du poussoir. Cet écran 14 est placé de manière à se trouver devant l'extrémité de la fibre 13 en position de repos du bouton poussoir 11.The embodiment of Figure 2 differs only slightly from that of Figure 1. The push button 11 of this embodiment has two reflective faces 11 C 1 and 1102 arranged at 90 ° from each other and at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the push button 11. Two fibers 12 and 13 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pusher 11 terminate near the longitudinal face 11 e of the pusher opposite the reflecting faces 11C 1 and 11 C 2 , the fiber 12 being located opposite the face 11C 1 and the fiber 13 facing the face 11c 2 . The other end of the fiber 12 is connected to the light source constituted by the LED photo-diode, while the fiber 13 leads to the photo-detector. An opaque screen 14 is formed along the longitudinal face 11e of the pusher. This screen 14 is placed so as to be in front of the end of the fiber 13 in the rest position of the push button 11.

La face réfléchissante 11C1 s'étend sur toute la largeur du poussoir 11, tandis que la face 11C2 ne s'étend que sur la moitié environ de cette largeur. En position de repos du bouton poussoir, la fibre optique 12 se trouve vis-à-vis de la portion de la face réfléchissante 11 C1adjacente à l'extrémité du bouton poussoir 11. Les rayons lumineux sortant de la fibre 12 et réfléchis par la face 11C1 selon une direction parallèle à l'axe longitudinal du poussoir 11 sortent par la face externe nou indiquér de la tête de ce bouton. Lorsque le bouton poussoir est poussé, l'écran 14 s'écarte de la fibre 13, la face réfléchissante 11ci se déplace également, de sorte que la lumière qu'elle reçoit est renvoyée contre la face réfléchissante 11c2 au la dirige vers la fibre 13 pour actionner le photo-détecteur.The reflecting face 11C 1 extends over the entire width of the pusher 11, while the face 11C 2 extends only over approximately half of this width. In the rest position of the push button, the optical fiber 12 is located opposite the portion of the reflecting face 11 C 1 adjacent to the end of the push button 11. The light rays emerging from the fiber 12 and reflected by the face 11C 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pusher 11 exit through the external face or indicated from the head of this button. When the push button is pushed, the screen 14 moves away from the fiber 13, the reflecting face 11ci also moves, so that the light which it receives is returned against the reflecting face 11c 2 and directs it towards the fiber 13 to activate the photo-detector.

La forme d'exécuticn illustrée par la figure 3 se rapporte à un dispositif de commande, dans lequel le bouton poussoir 21 est susceptible d'occuper alternativement deux positions stables. Le mécanisme permettant de placer le bouton poussoir 21 dans ces deux positions est bien connu. Il est représenté ici schématiquement et à titre d'exemple, étant entendu qu'il peut être remplacé par n'importe quel autre mécanisme du même genre. Ce mécanisme comporte deux paires d'ergots 25a, 25b solidaires d'une tige cylindrique 21d du bouton poussoir 21 et une double came 26 montée rotativement autour de la tige 21 d. Cette came 26 comporte deux dentures à rochet 26a, 26b de quatre dents chacune décalées angulairement. En outre, la denture 26b comporte deux rainures axiales 26c diamétralement opposées destinées à définir une des deux positions axiales du bouton poussoir 21. Une saillie 27 solidaire de la tige 21d et engagée dans une rainure 28 empêche tout déplacement angulaire du bouton poussoir 21. Lors de chaque pression sur le bouton poussoir 21, les ergots 25a viennent en prise avec la denture 26a et font tourner la came 26 d'un angle suffisant pour que, en relachant le bouton poussoir, soumis alors à l'action d'un ressort de rappel 29, les ergots 25b rencontrent la dent suivante de la came 26b et continuent a faire tourner la came de 90°. Une fois sur deux les ergots 25b viennent en prise avec les dents qui se terminent par une des rainures axiales 26c. En y pénétrant, ils placent le bouton poussoir dans sa position axiale haute tandis que les dents suivantes de la came 26b, ne présentant pas de rainures 26c définiront, lors de la pression suivante sur le bouton poussoir, la position axiale basse de ce bouton.The form of execution illustrated in FIG. 3 relates to a control device, in which the push button 21 is capable of alternately occupying two stable positions. The mechanism for placing the push button 21 in these two positions is well known. It is shown here schematically and by way of example, it being understood that it can be replaced by any other mechanism of the same kind. This mechanism comprises two pairs of pins 25a, 25b secured to a cylindrical rod 21d of the push button 21 and a double cam 26 rotatably mounted around the rod 21 d. This cam 26 has two ratchet teeth 26a, 26b of four teeth each offset angularly. In addition, the teeth 26b have two diametrically opposite axial grooves 26c intended to define one of the two axial positions of the push button 21. A projection 27 integral with the rod 21d and engaged in a groove 28 prevents any angular displacement of the push button 21. During each time the push button 21 is pressed, the lugs 25a come into engagement with the teeth 26a and rotate the cam 26 by a sufficient angle so that, by releasing the push button, then subjected to the action of a spring of reminder 29, the pins 25b meet the next tooth of the cam 26b and continue to rotate the cam 90 °. Once in two the pins 25b come into engagement with the teeth which end in one of the axial grooves 26c. Upon entering, they place the push button in its high axial position while the following teeth of the cam 26b, having no grooves 26c will define, when the push button is next pressed, the low axial position of this button.

L'extrémité interne de ce bouton poussoir présente une face réfléchissante 21c inclinée à 45° par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du bouton poussoir et dont la face externe est de préférence métallisée. Comme dans la forme d'exécution de la figure 1, deux fibres optiques 22 et 23 débouchent vis-à-vis l'une de l'autre dans un logement 24 recevant l'extrémité interne du bouton poussoir 21. Contrairement à cette forme d'exécution, la transmission de lumière de la fibre 22 alimentée par la source à la fibre 23 aboutissant au photo-détecteur ne se fait pas à travers deux faces parallèles adjacentes à la face réfléchissante 21 c, mais directement à travers le logement 24, l'extrémité du bouton poussoir étant écartée de la trajectoire joignant ces deux fibres 22 et 23. Dans la seconde position stable du poussoir, représentée en traits mixtes, la face réfléchissante 21c c est interposée dans la trajectoire reliant les fibres 22 et 23, dirigeant la lumière sortant de la fibre 22 contre la face externe du bouton 21 afin de l'éclairer.The internal end of this push button has a reflective face 21c inclined at 45 ° relative to the longitudinal axis of the push button and the external face of which is preferably metallized. As in the embodiment of Figure 1, two optical fibers 22 and 23 open opposite each other in a housing 24 receiving the inner end of the push button 21. Unlike this form of execution, the light transmission from the fiber 22 supplied by the source to the fiber 23 leading to the photo-detector does not take place through two parallel faces adjacent to the reflecting face 21 c, but directly through the housing 24, l end of the push button being moved away from the path joining these two fibers 22 and 23. In the second stable position of the push button, shown in phantom, the reflecting face 21c c is interposed in the path connecting the fibers 22 and 23, directing the light coming out of the fiber 22 against the external face of the button 21 in order to illuminate it.

Dans cette forme d'exécution, la face externe du bouton 21 n'est éclairée que dans l'une des deux positions stables de ce bouton indiquant ainsi l'état »marche« ou »arrêt« ou »enclenché« »déclenché« de l'interrupteur. Un des avantages de cette forme d'exécution vient du fait qu'en position d'excitation du photo-détecteur PD, la face réfléchissante métallisée 21c est disposée entre les fibres optiques 22, 23 et l'extérieur, empêchant par conséquent la lumière ambiante d'interférer avec celle provenant de la diode photo-électrique. Cette même face réfléchissante 21c empêche également toute lumière d'atteindre le photo-détecteur dans l'autre position du bouton poussoir, en venant se placer devant l'extrémité de la fibre 23 débouchant dans le logement 24.In this embodiment, the external face of the button 21 is only lit in one of the two stable positions of this button, thus indicating the "on" or "off" or "on""off" state. 'light switch. One of the advantages of this embodiment comes from the fact that in the excitation position of the photo-detector PD, the metallized reflecting face 21c is disposed between the optical fibers 22, 23 and the outside, therefore preventing ambient light from interfering with that from the photoelectric diode. This same reflecting face 21c also prevents any light from reaching the photo-detector in the other position of the push button, by coming to be placed in front of the end of the fiber 23 opening into the housing 24.

Comme on l'a déjà mentionné, le dispositif de commande selon l'invention permet de séparer la commande elle-même de l'interrupteur ou du commutateur, garantissant par la même occasion une isolation totale entre la commande actionnée manuellement et l'interrupteur électrique proprement dit. Bien entendu, et compte tenu de l'utilisation d'un élément de transmission à fibre optique reliant la partie »commande« à la partie »interrupteur«, un tel dispositif est également approprié à la commande à distance. Dans le cas de la commande à distance, on est toutefois tenu d'utiliser des fibres optiques à très faibles pertes afin de conserver une intensité lumineuse suffisante pour l'excitation du photo-détecteur. Ces fibres sont relativement chères; par conséquent il est intéressant dans ce cas d'envisager une solution dans laquelle une même fibre conduit la lumière de la source lumineuse au bouton poussoir de commande et ramène cette lumière vers le photo-détecteur suivant la position du bouton poussoir.As already mentioned, the control device according to the invention makes it possible to separate the control itself from the switch or from the switch, thereby guaranteeing total isolation between the manually actuated control and the electric switch well said. Of course, and taking into account the use of a fiber optic transmission element connecting the "control" part to the "switch" part, such a device is also suitable for remote control. In the case of remote control, it is however required to use very low loss optical fibers in order to maintain a sufficient light intensity for the excitation of the photo-detector. These fibers are relatively expensive; therefore it is interesting in this case to consider a solution in which the same fiber conducts light from the light source to the control push button and brings this light back to the photo-detector according to the position of the push button.

Une telle forme d'exécution est illustrée par la figure 4, dans laquelle le bouton poussoir 31 comporte une première surface réfléchissante 31ci diposée à 45° par rapport à l'axe de la fibre 32 et à 45° par rapport à la surface externe du bouton poussoir servant à l'affichage comme dans le cas des autres formes d'exécution décrites. Une seconde surface réfléchissante 31c2, perpendiculaire à l'axe de la fibre optique 32 est disposée dans le prolongement de l'extrémité intérieure du bouton poussoir 31. Ce bouton poussoir est à deux positions stables comme celui de la forme d'exécution précédente. Ainsi, les surfaces réfléchissantes 31C1, 31c2 sont placées alternativement en face de l'extrémité de la fibre 32, de sorte que la lumière provenant de la diode photoélectrique est tantôt dirigée contre la face externe du bouton poussoir 31, tantôt renvoyée dans la fibre 32. L'autre extrémité de cette fibre comporte une connexion en Y pour séparer la lumière émise par la diode LED de celle transmise au photo-détecteur PD.Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the push button 31 has a first reflecting surface 31ci available at 45 ° relative to the axis of the fiber 32 and at 45 ° relative to the external surface of the push button used for display as in the case of the other embodiments described. A second reflecting surface 31c 2 , perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber 32 is arranged in the extension of the interior end of the push button 31. This push button is in two stable positions like that of the previous embodiment. Thus, the reflecting surfaces 31C 1 , 31c 2 are placed alternately in front of the end of the fiber 32, so that the light coming from the photoelectric diode is sometimes directed against the external face of the push button 31, sometimes returned into the fiber 32. The other end of this fiber has a Y connection to separate the light emitted by the LED diode from that transmitted to the photo-detector PD.

La figure 5 illustre une autre forme d'exécution permettant de transmettre la lumière dans deux directions à l'aide d'une seule fibre. De nouveau on a recours à un bouton poussoir 41 bistable du type de celui décrit en relation avec la figure 3. L'extrémité du bouton poussoir comporte une double surface réfléchissante 41C1, 41c2 formant chacune un angle de 45" avec l'axe du bouton poussoir et un angle de 90" entre elles. La fibre optique commune 42 se termine par une boucle 43 interrompue par le logement 44 du bouton poussoir 41. Les deux branches de cette boucle 43 coupées par le logement 44 se trouvent, en position pressée du bouton poussoir 41, vis-à-vis des surfaces réfléchissantes 41ci, 41c2 qui dirigent la lumière vers la face externe du bouton poussoir. Dans l'autre position de ce bouton, dessinée en trait continu, la lumiére de la source passe d'un côté à l'autre du logement 44 et revient par la fibre optique 42 comme dans la forme d'exécution précédente.Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment for transmitting light in two directions using a single fiber. Again, a bistable push button 41 of the type described in connection with FIG. 3 is used. The end of the push button has a double reflecting surface 41C 1 , 41c 2 each forming an angle of 45 "with the axis. of the push button and a 90 "angle between them. The common optical fiber 42 ends in a loop 43 interrupted by the housing 44 of the push button 41. The two branches of this loop 43 cut by the housing 44 are, in the pressed position of the push button 41, opposite the reflecting surfaces 41ci, 41c 2 which direct the light towards the external face of the push button. In the other position of this button, drawn in solid lines, the light from the source passes from one side to the other of the housing 44 and returns via the optical fiber 42 as in the previous embodiment.

Enfin la forme d'exécution de la figure 6 illustre une variante dans laquelle deux sources LED, et LED2 alimentent une fibre optique commune 52. Le bouton poussoir 51 porte un miroir sélectivement réfléchissant 51 a destiné à s'interposer entre l'extrémité de sortie de la fibre 52 et la face réfléchissante 51c du bouton poussoir dans l'une des deux positions stables du bouton 51. Les deux sources émettent de la lumière de longueur d'onde spécifique. Par exemple, la source LED1 peut émettre dans l'infra-rouge et le miroir 51a ne réfléchir que cette longueur d'onde. L'autre source LED2 émet alors de la lumière visible qui n'est pas réfléchie par le miroir. On peut aussi envisager un affichage bi-color le miroir 51a filtrant une des deux longueurs d'ondes émises par les diodes LED1 et LED2 dans une position axiale du bouton 51 affichant ainsi une couleur et réfléchissant l'autre vers le photo-détecteur, tandis que dans l'autre position axiale du bouton 51, les deux longueurs d'ondes sont envoyées contre la face externe du bouton et l'affichage change de couleur.Finally, the embodiment of FIG. 6 illustrates a variant in which two LED sources, and LED 2 supply a common optical fiber 52. The push button 51 carries a selectively reflecting mirror 51 intended to be interposed between the end of output of the fiber 52 and the reflecting face 51c of the push button in one of the two stable positions of the button 51. The two sources emit light of specific wavelength. For example, the LED source 1 can emit in the infrared and the mirror 51a only reflect this wavelength. The other LED source 2 then emits visible light which is not reflected by the mirror. It is also possible to envisage a bi-color display, the mirror 51a filtering one of the two wavelengths emitted by the diodes LED 1 and LED 2 in an axial position of the button 51, thus displaying one color and reflecting the other towards the photo-detector. , while in the other axial position of the button 51, the two wavelengths are sent against the external face of the button and the display changes color.

La figure 7 illustre, sous la forme d'un schéma-bloc, un circuit électronique prévu pour être associé aux dispositifs de commande décrits précédemment, notamment aux dispositifs bistables.FIG. 7 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, an electronic circuit intended to be associated with the control devices described above, in particular with bistable devices.

Ce circuit comporte une ligne d'alimentation LA sur laquelle sont branchés deux multivibra- teurs M1 et M2. Le multivibrateur M1 est connecté à la source de lumière constituée par la photo-diode LED et au photo-détecteur PD tous deux reliés au dispositif de commande par une fibre optique ou par une fibre optique commune.This circuit includes a supply line LA to which two multivibrators M1 and M2 are connected. The multivibrator M1 is connected to the light source constituted by the photo-diode LED and to the photo-detector PD both connected to the control device by an optical fiber or by a common optical fiber.

Le multivibrateur M1, émet des impulsions très courtes avec une fréquence de répétition relativement basse, choisies pour que la lumière émise par la diode LED ne soit pratiquement pas visible à l'oeil, mais soit détectable par le photo-détecteur PD Ce photo-détecteur est relié à l'entrée d'un commutateur bistable CB dont une autre entrée est reliée au multivibrateur M2. Les deux sorties de ce commutateur sont reliées à la diode LED et au canal de sélection, dans le cas d'un appareil de télévision par exemple.The multivibrator M1, emits very short pulses with a relatively low repetition frequency, chosen so that the light emitted by the LED diode is practically not visible to the eye, but is detectable by the photo-detector PD This photo-detector is connected to the input of a bistable switch CB, another input of which is connected to the multivibrator M2. The two outputs of this switch are connected to the LED and to the selection channel, in the case of a television set for example.

Lorsque le bouton poussoir est actionné, un changement de niveau de signal est enregistré par le photo-détecteur PD qui actionne le commutateur bistable CB. Celui-ci connecte alors le multivibrateur M2 à la diode LED qui émet un signal d'alimentation qui rend la lumière de la diode visible à l'oeil. Simultanément, le commutateur bistable CB envoir un signal de commande au canal de sélection.When the push button is pressed, a change in signal level is recorded by the photodetector PD which actuates the bistable switch CB. This then connects the multivibrator M2 to the LED diode which emits a power signal which makes the light from the diode visible to the eye. Simultaneously, the bistable switch CB send a control signal to the selection channel.

Claims (6)

1. A photoelectric control device, comprising a light source, a photodetector, an electrical switch actuated by the photodetector as a function of the light intensity received and a control element rigid with a reflecting element which control element may occupy two end positions, in one of which positions the light from the said source is directed towards the photodetector, characterised in that the device comprises display means disposed in such a way as to receive the light from the said source when the said control element is in the other of the end positions.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the control element is constituted by a push button of transparent material which is rigid with a prism having a reflecting surface orientated in such a way as to direct the light from the said source onto one external display surface, this button being slidably mounted in order to displace the prism parallel to itself between the said end positions, in one of which positions the reflecting surface of the prism is disposed across the path of the light beams emitted by the said source, between this source and the photodetector, and in the other of these positions the reflecting surface is removed from this path.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the reflecting surface of the prism is metallised.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the said control element is associated with two reflecting surfaces which may be selectively disposed opposite one end of an optical fibre whose other end is connected to the said light source and to the said photodetector, in the two respective end positions of the said element, one of the reflecting surfaces being constituted by one of the surfaces of a prism and being orientated in such a way as to direct the light from the said source which emerges from the said fibre onto a display surface, the other of these surfaces being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the portion of the said fibre adjacent to the end of the fibre through which the light from the said source is discharged, in order to return at least a portion of this light into the fibre.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the light source comprises two electroluminescent diodes which emit radiation of different wavelengths through an optical fibre terminating in the vicinity of the said control element, this control element comprising a prism for selectively directing the light emerging from this fibre towards a display surface, the incident surface of the said prism having a mirror which selectively reflects one of the said wavelengths, which mirror is disposed in such a way as to be interposed between the fibre and the reflecting surface of the prism in one of the said positions of the control element and to be removed from the path between this reflecting surface and the fibre in the other position of the element in such a way as to return one of the said types of radiation into the firbre whose other end is connected to the said photodetector.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the said element has an opaque screen designed to be interposed between the said source and the said photodetector in the end position in which the said reflecting surface directs the light towards the said display means.
EP19780810008 1977-07-08 1978-07-07 Photoelectric control device Expired EP0000857B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB2881477 1977-07-08
GB2881477 1977-07-08

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EP0000857B1 true EP0000857B1 (en) 1981-04-29

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DE3414872A1 (en) * 1984-04-19 1985-10-31 Miele & Cie GmbH & Co, 4830 Gütersloh Switch tablet containing optoelectronic switching elements

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FR2463545B1 (en) * 1979-08-16 1986-06-13 Graniou Elg Electronique Louis ELECTRIC FUNCTIONAL CONTROL BY FINGER PRESSURE ON A KEY WITH OPTO-ELECTRONIC SWITCH AND INCORPORATED DISPLAY
DE3172599D1 (en) * 1981-07-06 1985-11-14 Battelle Memorial Institute Photo-electric control device
CH659149A5 (en) * 1982-03-29 1986-12-31 Olten Ag Elektro Apparatebau SWITCHING DEVICE WITH A SWITCHING PART AND A COMMAND AND REPORTING BUTTON STORED IN A HOUSING.
GB2133137A (en) * 1983-01-07 1984-07-18 Plessey Co Plc Fibre optic light switch
JPS6014216A (en) * 1983-07-06 1985-01-24 Ricoh Co Ltd Operation panel
EP0768961A1 (en) * 1994-10-18 1997-04-23 Werner Dorsch Arrangement for manually switching an electric switching current in a motor vehicle
DE19735476A1 (en) * 1997-08-16 1999-02-18 Itt Mfg Enterprises Inc Switching system for automobile electrical device with optical display
GB2333589A (en) * 1998-01-24 1999-07-28 Motorola Ltd Illuminated optical switch
GB2339276A (en) * 1998-07-07 2000-01-19 Motorola Ltd Self-illuminating pivotal switch

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GB1418318A (en) * 1972-09-22 1975-12-17 Nat Res Dev Keyboard
DE2432421B2 (en) * 1974-07-05 1977-08-25 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München OPTICAL SWITCH
DE2516171A1 (en) * 1975-04-14 1976-10-21 Rainer Dr Med Liedtke Pushbutton switch for tripping optoelectronic couplings - generates switching pulses using light source and photodetector as contacts
DE2517030A1 (en) * 1975-04-17 1976-10-28 Rainer Dr Med Liedtke Switch for tripping opticoelectronic couplings - is for use in light current electrical and electronic systems and uses lights and photoreceivers of differing geometry

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DE3414872A1 (en) * 1984-04-19 1985-10-31 Miele & Cie GmbH & Co, 4830 Gütersloh Switch tablet containing optoelectronic switching elements

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EP0000857A1 (en) 1979-02-21

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