Rotary optical switch having make-before-break feature

摘要

An optical rotary switch is used in combination with an optically activated relay for causing make before break contacts between paired sets of relays including photoemitting and photoreceiving portions. The rotary switch comprises a switch base with an assembly rotatably mounted thereon for optically coupling the paired sets of relays including photoreceiving and photoemitting portions of the switch. A first optical exciter port and a first optical indicator port constitute a first relay and are disposed on the base for communication of optical signals. A second optical exciter port and a second optical indicator port constitute a second relay are also disposed on the base, angularly separated from the first optical exciter and first indicator port by a preselected angular interval. The spacing between the ports is arranged so as to permit the rotatable assembly having an angular interval exceeding slightly the distance between the ports to couple all of the ports in a first rotational position and to optically couple only the first ports or the second ports in other rotational positions. Two additional optically activated make before break optical rotary switch embodiments have related function are also disclosed.