Optical rotating data transmission device having an unobstructed inner diameter

US7010191B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SCHLEIFRING UND APPARATEBAU GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Hans Poisel · Leinburg, DE
• Markus Stark · Herrieden, DE
• Harry Schilling · Eichstätt, DE
• Matthias Rank · Fürstenau, DE
• Günther SCHOPPEL · Weisendorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2004
• Grant date: Mar 7, 2006
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B5/1857
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In a device of the invention for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit is supported to be rotatable relative to the second unit. The device comprises a light guide along a circular track on the first unit, a first light coupler for coupling light into or out of the light guide, and a second light coupler for coupling light into or out of the light guide and disposed on the second unit and movable relative to the means for guiding light. For an achievement of a high quality of transmission, a regulating means for the position of the coupling elements relative to the light guide, or a hydrodynamic bearing means is provided. An optical light-guiding fiber of the invention for conveying optical signals from an optical transmitter to an optical receiver has a light exit face and means for deflecting light emerging from the fiber in a direction that deviates from a longitudinal axis of the fiber.