JPS63250872A - Bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To conduct transmission of a signal highly safe and reliable by concentrically arranging optical couplers having bundle fibers at the butting end faces of first and second joints rotatable each other and optically coupling light emitting elements and photodetectors at the opposite sides of the butting end faces. CONSTITUTION:Rotatably coupled first and second joints 10, 20 are provided, a plurality of bundle fibers 11-1-11-N, 21-1-21-N are arranged concentrically with respect to a rotational shaft at the butting end faces of the joints, and optical signals OPT1-OPTN are transmitted through the butting end faces. Light emitting and photodetecting units 12-1-12-N, 22-1-22-N are optically coupled to the opposite sides of the butting end faces of the fibers 11-1-11-N, 21-1-21-N, and light emitting and photodetecting units are composed of light emitting elements and photodetectors. Accordingly, the units maintain predetermined optical coupling states with respect to any rotating position. After the elements and the photodetectors convert input electric signals into optical signals to be transmitted, they convert them into the original electric signals. Thus, the reliability and the safety are improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a bundled fiber type rotary photocoupler capable of rotatable multi-channel bidirectional signal transmission or unidirectional signal transmission.

(Prior Art) - When transmitting signals between a mobile device such as a crane and a fixed device such as a control device thereof, a rotatable joint device is required for transmitting signals.

Conventionally,5, as this type of joint device, for example, the second
There was something like the picture. The configuration will be explained below.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a conventional joint device.

This joint device has, for example, a cylindrical rotating body 1 that rotates as the moving device moves, and a conductive ring-shaped slip ring 2 is attached to the circumferential surface of the rotating body 1 via an insulator. The slip ring 2 is electrically connected to the moving device via a cable. A conductive brush 3 is in contact with the slip ring 2, and the brush 3 is connected to the fixing device via a cable.

In the above configuration, when the moving device side moves, the rotating body 1 rotates accordingly, but since the brush 3 is in contact with the slip ring 2 on the cylindrical surface, the rotation body 1 rotates through the slip ring 2 and the brush 3. Electric signals are exchanged, allowing smooth signal transmission between the mobile device and the fixed device.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the apparatus having the above configuration has the following problems.

(i> Since the electrical connection is made by mechanical sliding contact between the slip ring 2 and the brush 3, the contact point between the slip ring 2 and the brush 3 may deteriorate due to wear or fatigue. , easy to cause poor contact.

(ii) Sparks are likely to occur at the contact point between the slip ring 2 and the brush 3, and it is difficult to keep the contact point airtight, so it cannot be used in locations that require explosion protection.

(iii> Mechanical sliding contact causes noise to the transmitted signal.

(iv) Contact points are prone to wear, deterioration, and melting due to sparks, requiring short-term maintenance, inspection, and parts replacement.

The present invention solves the problems that the prior art had, such as easy contact failure, unusable in explosion-proof areas, noise generation, and short-term maintenance, inspection, and parts replacement. The object of the present invention is to provide a bundled fiber type Rokuriphoto coupler that solves the problem of the need for

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a photocoupler having a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are electrically insulated and optically coupled. ,
first and second joint portions that are rotatably coupled on the same axis with their abutting end surfaces abutting each other, and bundles for transmitting and receiving light that are respectively disposed concentrically with respect to the same axis on the side of each of the abutting end surfaces. first and second having fibers;
a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element optically coupled to sides opposite to the abutting end surfaces of the first and second optical coupling parts, and a light-emitting element provided in the first and second joint parts; and input/output terminals respectively connected to the light receiving element.

According to the present invention, since the bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler is configured as described above, the first and second optical coupling parts maintain a constant optical coupling state regardless of the rotational position. work. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element also work to convert an input electrical signal into an optical signal, transmit it to the opposite joint, and then convert it back to the original electrical signal and output it. This improves the reliability and safety of the abutting end surfaces of the first and second joint parts. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem can be eliminated.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler showing an embodiment of the present invention.

This rotary photocoupler has first and second joint parts 10.20 rotatably coupled in the direction of the arrow X in the figure on the same axis, and the abutting end surfaces of the first and second joint parts 10.20 On the side, multiple sets of bundled fibers (bundled fibers > 11
-1 to 11-N and 21-1 to 21-N are arranged respectively, and the optical signal 0PTI is transmitted via the butted end faces of each.
~0PTN can be transmitted. Here, band fibers 11-1 to 11-N, 21-1 to 21-
N is the first. It constitutes a second optical coupling section. A light emitting/receiving section 12- is provided on the opposite side of the butt end surface of each of the bundle fibers 11-1 to 11-N and 21-1 to 21-N.
1 to 12-N and 22-1 to 22-N are optically coupled. These light emitting/receiving parts 12-1 to 12-N, 22-1 to 2
2-N is composed of a light emitting element that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal or a light receiving element that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. Further, each joint portion 10.20 has a plurality of input/output terminals 13-1 to 13-N, 23-1 to 23, respectively.
-N are provided, and their input/output terminals 13-1 to 13-
N, 23-1 to 23-N are the light emitting/receiving parts 12-1 to 12
-N, and are connected to 22-1 to 22-N, respectively. Each input/output terminal 13-1 to 13-N, 23-1 to 23
-N is an input terminal or an output terminal for electrical signals, respectively.

In the above configuration, for example, an electrical signal input to the input/output terminal 13-1 of the first joint section 10 is converted into an optical signal 0PTI by the light emitting/receiving section 12-1, and the optical signal is transmitted to the optical signal 0PTI through the bundle fiber 11-1. It is transmitted to the bundle fiber 21-1 of the joint section 20 of No. 2, and is transmitted to the light emitting/receiving section 22-1.
After being converted into the original electrical signal, the input/output terminal 23-1
is output from. In this way, the input/output terminals 13-1 to 13-N of the first joint section 10 and the second joint section 2
0 input/output terminals 23-1 to 23-N refer to the light emitting/receiving section 12.
-1 to 12-N, bundle fiber 11-1 to 11-N
, 21-1 to 21-N, and light emitting/receiving sections 22-1 to 22
-N enables signal transmission.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler shown in FIG. 1. This rotary photocoupler has a three-channel bidirectional transmission structure, with the first and second
Three sets of bundle fibers 11-1 to 11-3.21-1 are respectively arranged on the butting end surfaces of the joint portions 10.20.
~21-3 are provided. First joint part 10
Of the bundle fibers 11-1 to 11-3 on the side opposite to the abutting end face, bundle fiber 11-1.11
Light-emitting elements 12-1a and 12-3a are optically coupled to -3, and a light-receiving element 12-2b is optically coupled to bundle fiber 11-2, and the light-emitting element 12-1a.

Input terminals 13-1a and 13-3a are connected to 12-3a, and output terminal 1 is connected to the light receiving element 12-2b.
3-2b is connected. Similarly, among the bundle fibers 21-1 to 21-3 of the second joint portion 20 on the side opposite to the abutting end surface, the bundle fiber 21-1
．． The light receiving elements 22-1b and 22-3b are optically coupled to the bundle fiber 21-3, and the light emitting element 22-2a is optically coupled to the bundle fiber 21-2.
, 22-3b has output terminals 23-1b, 23-3b
is connected to the light emitting element 22-2a, and an input terminal 23-2a is connected to the light emitting element 22-2a.

In FIG. 3, for example, an electrical signal input to the input terminals 23-28 of the second joint section 20 is transmitted to the light emitting element 22-28.
2a, it is converted into an optical signal 0PT2, and the bundle fiber 2
1-2 and the bundle fiber 11-2 of the first joint section 10 to reach the light receiving element 12-2b, and after being converted into the original electrical signal by the light receiving element 12-2b,
It is output from the output terminal 13-2b.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific structural example of the bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler shown in FIG. ), its CC cross section is shown in Figure 5 (3), and its D-D cross section is shown in Figure 5 (3).
Figure (4) shows its E-E cross section, and Figure 5 (5) shows its F
-F cross sections are shown in FIG. 5 (6).

The first and second joint parts 10, 20 of the bundle fiber type roller photocoupler in FIG. Butt end face 1
Abutting end surface 2O of the 0a side and its second joint portion 20
The a side is rotatably fitted to the central axis 0 by a bearing 30.

A bundle fiber 11-
2.11-3 is provided. The bundle fibers 11-2 and 11-3 are arranged with their rear end portions in a bundled state as shown in FIG. 5(1), and their tip portions are shown in FIGS. 5(2) and (3). The fiber bundles are disposed concentrically with respect to the central axis O in a separated state. A light receiving element 12-2b is coupled to one of the rear end portions of each bundle fiber 11-2 and 11-3 through a lens 31-2,
A light emitting element 12-3a is coupled to the other bundle fiber 11-3 via a lens 31-3.

Here, the lens 31-2.31-3 is used to improve the optical coupling efficiency between the bundle fiber 11-2.11-3 and the light receiving element 12-2b and the light emitting element 12-3a. 31-2, 31-3 and bundle fibers 11-2 and 11-3 constitute a first optical coupling section. In addition, in the joint part 10, since the transmission and reception of light on the central axis 0 can be performed efficiently, the bundle fiber 11-1 in FIG. ing. Luminous cord 12-
1a.

12-3a is input terminal 13-1a, 13-3a,
The light receiving elements 12-2b are respectively connected to output terminals 13-2b.

Inside the second joint part 20 is a first joint part 10.
A bundle fiber 21-2, 21-3 is provided opposite the side. This bundle fiber 21-2゜21-
Similarly to the first joint part 10 side, 3 is arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis O with the fiber bundle disassembled, as shown in FIGS. 5(4) and 5(5). The rear end portions are arranged in a bundled state as shown in FIG. 5(6). Each bundle fiber 21
-2. Among the rear end portions of 21-3, one of the bundle fibers 21-2 has a light receiving element 22 through a lens 41-2.
-2a is coupled to the other bundle fiber 21-3, and a light receiving element 22-3b is coupled to the other bundle fiber 21-3 via a lens 41-3. Here, the bundle fiber 21-2.21-
3 and lenses 41-2 and 41-3 constitute a second optical coupling section. Further, a light receiving element 22-1b is provided on the central axis O of the abutting end surface 20a of the second joint portion 20 in correspondence with the first joint portion 10 side. Light receiving element 22-1b.

22-3b is the output terminal 23-1b, 23-2b,
The light emitting elements 22-2a are respectively connected to input terminals 23-2a.

In the above configuration, the first and second joint portions 10.
Light emitting element 12-1a and light receiving element 22-1b in 20
are arranged facing each other on the central axis O, and the abutment surfaces of the bundle fibers 11-2, 11-3 and 21-2, 21-3 are arranged facing each other and concentrically, so that the first joint part Even if the second joint portion 20 is rotated in the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 4 with respect to the second joint portion 10, the same optical coupling state can always be obtained.

For example, the input terminal 13-3a of the first joint section 10
The input electric signal is converted into an optical signal 0PT3 by the light emitting element 12-3a, spread by the lens 31-3 and sent into the bundle fiber 11-3, and then passed through the abutting surface to the second joint. Part 20 of bundle fiber 2
1-3. The optical signal 0PT3 that has passed through the bundle fiber 21-3 is converged by the lens 41-3 and enters the light receiving element 22-3b, where it is converted into the original electrical signal and output from the output terminal 23-2b. .

In FIG. 4, a light emitting element 12-1a is placed on the abutting end surface 10a of the first and second joint portions 10.20, and on the 2Oa side.
, the light receiving element 22-1b, and the bundle fiber 11
Since -2° 11-3 and 21-2.21-3 are disposed facing each other, the same optical coupling state can always be obtained for any rotational position of the first and second joint portions 10.20. Moreover, the light emitting elements 12-1a, 12-3a, 22-2
a, and light receiving elements 12-2b, 22-1b,
22-3b to convert the electrical signal into an optical signal 0PTI~0P.
After transmitting the signal to the joint part 10 or 20 on the other side in the form of T3, it is converted to the original electrical signal and output, so there is no contact failure, spark generation, or sliding at the butt end surfaces 10a, 20a as in the conventional case. Noise generation due to dynamic contact,
It enables multi-channel bidirectional or unidirectional signal transmission with high safety and reliability without problems such as wear and deterioration. Therefore, it can be used for various purposes, such as transmitting signals to and from rotating bodies, cranes, and other moving bodies in explosion-proof areas.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Examples of such modifications include the following.

(2) The fitting structure and rotating structure at the abutting end surfaces 10a and 20a in FIG. 4 may be modified to other structures.

(2) The light emitting element 12-1a and the light receiving element 22-1b on the central axis O in FIG. 4 may have a structure in which they are butted together via an optical fiber, a lens, or the like.

■ In FIGS. 1 and 3, the optical coupling portion at the abutting point of the first and second joint portions 10.20 is composed of only the bundle fibers 11-1 to 11-N and 21-1 to 21-N. , in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bundle fiber 11
-2.11-3.21-2.21-3 and lens 31-
Although the configuration is 2.31-3°41-2.41-3, other configurations using bundled fibers are also possible.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the first and second optical coupling portions each having a bundle fiber on the abutting end surfaces of the first and second joint portions that are rotatable with respect to each other are provided. Since the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged concentrically and optically coupled on the opposite side of the abutting end surfaces of the first and second optical coupling parts, the rotational position of the first and second joint parts The same optical coupling state is always obtained. Furthermore, the electric signal is transmitted in the form of an optical signal to the joint part on the other side using a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and then converted to the original electric signal and output, so that the first and second Safe and reliable signal transmission is possible without causing problems such as poor contact or generation of sparks between the abutting end surfaces at the joint.

Therefore, it can be applied to various uses, such as transmitting signals to and from moving bodies in explosion-proof areas and the like.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of a bundle fiber type rotary photocoupler showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional joint device, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of FIG. 1, and FIG. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a structural example, Fig. 5 (1) to (6) are cross-sectional views of Fig. 4, Fig. 5 (1) is an A-A cross-sectional view, and Fig. 5 (2) is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 5. BB sectional view, Figure 5 (3) is a CC sectional view, Figure 5 (4) is a D-C sectional view, and Figure 5 (5) is an E
-E sectional view, and FIG. 5 (6) is a FF sectional view. 10, 20... 1st. Second joint part, 1
0a. 20a-------butt end surface, 11-1 to 11-N,
21-1~2l-N-8°...Bundle fiber,
12-1~12-N, 22-1~22-N...
・Light emitting/receiving section, 12-1a, 12-3a, 22-
2a... Light emitting element, 12-2b, 22-1
b, 23-3b... Light receiving element, 13-1~
13-N, 23-1 to 23-N, --- input/output terminal, 13-1a. 13-2a, 23-2a ・-・-input terminal, 12
-2b, 23-1b. 23-2b...Output terminal, 31-2.31-3
．． 41-2.41-3...Lens, 0PTI~
0PTN-0, -0 optical signal. Applicant's agent Kakimoto Kyo Sei 12~; α,
72-3α, 22-′2a: Light emitting element? 2-2b, 22
-7b, 23-3b Photodetector 13-1a, 13
-3a, 23-2a: Input terminals 13-2b, 23-f
b, 23-2b: Output terminal γ Configuration example of Fig. 1 Fig. 3

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. First and second joint parts that are rotatably connected on the same axis with their abutting end faces abutting each other, and each of the abutting end faces is arranged concentrically with respect to the same axis. first and second optical coupling parts having bundle fibers for transmitting and receiving light, and a light emitting element and a light receiving element optically coupled to opposite sides of abutting end surfaces of the first and second optical coupling parts, respectively. A bundled fiber type rotary photocoupler comprising: input/output terminals provided at the first and second joint parts and connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element, respectively. 2. The bundled fiber type rotary photocoupler according to claim 1, wherein the first and second optical coupling portions are constituted by a plurality of sets of bundled fibers. 3. The first and second optical coupling parts, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged such that the light emitting element and the light receiving element are butted together on the same axis, and the bundle is attached to the outer periphery of the light emitting element and the light receiving element, respectively. 2. The bundled fiber type rotary photocoupler according to claim 1, wherein fibers are arranged, and other light emitting elements and light receiving elements are optically coupled to opposite sides of the abutting end faces of each of the bundle fibers. 4. The first and second optical coupling parts are each constituted by a bundle fiber whose one end is abutted against each other and whose other end is optically coupled to the light emitting element or the light receiving element through a lens. Bundled fiber type rotary photocoupler described.