Rotary coupling for transmitting optical signals along at least two separate optical transmission channels

A rotary coupling for transmitting optical signals along at least two separate optical transmission channels, comprising a first and a second coupling component that are mounted rotatably relative to one another about a common rotational axis and which have at least two recesses each for accommodating two optical waveguides, which end within a coupling component and include apertures to which the optical signals can be coupled directly or indirectly in or out, wherein in each coupling component a first aperture is located centrally to the rotational axis and a second aperture is located radially spaced from the rotational axis;

• at least one first and second optical deflector unit with the first optical deflector unit deflecting the first optical transmission channel running through the first aperture of the first coupling component and also through the second aperture of the second coupling component and the second optical deflector unit deflecting the second optical transmission channel running through the second aperture of the first coupling component and also through the first aperture of the second coupling component;
• the first optical deflector unit having the second coupling component and the second optical deflector unit having the first coupling component are rotatable about the rotational axis, wherein the first optical deflector unit is disposed along the rotational axis between the second optical deflector unit and the first coupling component and is rotatably coupled to the first optical deflector unit;
• and wherein
• the optical deflector units each comprise first and second optical reflectors which each are rigidly connected to one another indirectly or directly via a retaining element;
• and
• the retaining element of the second optical deflector unit is indirectly or directly in engagement with the first coupling component via a mechanical gear unit.

The rotary coupling according to claim 14, wherein:

• the first and second optical deflector units include at least one support element, which is transparent for at least one optical transmission channel and on which the at least two optical reflectors are attached for deflecting a transmission channel;
• one of the at least two reflectors is attached centrally with respect to the rotational axis;
• and
• another of the at least two reflectors is attached radially spaced from the rotational axis and slips over an annular surface during rotation of the annular surface about the rotational axis and the annular surface does not intersect the other optical transmission channel that extends into the transparent support element.

The rotary coupling according to claim 14, wherein:

• the first and second optical deflector units each include at least two support elements, which are transparent for at least one optical transmission channel and are fastened longitudinally to the rotational axis and spaced from one another on the retaining element;
• at least one of the at least two support elements and one of the two reflectors is attached centrally relative to the rotational axis;
• and
• another of the at least two support elements and another of the two reflectors is attached radially spaced from the rotational axis, and the reflector attached radially spaced from the rotational axis slips over an annular surface during rotation of the annular surface about the rotational axis and does not intersect the other optical transmission channel that penetrates into both transparent support elements.

The rotary coupling according to claim 14, wherein:

• the first coupling component includes a body surrounded by at least two recesses of the at least two optical waveguides;
• the first coupling component includes a first plane section which indirectly or directly adjoins the body and extends along the rotational axis;
• and wherein
• the first sleeve section includes an open end which radially encompasses a cavity, into which the retaining element supporting the first optical deflector unit protrudes through the open end;
• and
• the retaining element indirectly or directly is connected in a rotationally fixed manner via a sleeve section connected to the second coupling component which has a second sleeve with an open end surrounding a cavity, into which the retaining element supporting the second optical deflector unit protrudes through the open second sleeve end;
• and
• the mechanical gear unit engages an end of the first sleeve also indirectly or directly engages the retaining element of the second optical deflector unit.