Optical rotating data transmission device having an unobstructed inner diameter

Device for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit being supported for rotary movement relative to the second unit, comprising:

• a light guide along a circular track on the first unit;
• at least one first light coupler connected to the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• at least one second light coupler disposed on the second unit and movable relative to the light guide, for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• and
• wherein at least one second light coupler has an actuator and associated therewith at least one sensor and a control unit for adjusting a position of the light coupler, at least one sensor being provided for determining the position of the light coupler, signals of which are communicated to the control unit, and that the control unit generates corresponding control signals for the actuator, so that the position of the light coupler along at least one axis perpendicular to a tangent of a rotary movement of the two units relative to the light guide, is maintained at a given value.

Device for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit being supported for rotary movement relative to the second unit, comprising:

• a light guide along a circular track on the first unit;
• at least one first light coupler connected to the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• at least one second light coupler disposed on the second unit and movable relative to the light guide, for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• and
• wherein the first coupler comprises a first coupling mirror for coupling light into a first light path, and a second coupling mirror for coupling light into a second light path, an optical beam splitter being provided for dividing optical power being delivered by a light source into two preferably equal light beams to feed the first coupler via the first coupling mirror and the second coupling mirror.

Device for transmitting modulated optical signals between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit being supported for rotary movement relative to the second unit, comprising:

• a light guide along a circular track on the first unit;
• at least one first light coupler connected to the light guide for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• at least one second light coupler disposed on the second unit and movable relative to the light guide, for coupling light into or out of the light guide;
• and
• wherein the first coupler comprises a first coupling mirror for coupling light into a first light path, an optical beam splitter being provided to divide optical power being delivered by a light source into two preferably equal light beams to feed a first light beam into the first coupler via a first coupling mirror, and a second light beam directly along the second light path into the first coupler.