Rotative power and signal coupling

• US 4,404,559 A
• Filed: 05/26/1981
• Issued: 09/13/1983
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
• Original Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
• Inventors: Renner, G. Frederick
• Primary Examiner(s): Swann, III, Glen R.
• Application Number:
  US06/267,206
• Time in Patent Office: 840 Days
• Field of Search: 340/870.27, 340/870.31, 340/870.28, 340/870.29, 336/123
• US Class Current: 340/870.28
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 19/0029 arranged within the different robot elements
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/801 using optical interconnects, e.g. light coupled isolators, circuit board interconnections

Abstract

A rotative coupling allows the inductive transmission of power and the transmission of informational signals between a stationary part and a hollow, rotating part. The informational signals are transmitted on a modulated beam of light passing through and along the axis of rotation of the hollow, rotative part. The power is transmitted by induction from a coil on the stationary part to a coil on the rotative part, both coils being positioned within stationary core means and the rotative core means, which combine to establish a continuous flux path around the coils.

Claims

1. A rotative coupling for transferring electrical power and information between a rotating part and a stationary part, comprising:

a. a stationary core means mounted on the stationary part;

b. an annular, stationary coil mounted on the stationary part, and encircling a hollow, rotative core means of magnetic material constructed to rotate in the stationary core for establishing a flux path;

c. an annular, rotative coil mounted on the rotating part, encircling the hollow, rotative core means, the stationary core means including a core portion of magnetic material around the outer perimeter of the coils establishing continuous flux paths through the hollow rotative core means;

d. means for connecting one of the coils to a source of alternating electrical potential and means for connecting the other coil to an electrical load; and

e. a plurality of optical transceivers mounted at opposing positions on the axis of rotation of the hollow rotative core means, transmitting and receiving information to and from the stationary and rotating parts on a modulated beam of light passing through and along said axis of rotation of the hollow, rotative core means.

2. A rotative, inductive coupling according to claim 1, wherein the rotating part is supported in bearings carried by the stationary part.

3. A rotative, inductive coupling according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material of the hollow, rotative core means is a compacted powdered ferrite.

4. A rotative, inductive coupling according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the transceivers is mounted on the stationary part and at least one of the transceivers is mounted on the rotating part.

5. A rotative inductive coupling according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material of the hollow, rotative core means is an amorphous silicon steel.