JP2013019705A - Non-contact connector and torque measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a non-contact connector which is simple in structure and contributes to miniaturization of a torque measuring device and the like, and a torque measuring device using the non-contact connector.SOLUTION: A non-contact connector 10 includes: a rotating part 28 which comprises an annular reflector 24 including a translucent annular member 18 which is an annular body having translucency and coaxially mounted to a rotary shaft 12 so as to rotate together with rotary shaft 12 and whose one side surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface 14 and the other side back surface 16 in the axial direction is a coaxial convex surface in which an inner peripheral part projects more than an outer peripheral part in the axial direction, and a reflective film 22 formed on the outer peripheral surface 20 and back surface 16 of the translucent annular member 18, and a light emitting element 26 mounted to a part other than the light transmitting surface 14 so as to irradiate the inside of the annular reflector 24 with light; and a fixed part 32 having a light receiving element 30 installed so as to face the light transmitting surface 14 of the annular reflector 24.

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact connector for transmitting data between a rotating part and a fixed part, and a torque measuring device using the same.

  Conventionally, a light emitting element is provided on either the rotating side that rotates with the rotating shaft or the fixed side (which does not rotate with the rotating shaft), and the light receiving element is provided on the other side, so that there is no contact between the rotating side and the fixed side. Non-contact connectors that optically communicate data are known. In such a non-contact connector, since the relative positional relationship between the light emitting element and the light receiving element changes with rotation, some device is necessary for continuous communication.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of a predetermined radius on the rotation side, and a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the same radius on the fixed side. A non-contact connector is disclosed that is installed so that the output range of any one of the light emitting elements and the light receiving range of any one of the light receiving elements always overlap each other.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a light emitting element is installed on the rotating side so as to project light in the axial direction (at a position away from the center line of the rotating shaft), and on the fixed side, near the center line of the rotating shaft. There is disclosed a non-contact connector in which a light receiving element is installed and a cone-shaped reflecting mirror that reflects light projected in the axial direction from the light emitting element in the direction of the light receiving element.

  In Patent Document 3, a light emitting element is installed on the rotation side so as to project light toward the center line of the rotation axis (at a position away from the center line of the rotation axis). A movable reflector is installed in the vicinity, and a light receiving element is installed on the fixed side to receive the light reflected by the reflector near the center line of the rotation axis, so that the light reflected from the reflector is always received. A non-contact connector is disclosed in which a reflector is driven by a planetary gear toward the element.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, an elliptical partial mirror having a shape corresponding to a part of a three-dimensional ellipsoid having two focal points on the fixed side (or rotating side) is provided with at least one focal point at the center line of the rotation axis. A light receiving element is installed so that the light reflected by the elliptical partial mirror is received through one focal point, and the elliptical partial mirror is placed on the rotation side (or fixed side) via the other focal point. A non-contact connector in which a light emitting element is installed so as to project light is disclosed.

JP 2002-280239 A JP 2006-108338 A JP 2009-130773 A JP 2010-45206 A

  However, the non-contact connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 needs to install a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of light receiving elements, and has a problem that the structure is complicated and the cost is high.

  In addition, the non-contact connectors disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4 have a configuration in which a light receiving element or a reflector is installed on the center line of the rotation axis or the optical path passes through the center line of the rotation axis. Even if the non-contact connector can be installed at the end portion, the non-contact connector cannot be installed at a portion other than the end portion, such as the axial central portion of the rotating shaft. Therefore, for example, there is a problem that it is difficult to apply to an application such as torque measurement of a rotating shaft, and even if it can be applied, it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus.

  In addition, the non-contact connectors disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4 accurately place the light emitting element, the reflector, and the light receiving element so that the light projected from the light emitting element is reflected by the reflector and reaches the light receiving element. There was also a problem that it was necessary to manufacture and install, and processing and assembly were not easy.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object to provide a non-contact connector that has a simple structure and contributes to downsizing of a torque measuring device and the like, and a torque measuring device using the same. To do.

  The present invention is a light-transmitting annular body that is coaxially attached to a rotating shaft so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft. One surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface, and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction is an inner circumference. An annular reflector comprising a translucent annular member that is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member, and the interior of the annular reflector A rotating part having a light emitting element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not a light transmitting surface so as to irradiate light, and a light receiving element installed to face the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector. The above-described problem is solved by a non-contact connector including a fixing portion.

  In this non-contact connector, when the light emitting element irradiates light into the annular reflector of the rotating portion, the entire translucent annular member shines and light is emitted from the entire surface of the annular light transmission surface. Therefore, even if the light emitting element of the rotating part rotates, the light receiving element of the fixed part can always receive the light irradiated by the light emitting element. The annular reflector is an annular body that is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft, and the light receiving element is disposed so as to face the annular light transmission surface of the annular reflector. , Can be installed in parts other than the end.

  Further, the present invention is a translucent annular body that is coaxially arranged around the rotation shaft so as not to rotate with the rotation shaft, and one surface in the axial direction is a light transmission surface, and the other side in the axial direction. An annular reflector provided with a translucent annular member whose inner peripheral portion is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the rear surface of the translucent annular member, and A light receiving element attached to a portion that is not a light transmitting surface of the annular reflector so as to receive light inside the annular reflector, a fixed portion that rotates together with the rotating shaft, and transmits light of the annular reflector. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a non-contact connector provided with a rotating part having a light emitting element installed so as to irradiate the surface with light.

  In this non-contact connector, the light-transmitting element receives the entire light-transmitting annular member regardless of which portion of the annular light transmission surface of the annular reflector of the fixed portion is incident. Therefore, similarly to the non-contact connector described above, even if the light emitting element of the rotating part rotates, the light receiving element of the fixed part can always receive the light emitted by the light emitting element. The annular reflector is an annular body disposed coaxially around the rotation axis, and the light emitting element is installed opposite the annular light transmission surface so as to irradiate the light transmission surface of the annular reflector. Therefore, in this case as well, it can be installed in a portion other than the end portion, such as the axial central portion of the rotating shaft.

  In addition, the present invention provides a non-contact connector according to any one of the above, a torque detector installed to rotate with the rotary shaft, and a torque detector installed to rotate with the rotary shaft and detected by the torque detector. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a torque measuring device including a signal processing unit that processes data and converts it into a signal emitted from a light emitting element.

  This torque measuring device contributes to miniaturization and improved measurement accuracy because the components of the torque detector are provided only on the rotating side and not on the fixed side that does not rotate with the rotating shaft.

  Further, since the non-contact connector can be installed in a portion other than the end portion such as the axial center portion of the rotating shaft, this also contributes to downsizing.

  In addition, since a signal processing unit is provided so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, the data detected by the torque detection unit is processed and converted into a signal emitted from the light emitting element on the rotating side, and the light received on the fixed side. Can be transmitted to the element.

  Further, the present invention is a translucent annular body that is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, and one surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction is An annular reflector including a translucent annular member whose inner peripheral portion is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member, and the annular reflector A light receiving element attached to a portion that is not a light transmitting surface of the annular reflector so as to receive light inside the light reflector, and a light that irradiates the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a non-contact connector provided with a fixed part having a light emitting element installed.

  In this non-contact connector, the entire light-transmitting annular member emits light and the light receiving element receives light regardless of which part of the annular light transmission surface of the annular reflector of the rotating portion is incident. Therefore, even if the light receiving element of the rotating part rotates, the light receiving element can always receive the light emitted by the light emitting element of the fixed part. Further, the annular reflector is an annular body that is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft, and the light emitting element is disposed so as to face the annular light transmission surface so as to irradiate the light transmission surface of the annular reflector. Also in this case, it can be installed in a portion other than the end portion, such as the axial central portion of the rotating shaft.

  Further, the present invention is a translucent annular body that is coaxially arranged around the rotation shaft so as not to rotate with the rotation shaft, and one surface in the axial direction is a light transmission surface, and the other side in the axial direction. An annular reflector provided with a translucent annular member whose inner peripheral portion is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the rear surface of the translucent annular member, and A light emitting element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not a light transmitting surface so as to irradiate light inside the annular reflector, a fixed portion that rotates together with the rotating shaft, and transmits light through the annular reflector. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a non-contact connector provided with a rotating part having a light receiving element installed so as to face the surface.

  In this non-contact connector, when the light emitting element emits light into the annular reflector of the fixed portion, the entire translucent annular member shines and light is emitted from the entire surface of the annular light transmission surface. Therefore, even if the light receiving element of the rotating portion rotates, the light receiving element can always receive the light emitted from the light emitting element. Further, the annular reflector is an annular body disposed coaxially with the rotation shaft, and the light receiving element is disposed so as to face the annular light transmission surface of the annular reflector. It can be installed at a portion other than the end, such as the central portion.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the non-contact connector which has a simple structure and contributes to size reduction of a torque measuring device etc. is realizable.

1 is a side sectional view schematically showing a structure of a non-contact connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the non-contact connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the non-contact connector which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the non-contact connector which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the non-contact connector which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the non-contact connector which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention Side sectional view which shows typically the structure of the torque measuring device which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a translucent annular body that is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft 12 so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 12 and is axially disposed. The translucent annular member 18 and the translucent annular member 18 whose one peripheral surface is a light-transmitting surface 14 and whose inner peripheral portion is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion. An annular reflector 24 having a reflective film 22 formed in contact with the outer peripheral surface 20 and the back surface 16 of the annular member 18, and a portion that is not the light transmitting surface 14 in the annular reflector 24 so as to irradiate light inside the annular reflector 24. A rotating part 28 having a light emitting element 26 attached to the light receiving element 26, a fixing part 32 having a light receiving element 30 installed so as to face the light transmitting surface 14 of the annular reflector 24, and an alternating current A supply unit 34; Eteiru.

  The light transmitting surface 14 of the light transmitting annular member 18 is a flat surface. A coaxial circular recess 36 is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the light transmission surface 14. On the other hand, as for the back surface 16 of the translucent annular member 18, the inner peripheral portion is a flat surface, and the other portion is a curved surface having a circular cross section, for example. The back surface 16 may be a conical surface whose inner peripheral portion is a flat surface and the other portion is inclined by, for example, about 5 to 15 ° with respect to the inner peripheral portion. Further, a large angle R may be formed between the outer peripheral surface 20 of the translucent annular member 18 and the inner peripheral portion of the back surface 16, and this corner R may constitute a part of the back surface 16. Further, the back surface 16 may be a curved surface having an arcuate cross section or a conical surface inclined about 5 to 15 ° (relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis), the inner peripheral portion of which is the same as the other portions. A portion of the outer peripheral surface 20 of the translucent annular member 18 to which the light emitting element 26 is attached is shaped like a notch. More specifically, the portion of the outer peripheral surface 20 to which the light emitting element 26 is attached is a plane perpendicular to the radial direction, and the other portion is a cylindrical surface. The material of the translucent annular member 18 is, for example, a transparent resin such as acrylic, polycarbonate, urethane, or epoxy, or glass. The translucent annular member 18 may be translucent.

  The material of the reflective film 22 is, for example, Al, Ni, Ni—P, Ni—B, or the like. The reflective film 22 can be formed, for example, by forming a paint containing powder such as Al. The reflective film 22 can also be formed by electroless plating or chemical plating.

  The light emitting element 26 is, for example, an infrared LED. The light emitting element 26 is preferably of a type that has a high tendency to diffuse irradiated light. For example, a light-emitting element having an irradiation angle of about 90 ° can be used. The light emitting element 26 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 20 (the portion other than the light transmitting surface 14) of the annular reflector 24 so as to irradiate light in the direction of the rotating shaft 12.

  The fixing portion 32 includes a light receiving element 30 and an annular base member 38 to which the light receiving element 30 is attached with an annular body disposed coaxially around the rotation shaft 12 so as not to rotate with the rotation shaft 12. Yes. The light receiving element 30 is, for example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like, and is attached to one surface in the axial direction of the annular base member 38 so as to protrude in the direction of the annular reflector 24. A coaxial circular recess 40 is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the surface of the annular base member 38 on the side where the light receiving element 30 is attached.

  The AC current supply unit 34 is a cylindrical body, a part of which is fitted in the recess 36 of the translucent annular member 18 and the other part is projected from the light transmission surface 14 in the axial direction, and the reception core 42 is arranged coaxially between the rotating shaft 12 and the receiving core 42 so as not to rotate together with the rotating shaft 12 in a cylindrical body. The transmission core 46 is partially fitted in the recess 40 of the annular base member 38, and the transmission coil 48 is provided on the outer periphery of the protruding portion of the transmission core 46.

  Next, the operation of the non-contact connector 10 will be described. When the light emitting element 26 irradiates light into the annular reflector 24 of the rotating unit 28, the entire translucent annular member 18 is illuminated and light is emitted from the entire surface of the annular light transmission surface 14. Therefore, although the non-contact connector 10 has a simple structure, the light receiving element 30 of the fixed portion 32 can always receive the light emitted by the light emitting element 26 even when the light emitting element 26 of the rotating unit 28 rotates. In the present application, the expressions “light emission”, “light reception”, and “light up” are also used for convenience when using a light emitting element that emits invisible light rays such as infrared rays. The annular reflector 24 is an annular body that is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft 12, and the light receiving element 30 is disposed so as to face the annular light transmission surface 14 of the annular reflector 24. It can be installed in a portion other than the end, such as the center of the direction. Further, since the non-contact connector 10 includes the alternating current supply unit 34, electricity for light emission of the light emitting element 26 can be supplied from the fixed side to the rotating side.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes the annular reflector 24 on the rotating side, whereas the non-contact connector 50 according to the second embodiment is annular on the fixed side as shown in FIG. A reflector 52 is provided. In addition, since the non-contact connector 50 has the same or similar components as the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment, the same or similar components as those in FIG. Description is omitted as appropriate.

  The non-contact connector 50 is a light-transmitting annular body that is coaxially disposed around the rotary shaft 12 so as not to rotate with the rotary shaft 12. One surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface 54, and the axial contact The back surface 56 on the other side is a translucent annular member 58 whose inner peripheral portion is a coaxial convex surface protruding in the axial direction from the outer peripheral portion, and the reflection formed on the outer peripheral surface 60 and the back surface 56 of the translucent annular member 58. A fixed portion 62 having an annular reflector 52 having a film 22 and a light receiving element 30 attached to a portion of the annular reflector 52 that is not the light transmitting surface 54 so as to receive light inside the annular reflector 52. A rotating unit 64 having a light emitting element 26 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 12 and is disposed so as to irradiate light to the light transmitting surface 54 of the annular reflector 52, and an alternating current supply unit 34. Has .

  The translucent annular member 58 has substantially the same shape as the translucent annular member 18, but has a larger central hole than the translucent annular member 18 and a gap between the rotary shaft 12. A coaxial circular recess 66 having a radius smaller than that of the recess 36 of the light transmitting annular member 18 is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the light transmitting surface 54 of the light transmitting annular member 58. In the second embodiment, a part of the transmission core 46 is fitted in the recess 66 and the other part projects from the light transmission surface 54 in the axial direction. The light receiving element 30 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 60 of the translucent annular member 58 so as to face the rotating shaft 12. In addition, the part to which the light receiving element 30 is attached on the outer peripheral surface 60 of the translucent annular member 58 is shaped like a notch. More specifically, the portion of the outer peripheral surface 60 where the light receiving element 30 is attached is a plane perpendicular to the radial direction, and the other portion is a cylindrical surface. The material of the translucent annular member 58 is the same as the material of the translucent annular member 18.

  The rotating part 64 includes the light emitting element 26 and an annular member 68 to which the light emitting element 26 is attached in an annular body coaxially attached to the rotating shaft 12 so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 12. In the second embodiment as well, the light emitting element 26 is preferably of a type that has a high tendency to diffuse irradiated light. For example, a light-emitting element having an irradiation angle of about 90 ° can be used. A coaxial circular recess 70 is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the surface of the annular member 68 on the side where the light emitting element 26 is attached. In the second embodiment, a part of the receiving core 42 is fitted in the recess 70 of the annular member 68 and the other part protrudes in the axial direction from the surface of the annular member 68 on the side where the light emitting element 26 is attached. .

  Next, the operation of the non-contact connector 50 will be described. In the non-contact connector 50, the light transmitting element 30 receives the entire light transmitting annular member 58 regardless of which part of the annular light transmitting surface 54 of the annular reflector 52 of the fixed portion 62 is incident. Therefore, even if the light emitting element 26 of the rotating unit 64 rotates, the light receiving element 30 of the fixed unit 62 can always receive the light emitted by the light emitting element 26. The annular reflector 52 is an annular body disposed coaxially around the rotary shaft 12, and the light emitting element 26 emits light to the light transmitting surface 54 of the annular reflector 52. Therefore, it can be installed in a portion other than the end, such as the central portion in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 12, similarly to the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment. Further, since the non-contact connector 50 also includes the alternating current supply unit 34, electricity for light emission of the light emitting element 26 can be supplied from the fixed side to the rotating side.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes the light emitting element 26 only on the rotation side and the light receiving element 30 only on the fixed side, and can communicate only in one direction from the rotation side to the fixed side. 3, the non-contact connector 80 according to the third embodiment includes the light emitting element 26 as the first light emitting element, the light receiving element 30 as the first light receiving element, and the fixing portion 32 as the light transmission surface 14 of the annular reflector 24. The second light emitting element 84 is further provided so as to irradiate the light, and the rotating unit 28 is provided at a portion of the annular reflector 24 that is not the light transmitting surface 14 so as to receive the light inside the annular reflector 24. It further has a second light receiving element 86 attached, and can communicate bidirectionally. Since the non-contact connector 80 has the same or similar components as the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment, the common or similar components will be described with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Omitted as appropriate.

  The second light emitting element 84 has the same or similar structure as the first light emitting element 26, and is attached to one surface in the axial direction of the annular base member 38 so as to protrude in the direction of the annular reflector 24. In addition, it is preferable that the 2nd light emitting element 84 is also a type with a high tendency of the diffusion of irradiation light. For example, a light-emitting element having an irradiation angle of about 90 ° can be used.

  The second light receiving element 86 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 20 (the portion other than the light transmitting surface 14) of the light transmitting annular member 18 so as to receive the light inside the annular reflector 24. The length of the second light receiving element 86 (in the radial direction of the annular reflector 24) is shorter than the length (in the axial direction) of the first light receiving element 30, but the other structures are the same as or similar to the first light receiving element 30. is there. In addition, the part where the second light receiving element 86 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 20 of the translucent annular member 18 has a shape like a notch as with the part where the first light emitting element 26 is attached. Vertical plane. The other part of the outer peripheral surface 20 is a cylindrical surface, and the radius thereof is larger than the distance from the center of the rotating shaft 12 of the part where the first light emitting element 26 and the second light receiving element 86 shown in FIG. (See FIG. 1).

  Next, the operation of the non-contact connector 80 will be described. Note that the operation of communicating from the rotation side to the fixed side is the same as that in the first embodiment, and will not be described. Only the operation of communicating from the fixed side to the rotation side will be described here.

  In the non-contact connector 80, the light-transmitting annular member 18 is entirely illuminated by the second light receiving element 86 regardless of which portion of the annular light transmission surface 14 of the annular reflector 24 is incident. Therefore, even if the second light receiving element 86 rotates, the second light receiving element 86 can always receive the light emitted from the second light emitting element 84 on the fixed side. Therefore, bidirectional communication is possible.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The non-contact connector 50 according to the second embodiment includes the light emitting element 26 only on the rotation side and the light receiving element 30 only on the fixed side, and can communicate in only one direction from the rotation side to the fixed side. As shown in FIG. 4, the non-contact connector 90 according to the fourth embodiment includes the light emitting element 26 as the first light emitting element, the light receiving element 30 as the first light receiving element, and the fixing portion 62 configured to transmit light to the inside of the annular reflector 52. The second light emitting element 84 is further attached to the portion of the annular reflector 52 that is not the light transmitting surface 54 so as to irradiate the light, and the rotating portion 64 is installed to face the light transmitting surface 54 of the annular reflector 52. A second light receiving element 86 is further provided, and bidirectional communication is possible. Since the non-contact connector 90 has the same or similar components as the non-contact connectors 10, 50, 80 according to the first to third embodiments, the common or similar components are the same as those in FIGS. The description will be omitted as appropriate by attaching the reference numerals.

  The second light emitting element 84 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 60 (the portion other than the light transmitting surface 54) of the annular reflector 52 so as to irradiate the inside of the annular reflector 52. Also in the fourth embodiment, the second light emitting element 84 is preferably of a type that has a high tendency to diffuse irradiated light. For example, a light-emitting element having an irradiation angle of about 90 ° can be used. The portion where the second light emitting element 84 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 60 of the translucent annular member 58 is also cut out in the same manner as the portion where the first light receiving element 30 is attached. Vertical plane. The other part of the outer peripheral surface 60 is a cylindrical surface, and the radius thereof is larger than the distance from the center of the rotating shaft 12 of the part where the first light receiving element 30 and the second light emitting element 84 shown in FIG. (See FIG. 2).

  The second light receiving element 86 is attached to one surface of the annular member 68 in the axial direction so as to protrude in the direction of the annular reflector 52. In the fourth embodiment, the second light receiving element 86 has the same or similar structure as the first light receiving element 30.

  Next, the operation of the non-contact connector 90 will be described. Note that the operation of communicating from the rotation side to the fixed side is the same as that in the second embodiment, and will not be described. Only the operation of communicating from the fixed side to the rotation side will be described here.

  In the non-contact connector 90, when the second light emitting element 84 irradiates light into the annular reflector 52 of the fixing portion 62, the entire translucent annular member 58 shines and light is emitted from the entire surface of the annular light transmission surface 54. Therefore, the second light receiving element 86 can always receive the light emitted from the second light emitting element 84 even if the second light receiving element 86 rotates. Therefore, bidirectional communication is possible.

  The communication from the rotation side to the fixed side and the communication from the fixed side to the rotation side may be performed with a time lag. Further, for example, the first light receiving element 30 and the second light emitting element 84 emit light of different wavelengths, and the first light receiving element 30 and the second light receiving element 86 selectively detect the respective wavelengths. By doing so, communication from the rotation side to the fixed side and communication from the fixed side to the rotation side can be performed simultaneously. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The non-contact connector 80 according to the third embodiment includes the first light emitting element 26 and the first light receiving element 30, and also includes the second light emitting element 84 and the second light receiving element 86, and can communicate bidirectionally. As shown in FIG. 5, the non-contact connector 85 according to the fifth embodiment has a configuration in which the first light emitting element 26 and the first light receiving element 30 are omitted from the non-contact connector 80 according to the third embodiment. Yes, communication is possible only in one direction from the fixed side to the rotating side. Thus, since the non-contact connector 85 has the same or similar components as the non-contact connector 80 according to the third embodiment, the same or similar components as those in FIG. The description will be omitted. The operation of the non-contact connector 85 (the operation of communicating from the fixed side to the rotating side) is also the same as that in the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The non-contact connector 90 according to the fourth embodiment includes the first light emitting element 26 and the first light receiving element 30, and also includes the second light emitting element 84 and the second light receiving element 86, and is capable of bidirectional communication. As shown in FIG. 6, the non-contact connector 95 according to the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which the first light emitting element 26 and the first light receiving element 30 are omitted from the non-contact connector 90 according to the fourth embodiment. Yes, communication is possible only in one direction from the fixed side to the rotating side. Thus, since the non-contact connector 95 has the same or similar components as the non-contact connector 90 according to the fourth embodiment, the same or similar components as those in FIG. The description will be omitted. Further, the operation of the non-contact connector 95 (the operation of communicating from the fixed side to the rotating side) is the same as that in the fourth embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the non-contact connectors 10, 50, 80, 85, 90, 95 include the alternating current supply unit 34, but for example, the non-contact connectors 10, 50, When an element for supplying electricity from the fixed side to the rotating side is provided in a portion other than the portion to which 80, 85, 90, 95 is attached, the non-contact connectors 10, 50, 80, 85, 90, 95 are supplied with an alternating current. The structure which is not provided with the part 34 may be sufficient.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the light transmitting surfaces 14 and 54 of the non-contact connectors 10, 50, 80, 85, 90, and 95 are flat surfaces. If the light receiving element can always receive the emitted light, the light transmitting surfaces 14 and 54 of the light transmitting annular members 18 and 58 may be curved surfaces such as conical surfaces and spherical surfaces. For example, a surface such as the back surface 16 or 56 may be used.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the seventh embodiment relates to a torque measurement device 100 including the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment. Since the structure of the non-contact connector 10 has been described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The torque measuring device 100 is detected by the non-contact connector 10, the rotating shaft 12, the torque detecting unit 101 installed to rotate with the rotating shaft 12, and the torque detecting unit 101 installed to rotate with the rotating shaft 12. The signal processing unit 114 that processes the received data and converts it into a signal emitted from the light emitting element 26, and the rotating shaft 12 are installed so as to rotate, and the alternating current is converted into a direct current for driving the signal processing unit 114 and the like. An AC-DC converter 116 for conversion.

  The torque detection unit 101 includes a first scale unit 102 installed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotary shaft 12 and a first detector 104 installed to face the first scale unit 102 and rotate together with the rotary shaft 12. The first rotary scale 106 is opposed to the second scale portion 108 and the second scale portion 108 that are installed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating shaft 12 at a position away from the first scale portion 102 in the axial direction. And a second rotary scale 112 having a second detector 110 installed so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 12.

  Further, the torque measuring device 100 includes a cylindrical casing 118, a load device unit 120 provided on one end side of the casing 118, and a liquid crystal display 122 provided on the outer surface of the load device unit 120. . The light receiving element 30 of the non-contact connector 10 is connected to a modulation circuit or a fixed side microcomputer, and calculates the value of the torque acting on the rotary shaft 12 based on the signal received by the light receiving element and displays it on the liquid crystal display 122. It is like that.

  An end bearing 124 is installed at the other end portion of the casing 118, and an intermediate bearing 126 is installed near the center in the longitudinal direction inside the casing 118.

  One end of the rotary shaft 12 is connected to the load device section 120, and the other end is coaxially coupled to the motor 130 via a coupling 128. The rotating shaft 12 is rotatably supported by the end bearing 124 and is also rotatably supported by the intermediate bearing 126 via the collar 132 and the rotating bracket 134. The first scale portion 102 and the second scale portion 108 are installed between the end bearing 124 and the intermediate bearing 126. A portion of the rotating shaft 12 between the first scale portion 102 and the second scale portion 108 is thinner than the other portions.

  The rotating bracket 134 has a disk-like base portion that fits the intermediate bearing 126 on the outer periphery and fits the collar 132 on the inner periphery, and an arm portion that protrudes from the base toward the end bearing 124, together with the rotating shaft 12. It is designed to rotate. The first detector 104 and the second detector 110 are installed on the arm portion of the rotary bracket 134 and rotate together with the rotary shaft 12.

  The collar 132 is a cylindrical member and is fitted to the base of the rotating bracket 134 at one end of the outer periphery, and the other part projects toward the load device 120. Further, the collar 132 is fitted to the rotary shaft 12 on the inner circumference and rotates together with the rotary shaft 12.

  The non-contact connector 10 is installed between the collar 132 and the load device unit 120. The annular base member 38 of the fixing portion 32 of the non-contact connector 10 is fixed to the load device portion 120.

  The signal processing unit 114 has a configuration in which various electrical components such as a microcomputer and an infrared LED driving circuit are mounted on a disk-shaped substrate having a center hole, and is coupled to the collar 132 in the center hole and rotates together with the rotating shaft 12. It is supposed to be. The signal processing unit 114 is electrically connected to the first rotary scale 106, the second rotary scale 112, the AC-DC conversion unit 116, the non-contact connector 10, and the like.

  The AC-DC conversion unit 116 also has a configuration in which various electronic components such as diodes and capacitors, secondary batteries, and the like are mounted on a disk-shaped substrate having a center hole, and between the signal processing unit 114 and the rotating bracket 134. In the center hole, it is coupled to the collar 132 so as to rotate together with the rotary shaft 12. The AC-DC converter 116 is connected to the AC current supply unit 34 of the non-contact connector 10, and converts the AC current supplied from the AC current supply unit 34 into a DC current to charge the secondary battery. Or the signal processing unit 114 or the like.

  Next, the operation of the torque measuring device 100 will be described. When the motor 130 rotates, the torque of the motor 130 acts on the rotating shaft 12. The rotating shaft 12 is twisted according to the magnitude of torque. Since the portion between the first scale portion 102 and the second scale portion 108 on the rotating shaft 12 is thinner than the other portions, a greater twist is generated. Further, an alternating current is supplied from an external power source to the transmitting coil 48 of the alternating current supply unit 34, and the receiving coil 44 rotates together with the rotating shaft 12, thereby generating an induced electromotive force in the receiving coil 44. An alternating current is also supplied to the coil 44.

  The first rotary scale 106 and the second rotary scale 112 detect the torsion angles of the first scale unit 102 and the second scale unit 108, respectively, and output signals corresponding to the torsion angles to the signal processing unit 114. The signal processing unit 114 receives data corresponding to the twist angle of the first scale unit 102 detected by the first detector 104 and data corresponding to the twist angle of the second scale unit 108 detected by the second detector 110. , Converted into a signal emitted from the light emitting element 26. When the light emitting element 26 irradiates light into the annular reflector 24 of the rotating unit 28, the entire translucent annular member 18 is illuminated and light is emitted from the entire surface of the light transmitting surface 14. The light receiving element 30 of the fixed unit 32 receives the light emitted from the light emitting element 26 of the rotating unit 28, and thereby data corresponding to the twist angle of the first scale unit 102 and data corresponding to the twist angle of the second scale unit 108. Is transmitted to the fixed side. Based on the transmitted data, the value of torque acting on the rotating shaft 12 is calculated by the fixed microcomputer and displayed on the liquid crystal display 122.

  The torque measuring device 100 contributes to miniaturization and improved measurement accuracy because the components of the torque detector 101 are provided only on the rotating side and not on the fixed side that does not rotate with the rotating shaft 12.

  Further, since the non-contact connector 10 is installed at a portion other than the end portion of the rotary shaft 12, this point also contributes to downsizing.

  In addition, the torque measuring device 100 includes a signal processing unit 114 that is installed so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 12, so that the data detected by the torque detecting unit 101 is processed and emitted from the light emitting element 26 on the rotation side. Can be transmitted to the light receiving element 30 on the fixed side. As described above, the data detected by the torque detection unit 101 may be converted into a signal emitted from the light emitting element 26 as it is, but it acts on the rotating shaft 12 based on the data detected by the torque detection unit 101. The torque may be calculated by the signal processing unit 114 and the calculated torque value may be converted into a signal emitted from the light emitting element 26. In this case, since it is sufficient to transmit only the numerical value of the torque calculated based on the data, not the data detected by the torque detection unit 101 from the rotation side to the fixed side, the amount of data transmitted by the non-contact connector 10 Can be suppressed.

  In the seventh embodiment, the torque detection unit 101 has the first rotary scale 106 and the second rotary scale 112. However, if the components are provided only on the rotation side, the torque detection unit 101 For example, a configuration including a strain gauge may be used.

  In the seventh embodiment, the signal processing unit 114 and the AC-DC conversion unit 116 are disk-shaped. However, if the signal processing unit 114 and the AC-DC conversion unit 116 are configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft 12, the signal processing unit and the AC-DC conversion unit. The configuration such as shape and arrangement is not particularly limited. For example, a configuration in which a signal processing unit and an AC-DC conversion unit are provided on a single substrate may be employed.

  Further, in the seventh embodiment, the torque measuring device 100 includes the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment, but instead of the non-contact connector 10, the non-contact according to the second to fourth embodiments. The structure provided with either connector 50,80,90 may be sufficient.

  In the seventh embodiment, the torque measuring device 100 supplies an alternating current from the fixed side to the rotating side by the alternating current supply unit 34 of the non-contact connector 10, but the non-contact connector 10 on the rotating shaft 12 is attached. An element that supplies electricity from the stationary side to the rotating side may be provided in a portion other than the portion to be provided. In this case, the non-contact connector may not have an AC current supply unit.

  In the seventh embodiment, an example in which the non-contact connector 10 according to the first embodiment is applied to the torque measuring device 100 is shown. However, data is transmitted between the rotating portion and the fixed portion. The non-contact connectors 10, 50, 80, 85, 90, and 95 according to the first to sixth embodiments can be applied to apparatuses and applications other than the torque measuring apparatus as long as they are transmitted apparatuses and applications. .

  The present invention can be used for a torque measuring device or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 50, 80, 85, 90, 95 ... Non-contact connector 12 ... Rotating shaft 14, 54 ... Light-transmitting surface 16, 56 ... Back surface 18, 58 ... Translucent annular member 20, 60 ... Outer peripheral surface 22 ... Reflective film 24, 52 ... annular reflector 26 ... (first) light emitting element 28, 64 ... rotating part 30 ... (first) light receiving element 32, 62 ... fixed part 34 ... alternating current supply part 36, 40, 66, 70 ... concave part 42 ... receiving core 44 ... receiving coil 46 ... transmitting core 48 ... transmitting coil 84 ... second light emitting element 86 ... second light receiving element 100 ... torque measuring device 101 ... torque detecting section 102 ... first scale section 104 ... first DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 detector 106 ... 1st rotary scale 108 ... 2nd scale part 110 ... 2nd detector 112 ... 2nd rotary scale 114 ... Signal processing part 116 ... AC-DC conversion part

Claims (11)

A light-transmitting annular body is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate with the rotating shaft, and one surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface, and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction has an inner peripheral portion. An annular reflector comprising a translucent annular member that is a coaxial convex surface projecting in the axial direction from an outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member, and the annular reflector A light emitting element attached to a portion that is not the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector so as to irradiate light inside, a rotating part having
A fixing portion having a light receiving element installed so as to face the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector;
A non-contact connector comprising: In claim 1,
The light emitting element as a first light emitting element and the light receiving element as a first light receiving element,
The fixing part further includes a second light emitting element installed to irradiate light to the light transmission surface of the annular reflector,
The non-contact connector, wherein the rotating portion further includes a second light receiving element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not the light transmitting surface so as to receive light inside the annular reflector. In claim 1 or 2,
A coaxial recess is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the light transmitting surface in the light transmitting annular member,
A receiving core in which a cylindrical part is fitted in the recess of the light-transmitting annular member and the other part protrudes in the axial direction from the light-transmitting surface;
A receiving coil installed on an outer periphery of a portion protruding from the light transmitting surface in the receiving core;
A transmitting core disposed coaxially between the rotating shaft and the receiving core so as not to rotate with the rotating shaft in a cylindrical body;
A transmission coil installed on the outer periphery of the transmission core;
A non-contact connector, further comprising an alternating current supply unit comprising: A light-transmitting annular body that is coaxially arranged around the rotation shaft so as not to rotate with the rotation shaft, one surface in the axial direction is a light transmission surface, and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction is an inner periphery An annular reflector comprising: a translucent annular member whose portion is a coaxial convex surface projecting in the axial direction from the outer circumferential portion; and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member; A light receiving element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not the light transmission surface so as to receive light inside the annular reflector,
A rotating unit having a light emitting element that rotates with the rotating shaft and is arranged to irradiate light to the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector;
A non-contact connector comprising: In claim 4,
The light emitting element as a first light emitting element and the light receiving element as a first light receiving element,
The fixing portion further includes a second light emitting element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not the light transmitting surface so as to irradiate light inside the annular reflector,
The non-contact connector, wherein the rotating part further includes a second light receiving element installed to face the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector. In claim 4 or 5,
A coaxial recess is formed in the inner peripheral portion of the light transmitting surface in the light transmitting annular member,
A transmission core having a cylindrical body coaxially disposed around the rotation shaft, a part of which is fitted in the recess of the light-transmitting annular member and the other part protruding from the light transmission surface in the axial direction. When,
A transmission coil installed on an outer periphery of a portion protruding from the light transmission surface in the transmission core;
A receiving core disposed coaxially on the outer side in the radial direction of the transmitting core so as to rotate with the rotating shaft in a cylindrical body;
A receiving coil installed on the outer periphery of the receiving core;
A non-contact connector, further comprising an alternating current supply unit comprising: The non-contact connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A torque detector installed to rotate with the rotating shaft;
A signal processing unit installed so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft, and processing data detected by the torque detection unit and converting the data into a signal emitted from the light emitting element;
A torque measuring device comprising: In claim 7,
The torque detection unit includes a first scale unit installed on an outer peripheral part of the rotating shaft and a first detector installed to face the first scale unit and rotate together with the rotating shaft. The first rotary scale, and the second scale portion and the second scale portion, which are disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating shaft and separated from the first scale portion in the axial direction, and A torque measuring device comprising: a second rotary scale having a second detector installed to rotate together with the rotating shaft. In claim 7 or 8,
A torque measuring apparatus, further comprising an AC-DC conversion unit that is installed so as to rotate together with the rotation shaft and converts an alternating current into a direct current for driving the signal processing unit. A light-transmitting annular body is coaxially attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate with the rotating shaft, and one surface in the axial direction is a light transmitting surface, and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction has an inner peripheral portion. An annular reflector comprising a translucent annular member that is a coaxial convex surface projecting in the axial direction from an outer peripheral portion, and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member, and the annular reflector A light receiving element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not the light transmitting surface so as to receive light inside the rotating reflector, and
A fixing portion having a light emitting element installed to irradiate light to the light transmission surface of the annular reflector;
A non-contact connector comprising: A light-transmitting annular body that is coaxially arranged around the rotation shaft so as not to rotate with the rotation shaft, one surface in the axial direction is a light transmission surface, and the back surface on the other side in the axial direction is an inner periphery An annular reflector comprising: a translucent annular member whose portion is a coaxial convex surface projecting in the axial direction from the outer circumferential portion; and a reflective film formed on the outer circumferential surface and the back surface of the translucent annular member; A light emitting element attached to a portion of the annular reflector that is not the light transmitting surface so as to irradiate light inside the annular reflector, and a fixing part,
A rotating unit having a light receiving element that rotates together with the rotating shaft and is disposed so as to face the light transmitting surface of the annular reflector;
A non-contact connector comprising:

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