Optical coupling device

Abstract

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an optical coupling device is disclosed. The optical coupling device is a device for transmitting an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path, and the optical coupling device includes: a fixed unit, the fixed unit includes a first optical path, the first optical path has an optical terminal oriented in a downstream direction; a rotating unit, the rotating unit includes a rotational motion source and has a second optical path - the second optical path includes a first end and a second end, the first end is oriented toward the position where the optical terminal is located, and the second end is oriented toward the position where the downstream rotating optical path is located; and a connecting unit, the connecting unit provides a connection between the rotating unit and the downstream rotating optical path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical coupling device, and more particularly, to an optical coupling device having a rotation coupling structure. Background Art

[0002] In the human body, it is known that coronary arteries can play an important role in supplying oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium. However, in modern society, the population suffering from many coronary artery diseases is increasing due to irregular eating habits or stress.

[0003] In order to diagnose such coronary artery disease, there are various imaging techniques for imaging the internal structure of blood vessels, such as angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

[0004] Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is gaining attention as the next generation of vascular imaging technology by offering both sensitivity and excellent image resolution. OCT can be performed by transmitting light through a catheter.

[0005] Specifically, the catheter may be inserted into a patient's blood vessel. When the inserted catheter is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed and the inside of the blood vessel is imaged while pulling back, the inside of the blood vessel may be imaged.

[0006] In this case, the catheter performs only the function of emitting light transmitted from the optical coherence tomography apparatus, and it may be difficult for the catheter itself to generate and emit light. Therefore, in the related art, a rotating joint or the like is used to connect and fix the optical coherence tomography apparatus and the catheter. However, according to the related art, various wires are provided around a motor provided for rotating the catheter, so that various problems such as vibration and noise may occur.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop optical coupling devices that can provide rotational coupling without generating vibration and noise. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure is made in view of the above situation, and aims to provide an optical coupling device with a rotation coupling structure.

[0010] The technical problems solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not described will be obviously understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above-mentioned problems, an optical coupling device is disclosed. The optical coupling device is a device for transmitting an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path, and the device includes: a fixed part, the fixed part includes a first optical path, the first optical path has an optical terminal pointing to a downstream direction; a rotating part, the rotating part includes a second optical path and has a rotational motion source, the second optical path includes a first end and a second end, the first end points to the direction where the optical terminal is located, and the second end points to the direction where the downstream rotating optical path is located; and a connecting part, the connecting part provides a connection between the rotating part and the downstream rotating optical path.

[0013] Additionally, the connection portion may include a pair of counterweights that increase the clamping force of the connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path as the rotational speed of the rotating portion increases.

[0014] Furthermore, the pair of weights may include at least one notch formed along a circumference, and the notches of the pair of weights may be disposed to face each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the pair of counterweights may be engaged with each other such that the center axes of the counterweights do not match, but the rotational axes of the counterweights match.

[0016] Furthermore, the connection portion may include an elastic member that maintains the connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path when the rotating portion does not rotate.

[0017] Furthermore, the second optical path may be an optical fiber configured to rotate together with the rotating part when the rotating part rotates.

[0018] Furthermore, the source of rotational motion may be a motor, and the optical fiber may be rotated while being coupled to a rotor of the motor.

[0019] Furthermore, the rotor may comprise a hollow shaft into which the optical fiber is inserted.

[0020] Furthermore, the downstream rotating optical path may be arranged to be attachable to or detachable from the connecting portion.

[0021] In addition, the connecting portion may include a fiber optic connector that fixes a downstream rotational optical path, wherein the fiber optic connector may include: a groove arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the fiber optic connector; a pin that is movable when inserted into the groove; and a pair of fingers that separate the downstream rotational optical path or fix the downstream rotational optical path according to the position of the groove where the pin is located.

[0022] In addition, a method for transmitting an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path may be provided. The method may include: coupling a device and a downstream rotating optical path; receiving an optical signal from a first optical path, the first optical path having an optical terminal pointing in a downstream direction, the first optical path being included in a fixed portion of the device; and rotating the rotating portion of the device and the downstream rotating optical path together through a connecting portion of the device, the connecting portion providing a connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path.

[0023] Technical solutions available in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described solutions, and other solutions not described will be obviously understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0024] Beneficial Effects

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an optical coupling device that does not generate vibration, noise, etc. can be provided.

[0026] Effects obtainable in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects that are not described will be apparently understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Various aspects will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, similar reference numerals will be used to refer to similar constituent elements together. In the following embodiments, for the purpose of description, multiple specific details will be presented to provide an overall understanding of one or more aspects. However, it is apparent that such (one or more) aspects can be implemented without these specific details. In other examples, known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams to facilitate description of one or more aspects.

[0028] Figure 1 is a front view for illustrating an example of an optical coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ is used to illustrate an example of an optical coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of a light coupling device for illustrating an example of a light coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 is a view for illustrating an example of the first aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of the invention for illustrating an example of the first aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 is a view for illustrating an example of the second aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Detailed view of the present invention for illustrating an example of the second aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating an example of a fiber optic connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a plan view for illustrating an example of a fiber optic connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.10 is a view for illustrating an example of a pair of weights according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating an example of a light coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Various embodiments and / or aspects will now be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, multiple details will be disclosed to help fully understand one or more aspects. However, those skilled in the art will also appreciate that such (one or more) aspects may be implemented without these details. In the following description and drawings, specific exemplary aspects of one or more aspects will be described in detail. However, these aspects are exemplary, and some of the various methods in the principles of various aspects may be used, and the description is intended to include all aspects and their equivalents. Specifically, in the "embodiment", "example", "aspect", "illustration" and similar words used in this specification, it may not be interpreted that any aspect or design to be described is more beneficial or advantageous than other aspects or designs.

[0040] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar constituent elements regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the detailed description makes the gist of the embodiments of this specification unclear, the detailed description of the related known technology will be omitted. In addition, the drawings are only used to easily understand the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical spirit disclosed by this specification is not limited by the drawings.

[0041] Although the terms "first", "second" and similar terms are used to describe various devices or constituent elements, these devices or constituent elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one device or constituent element from another device or constituent element. Therefore, in the technical spirit of the present invention, the first device or constituent element described below may also be the second device or constituent element.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used as the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted in an idealized or excessive sense unless clearly and specifically defined.

[0043] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from the context, the sentence "X employs A or B" is intended to mean one of the natural inclusive alternatives. That is, the sentence "X employs A or B" can apply to any of the cases where X employs A, the case where X employs B, or the case where X employs both A and B. In addition, it should be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification specifies and includes all available combinations of one or more of the listed related items.

[0044] In addition, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" mean the presence of corresponding features and / or constituent elements, but should not be understood as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, constituent elements and / or groups thereof. In addition, unless otherwise specified, or when it is unclear from the context to specify a singular form, the singular forms in this specification and claims should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or more".

[0045] When it is mentioned that a certain constituent element is "connected" or "coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that the specific constituent element may be directly connected or coupled to the other constituent elements, or another intervening constituent element may be located therebetween. Conversely, when a constituent element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there are no intervening constituent elements.

[0046] The suffixes “module” and “unit” or “part” for constituent elements used in the following description are interchangeably given or used only for convenience in writing the specification, and thus they themselves do not have different meanings or roles.

[0047] The description that “a constituent element or layer” is on “another constituent element or layer” includes all cases where the constituent element or layer is directly formed on other constituent elements or layers and another constituent element or layer is interposed therebetween. In contrast, the description that “a constituent element” is directly on “another constituent element” refers to the case where there is no intervening constituent element or layer.

[0048] Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper," may be used herein to easily describe the relationship of one constituent element to other (one or more) constituent elements illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings.

[0049] For example, if the constituent elements shown in the figures are turned over, a constituent element described as being "below" or "under" another constituent element may be placed "above" the other constituent element. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" may encompass both orientations of "above" and "below" or "beneath." The constituent elements may also be oriented in different directions, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted according to the orientation.

[0050] By referring to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the objects and advantages of the present disclosure and the technical elements for achieving these objects and advantages will be apparent. In describing the present disclosure, when a detailed description of a known function or configuration is determined to be unnecessary to obscure the main points of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure, and these terms may be changed according to the intention of the user, the operator, the customer, etc.

[0051] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented in various forms. These embodiments are provided only to make the present disclosure complete and fully inform the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims. Therefore, definitions should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the optical coupling device may transmit an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path. Here, the static signal path may be a path received from an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device, and the rotating signal path may be a path for transmitting the signal to a catheter. Figures 1 to 11 An optical coupling device according to the present disclosure is described.

[0053] Figure 1 is a front view for illustrating an example of an optical coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ is used to illustrate an example of an optical coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the optical coupling device 1000 may include a fixing portion 100, a rotating portion 200, and a connecting portion 300. However, since the above-mentioned constituent elements are not essential for implementing the optical coupling device 1000, the optical coupling device 1000 may include more or less constituent elements than those listed above.

[0055] The fixed part 100 may include a first optical path 141 having an optical terminal pointing in a downstream direction. Here, the downstream direction may be a direction pointing in a downstream rotating optical path (conduit). The first optical path 141 having an optical terminal may be a static signal path (non-rotating signal path) transmitted from an optical coherence tomography device.

[0056] Here, the first optical path 141 may be a first optical fiber. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] Note that the optical terminal of the first optical path 141 can be formed by coupling with a first collimator by fastening with a first ferrule or the like. Here, the ferrule can be a component having a hole in the center in the form of a cylindrical tube for aligning the optical fiber core connected to the optical fiber. The collimator can be a device that makes an incident light beam or an incident particle parallel. As an example, the collimator can be a ball lens collimator. In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 A first ferrule and a first collimator are described.

[0058] The fixing part 100 may include a fixing part housing 110 and an alignment plate 120 .

[0059] The fixing part housing 110 may form an outer shape of the fixing part 100. For example, the fixing part housing 110 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] Note that the alignment plate 120 may be coupled to the fixing portion housing 110 to form a lower portion of the fixing portion 100 .

[0061] For example, the alignment plate 120 may be coupled to the fixed portion housing 110 by bolts or the like.

[0062] As another example, the alignment plate 120 may have an external thread formed on an area of ​​the outer circumferential surface. In addition, an internal thread may be formed in an area of ​​the fixing portion housing 110, which corresponds to an area where the external thread is formed, so as to be fastened with the external thread. In this case, the fixing portion housing 110 and the alignment plate 120 may be fastened by threads. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the internal thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the alignment plate 120, and the external thread may be formed on the fixing portion housing 110.

[0063] Note that in the present disclosure, the alignment plate 120 may align the first optical path 141 to be located at an accurate position within the optical coupling device 1000 .

[0064] For example, a hole (not shown) through which the first optical path 141 can pass can be provided at the center of the alignment plate 120. The first optical path 141 can be located at the center of the alignment plate 120 by being fastened with a ferrule or the like fastened to the hole. At this time, since the alignment plate 120 is fastened to the fixing part housing 110 by an external thread or the like formed on the outer circumferential surface, when the alignment plate 120 is fastened to the fixing part housing 110, the first optical path 141 can be located at the center of the fixing part 100. In this case, the first optical path 141 can transmit light to the second optical path described later without loss. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A fixing portion 100 according to the present disclosure is described.

[0065] Note that the rotating part 200 may include a second optical path and have a rotational motion source. Here, the second optical path may be a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber is coupled to the rotor of the motor, and when the rotor rotates, the second optical fiber may rotate with the rotor. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Describe the second optical path.

[0066] Note that in the present disclosure, the second optical path may include a first end portion (not shown) and a second end portion (not shown).

[0067] The first end portion may point to a direction where the optical terminal of the first optical path 141 is located. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0068] Note that the second end may point to the direction in which the downstream rotating optical path is located. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 3 Describe the first end and the second end.

[0069] Note that the rotational motion source may be a motor 210 or the like that allows the rotating part 200 to rotate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] Specifically, the rotating part 200 may include a motor 210. The rotating part 200 may be rotated by the motor 210. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] Note that the motor 210 may include a rotor 211. In this case, the rotor 211 may be a hollow shaft. In this case, the second optical path (not shown) may be inserted into the hollow shaft. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Describe the motor.

[0072] Note that the connection portion 300 may provide a connection between the rotating portion 200 and a downstream rotating optical path 310. Here, the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be an optical fiber.

[0073] Specifically, the connection portion 300 may provide a connection such that the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be rotatably coupled to the rotating portion 200 .

[0074] For example, the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be rotatably coupled to the rotating part 200 through an optical fiber connector or the like, which will be described later. In this case, the downstream rotating optical path 310 may rotate along with the rotation of the rotating part 200. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be provided to be attachable to or detachable from the connecting portion 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0076] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection portion 300 may also include a pair of counterweights that increase the clamping force of the connection between the rotating portion 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 as the rotation speed of the rotating portion 200 increases. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A pair of counterweights according to the present disclosure is described.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the optical coupling device 1000 can transmit the optical signal from the static signal path to the rotating signal path.

[0078] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of a light coupling device for illustrating an example of a light coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 , the optical coupling device 1000 may include a first side surface 1100, a second side surface 1200, a fixing portion 100, a rotating portion 200, and a connecting portion 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] The first side surface 1100 may provide a first light combination. Here, the first light combination may be a light combination between the first light path 141 and the second light path.

[0081] Specifically, the first optical path 141 may be a fixed optical path, and the second optical path may be a rotating optical path. The first optical path 141 and the second optical path may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In this case, the first optical path 141 may be terminated by a first collimator (not shown), and one end of the second optical path may be terminated by a second collimator (not shown). Here, the collimator may be a device that makes an incident light beam or incident particles parallel. In this case, light incident through the first optical path 141 may be transmitted to the second optical path through the first collimator and the second collimator. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first side surface 1100 is described.

[0082] Note that the second side surface 1200 may provide a second light combination.

[0083] Specifically, the second side surface 1200 can provide a second optical combination between the second optical path and the downstream rotating optical path.

[0084] More specifically, the second optical path and the downstream rotating optical path may be rotating optical paths. The second optical path and the downstream rotating optical path may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In this case, the other end of the second optical path opposite to one end may be terminated by a third collimator (not shown), and the downstream rotating optical path may be terminated by a fourth collimator (not shown). In this case, light incident on the second optical path may be transmitted to the downstream rotating optical path through the third collimator and the fourth collimator. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the following, reference will be made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second side surface 1200 is described.

[0085] Note that the fixed part 100 may be coupled to a lower portion of the rotating part 200 .

[0086] For example, the fixed part 100 may be coupled to the rotating part 200 by bolts or the like.

[0087] As another example, the fixing part 100 may have an external thread formed on an area of ​​the outer circumferential surface. In addition, an internal thread may be formed in an area of ​​the rotating part 200, which corresponds to an area where the external thread is formed, so as to be fastened with the external thread. In this case, the fixing part 100 and the rotating part 200 can be fastened by threads. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the internal thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing part 100, and the external thread may be formed on the rotating part 200. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 5The coupling relationship between the fixed part 100 and the rotating part 200 is described.

[0088] Note that the rotating portion 200 may include a motor 210, a first end portion 220, a second end portion 230, an alignment spring 240, a first bearing 250, and a second bearing 260. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] In the present disclosure, the motor 210 may be an AC motor, a DC motor, a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, a servo motor, a linear motor, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various motors may be used as the motor 210 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] Note that the motor 210 may include a rotor 211, a motor housing 212, a first magnetic drum 213, a first rotor support 214, a second magnetic drum 215, a second rotor support 216, and a motor aperture (not shown). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] The motor aperture may be a space allowing the rotor 211, the motor housing 212, the first magnetic roller 213, the first rotor support 214, the second magnetic roller 215, and the second rotor support 216 to be disposed inside the motor 210. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0092] Note that the rotor 211 may be an axis rotated by the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215. In this case, the rotor 211 may be a hollow axis. In this case, the second optical path may be inserted into the rotor 211, and when the rotor 211 rotates, the second optical path may rotate together with the rotor 211. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0093] Note that the motor housing 212 may form an outer shape of the motor 210 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the motor housing 212 may form an outer shape of the rotating part 200 .

[0094] Note that the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215 may rotate inside the motor 210. Here, the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215 may generate magnetism and rotate according to the power supplied from the power supply unit (not shown). In this case, the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215 may rotate the rotor 211. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] Note that the first magnetic roller 213 may be coupled to the rotor 211 through the first rotor support 214. The second magnetic roller 215 may be coupled to the rotor 211 through the second rotor support 216. In this case, the rotor 211 may be coupled to the first bearing and the second bearing described later. Therefore, the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215 may rotate together with the rotation of the rotor 211. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] Note that the first end portion 220 may point to the direction where the optical terminal of the first optical path 141 is located. Here, the direction where the optical terminal of the first optical path 141 is located may be the direction where the fixing part 100 is disposed. That is, the first end portion 220 may be a region where the rotating part 200 and the fixing part 100 are fastened. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0097] Note that the second end portion 230 may point to the direction in which the downstream rotating optical path 310 is located. Here, the direction in which the downstream rotating optical path 310 is located may be the direction in which the connecting portion 300 is disposed. That is, the second end portion 230 may be a region that fastens the rotating portion 200 and the connecting portion 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] Note that one region of each of the first end portion 220 and the second end portion 230 may be provided with a first bearing 250 and a second bearing 260 that allow the rotor 211 of the motor 210 to rotate.

[0099] Specifically, the first bearing 250 may be disposed in a region of the first end portion 220 of the rotating part 200. The second bearing 260 may be disposed in a region of the second end portion 230 of the rotating part 200. In this case, the rotor 211 of the motor 210 may be combined with the first bearing 250 and the second bearing 260 to rotate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0100] Note that in the present disclosure, the second bearing 260 may be prevented from interfering with the connection portion 300 by the bearing cover 261 .

[0101] Specifically, the bearing cover 261 may be coupled to an upper side of the first bearing 250. The rotating part 200 may be coupled to the bearing cover 261. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] Note that the alignment spring 240 may be provided to surround the rotor 211 of the motor 210, and may be provided between the second bearing 260 and the second rotor support 216. In this case, the alignment spring 240 may align the rotor 211 so that the rotor 211 is located at the center of the optical coupling device 1000. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Figure 4is a view for illustrating an example of the first aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of the invention for illustrating an example of the first aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first side surface 1100 may provide a first light combination 150. Here, the first light combination 150 may be a light combination between the fixed light source 140 and the second light path 270.

[0105] Specifically, the fixed light source 140 may include a first optical path 141. Here, the first optical path 141 may be a path for receiving an optical signal from an optical coherence tomography device. The second optical path 270 may be located at a position spaced a predetermined distance from a terminal of the first optical path 141. In this case, light transmitted by the first optical path 141 as a static signal path may be transferred to the second optical path 270 as a rotational signal path. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0106] Note that the fixed light source 140 may include a first optical path 141, a first ferrule 142, and a first collimator 143. The first optical path 141 may be coupled to the first collimator 143 by being fastened with the first ferrule 142. In this case, the first optical path 141 may transmit an optical signal to the second optical path 270 through the first collimator 143. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] Note that the second optical path 270 may be inserted into the rotor 211 and rotate with the rotor 211 as the rotor 211 rotates. In this case, the rotor 211 may be a hollow shaft. In this case, the second optical path 270 may be inserted into the hollow shaft. The second optical path 270 may receive light from the first optical path 141 through the second collimator 272.

[0108] Specifically, the second optical path 270 may be coupled to the second collimator 272 by being fastened with the second ferrule 271. In this case, the second optical path 270 may receive an optical signal from the first optical path 141 through the second collimator 272. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] Note that in the present disclosure, the fixing portion 100 may include a first aperture 130 in which the above-described constituent elements may be disposed.

[0110] For example, at least a portion of the fixed light source 140, at least a portion of the rotor 211, and the like may be disposed in the first aperture 130. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] Note that in the present disclosure, the first bearing 250 may be provided in a region of the first end portion 220 of the rotating portion 200 .

[0112] Specifically, the first bearing 250 may be provided at one end of the motor housing 212. In this case, the rotor 211 is fastened with the first bearing 250, and thus, the rotor 211 may rotate when power is generated from the first and second magnetic rollers 213 and 215. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0113] Note that the fixed portion 100 and the rotating portion 200 may be coupled by at least one bolt or the like.

[0114] Specifically, the motor housing 212 may be provided with at least one first fastening hole h1. At least one first bolt b1 may be provided in an area of ​​the fixing part 100 corresponding to the at least one first fastening hole h1. In this case, the fixing part 100 and the rotating part 200 may be coupled by fastening the at least one first bolt b1 and the at least one first fastening hole h1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0115] Note that in the present disclosure, the fixing portion 100 may include at least one bolt groove into which at least one first bolt b1 is inserted. In this case, at least one first bolt b1 may be inserted into the at least one bolt groove and fastened to the at least one first fastening hole h1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0116] Note that the fixing portion 100 and the alignment plate 120 may be coupled by at least one bolt or the like.

[0117] Specifically, the fixing portion 100 may be provided with at least one second fastening hole h2. At least one third fastening hole h3 may be provided in an area of ​​the alignment plate 120 corresponding to the at least one second fastening hole h2. In this case, the fixing portion 100 and the alignment plate 120 may be coupled by at least one bolt that passes through the at least one third fastening hole h3 and is fastened to the at least one second fastening hole h2.

[0118] Figure 6 is a view for illustrating an example of the second aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Detailed view of the present invention for illustrating an example of the second aspect according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the connection portion 300 may be located on the second side surface 1200 .

[0120] In this case, the second side surface 1200 may include a downstream rotating optical path 310, a cover 320, a fiber connector 330, a pair of weights 340, an elastic member 350, and a coil 360. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0121] The cover 320 may form an outer shape of the second side surface 1200 and protect at least one constituent element included in the connection part 300. One end portion of the cover 320 may be coupled and fixed to the rotating part 200.

[0122] For example, the cover 320 may be coupled to the rotating part 200 by an adhesive or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0123] Note that the cover 320 may include a second aperture 321. In addition, constituent elements such as the connection portion 300 and the pair of weights 340 may be disposed in the second aperture 321. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0124] Note that a fiber optic connector 330 may be disposed inside the cover 320 to provide a second optical connection between the downstream rotating optical path 310 and the second optical path 270 inserted into the rotor 211 .

[0125] Specifically, the fiber optic connector 330 may include a second optical path 270 inserted into the rotor 211 and coupled to the fiber optic connector 330 and a downstream rotating optical path 310 coupled through a pair of fingers (not shown).

[0126] In this case, the second optical path 270 may be coupled to the third collimator 274 by being fastened with the third ferrule 273. The downstream rotating optical path 310 coupled to the fourth collimator 312 by being fastened with the fourth ferrule 311 may be located at a position spaced apart from a terminal of the second optical path 270 by a predetermined distance. In this case, an optical signal received by the second optical path 270 from the first optical path 141 may be transferred to the downstream rotating optical path 310 through the third collimator 274 and the fourth collimator 312. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] Note that the optical fiber connector 330 may include an alignment sleeve 333. Here, the alignment sleeve 333 may align the axes of the third collimator 274 and the fourth collimator 312 with each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Fiber optic connector 330 is described.

[0128] Note that the pair of counterweights 340 can increase the clamping force of the connection between the rotating portion 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 as the rotational speed of the rotating portion 200 increases.

[0129] Specifically, the pair of counterweights 340 may include a first counterweight 341 and a second counterweight 342. In this case, the first counterweight 341 and the second counterweight 342 may be engaged with each other so that their central axes do not match, but their rotation axes match. In this case, the pair of counterweights 340 may increase the clamping force between the rotating part 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 by the centripetal force (or centrifugal force) generated by rotating together with the rotor 211. In addition, in this case, the pair of counterweights 340 may increase the clamping force between the optical fiber connector 330 and the downstream rotating optical path 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0130] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first counterweight 341 may include at least one first notch 3411 formed along the circumference. Here, the at least one notch 3411 may be a groove or the like recessed along the circumference. The second counterweight 342 may also include at least one second notch 3421 formed along the circumference. The at least one first notch 3411 of the first counterweight 341 and the at least one second notch 3421 of the second counterweight 342 may be arranged to face and couple with each other.

[0131] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one first notch 3411 and at least one second notch 3421 may be arranged to cross each other. In this case, the first weight 341 and the second weight 342 may be coupled through at least one notch and a protrusion formed by the at least one notch.

[0132] For example, the first weight 341 may have a protrusion formed of at least two first notches 3411. In this case, the protrusion of the first weight 341 may be inserted into at least one second notch 3421 of the second weight 342. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0133] Note that when the rotating portion 200 is not rotating, the elastic member 350 can maintain the connection between the rotating portion 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310.

[0134] For example, the elastic member 350 may be a rubber band or a rubber cord.

[0135] Therefore, the connection between the rotating part 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be formed by the pair of weights 340 when the rotating part 200 rotates, and may be maintained by the elastic member 350 when the rotating part 200 does not rotate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0136] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic member 350 may deflect a pair of fingers (not shown) provided to the optical fiber connector 330 toward each other, thereby enabling the pair of fingers to fix the downstream rotating optical path 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Fiber optic connector 330 is described.

[0137] Note that the coil 360 may be formed to surround the fourth ferrule 311 and protect the fourth ferrule 311. The coil 360 may be coupled to the fourth ferrule 311 and the optical fiber connector 330 through the first coupling member 361 and the second coupling member 362. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0138] Note that the coil 360 may be formed to surround a conduit (not shown). The coil 360 may protect the downstream rotating optical path 310 disposed in the conduit. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0139] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating an example of a fiber optic connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a plan view for illustrating an example of a fiber optic connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0140] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the optical fiber connector 330 may include an optical fiber connector body portion 331, a sleeve 332, a slot 334, a pin 335, a pair of fingers 336, and a groove 337. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0141] The optical fiber connector body part 331 may form the outer shape of the optical fiber connector 330. For example, the optical fiber connector body part 331 may be formed in a hollow tube shape. In this case, a portion of the rotor 211 of the motor 210 may be inserted into the optical fiber connector body part 331. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0142] Note that the optical fiber connector body portion 331 may be formed with a first region 3311 and a second region 3322. Here, the diameter of the first region 3311 may be smaller than the diameter of the second region 3322, and the first region 3311 may be a region where the sleeve 332 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface. The second region 3322 may be a region into which at least a portion of the rotor 211 is inserted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0143] Note that the sleeve 332 may be movably disposed in a region of the fiber optic connector body portion 331. The sleeve 332 may provide a connection between the fiber optic connector 330 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 or a connection between the fiber optic connector 330 and a catheter.

[0144] Specifically, the sleeve 332 may include a slot 334, a pin 335, and a pair of fingers 336. In this case, the pair of fingers 336 may fix or separate the downstream rotating optical path 310, depending on the position of the sleeve 332.

[0145] More specifically, the groove 334 may be provided in one area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 332. The pin 335 may be inserted into the groove 334. In this case, when the sleeve 332 moves leftward or rightward, the position of the groove 334 where the pin 335 is located may be changed.

[0146] For example, when the sleeve 332 is pulled to the left, the pin 335 may be located at the second position 3342 of the slot 334. In this case, the pair of fingers 336 may separate the downstream rotating optical path 310. When the sleeve 332 is moved to the right, the pin 335 may be located at the first position 3341 of the slot 334. In this case, the pair of fingers 336 may fix the downstream rotating optical path 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the pin 335 is located at the first position 3341, the pair of fingers 336 may separate the downstream rotating optical path 310, and when the pin 335 is located at the second position 3342, the pair of fingers 336 may fix the downstream rotating optical path 310.

[0147] Note that the groove 337 can prevent the catheter and the optical fiber connector 330 from rotating alone without rotating together. For example, the catheter can be provided with a fastening portion fastened to the groove 337. In this case, the catheter and the optical fiber connector 330 can rotate together through the groove 337 and the fastening portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0148] Fig.10 is a view for illustrating an example of a pair of weights according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] refer to Fig.10 (a), the optical fiber connector 330 may include a pair of fingers 336. The pair of fingers 336 may fix a downstream rotating optical path (not shown) or separate the downstream rotating optical path according to the position of the slot 334 where the pin (not shown) is located.

[0150] In this case, when the rotating part 200 rotates, each of the pair of fingers 336 may be opened by centrifugal force. In this case, there may be a problem that the pair of fingers 336 cannot fix the downstream rotating optical path. Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of a pair of weights 340 may be coupled to each of the pair of fingers 336.

[0151] Specifically, refer to Fig.10 (b) The first counterweight 341 may include a first coupling portion 3413 and a first weight portion 3412. Here, the first weight portion 3412 may be provided at one end of the first coupling portion 3413, and the other end of the first coupling portion 3413 may be coupled to the first finger 3361. In this case, the first coupling portion 3413 may not be coupled to the second finger 3362.

[0152] More specifically, when the other end of the first coupling portion 3413 is coupled to the first finger 3361, the first weight portion 3412 provided at one end of the first coupling portion 3413 may be present in the direction where the second finger 3362 is located. In this case, the weight may be concentrated on the first weight portion 3412 of the first counterweight 341. Therefore, the centrifugal force of the first weight portion 3412 may be generated in the opposite direction to the centrifugal force of the first finger 3361 generated when the rotating portion 200 rotates. The first weight portion 3412 may have a preset weight so as to generate a centrifugal force greater than the magnitude of the centrifugal force of the first finger 3361.

[0153] In addition, the second weight 342 may include a second coupling portion 3423 and a second weight portion 3422. Here, the second weight portion 3422 may be provided at one end of the second coupling portion 3423, and the other end of the second coupling portion 3423 may be coupled to the second finger 3362. In this case, the second coupling portion 3423 may not be coupled to the first finger 3361.

[0154] More specifically, when the other end of the second coupling portion 3423 is coupled to the second finger 3362, the second weight portion 3422 provided at one end of the second coupling portion 3423 may be present in the direction where the first finger 3361 is located. In this case, the weight may be concentrated on the second weight portion 3422 of the second counterweight 342. Therefore, the centrifugal force of the second weight portion 3422 may be generated in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force of the second finger 3362 generated when the rotating portion 200 rotates. The second weight portion 3422 may have a preset weight so as to generate a centrifugal force greater than the magnitude of the centrifugal force of the second finger 3362.

[0155] That is, when the rotating part 200 rotates, the corresponding centrifugal force of the pair of weights (the first and second weights 341 and 342) may be generated in a direction to offset the corresponding centrifugal force of the first and second fingers 3361 and 3362. Here, the centrifugal force of each of the pair of weights may be greater than the centrifugal force of each of the first and second fingers 3361 and 3362. In this case, the clamping force of the pair of fingers 336 fixing the downstream rotating optical path may be increased by the pair of weights 340.

[0156] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating an example of a light coupling device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0157] refer to Fig.11 , the optical coupling device 1000 may include a fixing part 100 , a rotating part 200 and a connecting part 300 .

[0158] The connection part 300 may include an optical fiber connector 330, a pair of weights 340, and an elastic member 350. The connection part 300 may fix the fourth ferrule 311 to the optical coupling device 1000 through the optical fiber connector 330. In this case, the connection part 300 may be prevented from being directly exposed to the outside through the cover 320. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0159] Note that the rotating portion 200 may include a second optical path 270 that passes through a rotor 211 disposed inside the motor 210 .

[0160] Specifically, the rotor 211 may be a tubular hollow shaft. In this case, the second optical path 270 may be inserted into the rotator 211, and thus, when the rotor 211 is rotated by the first magnetic roller 213 and the second magnetic roller 215, the second optical path 270 may rotate together with the rotor 211. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0161] Note that the second optical path 270 may include a second collimator 272 for receiving an optical signal from the first optical path 141 and a third collimator 274 for transmitting the optical signal to the downstream rotating optical path 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0162] Note that the fixing part housing 110 may be coupled to the motor housing 212 of the rotating part 200 by at least one bolt or the like. In this case, an alignment plate 120 for aligning the first optical path 141 may be coupled to the lower end of the fixing part housing 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0163] Note that according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a method for transmitting an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path in an optical coupling device 1000 , a downstream rotating optical path 310 may be coupled to one end of the optical coupling device 1000 .

[0164] Specifically, in the optical coupling device 1000 , the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be coupled through the connecting portion 300 .

[0165] More specifically, in the optical coupling device 1000, the downstream rotating optical path 310 may be coupled through the optical fiber connector 330 provided to the connecting portion 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0166] Note that when the downstream rotating optical path 310 is coupled, the optical coupling device 1000 can receive an optical signal from the first optical path 141, which is included in the fixed portion 100 and has an optical terminal pointing in the downstream direction. That is, the optical coupling device 1000 can receive an optical signal from the optical coherence tomography device through the first optical path 141. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0167] Note that the optical coupling device 1000 can transfer the optical signal received from the first optical path 141 to the second optical path 270 disposed in the rotating part 200 through the first optical coupling. The optical coupling device 1000 can transfer the optical signal transmitted to the second optical path 270 to the downstream rotating optical path 310 through the second optical coupling.

[0168] In this case, the optical coupling device 1000 may rotate the rotating part 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310 together through the connecting part 300, which provides a connection between the rotating part 200 and the downstream rotating optical path 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0169] The description of the embodiments presented has been provided to allow those skilled in the art to use or implement the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and that the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented herein, and should be interpreted as having the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transmitting an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path, comprising: a fixed portion, the fixed portion comprising a first optical path having an optical terminal pointing in a downstream direction; a rotating portion including a second optical path and having a source of rotational motion, wherein the second optical path includes a first end pointing in the direction of the optical terminal and a second end pointing in the direction of a downstream rotating optical path; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion providing a connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path, The connection portion includes a pair of counterweights that increase the clamping force of the connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path as the rotational speed of the rotating portion increases. 2 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of weights includes at least one notch formed along a circumference, and the notches of the pair of weights are disposed to face each other.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of counterweights are engaged with each other such that central axes of the counterweights do not match, while rotation axes of the counterweights match.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes an elastic member, and when the rotating portion is not rotating, the elastic member maintains the connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second optical path is an optical fiber configured to rotate together with the rotating part when the rotating part rotates.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the rotational motion source is a motor, and the optical fiber rotates while being coupled to a rotor of the motor.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the rotor comprises a hollow shaft, and the optical fiber is inserted into the hollow shaft.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the downstream rotating optical path is configured to be attachable to or detachable from the connecting portion.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion comprises a fiber optic connector that fixes the downstream rotating optical path, wherein the fiber optic connector comprises: A groove, the groove being arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber connector; a pin that is movable when inserted into the slot; as well as A pair of fingers separates or fixes the downstream rotating optical path according to the position of the slot where the pin is located.

10. A method for transferring an optical signal from a static signal path to a rotating signal path, comprising: Coupling device and downstream rotating optical path; receiving an optical signal from a first optical path having an optical termination pointing in a downstream direction, wherein the first optical path is included in a fixed portion of the apparatus; as well as rotating the rotating part of the device and the downstream rotating optical path together via a connecting part of the device, the connecting part providing a connection between the rotating part and the downstream rotating optical path, The connection portion includes a pair of counterweights that increase the clamping force of the connection between the rotating portion and the downstream rotating optical path as the rotational speed of the rotating portion increases.

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