Communication module for a system for data transmission by means of a light beam and system for data transmission by means of a light beam

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication module (11, 12) for a system for transmitting data by means of a light beam (40), the communication module comprising: a transmitter (20) for emitting the light beam (40), wherein data to be transmitted is encoded in the light beam; and a receiver (30) for receiving the light beam (40), wherein the transmitter (20) has a light source (21) and the receiver (30) has a light sensor (31), wherein the transmitter (20) and the receiver (30) are arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction (Z), the transmitter (20) emits the light beam (40) in the longitudinal direction (X), and the receiver (30) has a mirror (35) oscillating between an unfolded position and a folded position about an oscillation axis (S) extending in the vertical direction (Z), the mirror (35) being arranged such that the light beam (40) incident from the longitudinal direction (X) is deflected by the mirror (35) in the unfolded position onto the light sensor (31). The present invention also relates to a system for transmitting data by means of a light beam (40), the system comprising at least one first communication module (11) according to the invention and at least one second communication module (12) according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication module for a system of transmitting data via a light beam, the communication module comprising: a transmitter for emitting a light beam, wherein data to be transmitted is encoded in the light beam; and a receiver for receiving the light beam. The invention also relates to a system for transmitting data via a light beam, the system comprising at least two communication modules according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] A system and method for determining the location of a vehicle within a facility are known from DE 10 2016 010 999 A1. In this system, a transmitting module is stationarily arranged, and a vehicle with a receiving module is also present. The transmitting module has a light source and emits linearly polarized light. The receiving module has a light sensor.

[0003] A system and method for transmitting data using visible light are known from DE 10 2018 006 988 B3. The system has a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver having an image sensor whose photosensitive surface is scanned line by line, and the transmitter having a controllable light-emitting element that emits modulated light.

[0004] A system for data transmission and positioning is known from EP 3 403 055 B1, comprising two components movable relative to each other. The first component has a side-emitting light conductor and a controllable light source, and the second component has at least one sensor device for detecting light intensity.

[0005] A wireless communication network is known from WO 2020 / 245049 A2, which includes a base station and user equipment that can be movably arranged.

[0006] A lidar sensor for optically detecting a field of view is known from DE 10 2019 205 243 A1. The lidar sensor has a transmitting unit, a deflection unit, and a receiving unit.

[0007] A lidar device is known from DE 10 2019 218 745 A1, which includes a stator, a rotor and a communication device for bidirectional data transmission.

[0008] An optical sensor for spatial scanning is known from DE 10 2008 064 652 A1, which has a small number of moving parts supported only by spring elements.

[0009] According to DE 10 2012 025 281 A1, an optical object detection device for motor vehicles is known, which includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit, and an evaluation unit.

[0010] An optical device for a lidar device is known from DE 10 2019 207 867 A1, the optical device having a lens array and an objective lens. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of this invention is to improve the communication module of a system for transmitting data using a light beam and the system for transmitting data using a light beam.

[0012] The communication module of the system for data transmission via a light beam according to the present invention comprises: a transmitter for emitting the light beam, in which data to be transmitted is encoded; and a receiver for receiving the light beam. Here, the transmitter has a light source, and the receiver has a light sensor. The transmitter and receiver are arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction, and the transmitter emits the light beam in the longitudinal direction. The receiver has a mirror that can swing about a swing axis extending in the vertical direction between an unfolded position and a folded position. The mirror is arranged such that the light beam incident from the longitudinal direction is deflected by the mirror in the unfolded position to the light sensor. Here, the longitudinal direction extends perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lateral direction extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical directions.

[0013] The communication module according to the invention enables full-duplex communication with another communication module according to the invention. In a suitable arrangement of the participating communication modules, a beam emitted by the transmitter of one communication module can be almost completely guided to the receiver of the other communication module. Therefore, communication over long distances can be achieved even with relatively low transmission power. If the vertical direction is perpendicular to the ground, then the mirror and the exit surface of the transmitter and the incident surface of the receiver are also oriented perpendicular to the ground, thereby reducing the deposition of dirt and dust on these surfaces.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirrors are arranged such that a light beam incident from the longitudinal direction is deflected to the lateral direction by the mirrors in the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the mirrors are therefore tilted approximately 45° relative to the longitudinal direction and approximately 45° relative to the lateral direction.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the receiver has a spring that causes the mirror to swing about a pivot axis to the unfolded position. Therefore, when no external force is applied to the mirror, the mirror automatically moves to the unfolded position.

[0016] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the receiver has an optical element, particularly a lens or lens system, that focuses a beam of light deflected by a mirror onto a photosensor. This advantageously increases the intensity of the light incident on the photosensor.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter has an inclined plane that is tilted relative to the longitudinal direction and also relative to the lateral direction. The inclined plane is used to swing the mirror of another communication module from an unfolded position to a folded position, thereby enabling the two communication modules to move past each other.

[0018] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the transmitter has a collimator that parallelizes the strongly divergent light generated by the light source to form a beam. This beam is then precisely directed onto the receiver of another communication module. When the diameter of the collimated beam is large, the radiation intensity can be reduced while maintaining the same optical power, thus improving the safety of the facility. If the beam is slightly divergent, the system's tolerance for angular errors relative to the transmitter is higher. However, the maximum effective range is reduced.

[0019] The system for data transmission by means of a light beam according to the present invention includes at least one first communication module according to the present invention and at least one second communication module according to the present invention. Here, the communication modules are arranged such that, when the mirror is in the unfolded position, the light beam emitted by the transmitter of the first communication module is deflected onto the light sensor of the second communication module, and the light beam emitted by the transmitter of the second communication module is deflected onto the light sensor of the first communication module.

[0020] The system according to the invention allows for full-duplex communication between two communication modules according to the invention via data transmission using a light beam.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication modules are arranged such that the transmitter of the first communication module is vertically aligned / flush with the mirror of the second communication module, and the transmitter of the second communication module is vertically aligned with the mirror of the first communication module. The light beams emitted by the transmitters of the communication modules then extend parallel to each other.

[0022] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the first communication module and the second communication module are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction and staggered from each other in the lateral direction. The system according to the invention is suitable, for example, for communication between a movable vehicle and a stationary station in a transport facility.

[0023] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the first communication module and the second communication module are arranged offset from each other in the lateral direction. That is, when the communication modules move past each other in the longitudinal direction, the inclined platform of the transmitter of the first communication module causes the mirror of the receiver of the second communication module to swing into a folded position, and the inclined platform of the transmitter of the second communication module causes the mirror of the receiver of the first communication module to swing into a folded position. This enables the two communication modules to move past each other.

[0024] This invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. For those skilled in the art, particularly for purposes proposed and / or by comparison with the prior art, other reasonable combinations of features in the claims and / or individual claims and / or the specification and / or the drawings are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the subject matter of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 : A perspective view showing the system used for data transmission.

[0027] Figure 2 : Shows a front view of the system used for data transmission.

[0028] Figure 3 : This shows a cross-sectional view of the system used for data transmission.

[0029] Figure 4 This illustrates a transport device with a system for data transmission.

[0030] Figure 5 : Another cross-sectional view of the system used for data transmission is shown, and

[0031] Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view of the system used for data transmission is also shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a system for transmitting data via a beam 40 (not shown) is shown. The system includes a first communication module 11 and a second communication module 12 configured to be of the same type. Specifically, data can be transmitted from the first communication module 11 to the second communication module 12 and from the second communication module 12 to the first communication module 11 via the beam 40.

[0033] Each of the communication modules 11 and 12 includes a transmitter 20 for emitting a beam 40 and a receiver 30 for receiving the beam 40. Data to be transmitted is encoded in the beam 40. Each of the communication modules 11 and 12 includes a bracket 15 on which the transmitter 20 and receiver 30 are fixed.

[0034] The first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 are arranged offset from each other in the lateral direction Y. The first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction X. The lateral direction Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The lateral direction X and the longitudinal direction X are perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0035] The transmitter 20 and receiver 30 of communication modules 11 and 12 are arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction Z. The receiver 30 has a mirror 35 that can swing about a swing axis S extending in the vertical direction Z between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the view shown here, the mirror 35 is in the unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the mirror 35 is tilted approximately 45° relative to the longitudinal direction X and approximately 45° relative to the lateral direction Y.

[0036] The communication modules 11 and 12 are arranged such that the transmitter 20 of the first communication module 11 is aligned with the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12 in the vertical direction Z, and the transmitter 20 of the second communication module 12 is aligned with the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11 in the vertical direction Z.

[0037] The transmitter 20 of communication modules 11 and 12 has a ramp 25. The ramp 25 is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction X and relative to the lateral direction Y. The ramp 25 is used to swing the mirror 35 of the other communication module 11 and 12 from the unfolded position to the folded position.

[0038] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the system for data transmission. As already mentioned, the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction X. In the illustration shown here, the first communication module 11 is offset from the second communication module 12 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0039] The receiver 30 of communication modules 11 and 12 has a spring (not shown). The spring is used to swing the mirror 35 of the receiver 30 about the swing axis S from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0040] Figure 3 The system for data transmission is shown along... Figure 2The image shows a cross-sectional view with the cutting line BB cut through it. The transmitters 20 of communication modules 11 and 12 each emit beams 40 in the longitudinal direction X. The beam 40 emitted by the transmitter 20 of the first communication module 11 strikes the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12. (Not shown) The beam 40 emitted by the transmitter 20 of the second communication module 12 strikes the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11.

[0041] The transmitter 20 of communication modules 11 and 12 has a light source 21, which is constructed, for example, in the form of a laser diode. The transmitter 20 also has a collimator 27, which parallelizes the light generated by the light source 21 to form a light beam 40. The receiver 30 of communication modules 11 and 12 has a light sensor 31, which is constructed, for example, in the form of a photodiode.

[0042] The mirror 35 of the receiver 30 is arranged such that a light beam 40 incident from the longitudinal direction X is deflected by the mirror 35 in the extended position to the transverse direction Y, and thus to the light sensor 31. The receiver 30 also has an optical element 37, particularly a lens or lens system, which focuses the light beam 40 deflected by the mirror 35 onto the light sensor 31.

[0043] Therefore, the communication modules 11 and 12 are arranged such that when the mirror 35 is in the unfolded position, the light beam 40 emitted by the transmitter 20 of the first communication module 11 is deflected onto the light sensor 31 of the second communication module 12, and the light beam 40 emitted by the transmitter 20 of the second communication module 12 is deflected onto the light sensor 31 of the first communication module 11.

[0044] Figure 4 A transport facility with a system for data transmission is shown. The transport facility includes multiple track-connected vehicles 51, 52, and 53, which can move along a longitudinal direction X on a slide rail 55. The direction of travel F of vehicles 51, 52, and 53 is indicated here by corresponding arrows. The transport facility also includes a stationary first communication module 11, which is fixedly positioned relative to the slide rail 55. Each of vehicles 51, 52, and 53 has a second communication module 12.

[0045] Therefore, the second communication module 12 can move relative to the first communication module 11 in the longitudinal direction X. In the illustration shown here, data transmission can be performed between the stationary first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 of the second vehicle 52 by means of the beam 40. In the illustration shown here, data transmission cannot be performed between the stationary first communication module 11 and the second communication modules 12 of the first vehicle 51 and the third vehicle 53 by means of the beam 40.

[0046] Figure 5Another cross-sectional view of the system for data transmission is shown. The first communication module 11 is fixedly positioned, so the second communication module 12 moves relative to the first communication module 11 in the travel direction F, which extends in the longitudinal direction X. Currently, the second communication module 12 is moving towards the first communication module 11. The mirrors 35 of the communication modules 11 and 12 are respectively in the deployed position. In the illustration shown here, data transmission between the stationary first communication module 11 and second communication module 12 by means of the beam 40 is not possible due to the relative arrangement of the communication modules 11 and 12.

[0047] If the second communication module 12 moves further in the driving direction F, then the ramp 25 of the transmitter 20 of the first communication module 11 comes into contact with the mirror 35 of the receiver 30 of the second communication module 12. Upon contact, the ramp 25 of the first communication module 11 causes the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12 to swing from the unfolded position to the folded position. Simultaneously, the ramp 25 of the transmitter 20 of the second communication module 12 comes into contact with the mirror 35 of the receiver 30 of the first communication module 11. Upon contact, the ramp 25 of the second communication module 12 causes the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11 to swing from the unfolded position to the folded position.

[0048] Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view of the system used for data transmission is also shown. Figure 5 Compared to the previous illustration, the first communication module 11 moves further in the driving direction F and now passes by the second communication module 12. The ramp 25 of the first communication module 11 contacts the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12. The mirror 35 of the second communication module 12 swings into a folded position. The ramp 25 of the second communication module 12 contacts the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11. The mirror 35 of the first communication module 11 swings into a folded position.

[0049] The first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 are therefore arranged offset from each other in the lateral direction Y, such that when the communication modules 11 and 12 move past each other in the longitudinal direction X, the ramp 25 of the transmitter 20 of the first communication module 11 causes the mirror 35 of the receiver 30 of the second communication module 12 to swing into a folded position, and the ramp 25 of the transmitter 20 of the second communication module 12 causes the mirror 35 of the receiver 30 of the first communication module 11 to swing into a folded position. In the illustration shown here, due to the mutual arrangement of the communication modules 11 and 12, data transmission between the stationary first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 by means of the beam 40 is not possible.

[0050] If the second communication module 12 moves further in the driving direction F, the ramp surface 25 of the first communication module 11 will disengage from the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12. At this point, the spring of the receiver 30 causes the mirror 35 of the second communication module 12 to swing from the folded position to the unfolded position. Simultaneously, the ramp surface 25 of the second communication module 12 disengages from the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11. At this point, the spring of the receiver 30 causes the mirror 35 of the first communication module 11 to swing from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0051] In the case where the inclined plane 25 of communication modules 11 and 12 does not contact the mirror 35 of the corresponding other communication module 11 or 12, Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, data transmission between the stationary first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 can be achieved by means of a light beam 40.

[0052] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0053] 11 First Communication Module

[0054] 12 Second Communication Module

[0055] 15 brackets

[0056] 20 transmitters

[0057] 21 Light Source

[0058] 25 inclined table

[0059] 27 Collimator

[0060] 30 receivers

[0061] 31. Optical Sensor

[0062] 35 Mirrors

[0063] 37 Optical Components

[0064] 40 beams

[0065] 51 First vehicle

[0066] 52 Second vehicle

[0067] 53 Third vehicle

[0068] 55 slide rail

[0069] F Driving direction

[0070] S-axis of swing

[0071] X Vertical direction

[0072] Y (horizontal direction)

[0073] Z (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A communication module (11, 12) for a system for transmitting data via a light beam (40), the communication module comprising: A transmitter (20) for emitting a light beam (40), in which the data to be transmitted is encoded, and Receiver (30) for receiving beam (40), wherein The transmitter (20) has a light source (21). The receiver (30) has a light sensor (31). in, The transmitter (20) and receiver (30) are arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction (Z). The transmitter (20) emits a beam (40) in the longitudinal direction (X). The receiver (30) has a mirror (35). The mirror can swing between an unfolded position and a folded position around a swing axis (S) extending in the vertical direction (Z). Its features are, Mirrors (35) are arranged as follows: This causes the light beam (40) incident from the longitudinal direction (X) to be deflected by the mirror (35) in the unfolded position to the transverse direction (Y) and then to the light sensor (31). The transmitter (20) has a ramp (25). The ramp is tilted relative to the longitudinal direction (X) and relative to the transverse direction (Y). The ramp (25) is used to swing the mirror (35) of another communication module from the unfolded position to the folded position.

2. The communication modules (11, 12) according to claim 1. Its features are, Mirrors (35) are arranged as follows: The longitudinal direction (X) is perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), and the transverse direction (Y) is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and also perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z).

3. The communication modules (11, 12) according to claim 1. Its features are, The receiver (30) has a spring. The spring causes the mirror (35) to swing around the swing axis (S) to the unfolded position.

4. The communication modules (11, 12) according to claim 1. Its features are, The receiver (30) has an optical element (37). The optical element focuses the light beam (40) deflected by the mirror (35) onto the light sensor (31).

5. The communication modules (11, 12) according to claim 1. Its features are, The transmitter (20) has a collimator (27). The collimator parallelizes the light generated by the light source (21) to form a beam (40).

6. A system for transmitting data using a light beam (40), the system comprising: At least two communication modules (11, 12) according to any one of the preceding claims, including a first communication module (11) and a second communication module (12). Its features are, The first communication module (11) and the second communication module (12) are arranged such that, When the mirror (35) is in the unfolded position, the light beam (40) emitted by the transmitter (20) of the first communication module (11) is deflected onto the light sensor (31) of the second communication module (12), and the light beam (40) emitted by the transmitter (20) of the second communication module (12) is deflected onto the light sensor (31) of the first communication module (11).

7. The system according to claim 6, Its features are, The first communication module (11) and the second communication module (12) are arranged such that, The transmitter (20) of the first communication module (11) is aligned with the mirror (35) of the second communication module (12) in the vertical direction (Z), and the transmitter (20) of the second communication module (12) is aligned with the mirror (35) of the first communication module (11) in the vertical direction (Z).

8. The system according to claim 6, Its features are, The first communication module (11) and the second communication module (12) can move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (X) and are arranged staggered from each other in the transverse direction (Y).

9. The system according to claim 6, Its features are, The first communication module (11) and the second communication module (12) are arranged offset from each other in the lateral direction (Y) such that when the communication modules (11, 12) move past each other in the longitudinal direction (X), the ramp (25) of the transmitter (20) of the first communication module (11) causes the mirror (35) of the receiver (30) of the second communication module (12) to swing into a folded position, and the ramp (25) of the transmitter (20) of the second communication module (12) causes the mirror (35) of the receiver (30) of the first communication module (11) to swing into a folded position.

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