Communication module

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication module (20) for transferring data by means of light beams (40) in a technical installation, comprising a first emitter (1) for emitting a light beam (40) and a first receiver (2) for receiving a light beam (40), and a second emitter (11) for emitting a light beam (40), and a second receiver (12) for receiving a light beam (40), wherein: the first emitter (1) emits a light beam (40), in which data to be transferred is encoded, in a first emission direction (T1), and the second emitter (12) emits a light beam (40), in which data to be transferred is encoded, in a second emission direction (T2); the first emitter (1) comprises a laser (3) and a lens (4); the laser (3) emits light onto the lens (4); the lens (4) combines the light to form a light beam (40); and the lens (4) is movably mounted relative to the laser (3) in a longitudinal direction (X) and a transverse direction (Y).

Description

[0001] Communication module

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a communication module for data transmission by means of light beams in a technical system, which comprises a transmitter for transmitting a light beam in which data to be transmitted is coded, and a receiver for receiving a light beam.

[0004] Push-skid systems are used in technical systems for the production of objects, for example, in the automotive industry. Push-skid systems consist of push-skid platforms that can be moved along a rail system. In certain work areas of a push-skid system, the push-skid platforms can move in a straight line. Communication modules are attached to the push-skid platforms, which enable data transmission, particularly via light beams.

[0005] DE 102018 006 988 B3 discloses a system and method for data transmission using visible light. The system comprises a receiver with an image sensor whose light-sensitive surface is scanned line by line, and a transmitter with a controllable light source that emits modulated light.

[0006] US 2010 / 0247106 A1 discloses a system for data transmission between two transmission modules. The transmission modules of the system each comprise an optical transmitter and an optical receiver.

[0007] From US 10,228,531 B2 a lens device is known which comprises an adjusting lens designed for one-dimensional focusing of radiation in a single direction and an optical element located at a distance from the adjusting lens.

[0008] An optical detection device is known from DE 102016 011 328 A1. The detection device comprises a transmitter, a receiver, and an optical arrangement.

[0009] An optical communication system is known from US 2012 / 308239 A1. The system comprises a transmitter for emitting light beams. The emitted light beams can be received by a receiver. The invention is based on the object of further developing a communication module for data transmission using light beams.

[0010] The object is achieved by a communication module for data transmission by means of light beams having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0011] A communication module according to the invention for data transmission by means of light beams in a technical system comprises a first transmitter for emitting a light beam and a first receiver for receiving a light beam, and a second transmitter for emitting a light beam and a second receiver for receiving a light beam. The first transmitter emits a light beam, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in a first transmission direction, and the second transmitter emits a light beam, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in a second transmission direction. The first transmitter comprises a laser and a lens. The laser emits light onto the lens, and the lens focuses the light emitted by the laser into a light beam. The lens is mounted so as to be movable relative to the laser in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction.

[0012] With a communication module according to the invention, duplex communication with other communication modules according to the invention is possible using light beams in a technical system. Communication via radio waves, such as WLAN, is thus unnecessary. Moving the lens in the longitudinal and transverse directions allows the transmitter to be aligned such that the emitted light beam hits a target, in particular the receiver of another communication module. Mechanical tolerances during installation of the first laser in the communication module can thus be compensated.

[0013] According to a preferred development of the invention, the second transmitter also comprises a laser and a lens, wherein the laser emits light onto the lens, and the lens focuses the light emitted by the laser into a light beam. The lens is mounted so that it can move relative to the laser in a longitudinal and transverse direction. This also allows for compensation of mechanical tolerances when installing the second laser in the communication module. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication module comprises a housing in which the laser of the first transmitter and the laser of the second transmitter are arranged in a fixed location. This makes the communication module particularly compact.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first receiver comprises a photodiode, and the second receiver comprises a photodiode. The photodiode of the first receiver and the photodiode of the second receiver are also arranged in a fixed location within the housing. This makes the communication module particularly compact.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first transmission direction is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction, and the longitudinal direction is oriented perpendicular to the transmission directions, and the transverse direction is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transmission directions.

[0016] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the lens of the first transmitter is mounted so as to be movable relative to the laser of the first transmitter in the first transmission direction. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the lens of the second transmitter is mounted so as to be movable relative to the laser of the second transmitter in the second transmission direction. Moving the lens relative to the laser in the transmission direction enables focusing of the light beam. This allows the diameter of an emitted light beam to be adjusted.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication module comprises a housing in which the transmitter's laser is fixedly mounted, and the transmitter comprises a carrier on which the transmitter's lens is mounted. The housing is sealed according to IP54, thus protecting the laser and other components against environmental influences.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the housing and the carrier of the transmitter are coupled via a threaded screw connection such that rotation of the carrier relative to the housing causes movement of the lens relative to the laser in the respective transmission direction. Such rotation enables relatively simple and precise focusing of the light beam. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmitter comprises a first pickup and a second pickup. The first pickup is rotatably mounted relative to the second pickup, and the second pickup is rotatably mounted relative to the carrier. The lens of the transmitter is received in the first pickup eccentrically with respect to the transmission direction. The first pickup is received in the second pickup eccentrically with respect to the transmission direction.By rotating the first sensor relative to the second sensor, the lens rotates in a circular path around an axis parallel to the transmission direction. By rotating the second sensor relative to the support, the lens also rotates in a circular path around an axis parallel to the transmission direction. By superimposing the rotational movement of the first sensor with the rotational movement of the second sensor, the lens can thus be adjusted in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmitter carrier has an external thread that engages with an internal thread of the housing. A first nut is arranged on the external thread of the carrier to fix the carrier to the housing, and a second nut is arranged on the external thread of the carrier to fix the second sensor to the carrier. By rotating the carrier relative to the housing, the light beam can be focused. The carrier can be fixed by the first nut once focusing has been achieved. The second nut can be fixed by the second nut once the lens has been adjusted.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first sensor has an external thread. A third nut is arranged on the external thread of the first sensor to fix the first sensor to the second sensor. The third nut allows the first sensor to be fixed in place after the lens has been adjusted.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the communication module comprises a distribution unit which forwards data encoded in a light beam received by the first receiver to the second transmitter, and which forwards data encoded in a light beam received by the second receiver to the first transmitter. The communication module is thus capable of forwarding received data, like a relay station. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distribution unit for forwarding data is electrically connected to the first transmitter, to the first receiver, to the second transmitter, and to the second receiver. Preferably, the distribution unit is also stationary in the housing of the communication module. The electrical connection is implemented, for example, by means of bus lines.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first receiver is oriented such that a light beam arriving from the second transmission direction can be received by the first receiver, and the second receiver is oriented such that a light beam arriving from the first transmission direction can be received by the second receiver. This allows communication connections to be established between any two communication modules. The communication module is thus capable of forwarding received data, similar to a relay station, particularly when the communication modules involved are arranged in a straight line one behind the other.

[0023] The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings only represent the subject matter of the invention schematically. They show:

[0025] Figure 1 : a top view of a communication module,

[0026] Figure 2: a sectional view of the communication module along the section line AA in Figure 1 ,

[0027] Figure 3: a front view of the communication module and

[0028] Figure 4: a schematic representation of a technical system.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a top view of a communication module 20 for data transmission using light beams 40. The communication module 20 is mounted, in particular, on a vehicle 9 in a technical system and is movable with the vehicle 9. The communication module 20 serves, in particular, for wireless communication with other communication modules 20 on other vehicles 9 as well as with stationary data transmission modules. The communication module 20 comprises a housing 30.

[0030] The communication module 20 comprises a first transmitter 1 for emitting a light beam 40 and a first receiver 2 for receiving a light beam 40. The first transmitter 1 and the first receiver 2 are arranged offset from one another in a transverse direction Y in a first end region of the communication module 20. The first transmitter 1 emits a light beam 40, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in a first transmission direction T1. The first receiver 2 is oriented such that a light beam 40 arriving from a second transmission direction T2 can be received by the first receiver 2.

[0031] The communication module 20 comprises a second transmitter 11 for emitting a light beam 40 and a second receiver 12 for receiving a light beam 40. The second transmitter 11 and the second receiver 12 are arranged offset from one another in the transverse direction Y in a second end region of the communication module 20. The second transmitter 11 emits a light beam 40, in which data to be transmitted is encoded, in the second transmission direction T2. ​​The second receiver 12 is aligned such that a light beam 40 arriving from the first transmission direction T1 can be received by the second receiver 12. The first transmission direction T1 is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction T2. ​​The first end region of the communication module 20 is arranged opposite the second end region of the communication module 20. A longitudinal direction X is oriented perpendicular to the transmission directions T1, T2.The transverse direction Y is oriented at right angles to the longitudinal direction X and at right angles to the transmission directions T1, T2.

[0032] The first transmitter 1 comprises a laser 3 and a lens 4. The laser 3 emits light onto the lens 4. The lens 4 focuses the light emitted by the laser 3 into a light beam 40. The laser 3 is designed, for example, in the form of a laser diode and arranged on a circuit board. The first receiver 2 comprises a photodiode 22, which is arranged on the same circuit board offset from the laser 3 in the transverse direction Y. The first receiver 2 comprises a lens (not shown here), which focuses an incident light beam 40 onto the photodiode 22. The laser 3 of the first transmitter 1 and the photodiode 22 of the first receiver 2 are arranged stationary in the housing 30.

[0033] The second transmitter 11 comprises a laser 3 and a lens 4. The laser 3 emits light onto the lens 4. The lens 4 focuses the light emitted by the laser 3 into a light beam 40. The laser 3 is designed, for example, in the form of a laser diode and arranged on a circuit board. The second receiver 12 comprises a photodiode 22, which is arranged on the same circuit board offset from the laser 3 in the transverse direction Y. The first receiver 2 comprises a lens (not shown here), which focuses an incident light beam 40 onto the photodiode 22. The laser 3 of the second transmitter 11 and the photodiode 22 of the second receiver 12 are arranged stationary in the housing 30.

[0034] The communication module 20 comprises a distribution unit 27. The distribution unit 27 is, for example, an Ethernet switch. The communication module 20 further comprises a first converter, a second converter, and a data interface, which are not shown separately here. The data interface is used to connect network-capable components of the vehicle 9, in particular control units.

[0035] The first converter converts data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the first receiver 2 into an electrical data stream and forwards it to the distribution unit 27. The first converter also converts an electrical data stream from the distribution unit 27 into data to be transmitted and forwards it to the first transmitter 1. The second converter converts data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the second receiver 12 into an electrical data stream and forwards it to the distribution unit 27. The second converter also converts an electrical data stream from the distribution unit 27 into data to be transmitted and forwards it to the second transmitter 11.

[0036] The distribution unit 27 forwards data from the first converter intended for components of the vehicle 9 to the data interface. The distribution unit 27 forwards other data from the first converter, which are not intended for components of the vehicle 9, to the second converter. The distribution unit 27 thus forwards data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the first receiver 2 to the second transmitter 11 and to the data interface.

[0037] The distribution unit 27 forwards data from the second converter intended for components of the vehicle 9 to the data interface. The distribution unit 27 forwards other data from the second converter, which are not intended for components of the vehicle 9, to the first converter. The distribution unit 27 thus forwards data encoded in a light beam 40 received by the second receiver 12 to the first transmitter 1 and to the data interface.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the communication module 20 along part of the section line AA in Figure 1. The lens 4 of the first transmitter 1 is plano-convex, with the flat side of the lens 4 facing the laser 3 and the convex side of the lens 4 facing away from the laser 3. An optical axis of the lens 4 runs parallel to the first transmission direction T 1 or is aligned with the first transmission direction T 1. The laser 3 transmits light in a fan-like pattern onto the lens 4, which focuses the light into a light beam 40 with a diameter. The second transmitter 11 is designed in the same way as the first transmitter 1.

[0039] The first transmitter 1 comprises a carrier 7 on which the lens 4 of the first transmitter 1 is arranged. The carrier 7 is hollow-cylindrical and approximately rotationally symmetrical to a central axis that runs parallel to the first transmission direction T1 or is aligned with the first transmission direction T1. The carrier 7 has an external thread that engages with an internal thread of the housing 30. The external thread and the internal thread form a threaded screw connection. The housing 30 and the carrier 7 are coupled to one another via the said threaded screw connection in such a way that rotation of the carrier 7 relative to the housing 30 about the central axis causes a movement of the lens 4 relative to the laser 3 in the first transmission direction T1. The lens 4 is thus mounted so as to be movable relative to the laser 3 in the first transmission direction T1.

[0040] The first transmitter 1 comprises a first pickup 5 and a second pickup 6. The lens 4 is non-rotatably mounted in the first pickup 5. The first pickup 5 is rotatably mounted relative to the second pickup 6. The second pickup 6 is rotatably mounted relative to the carrier 7. The lens 4 is mounted eccentrically in the first pickup 5 with respect to the first transmission direction T1. The first pickup 5 is mounted eccentrically in the second pickup 6 with respect to the first transmission direction T1.

[0041] The first transmitter 1 has a first nut 81. The first nut 81 is arranged on the external thread of the carrier 7 and serves to fix the carrier 7 to the housing 30. The first transmitter 1 has a second nut 82. The second nut 82 is arranged on the external thread of the carrier 7 and serves to fix the second sensor 6 to the carrier 7. The first sensor 5 has an external thread. The first transmitter 1 has a third nut 83. The third nut 83 is arranged on the external thread of the first sensor 5 and serves to fix the first sensor 5 to the second sensor 6.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a front view of the communication module 20 from Figure 1. Due to a rotational movement of the first pickup 5 relative to the second pickup 6, the optical axis of the lens 4 rotates on a circular path around an axis that runs parallel to the first transmission direction T1. Due to a rotational movement of the second pickup 6 relative to the carrier 7, the first pickup 5 and the lens 4 rotate together around an axis that runs parallel to the first transmission direction T1. The optical axis of the lens 4 rotates on a circular path.

[0043] By superimposing the rotational movement of the first sensor 5 with the rotational movement of the second sensor 6, the optical axis of the lens 4 can thus be adjusted in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y relative to the central axis of the carrier 7. The lens 4 is thus mounted so as to be movable relative to the laser 3 in the longitudinal direction X and in a transverse direction Y. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a technical system. The technical system comprises several vehicles 9, which are movable in a straight line in a travel direction F within a work area. The vehicles 9 are push-skid platforms that can be moved along a rail system. In this case, the travel direction F runs parallel to the second transmission direction T2.

[0044] The technical system comprises several communication modules 20. Each of the vehicles 9 is assigned a communication module 20, which is attached to the respective vehicle 9. The communication modules 20 are thus movable with the vehicles 9 in a straight line in the direction of travel F within the working area.

[0045] The communication modules 20 are arranged on the vehicles 9 such that the first transmission directions T1 of the communication modules 20 are aligned with one another and run antiparallel to the direction of travel F, and that the second transmission directions T2 of the communication modules 20 are aligned with one another and run parallel to the direction of travel F.

[0046] In the work area, a communication connection can thus be established between two communication modules 20 arranged on adjacent vehicles 9. Such a communication connection enables data transmission by means of light beams 40 between said communication modules 20.

[0047] List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 first transmitter

[0049] 2 first recipient

[0050] 3 lasers

[0051] 4 lens

[0052] 5 first pickup

[0053] 6 second sensor

[0054] 7 carriers

[0055] 9 vehicle

[0056] 11 second transmitter

[0057] 12 second receiver

[0058] 20 Communication module

[0059] 22 photodiode

[0060] 27 Distribution unit

[0061] 30 housings

[0062] 40 light beam

[0063] 81 first mother

[0064] 82 second mother

[0065] 83 third mother

[0066] F Direction of travel

[0067] T1 first transmission direction

[0068] T2 second transmission direction

[0069] X Longitudinal direction

[0070] Y transverse direction

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Communication module (20) for data transmission by means of light beams (40) in a technical system, comprising a first transmitter (1) for emitting a light beam (40) and a first receiver (2) for receiving a light beam (40), and a second transmitter (11) for emitting a light beam (40) and a second receiver (12) for receiving a light beam (40), wherein the first transmitter (1) emits a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded in a first transmission direction (T1), and the second transmitter (12) emits a light beam (40) in which data to be transmitted is encoded in a second transmission direction (T2), wherein the first transmitter (1) comprises a laser (3) and a lens (4), wherein the laser (3) emits light onto the lens (4), and wherein the lens (4) focuses the light emitted by the laser (3) into a light beam (40). bundles,and wherein the lens (4) is movably mounted relative to the laser (3) in a longitudinal direction (X) as well as in a transverse direction (Y).

2. Communication module (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmitter (11) comprises a laser (3) and a lens (4), wherein the laser (3) emits light onto the lens (4), and wherein the lens (4) focuses the light emitted by the laser (3) into a light beam (40), and wherein the lens (4) is movably mounted relative to the laser (3) in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a transverse direction (Y).

3. Communication module (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the communication module (20) comprises a housing (30) in which the laser (3) of the first transmitter (1) and the laser (3) of the second transmitter (11) are arranged in a fixed position.

4. Communication module (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first receiver (2) comprises a photodiode (22), and that the second receiver (12) comprises a photodiode (22), and that the photodiode (22) of the first receiver (2) and the photodiode (22) of the second receiver (12) are fixedly arranged in the housing (30).

5. Communication module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transmission direction (T1) is oriented antiparallel to the second transmission direction (T2), and that the longitudinal direction (X) is oriented perpendicular to the transmission directions (T1 , T2), and that the transverse direction (Y) is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and perpendicular to the transmission directions (T 1 , T2).

6. Communication module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens (4) of the first transmitter (1) is movably mounted relative to the laser (3) of the first transmitter (1) in the first transmission direction (T1), and / or that the lens (4) of the second transmitter (11) is movably mounted relative to the laser (3) of the second transmitter (11) in the second transmission direction (T2).

7. Communication module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module (20) comprises a housing (30) in which the laser (3) of the transmitter (1 , 11) is fixedly arranged, and that the transmitter (1, 11) comprises a carrier (7) on which the lens (4) of the transmitter (1, 11) is arranged.

8. Communication module (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (30) and the carrier (7) of the transmitter (1 , 11) are coupled via a threaded connection such that a rotation of the carrier (7) relative to the housing (30) causes a movement of the lens (4) relative to the laser (3) in the transmission direction (T1, T2).

9. Communication module (20) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the transmitter (1 , 11) comprises a first receiver (5) and a second receiver (6), and that the first receiver (5) is rotatably mounted relative to the second receiver (6), and that the second receiver (6) is rotatably mounted relative to the carrier (7), and that the lens (4) of the transmitter (1, 11) is eccentrically mounted in the first receiver (5) with respect to the transmission direction (T1 , T2), and that the first receiver (5) is eccentrically mounted in the second receiver (6) with respect to the transmission direction (T1 , T2).

10. Communication module (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the carrier (7) of the transmitter (1, 11) has an external thread which engages in an internal thread of the housing (30), and that a first nut (81) is arranged on the external thread of the carrier (7) for fixing the carrier (7) to the housing (30), and that a second nut (82) is arranged on the external thread of the carrier (7) for fixing the second receiver (6) to the carrier (7).

11. Communication module (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first sensor (5) has an external thread, and that a third nut (83) is arranged on the external thread of the first sensor (5) for fixing the first sensor (5) to the second sensor (6).

12. Communication module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module (20) comprises a distribution unit (27) which forwards data encoded in a light beam (40) received by the first receiver (2) to the second transmitter (11), and which forwards data encoded in a light beam (40) received by the second receiver (12) to the first transmitter (1).

13. Communication module (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that the distribution unit (27) is electrically connected to the first sender (1), the first receiver (2), the second sender (11) and the second receiver (12) for forwarding data.

14. Communication module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first receiver (2) is oriented such that a light beam (40) arriving from the second transmission direction (T2) can be received by the first receiver (2), and that the second receiver (12) is oriented such that a light beam (40) arriving from the first transmission direction (T1) can be received by the second receiver (12).

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