Importance

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Abstract

An optical communication device for communication between a stator-side circuit and a rotor-side circuit is provided as one aspect of the invention. A pair of optical couplers are interposed between a stator and a rotor, for permitting bi-directional communication between the circuits. One optical coupler has a rotor-side light-receiving element arranged on the rotor with the axis of rotation extending therethrough, and a stator-side light-emitting element arranged on the stator at a location away from the axis of rotation. The other optical coupler has a stator-side light-receiving element arranged on the stator with the axis of rotation extending therethrough, and a rotor-side light-emitting element arranged on the rotor at a location away from the axis of rotation. A slip ring unit for an electronic component-mounting apparatus is provided as another aspect of the invention. The slip ring unit electrically connects between a rotor-side circuit and a stator-side circuit. A slip ring has a rotary conductive member coaxially fixed on the rotary table and connected to the rotor-side circuit, and a brush member in sliding contact with the rotary conductive member and connected to the stator-side circuit. A rotor is coaxially fixed on the rotary conductive member. An element is arranged on the rotor for being sensed. A sensor is opposed to the rotor for sensing the element arranged on the rotor.

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First Claim